FAAC: Zulum orders cabinet to rid dependence, work towards meat export

… Swears in 2 new commissioners

By: Our Reporter

Borno State Governor, Babagana Umar Zulum, has directed his cabinet to work on shifting focus from reliance on federal allocations toward enhancing livestock production and exportation.

The governor gave the order on Tuesday after supervising the swearing-in of two commissioners into the state executive council.

Zulum noted that with proper investment in livestock, the state’s revenue generation capacity would be improved while gradually getting rid of the dependency on monthly federal allocation.

Governor Zulum said, “We must work hard and reduce our dependency on federal allocation. This is the time for us to start thinking out of the box and create wealth as soon as possible.”

“Let’s invest in projects that will bring money to the state; we can make a lot of money in livestock. We are not taking it lightly anymore. Let’s procure high-yield livestock and invest in milk production. The market is ready, and it doesn’t cost much for us to invest in milk production.”

“We will immediately start looking towards strategic investments in aquaculture; there is money in the fishing business; we have vast potential in agriculture; all we need is to invest wisely.”

He noted that with the rich pastoral heritage of the state, Borno can be a key player in the national and international beef markets.

“We can also invest in meat production, with the international wing taking off at our airport, we are close to Asian and Arab countries, so we can start exporting meat as soon as possible. We don’t need much to start but the commitment and political will,” Zulum said.

The governor also announced the creation of a new Ministry of Livestock with the state deputy governor, Umar Usman Karafur, as the supervising commissioner.

“I want to use this opportunity to announce the creation of a new Ministry of Livestock which should align its mission with that of the federal government,” Zulum said.

… Swears in 2 new commissioners

Meanwhile, Governor Babagana Umara Zulum has supervised the swearing-in of two new commissioners joining the state executive council.

The two commissioners, Alhaji Umar Lawan Dalorima and Architect Isa Ali Haladu, were appointed to replace the late commissioners of the Ministry of Finance, Ahmed Ali, and that of Reconstruction, Rehabilitation, and Resettlement, Engr Ibrahim Idriss.

The Chief Judge of Borno State, Justice Kashim Zanna, administered the oath of office and allegiance.

FAAC: Zulum orders cabinet to rid dependence, work towards meat export

Okpebholo’s Probe Committee and the Imperative of Transparency in Edo State,

By Augustine Osayande

In the ever-evolving discourse on governance and accountability, Edo State finds itself at a critical juncture. It is within this context that I seek to engage stakeholders and citizens alike on the necessity of transparency and responsible leadership.

Let me first extend my heartfelt congratulations to Senator Monday Okpebholo on his inauguration as the sixth democratically elected Governor of Edo State. His leadership represents not only a new administration but also a fresh opportunity to set a standard for integrity and progress.

The announcement of a 14-member State Assets Verification Committee by Governor Okpebholo signals an important step in addressing the pressing issues of governance. The committee’s mandate to audit the assets and liabilities of the previous administration, led by Governor Godwin Obaseki, is both timely and essential.

The committee’s inauguration on November 26, 2024, at the Festival Hall, Government House, Benin City, will mark the beginning of what promises to be a transformative process.
The committee is chaired by Dr. Ernest Afolabi Umakhihe, a figure whose expertise and credibility lend weight to the process, and deputized by Anslem Ojezua, a seasoned professional with deep roots in the state’s political and social fabric.

The committee’s membership reads as a roll call of Edo State’s best minds, including:
Prince Kassim Afegbua, Hon. Patrick Ikhariale, Mr. Taiwo Akerele, Hon. Patrick Idiake, Hon. Rasaq Bello-Osagie, Mr. Fredrick Unopah, Frank Osumuede Edebor Esq (Secretary), Mrs. Abdallah Eugenia, Hon. Patrick Obahiagbon, Pharm. Kenny Okojie, Mrs. Lyndsey Tes-Sorae, and Hon. Abass Braimoh.

These individuals represent a diverse cross-section of expertise, integrity, and commitment, ensuring the committee’s ability to deliver on its mandate.
Governor Okpebholo’s decision to establish this committee underscores his administration’s commitment to transparency and accountability.

In a statement issued by Fred Itua, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, the committee is described as vital for fostering robust governance processes and addressing gaps left by the previous administration. The Governor has emphasized that the limited records provided by the Obaseki administration make this verification process both urgent and necessary.

This initiative represents a decisive break from past practices. It sets a new standard for governance in Edo State, prioritizing the interests of its people above political convenience or administrative inertia. Central to this committee’s work is the alarming debt profile of Edo State. Under the previous administration, the state’s debt reportedly soared from ₦43 billion in 2016 to over ₦500 billion in 2024.

This staggering increase raises serious questions about financial management, transparency, and the effectiveness of previous developmental initiatives.
Who authorized the ₦30 billion loan for the Benin City Storm Water Drainage Project, which remains incomplete? What became of the ₦14.7 billion World Bank loan for Edo State? How were the ₦11 billion agricultural development loan and other funds utilized? Why was the ₦2.32 billion loan for Edo City Transport Service poorly accounted for? What happened to the ₦34 billion African Development Bank loan for critical water projects like the Ojirami Dam and Ugboha Water Works?

