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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
Flood: NGO cautions Gombe residents against indiscriminate dumping of waste
Jewel Environmental Initiative (JEI), a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), in Gombr, on Friday tasked residents in the state on proper disposal of waste to mitigate the impact of flooding this 2026.
The Chief Executive Officer of the NGO, Mr Ismail Bima, made the call in an interview with our Correspondent in Gombe on Friday.
According to Bima, the huge losses associated with flooding and its negative impact on the environment and livelihoods has made it imperative for collective efforts to tackle flooding in Gombe.
He urged residents to take responsibility in ensuring a clean environment for their wellbeing.
“We have been sensitising residents for weeks now because of the impact of flooding on our people, communities and livelihoods.
“We must not wait for the rain before doing the right thing.
“Avoid dumping wastes in drains and water channels; this is key to addressing flood related disasters as the rainy season commences,” he said.
Bima disclosed that his team had intensified sensitisation exercise in Kwami, Nafada, Funakaye and Yamaltu/Deba Local Government Areas of the state because they were proned to flooding..
He said that the flooding in Funakaye had been attributed largely to buildings erected in waterways, stressing that,”residents should vacate the area.
“I urge the state government to relocate people from such areas to help save lives and properties.
He commended th State government’s efforts in reclaiming degraded land and building huge concrete gullies in several communities to help manage severe erosion.
He said that the concrete gullies have helped in protecting critical infrastructure and livelihoods of thousands of residents in the state.
Bima urged the government and residents to take advantage of the rainy season to plant more trees to replace those that have been fellen for firewood and charcoal purposes.
Flood: NGO cautions Gombe residents against indiscriminate dumping of waste
Angwa-Rukuba Killings: Court orders suspects to remain in DSS’ custody
*Okays speedy trial
By: Our Reporter
A Plateau State High Court on Friday ordered that four suspects standing trial for their alleged involvement in the March 2026 killings in the Angwa Rukuba community of Jos North Local Government Area, remain in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS).
The court also agreed to a request by the prosecution to speed up the trial. The matter was adjourned to May 26 to consider the report on the case management conference, and 1st and 2nd July for hearing.
The suspects, identified as Isa Umar Ibrahim, Auwalu Abubakar (also known as Auwalu Dogo), Musa Abubakar Ibrahim (also known as Yaroro), and others, are facing charges of terrorism and criminal conspiracy.
The charges were filed by the State Attorney General, Philemon Daffi, under the Plateau State Penal Code Law, 2017.
On Friday, Mustapha Shabbat (SAN), who announced his appearance for the defendants, objected to their continued detention in the facility of the DSS.
In a short ruling, however, the trial judge held it it remained the discretion of the court to determine where to keep suspects under trial.
“Considering the facts and circumstances of this case, this honorable court has jurisdiction to remand the defendant in the custody of DSS or correctional centr provided the place of custody is safe.
“The defendants are hereby remanded in the custody of the DSS. They must however be allowed to have access to his counsels while in detention pending the prompt conclusion of investigation,” ruled the judge.
Court: Case management has already been taken place in accordance with the provisions of the law. The case is hereby adjourned to 26th May for report of the court on case management and further adjourned to 1st and 2nd July, 2026 for hearing.
The particulars of offence read, in part “That you, Isa Umar Ibrahim, Musa Abubakar Ibrahim of Riyom Local Government Area, Auwalu Abubakar (A.K.A Auwalu Dogo) of Jos North Local Government Area, Musa Abubakar Ibrahim (A.K.A Yaroro) of Jos North Local Government Areas of Plateau State; and one Ado Ibrahim (Now at Large) of Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State, on the 28th day of March, 2025 at Farin Gada, Jos North Local Government Area, did conspire amongst yourselves to commit offences relating to terrorism when you planned, organized, facilitated, aided, and contributed money to carry out the attack in Angwan Rukuba, Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State within the Jurisdiction of this Honourable Court; you thereby committed the above offence.
