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PRESIDENTIAL CNG INITIATIVE SET FOR ROLLOUT 

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After the removal of the wasteful fuel subsidy on May 29, 2023, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu launched the Presidential CNG Initiative in October last year to deliver cheaper, safer and more climate friendly energy. The CNG Initiative was designed to deliver compressed natural gas especially for mass transit.

The Federal Government as part of the many intervention programmes to reduce the burden of increase in pump price on the masses, provided N100 billion (part of the N500 billion palliative budget) to purchase 5500 CNG vehicles (buses and tricycles), 100 Electric buses and over 20,000 CNG conversion kits, alongside spurring the development of CNG refilling stations and electric charging stations.

 

After months of detailed planning and background work, the committee driving the initiative is set to deliver on President Tinubu’s vision and promise.

Already, the committee, being led by Michael Oluwagbemi, an oil and gas expert, has delivered some major foundational reforms to enable the new CNG and Electric Vehicles future the President promised. All is now ready for delivery of the first set of critical assets for deployment and launch of the CNG initiative ahead of the first anniversary of the Tinubu administration on May 29.

With necessary tax and duty waivers approved by President Tinubu in December 2023, the PCNGI committee is partnering with the private sector to deliver the promise on the initiative. The private sector has responded with over $50 million in actual investments in refuelling stations, conversion centres, and mother stations.

Also, a safety policy document on 80 standards and regulations that must be strictly adhered to by operators has been developed and approved to ensure CNG conversions are done safely and reliably.

 

The deployment of CNG buses and tricycles and the vision to get at least one million natural gas propelled vehicles on our roads by 2027 will mark a major energy transition in our country’s transportation industry. The use of more expensive diesel and PMS will gradually be phased out, when many vehicles, including trucks run on natural gas, which our nation has in abundance in at least 30 out of the 36 states of the federation.

 

As studies have shown, one of the main causes of air pollution is primarily the amount of gases emitted by gasoline and diesel engines. To reduce the pollution, some countries of the world, such as India, China, Iran, Pakistan, Brazil , Argentina, Italy have built fleets of natural gas powered vehicles, instead of going the route of relying on liquid petroleum products propelled vehicles. Natural gas vehicles reduce tail pipe emission by up to 40 percent, and Nigeria’s commitment to this course will enable her meet her nationally determined commitments (NDCs) under Paris Climate Accord to which we are signatory.

 

From the end of May, Nigeria will take some baby steps to join such nations that already have large fleets of CNG vehicles.

 

Remarkably, the Tinubu administration, in driving the nation to the desired destination, has flagged open a new industry, along with thousands of new jobs.

 

Four plants owned by JET, Mikano, Mojo, and Brilliant EV located in various parts of the country are involved in the assembly of the Semi Knocked Down (SKD) components of the CNG buses. JET, which has received the SKD parts is coupling the buses in Lagos and is working towards delivering 200 units before the first anniversary of the Tinubu administration.

 

Brilliant EV will assemble electric vehicles. It is awaiting the SKD parts, which will arrive in due course. The electric vehicles it will produce are meant for states such as Kano and Borno, which do not have access to CNG for now. They will also be available in key Nigerian cities and university campuses. It must be noted that soon to be completed gas pipeline projects initiated by the Buhari administration and being completed by NNPCL (the AKK Pipeline) will take gas into the hinterlands of North East and North West where there is current paucity.

 

In all, over 600 buses are targeted for production in the first phase that will be accomplished this year.

 

A new plant on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway will assemble thousands of tricycles. The SKD parts manufactured by the Chinese company LUOJIA in partnership with its local partner to support the consortium of local suppliers of CNG tricycles are set for shipment to Nigeria and expected to arrive early in May. About 2,500 of the tricycles will be ready before May 29, 2024.

 

Thousands of conversion kits for petrol powered buses and taxis that want to migrate to CNG are also ready with CNG cylinders. The Federal Government intends to provide them at subsidized rates, especially to commercial vehicle drivers to bring down the cost of public transportation.

 

As part of private sector collaboration, NIPCO and BOVAS are involved in offering refilling services for the CNG vehicles and also serving as conversion centres. NIPCO is setting up 32 stations nationwide to offer the services. The company has completed the set up of four of the CNG stations. Likewise, BOVAS is setting up eight stations in Ibadan, two each in Ekiti, Abuja and four in Ilorin. MRS is also involved. It is making efforts to announce where its refilling stations and conversion centres will be.

