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STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE

STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE
AT LAUNCH OF 3RD EXPANDED MSME CLINICS:
Ekiti Business Owners Get FG’s N150,000 Grant Each As Buffer
*As VP Shettima commissions ultra-modern fashion hub, projects 48,000 jobs annually
By: Our Reporter
Respite has come the way of small business owners in Ekiti State following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive that Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) should be supported with a federal government grant of N150,000 each.
Vice President Kashim Shettima who disclosed this on Thursday when he launched the 3rd edition of the Expanded National MSMEs Clinic in Ado Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital, said the N150,000 was an outright grant that does not require beneficiaries to repay.
“I am pleased to share that Mr. President has directed me to ensure that all outstanding exhibiting MSMEs at the Clinic today receive a grant of 150,000 Naira each. This is an outright grant, and the beneficiaries will not need to repay it. We extend our gratitude to our partners for their unwavering support,” he declared.

The Expanded National MSME Clinics is one of federal government’s strategies for making it easier to do business in Nigeria through a series of business forums organised in different cities across the country to proffer on-the-spot solutions to challenges confronting MSMEs, with the first and second editions launched in Benue and Ogun States respectively earlier this year.
Earlier on arrival in Ado-Ekiti, the VP who was received by Governor Biodun Oyebanji, his wife and other top government functionaries, commissioned the Ekiti State Ultra-Modern Fashion and Garment Hub at Odua Textile Complex, Basiri, Ado Ekiti.
Senator Shettima and his entourage also inspected the Adire Ekiti Hub, a pet project of the first lady of Ekiti State.
Launching the third edition of the Expanded MSME Clinics at the Trade Fair Complex, Old Iyin Road in Ado Ekiti, the Vice President hinted at the initiative moving next to Borno and Enugu States, “before culminating in the National MSME Awards in FCT on June 27, 2024, to commemorate the United Nations World MSME Day”.
The VP noted that the only way the Tinubu administration is appealing “to the land of honor and integrity” is by ensuring the expansion of the labour market and supporting the required skills.
“Small businesses are the lifelines of communities across the nation and a strong pillar of stability during this critical phase of our economic transition. We cannot claim to have excelled in our interventions unless they remain our top priority. Our commitment to revitalizing the MSME sector ensures that these businesses continue to serve their essential buffering function,” he explained.

For the ultra-modern MSME Fashion Hub which he commissioned earlier, VP Shettima said while it competes ideally with others globally, the hub has the potential of creating an estimated 48,000 jobs annually.
Describing the hub as a significant milestone by the Tinubu administration to empower local industries, he stated: “It boasts the capacity to produce a wide range of fashion gear, including military uniforms, and rivals any facility in the world. Equipped with modern-day machinery and technology, this hub holds immense potential for job creation, with projections estimating an average of 48,000 jobs annually.
“We anticipate that this facility will be managed by a competent private sector entity, while both federal and state governments will maintain vigilant oversight over its operations. With over 300 pieces of cutting-edge equipment, this hub represents a significant milestone in our efforts to empower local industries”.
The Vice President however expressed regret that it would not be possible to commission the other MSME Clinic project, a fully equipped ICT hub in Erinmope, which is about 2 hours from the state capital, due to time constraint.
“However, the President has approved that His Excellency the Governor of Ekiti State, his team, Access Bank and BOI MDs, along with the SSA MSMEs and Job Creation to the President, facilitate the commissioning at the Governor’s earliest convenience. This hub will create an additional 10,000 jobs within the ICT space in the Erinmope area of Ekiti,” he noted.
The Vice President also disclosed that based on Governor Oyebanji’s request, President Tinubu has approved the establishment of another modern ICT facility in Ado Ekiti, a project he said “will be completed within 90 days from today (Thursday).
He conveyed President Tinubu’s gratitude to the government and people of Ekiti State for hosting the 3rd expanded National MSME Clinic under the Renewed Hope administration, describing it as a revitalization of the entire value chain of the nation’s MSME sub-sector.