“That you, Isa Umar Ibrahim, Musa Abubakar Ibrahim of Riyom Local Government Area, Auwalu Abubakar (A.K.A Auwalu Dogo) of Jos North Local Government Area, Musa Abubakar Ibrahim (A.K.A Yaroro) of Jos North Local Government Areas of Plateau State; and one Ado Ibrahim (Now at Large) of Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State, on the 28th day of March, 2025 at Farin Gada, Jos North Local Government Area, did commit the offence of terrorism when you planned, organized, facilitated, aided, contributed and received money to carry out an attack in Angwan Rukuba, which led to the death of over thirty (30) people in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State within the Jurisdiction of this Honourable Court.”
Part of the particulars of Alhassan’s offence read, “That you Adamu Isah Alhassan together with one Ibrahim Musa (Now at Large), Imarana Sa’idu (Now at Large), Yusuf Sa’idu (Now at Large) Aliyu Usaini (Now at Large), Yahuza Adamu (Now at Large), Mubarak Yunusa (Now at Large), Yakubu, whose surname is unknown (Now at Large) and others also at large between the months of January to December, 2025 and in January, 2026 at Gwang, Rin Ward, Bachit and Bangai Villages of Riyom Local Government Area and Vom in Jos South Local Government Areas of Plateau State within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did commit an illegal act to wit: Culpable Homicide Punishable with Death, when you armed yourselves with guns, attacked and killed the residents of Gwang, Rin Ward, Bachit and Bangai Villages of Riyom Local Government Area and Vom in Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State, and you thereby committed the above offence.”
Angwa-Rukuba Killings: Court orders suspects to remain in DSS’ custody
*Okays speedy trial
Breaking; Court Dismisses Sowore’s no-case submission in DSS’ charges of Cyberbulling Tinubu.
*Fixes May 19 to open defence
Justice Mohammed Garba Umar of the Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday dismissed the no-case submission made by politician-activist, Omoyele Sowore, in the charge of Cyberbullying President Bola Tinubu brought against him by the Department of the State Services (DSS).
The Court upheld DSS’ charges against Sowore for allegedly calling President Bola Ahmed Tinubu a “criminal” in his social media handles. The judge fixed May 19 for Sowore to enter his defence in the charges against him.
Sowore had filed the no-case submission and prayed the court to discharge and acquit him from the 2-count charge.
In the long ruling, Justice Umar punctured Sowore’s arguments that the DSS provided only one witness, that the victim, President Bola Tinubu, wasn’t invited to testify. He held that the DSS successfully linked Sowore to the alleged crime, and that the defendant did not deny posting the offensive messages online.
The judge further ruled that the Supreme Court has long established that any evidence, no matter how small that links a defendant to an alleged crime is sufficient to establish a prima facie case established against the defendant to warrant his defence in the allegations against him.
Shortly after the ruling, counsel to the DSS, Akinlolu Kehinde, SAN, told the court that he was ready to proceed with the trial. However, Sowore’s counsel, Marshall Abubakar, rose to appeal to the judge that his client has something important to tell the court. Even though counsel to the DSS protested the move, insisting that the rule was that a defendant may be represented in court by a counsel or by himself, not both, the judge allowed Sowore use the microphone to address the court.
He began by openly accusing the Judge of bias, and asked the judge to recuse himself, as he wasn’t sure of getting justice in his court.
He alleged that the judge was in cohort with the federal government convict him at all costs so as to prevent him from contesting the 2027 general election.
His counsel, Abubakar echoed the same sentiment, asking the Judge to return the case file to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court for re-assignment to another judge,
The DSS lawyer, Akinlolu Kehinde SAN who had earlier asked the Judge not to grant audience to Sowore but his counsel on record, prayed that the recusal application be discarded.
In a brief ruling, Justice Umar ordered Sowore to file formal application for recusal and state his grievances,
He thereafter fixed May 19 for the defendant to open his defense.
Breaking; Court Dismisses Sowore’s no-case submission in DSS’ charges of Cyberbulling Tinubu
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Angwa-Rukuba Killings: Court orders suspects to remain in DSS’ custody*Okays speedy trial
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