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Economy

KDSG to spend N1.4b on schools reconstruction, equipping programme in 2022

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KDSG to spend N1.4b on schools reconstruction, equipping programme in 2022

… As Niger Govt to partner with association on food security***

The Kaduna State Government has earmarked N1.4 billion for the reconstruction of schools and equipping programs across the state.

The project is a rollover from the 2021 budget.

This is contained in the 2022 Budget of N278.6 billion signed into law by Gov. Nasir El-Rufai on Wednesday and made available to newsmen in Kaduna on Thursday.

The document also showed that out of the N13.1 billion earmarked for the ministry of education for capital projects, N1.7 billion would be spent on intervention to improve nutrition in 26 boarding secondary schools in the state.

The government further allocated N658 million for the rehabilitation of 69 secondary schools across the state and N220 million for the supply of furniture in secondary schools.

According to the document, N1.49 billion will be spent on the rehabilitation, equipping, and conversion of 16 schools across the state to full boarding facilities and N190.7 million on procurement of science, technical and vocational equipment.

Also Read: FG, NNPC sign N621bn MoU to fund road infrastructure

It further showed that N500 million would be spent on procurement of educational materials and textbooks, while N10.4 million would be spent on the establishment and maintenance of school gardens across the state.

Also, N163.2 million was allocated for the procurement of white marker board, smartboard, and other teaching and instructional materials for schools, while N1.0 billion was earmarked for fencing of schools.

Similarly, N500 million was allocated for disaster intervention against fire, windstorms, and rainstorms in 50 secondary schools across the state.

The state government also earmarked N20.3 million for the conduct of emotional intelligence training for school Guidance and Counselors.

A total of N150 million would be spent on the development and deployment of the education portal and the sustenance of the e-learning platform.

The document also showed that N2.billion was earmarked for the World Bank-supported Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment project and N3.0 billion was for Global Partnership for Education.

The N13.1 billion allocated to the ministry for capital projects was higher than the N10.7 billion allocated in 2021.

Out of the N278.6 billion total budget estimate, N94.1 billion was earmarked for recurrent expenditure, and N184.5 billion for capital expenditure, representing 66.4 percent of the total budget.

Of the total budget, the education sector got the largest chunk of N69.8 billion, representing 25 percent with 41.7 billion allocated for capital spending and N28 billion for recurrent expenditure.

Kaduna State University got N9.7 billion with N5.9 billion earmarked for recurrent expenditure and 3.8 billion for capital projects, while Nuhu Bamali Polytechnic got N3.5 billion with 1.5 earmarked for capital projects and N2 billion for recurrent.

College of Education, Zaria got a total of N2.9 billion with N1.1 billion for capital expenditure and N1.8 billion for recurrent.

Kaduna State Scholarship and Loan Board got N3.3 billion, with N2.1 billion allocated for the award of foreign scholarship to qualified applicants and N1.1 billion for the award of local scholarship, while N51.3 million was for recurrent expenditure.

While signing the budget on Wednesday, El-Rufai described the document as “the budget of the people and budget of sustainable growth”.

He commended the Kaduna State House of Assembly for its thorough work on the draft budget estimates.

The governor pointed out that the assembly increased the budget from the N233 billion proposed by the executive to N278.58 billion to accommodate more project requests from citizens.

In another development, The Niger government is to partner with the National Association for Promotion of Agriculture and Food Security Department of the Farmers Council (NAAFS-NFC) to boost food security and national development.

Gov. Abubakar Bello of Niger made this known while inaugurating the state chapter of the NAAFS in Minna.

Bello, who was represented by Alhaji Ibrahim Matane, Secretary to the State Government (SSG) said that the measure would ensure food security for the state and the nation at large.

“We want to assure you that as a government, we will provide the enabling environment for NAAFS to work with our farmers in developing the state agriculture sector in order to ensure food security for the state and the nation,” he said.

Bello said that the state policy on agriculture had developed the sector, such that agriculture has become the mainstay of the state economy.

“We are utilising our arable landmass which is about ten percent of Nigeria’s landmass, which is about 86,000km to promote agriculture.

“Due to our arable land, we can cultivate round the year because of the natural streams and rivers available to us,” he said.

He said that the state agriculture policy would assist NAAFS to operate with stakeholders in the state.

“Our policy document in agriculture covers every part of the sector, it will guide whoever is coming to invest in agriculture.

“We also have the Niger State Agricultural Investment Plan, which provides the kind of investment abounds in the sector,” he said.

The Governor decried a situation where the small-holder farmers in the state are not producing enough food as a result of the farmers not practicing agriculture as a business.

“I am happy that the association is focusing on small-holder farmers because they constitute 90 percent of the rural farmers.