In his remarks, Governor Oyebanji expressed gratitude to the VP for his wise counsel and support for his administration in the state, noting that President Tinubu had, indeed, been a father who has fulfilled all of his campaign promises.
He called on the political class in Ekiti to support his administration, noting that “it is only in unity that we can attract so much for the good of the our people.”
In his goodwill message, Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele commended the effective collaboration between the federal and state governments, culminating in the execution of the MSME focused projects.
He disclosed plans by his office to devote a portion of his constituency project funds in the coming year to support the development of MSMEs in the state.
On his part, the Minister of Solid Minerals, Mr Dele Alake, assured the people of the state that their welfare and wellbeing are being prioritized by the Tinubu administration.
He urged Ekiti people to support the federal government regardless of the prevailing conditions, assuring that the future is bright, as “Nigeria is going through the challenges of economic restructuring and socio-economic re-engineering”.
In her remarks, the state Commissioner for Investment, Trade, Industry and Cooperatives, Hon Omotayo Adeola, thanked the federal government for its relentless support to small businesses in the state which, according to her, birthed the first hub for garment makers in the state, among other related services.
Earlier, Vice President Shettima also inspected exhibition stands where products made in Ekiti State were on display by small businesses in the area.
During his visit to the Palace of the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, HRM Oba Rufus Adeyemo Adejugbe, the VP described Ekiti as a land of honour, commending the royal father and his chiefs for maintaining the peace in their domain and immensely supporting the administration of President Tinubu at all times.
On his part, the paramount ruler of Ado-Ekiti thanked President Tinubu for his love for the people of Ekiti State manifested in the launch of the Expanded National MSME Clinics and commissioning of a fashion and garment hub for small businesses in the state.
Other dignitaries at the event include the state Deputy Governor, Chief Monisade Afuye, and the Permanent Secretary, State House, Engr Funsho Adebiyi.
STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE
News
IPCR: Declaration of State of Emergency In Rivers, A Great Conflict Preventive Mechanism

IPCR: Declaration of State of Emergency In Rivers, A Great Conflict Preventive Mechanism
By: Michael Mike
The Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s decision to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State, describing it as a proactive conflict prevention mechanism.
This move, according to the IPCR, will provide an opportunity for those involved in the crisis to reassess their actions, come together, and work towards resolving their differences.
The state of emergency, the IPCR explains, will serve as a vital tool in preventing conflicts by enabling the government to respond rapidly to emerging crises, restore order, and protect citizens.
This measure will also prevent the escalation of conflicts, reduce the risk of widespread violence and instability, and ultimately restore order and protect citizens, who are often the most affected in times of crisis.
President Tinubu’s decision to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State was made after a thorough evaluation of the political situation in the state. According to the President, the Governor and Deputy Governor of Rivers State had failed to request his intervention, as required by the Constitution, leaving him with no choice but to take proactive measures to restore stability in the state.
The declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State has been ratified by the National Assembly, with President Tinubu commending the lawmakers for their patriotic stand. The President acknowledged the lawmakers’ diligent review of classified security briefings, which underscored the urgent need for intervention to prevent further escalation.
The six-month emergency period will empower the newly-appointed Sole Administrator to stabilize Rivers State, address systemic breakdowns, and facilitate dialogue among conflicting parties. President Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to deepening collaboration with the National Assembly to advance peace, economic resilience, and equitable development across Nigeria.
IPCR: Declaration of State of Emergency In Rivers, A Great Conflict Preventive Mechanism
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Air Algerie Commences Inaugural Flight to Abuja on Sunday

Air Algerie Commences Inaugural Flight to Abuja on Sunday
By: Michael Mike
Air Algerie is to commence direct flight from Algiers, the capital of Algeria to Abuja, to fly inaugural flight into Nigeria’s capital on Sunday 6th April.