The absence of tangible developmental outcomes despite massive borrowing has eroded public trust and cast a shadow over the state’s financial future. These questions are not merely about assigning blame—they are a call for justice and a demand for lessons to prevent such fiscal mismanagement in the future.

The probe committee’s work must mark the beginning of a new era of accountability in Edo State. By thoroughly investigating the state’s financial history, identifying the individuals and processes responsible for mismanagement, and implementing reforms, the government can lay the groundwork for a sustainable and development-focused administration.

Accountability is not just a moral imperative—it is a practical necessity. Naming and shaming those who recklessly incurred debt or misappropriated funds serves as both a deterrent for future leaders and a reassurance to the public that governance is being taken seriously.

This initiative also presents an opportunity to establish a robust framework for fiscal responsibility:
Preventing reckless borrowing through stricter approval processes and oversight mechanisms. Ensuring proper project implementation and monitoring to avoid abandoned projects and wasted resources. Establishing penalties for financial mismanagement to deter future violations. Such measures will not only address past failings but also create a foundation for sustainable development and financial stability.

The people of Edo State are watching closely. They expect this probe to set a precedent for future administrations, demonstrating that public office is a trust to be honored, not a privilege to be exploited. The journey ahead is challenging, but it is also an opportunity to redefine governance in Edo State.

Governor Okpebholo’s leadership, combined with the efforts of the Assets Verification Committee, can usher in an era of transparency, integrity, and accountability. This is a moment for Edo State to rise above past shortcomings and chart a path toward a brighter, more prosperous future.

To achieve these goals, collective effort is essential. Stakeholders, citizens, and public servants must work together to support the committee’s efforts and hold the government accountable for delivering on its promises. Transparency and accountability are not the responsibility of government alone—they are a collective mandate that requires active participation and vigilance from all.

Let this probe committee’s work be the starting point of a transformative journey for Edo State. Together, we can rebuild trust, restore integrity, and ensure that governance truly serves the people. The people of Edo deserve nothing less.
■ Augustine Osayande, PhD contributed this piece from Abuja via austinelande@yahoo.com

Over 100 Companies to Participate in Abuja China-Africa Trade Expo

By: Michael Mike

The organisers of the China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo have announced details for the upcoming event, scheduled to take place in Abuja from November 28 to November 30, 2024.

The trade expo will not only showcase a broad range of products but will also place significant emphasis on Chinese engineering technology.

According to a statement from the organisers, over 100 companies are expected to participate in the trade exhibition, the second of such in Africa after an earlier one held in Nairobi early this year.

The Organising committee, which includes more than eight agencies affiliated with Hunan Province in China and the Nigerian Federal Trade Agency, confirmed that the expo will be held at the Abuja Trade & Convention Centre.

“The theme of this year’s expo is “China and Africa Joining Hands for a Better Future” and will feature a series of activities across multiple sectors, including investment and trade, infrastructure, healthcare, and engineering machinery.

The Opening Ceremony and the China-Africa Infrastructure Cooperation Forum (Nigeria) will commence at 10am. This forum will address the opportunities and challenges in China-Africa infrastructure cooperation, facilitating in-depth discussions on critical topics such as infrastructure connectivity, innovative investment and financing models, green and sustainable development, and business transformation. The forum aims to bring together stakeholders for meaningful exchanges and cooperation, promoting the signing and implementation of key projects.”

Following this, the China-Africa Business & Healthcare Matchmaking Conference will take place from 3:00 PM to 5:30 PM.

“This event will introduce leading enterprises from Hunan and present the investment and trade environment in various African countries through representatives from African chambers of commerce, investment promotion agencies, and businesses.

Key focus areas will include healthcare, new energy, manufacturing, construction materials, textiles, fisheries, and infrastructure development, facilitating “one-on-one” discussions between Hunan enterprises and African business associations.”

On the first day of the expo, there will also be an exhibition showcasing engineering technology from Nigeria and China, which will continue until the final day. The exhibition will feature nine distinct areas, highlighting products in: New energy, Architecture (building hardware), Machinery (construction machinery & agricultural equipment), power transmission and transformation), Home Appliances & Furniture, Manufacturing, Pan-infrastructure, Circular Economy, and Comprehensive Area.

With robust support and collaboration from various stakeholders in both China and Africa, the China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo has successfully hosted three sessions, establishing a new platform for local economic and trade cooperation. The third session of CAETE, held in Changsha, Hunan, in June 2023, covered 100,000 square meters and resulted in 120 signed projects valued at $10.3 billion. Over 1,700 exhibitors from Chinese and African enterprises, business associations, and financial institutions participated.

In May 2024, the inaugural China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo in Africa took place in Nairobi, resulting in 43 signed projects worth $1.402 billion.

Over 100 Companies to Participate in Abuja China-Africa Trade Expo