 

The NNPC Limited which had launched an on-and-off CNG initiative in the past is joining the new initiative. It is expected soon to announce the locations for CNG refilling and CNG conversion centres nationwide.

 

In addition, the PCNGI is working with 22 other agency partners, including the Standards Organisation of Nigeria(SON) and Nigeria Automotive Design and Development Council to deliver 80 Natural Gas Vehicle Conversion and Associated Appliances Standards for the country.

 

For proper monitoring, PCNGI will also launch MYCNG.NG App. The app will embed the Nigeria Gas Vehicle Monitoring Systems, which will show CNG conversion and refuelling sites in the country.

 

The Tinubu administration is an enabler of the evolving CNG industry. In collaboration with the private sector, the PCNGI is set to deliver 100 conversion workshops and 60 refuelling sites spread across 18 states before the end of this year.

 

The vision of Mr. President to deliver one million gas vehicles cannot be possible without the private sector, including the RTEAN, NARTO, NURTW, and players in the downstream sector of the transportation chain and financiers.

 

Bayo Onanuga

Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy

 

April 21, 2024

FG expecting $2.2 billion loan from World Bank- Wale Edun

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FG expecting $2.2 billion loan from World Bank- Wale Edun

The Federal Government is looking forward to receiving around $2.2 billion single-digit interest loan from the World bank and another budget support facility from the African Development Bank (AfDB).

 

Minister of Finance, Wale Edun disclosed this during the press briefing at the end of Nigeria’s activities at the World Bank/IMF Spring Meetings in Washington DC, the United States on Saturday.

 

While speaking on the sources of international funding to the Nigerian economy, the Minister listed diaspora remittances, foreign portfolio investments and facilities from the World bank and other international development partners.

 

He stated, “We have qualified for the processing just this week to the Board of Directors of the World bank of a total package of $2.25 billion of what you can call ‘the closest you can get to a free lunch’- virtually a grant. It’s for about 10- 20 years moratorium and about 1% interest.

“In addition, there is a similar budgetary support – low-interest funding from the African Development Bank (AfDB) and, clearly, there are also ongoing discussions with foreign direct investors across many sectors.”

Edun also tapped issuing dollar-denominated securities specifically targeted at Nigerians in the diaspora and those with foreign-denominated savings in Nigeria as another measure to attract forex inflows into the country.

 

He disclosed that the Federal Government hopes to issue the bonds later this year.

 

Efforts of fiscal side of the economy to spur growth

Furthermore, the Minister highlighted the efforts of the fiscal side of the economy in complimenting the recent monetary policy reforms by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

 

According to the Minister, the issuing of government securities at an interest rate closer to the CBN’s monetary policy rate (MPR) is an indication of the collaboration between both sides of the economy in tackling inflation in the country and attracting forex inflows.

 

He listed the agricultural sector as one area the Bola Tinubu administration is looking to spur growth in the medium term, noting that efforts in that area include the distribution of fertilisers and seeds to reduce food prices and enhance food security.

 

Other programs, according to the Minister, are: increasing power generation to about 6000 megawatts within six months, provision of infrastructure especially housing with the goal of making low-interest mortgages available to Nigerians, revamping of the social investment program and proposed economic stabilisation plan.

 

Fear of Naira Spraying Grips Party-Goers, NiDOM Boss Shares Experience 

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Fear of Naira Spraying Grips Party-Goers, NiDOM Boss Shares Experience 

Fear of Naira Spraying Grips Party-Goers, NiDOM Boss Shares Experience

 

The Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, on Saturday, recounted her recent experience at a birthday party, highlighting the fear of spraying the naira.

 

In a video shared on her Instagram page, she said, “Just coming from a birthday party and guess what? Everybody was afraid to spray.

 

“But I guess we have to learn how to spray. Don’t throw money around, do it with class and dignity.

 

“Everybody was afraid o, including me.”

 

The apprehension surrounding the spraying of naira comes in the wake of recent legal actions taken against individuals accused of abusing the national currency.

 

PUNCH reports that the Federal High Court in Lagos convicted controversial cross-dresser, Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky for abusing the naira.