“Today we want to assure you that we will work with you to develop our agriculture sector, which will grow the smallholder farmers,” he said.

He said that government would collaborate with the association to make food available and affordable in the state.

Bello urged farmers in the state to practice agriculture as a business toward creating jobs and wealth in order to sustain the state economy.

Also speaking, Dr. Joseph Okim, the Executive Secretary of NAAFS, said that the organisation was targeting 80 percent of the farming population in the state.

Okim said that NAAFS would create enabling environment for the rural farmers to access agriculture loans and grants, inputs, and implements.

He said that the association would ensure sustainable agriculture practices for the rural farmers in the state.

Earlier, Mrs. Salome Ndakotsu, the State Director, NAAFS, said that the association intends to establish demonstration farms across the state when it starts operations.

Ndakotsu appealed to the traditional leaders in the state to make such lands available to make for smooth implementation of NAAFS programmes.

“I enjoin our royal fathers to make land available for this purpose when the time comes,” she said.

Alhaji Shehu Galadima, Chairman, All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) who lauded NAAFS for the gesture promised the cooperation of farmers in the state to develop the agriculture sector.

 

Economy

Unstable Economy: UK Firm Presents Solutions To Nigerian Business Leaders

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SOAN Inaugurates New Leadership, Boosting Hopes Of Crushable Inflation

Nigerian business leaders are to benefit from the programme of United Kingdom-based leadership development organisation TEXEM UK on how to win despite the exodus of staff, very high inflation and turbulent operating landscape.

TEXEM’s Director of Special Projects, Caroline Lucas, said on the organisation’s website, www.texem.co.uk, that the programme with the theme “Strategies for Sustainable Organisational Success” is slated for April 24 and April 25 in Lagos.

According to Lucas, in today’s volatile and disruptive business landscape, organisations face numerous strategic challenges.

“TEXEM’s programme, “Strategies for Sustainable Organisational Success,” offers tailored solutions to address these pressing issues.

“Senior leaders grappling with skyrocketing costs, high currency risks, and disruptive technologies require practical insights and tools to navigate uncertainty effectively.

“This programme provides actionable strategies for sustainable success amidst turbulent times,” she said.

Lucas asserts that exceptional crisis management skills are essential in the face of staff exodus and geopolitical disruptions.

“TEXEM equips participants with the necessary leadership capabilities to lead through crises, ensuring organisational excellence even amidst adversity.

“Innovation becomes imperative in turbulent waters.

“TEXEM’s programme fosters a culture of innovation and provides guidance on harnessing adversity as a catalyst for profitable growth,” she said.

According to her, participants will learn to turn challenges into opportunities, driving sustained profitability.

Lucas said resilience and effective risk management are crucial in today’s volatile landscape.

She said through interactive sessions and case studies, TEXEM helps senior leaders develop unshakable qualities, enabling them to navigate uncertainty and confidently mitigate risks.

“Optimizing resource utilisation is paramount amidst soaring costs.

“TEXEM offers insights on managing resources efficiently, ensuring optimal impact even amidst cost pressures. Decisive problem-solving is paramount.

“TEXEM enhances participants’ decision-making capabilities through peer learning and observation practice, empowering them to make better decisions that drive organisational success,” Lucas said.

She said that beyond the curriculum, networking opportunities with industry peers enrich the learning experience, abound.

“Professional exchange provides valuable insights into different approaches to overcoming challenges, enhancing overall learning and impact.

“TEXEM’s programme aims to develop leadership strategies for optimum performance in an era of uncertainty.

“By helping participants understand how to manage and deploy resources more efficiently, it equips them with the skills needed to thrive in turbulent times,” Lucas said.

Saying that adversity is the mother of innovation, she added that TEXEM empowers individuals and organisations to thrive in volatile times, fostering innovation and sustained profitability.

“At the end of the programme, participants can expect to develop leadership skills for better decision-making and possess survival skills to navigate crises effectively.

“Through its comprehensive approach and proven methodology, TEXEM ensures participants unlock their potential, foster innovation, and drive sustained profitability in today’s challenging environment,” Lucas said.

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Economy

Sanwo-Olu Urges Use of Innovative Technologies in Solving Challenges

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Sanwo-Olu Urges Use of Innovative Technologies in Solving Challenges

Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has called for the use of innovative technologies in resolving the economic and social challenges of the country.

Sanwo-Olu said this on Wednesday during the pioneer graduation of the Lateef Jakande Leadership Academy (LJLA) at Konga Place in Lekki.

He said that the new platform of globalisation and Internet of things must be significantly employed to resolve new challenges encountered in the course of improving the living standards of citizens.

30 students, 15 men and 15 women, between 18 and 35 years, graduated from the academy after a one-year course and mentorship in leadership.