A statement by the acting spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa on Wednesday read: “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is pleased to announce the commencement of Air Algerie inaugural direct flight service from Algiers to Abuja, scheduled for 6th April 2025.
“This historic development marks a significant milestone in the growing diplomatic and economic relations between Nigeria and Algeria. It is pertinent to state that it is the implementation of the Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) between both countries, which culminated in this successful venture.”
The statement added that: “The new route, operated by the Algeria’s national carrier, Algerie Air with a Boeing 737 Aircraft, will positively enhance connectivity, promote tourism, and facilitate trade and investment between the two nations. This landmark development equally underscores the shared commitment of both countries to deepening bilateral cooperation in aviation, commerce, and people-to-people exchanges.
The Ministry commended the significant role played by the Embassy of Nigeria in Algiers for not only facilitating this noble goal but also seeing to its fruition, the Charge d’Affaires of the Embassy of Nigeria in Algiers, leadership of the Nigerian Community in Algeria and representative of the Algerian Government are expected to be on board the scheduled inaugural flight.
The statement further read: “The Federal Government of Nigeria, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and relevant aviation authorities, extends its warm congratulations to Air Algerie and assures all necessary support to ensure the success and sustainability of this new service. We believe this initiative will further strengthen the longstanding friendship between Nigeria and Algeria, while opening new opportunities for mutual growth. The affordable fare structure and the proximity of Algeria to Europe would also provide Nigerians with a convenient gateway to Europe, thereby enhancing Nigeria’s position as a regional hub for business, tourism, and transit.
“The Nigerian government therefore encourages citizens and the business communities to take advantage of this enhanced air connectivity, which will operate twice a week, to explore trade, tourism, and cultural exchanges between both countries. We look forward to a successful inaugural flight and a prosperous partnership with Air Algeria.”
Air Algerie Commences Inaugural Flight to Abuja on Sunday
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Elites are also guilty of increasing zero dose prevalence in Borno state

Elites are also guilty of increasing zero dose prevalence in Borno state
By: Bodunrin Kayode
The Director of Public and Community Health in the Borno State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (BSPHDA) Dr Mala Abdulwahab has said that security challenges contribute to the high prevalence of zero dose.
Dr Mala regretted that a lot of the “zero-doses” of immunization being recorded in Borno state comes from the lingering level of insecurity plaguing the state adding that a reduction of the prevalence would take place only if these insecurity gaps are closed.
Dr Mala made these assertions during a review meeting of the Borno state annual score card for immunization accountability 2024 as put together by the Committee of Practice (COP) and the Africa Health Budget Network (AHBN) which held in maiduguri recently.
He said that the lingering insurgency in the state has definitely put a clog in the wheels of a lot of progress which should have been made in the reduction of the zero dose when it comes to immunization adding that it is the hope of the COP that this primary challenge would soon be a thing of the past.
Speaking on further challenges working against health workers during zero dose immunization, Dr Mala regretted that a lot of residents actually assume that because elites are expected to have some form of education, resistance or carelessness will not emanate from them or even core insiders in the medical profession.
Mala’s sadness on this issue stems from the fact that a large chunk of some medical personnel in Borno state are not helping to attack the rising prevalence of the zero dose cases in the state, because they equally take the campaign for granted depriving their kids from having the relevant vaccines as at when due.
The Director of public and community health revealed that Borno state contributes a whopping 60 percent of the measles prevalence in the country adding that something urgently must be done by health workers and educators to reverse this unsatisfactory trend within the sector.
The Director Community health posited that theses kids who are yet to start their regimes of the vaccines especially penta 1,2 and 3 are equally contributing to the embarrassing statistics being reeled out from within the system.
“There is really no reason why we must be having zero-dose cases up till now within this part of the country. It is very unfortunate that this preventable occurrences keep coming up in spite of our efforts.
“Some of the zero-does do come from the elites in the country while some are compromised by prevailing security challenges especially around the state capital areas and some other parts of the state too. But we must keep trying.