 

Bobrisky was sentenced to six months imprisonment without the option of a fine.

 

Similarly, a businessman and socialite, Pascal Okechukwu, popularly known as Cubana Chief Priest, was also arraigned on three counts bordering on abuse of naira by allegedly spraying and tampering with the nation’s currency at a social event.

 

The celebrity bar man pleaded not guilty to tampering and abusing the naira during his trial and was granted N10m bail with two sureties in like sum.

 

Credit: Instagram| abikedabiri

Police Arrests, Detains Yahaya Bello’s ADC, Security Details

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Police Arrests, Detains Yahaya Bello’s ADC, Security Details

The Nigeria Police Force has detained a female police officer who was the aide-de-camp to embattled former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, Saturday PUNCH has learnt.

 

The ADC was arrested alongside other police officers attached to 48-year-old Bello, and is being detained at the State Criminal Investigation Department, Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

 

Their arrests and detention followed a Thursday night order by the Inspector General of Police, Olukayode Egbetokun, directing their immediate withdrawal from the former governor.

 

Senior police sources, who spoke to our correspondent on the condition of anonymity because they did not have authorisation to comment publicly on the matter, noted that the officers were arrested on the suspicion that they aided and abetted Bello’s escape from operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, who had gone to effect his arrest at his Abuja home on Wednesday.

 

“The ADC and the other police details attached to Yahaya Bello have been arrested and detained.

 

“They were arrested on the order of the IG, on the suspicion that they aided and abetted the former governor’s escape from the EFCC on Wednesday,” one of the sources told our correspondent in a telephone conversation on Friday.

 

Another source said, “Yahaya Bello’s female ADC and other police officers attached to him were brought to the command this morning, and they’ve been detained for aiding and abetting (the governor’s escape).”

 

Egbetokun had, on Thursday night, ordered the withdrawal of all police officers attached to Bello.

 

The order for the withdrawal was contained in a police wireless message sighted by our correspondent on Friday morning.

 

The document read, “CB:4001/DOPS/PMF/FHQ/ABJ/VOL.48/ 34 X ORDER AND DIRECTIVES X FOLLOWING MESSAGE RECEIVED FROM NIGPOL.

 

“DOPS ABUJA X BEGINS X CB:4001/DOPS/FHQ/ABJ/VOL.21/462 DTO:180955/04/2024 X ORDER AND DIRECTIVES X REF MYLET NO CB:3412/DOPS/FHQ/ABJ/VOL.1/36 DATED 15/04/2024 X AND MY EARLIER LET NO CB:3412/DOPS/FHQ/ABJ/VOL.1/30 DATED 24/01/2024 X Nigeria police have ordered the withdrawal of all men.

 

“Police attached to His Excellency and former Executive Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, should acknowledge compliance and treat with utmost importance. Please above for your information and strict compliance.”

 

Also, the Federal Government had on Thursday night placed Bello on a watch list.

 

In a document exclusively obtained by our correspondent on Thursday night, the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Immigration Service, revealed that Bello was placed on a watchlist for conspiracy, breach of trust, and money laundering.

 

The Assistant Comptroller General signed the document and copied the Nigeria Customs Service, the Inspector General of Police, the Director General of the Department of State Services, and the Director of the National Internet Agency.

 

The document read, “I am directed to inform you that the above-named person has been placed on a watch list. Suffice to mention that the subject is being prosecuted before the Federal High Court Abuja for Conspiracy, Breach of Trust and Money Laundering vide letter Ref; CR; 3000/EFCC/LS/EGCS.1/TE/V 1/279 dated April 18, 2024.

 

“If seen at any entry or exit point, he should be arrested and referred to the Director of Investigation, or contact 08036226329/07039617304 for further action.

 

“Please, accept as always the Comptroller-General’s warmest regards and esteem.”

 

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission had earlier declared Bello wanted for laundering the sum of N80,246,470,088.88.

 

The development was contained in a notice posted on the commission’s official Facebook page on Thursday, with a snapshot of the embattled ex-governor attached.

 

The notice read, “The public is hereby notified that Yahaya Adoza Bello (former Governor of Kogi State), whose photograph appears above is wanted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission in connection with an alleged case of Money Laundering to the tune of N80,246,470,089.88 (Eighty Billion, Two Hundred and Forty Six Million, Four Hundred and Seventy Thousand and Eighty Nine Naira, Eighty Eight Kobo).