The Lagos Leadership Summit (LLS) is a pivotal platform dedicated to empowering Nigeria’s young professionals with the skills and insights essential for success in various leadership roles.

With a focus on leadership excellence, ethical governance, and youth inclusion in governance, the summit offers a unique opportunity for participants to engage with renowned leaders and industry experts.

” You have to be able to innovate for us, you are here as leaders of not tomorrow but today. Proffer solutions that the government can use as a tool, to solve the challenges that we are facing today but more importantly to solve global issues.

“And that is why we started the Lateef Jakande Leadership Academy. For us as a government, we felt how well can we honour a man than for us in public sector to set up a cream of new leaders.

“So we set up this school that has the first set, the one-year fellowship, who indeed have not only shown us that we took the right step, they have been outstanding individuals,” the governor said.

The guest speaker and former governor of Lagos State, Babatunde Fashola, noted that it was important for followers to trust their leaders for a successful outcome.

“The people need to trust the government, they must know the capability of their leaders so that when issues beyond human expectations happen, the followers can show empathy to the plight of their leaders.

” I have always been an advocate that believes that the process is as important as the result, the end shouldn’t justify the means, the process is crucial, it serves as a blueprint for others coming behind,” he said.

Similarly, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, Deputy Governor, who spoke on “Leadership And Community Engagement”, stated that to achieve effective leadership in Nigeria, there was the need to navigate complex political, economic and social landscapes.

Hamzat urged the citizens to be involved in governance while stressing the need for collaborations with private stakeholders and the public sector.

According to him, community engagement with government at all levels is pivotal to the nation’s development.

In her address, Mrs Ayisat Agbaje-Okunade, LIJA’s Executive Secretary, noted that the challenges faced required leaders who are not only capable but compassionate, visionary, and adaptable.

According to her, leadership must transcend rhetoric and manifest tangible outcomes.

“We need leaders who inspire confidence, foster unity, and drive transformation.”

Agbaje-Okunade urged the participants to embrace the responsibility that comes with leadership and pave the way for a generation of new leaders.

The keynote speaker, Mr Abubakar Suleiman, Chief Executive Officer, Sterling Bank, said that leadership is about leading people on a new purposeful journey.

Suleiman said being a strategic thinker and a transformational leader was what makes leadership different from management, adding that the future is being crafted in leadership.

“In essence, as a leader, you must be able to lead people to the future hence, you must be convincing for people to be bold to follow you, able to trust and believe in you.

“For one to be a leader, the people must be able to believe and trust you to take them to the future where you have never been to,” he said.

Also speaking, Mr Tunbosun Alake, Commissioner, Innovation, Science and Technology, stressed that leadership had nothing to do with being young or old but having good values and character.

The commissioner advised the participants to pursue excellence in their various career paths to succeed in life.

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Economy

Eid-el-Fitr: Tinubu Urges Sacrifice, Integrity For National Rebirth

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Eid-el-Fitr: Tinubu urges sacrifice, integrity for national rebirth

 President Bola Tinubu has urged Nigerians to continue to make sacrifices and exhibit integrity for national development.

Tinubu said this after observing the Eid-el-Fitr prayer at the Eid Ground at Dodon Barracks on Wednesday in Lagos.

The President also called on Nigerians to continue to have faith in his government and remain patriotic citizens.

Tinubu said that the Renewed Hope Agenda of his administration, aimed at bringing prosperity to Nigerians, was being diligently implemented.

Encouraging Muslims to extend the values of sacrifice and resilience beyond the fasting period, Tinubu emphasised the need for Nigerians to prioritise the exhibition of love for their country.

‘’The resilience and sacrifice that we have shown and made during these months should be preserved.

“Be a kind and cheerful giver. We must love our country more than any other country because this is the only one we have.

‘’We must continue to protect the integrity of our government and leadership. The Renewed Hope Agenda is alive, well and fine, and Nigerians should continue to be very hopeful. Without hope, there is no salvation.

“Without hope, there is no development. Without hope, there is no life. Eid Mubarak,’’ the President said at the end of the prayers led by the Chief Imam of Lagos State, Sheikh Sulaiman Abou-Nolla.

Earlier in his sermon, the Chief Imam urged Nigerians to shun all acts of violence, ensure peaceful co-existence, and continue to have faith in the country.

He asked those in leadership positions to remain faithful to their oaths of office and work towards alleviating the suffering of the less privileged.

‘‘Let us not forget our brothers and sisters in Gaza and other areas of conflict,’’ the Chief Imam said.

He offered prayers of God’s guidance, wisdom, and protection for the President and the Lagos State government, as well as for peace and stability in the country.

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