” Let me tell you how we used to handle difficult fulani people in the bush, we go with our veterinary doctors and by using the veterinarians they talk to the fulani people to fall in line in terms of taking the vaccines. They see their cattle getting better and their kids too.
” However, it is regrettable that some medical practitioners are not allowing their kids to be immunized against the six killer diseases. This should never be allowed to thrive within the on coming immunization campaigns.
“And this is why I am calling on all of us here to pay relevant visits to VIPs, stakeholders and influencers to ensure that the civil society, media and others are carried along to reduce zero-doses to the nearest minimum.
“For immunity to be maintained, we need to work on the 65 percent coverage of immunization in the state to something better. We must make better progress in the pending campaigns.
” I also urge that advocacies should be done in large numbers to ensure effectiveness. Community leaders will take you more serious when you go in large numbers to make your points heard” Said Mala.
The Director called on field representatives to make deliberate efforts to ensure they anchor their advocacies with the traditional rulers of each domain like the Shehu of Borno in the state capital to make the expected progress.
Also present in the review session, Peace Ambassador, Ahmed Shehu assured the round table of stakeholders that their convergence will close a lot of gaps on the entire vaccination architecture in the state.
He assured that Musamman like him will do their best to ensure that the zero-dose prevalence becomes a thing of the past as they forge ahead in the 2025 campaigns.
Also speaking, Dr Musa Melton, a senior field coordinator of the African Field Epidemiology Network (AFENET) in Borno state noted that the exercise was meant to open the remaining vestiges of existing challenges caused by the zero dose and dealing with them decisively from the coming campaigns to be mounted by the community of practice (COP).
He however noted that the last review of actualities on ground was not all that gloomy because epidemiological statistics indicated that the number of zero-doses have actually reduced in the state and the entire country.
Melton commended Dr Aminu Magashi the founder of the Africa health network for bringing the vital budgetary issues to the fore adding that with the new push to bringing down the number of zero-doses in the state and the willingness of the state govt led by Prof Babagana Zulum to spend more on health, there is good news at the horizon.
Dr Melton stated that measles has however dropped drastically in the state and the entire country from last year’s statistics to this year’s adding that they will soon celebrate the end of the zero-dose prevalence as the campaigns intensifies.
UNICEF immunization officer and representative in the round table Bashir Elegbede frowned at dishonest immunization officers adding that inspectors will be in the field for the next campaign to hunt down such people and reduce such misbehaving practitioners contributing to the zero dose.
He warned that everyone will answer his or her fathers name this time around as business as usual will never be tolerated from anyone.
Present at the occasion were stake holders from within the state and some from outside like Dr Aminu Magashi who is the global convener of the community of practice (COP) on accountability and social action on health and a member of the global action plan for SDG 3 advocacy group.
A child in contemporary Nigeria is said to be out of the zero-dose prevalence when such a child had been subjected to BCG, OPV O, Hepatitis BO all at birth.
Within six weeks the same child should have taken Pentavalent 1, PCV 1, OPV1, IPV1, and ROTA 1 while at 10 weeks, Pentavalent 2, PCV2, OPV2 and ROTA 2.
At 14 weeks a child is expected to have taken Pentavalent 3, PVC 3, OPV 3, IPV2 and Rota 3.
At five months the malaria vaccine should be infused while at six months the vitamin A 1st dose even as the malaria vaccine is followed at seven months.
By nine months one’s baby should be done with measles first dose, yellow fever, Meningitis vaccine and vitamin A second dose even as the measles second dose and malaria vaccine are administered at 15 months.
Updated data received from the COP indicated that by 9 Years, children should be ready for the human Papilloma virus vaccine and that should make them good to go by world standards to avoid zero-doses.
This is the contemporary ideal and expectations for all children as laid down by the national primary health agency of Nigeria.
Elites are also guilty of increasing zero dose prevalence in Borno state
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