 

“Bello, a 48-year-old Ebira man, is a native of Okenne Local Government of Kogi State. His last known address is: 9, Benghazi Street, Wuse Zone 4, Abuja. Anybody with useful information as to his whereabouts should please contact the Commission.”

 

Bello had, on Thursday, failed to appear before Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja following his arraignment by the EFCC.

 

The embattled former governor was arraigned in absentia before Justice Emeka Nwite alongside three other suspects, Ali Bello, Dauda Suleiman and Abdulsalam Hudu on 19-count charges bordering on money laundering.

 

The PUNCH had earlier reported how the incumbent Governor of Kogi State, Usman Ododo, on Wednesday helped Bello, who is his predecessor, escape arrest by operatives of the EFCC.

 

One of our correspondents who was at the ex-governor’s residence on Wednesday observed Ododo’s arrival with heavy security at about 2:30 pm.

 

At exactly 4:20 pm, Ododo’s entourage drove out with Bello in the governor’s car.

 

About 10 minutes after the governor and former governor left, the EFCC operatives laying siege to Bello’s home retreated from the scene. Twenty minutes after the EFCC operatives left, the policemen, DSS operatives, Counter Terrorism Unit personnel, and other security agents guarding Bello’s house also drove off.

 

In a statement on Wednesday, the spokesperson for the EFCC, Dele Oyewale said, “Bello’s arraignment is coming on the heels of a warrant of arrest and enrollment order granted the EFCC by the court on Wednesday, April 17, 2024.”

 

The EFCC further noted that the commission’s attempt to execute a warrant of arrest lawfully obtained against Bello met stiff resistance on Wednesday, April 17, 2024.

 

He added, “The security cordon around the former governor’s residence in Abuja was breached by the current Governor of Kogi State, Usman Ododo, who ensured that the suspect was spirited away in his official vehicle.

 

“As a responsible law enforcement agency, the EFCC exercised restraint in the face of the provocation, waiting for his arraignment on Thursday, April 18, 2024. It is needful to state that Bello is not above the law and would be brought to justice as soon as possible.”

 

Meanwhile, in a statement on Thursday, Yahaya Bello’s media office accused the EFCC of persecution, while accusing the anti-graft agency of filing the same charges in three different courts.

 

The statement read in part, “The attention of the Media Office of Yahaya Bello has again been drawn to another chapter in the series of the ongoing persecution of the former Governor by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.

 

“Having failed woefully to achieve their motive of national embarrassment with the critical questions that greeted their earlier allegations that the former governor converted over N80bn Kogi State funds to personal use in September 2015, even before he became governor, masterminds of this unending persecution have hurriedly repackaged their script, this time dragging the name of the EFCC further in the mud.

 

“In a miscalculated bid to satisfy their paymasters at all costs, some desperate politicians have pushed the EFCC to approach another Federal High Court in Abuja, with the same set of questionable allegations without waiting for the determination of the two preceding cases they’ve filed in two different courts simultaneously.

 

“In this particular one, they tried to correct their initial blunder by saying that about N80bn was now stolen in February 2016, arguably less than three weeks after he assumed office for the first time as Governor of Kogi State on January 27, 2016.

 

“Looking at the curious and endless scenarios of duplicated charges, cross-charges, counter and frivolous charges, it has become crystal clear that the whole onslaught is nothing but a desperate political witch-hunt of the immediate past governor.

 

“We want to draw the attention of the President to the fact that the abuse of court processes and prosecutorial powers by the EFCC is assuming a dangerous dimension that the head of the commission might not even have paid attention to. We still want to assume that he is being misled into political persecution, rather than diligent prosecution by bad eggs within the system, working with criminals masquerading as politicians.

 

“The desperation to nail a man that has done nothing but to raise the bar of governance in his state and provide visible dividends of democracy to all, irrespective of religious or ethnic leaning, has beclouded the rational thinking of masterminds and pushed them into a consistent pattern of raising extremely frivolous and indefensible allegations against their target.”

Alaafin: Oyo Mesi appeals as court strikes out case against Makinde, commissioners

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Alaafin: Oyo Mesi appeals as court strikes out case against Makinde, commissioners

An Oyo High Court sitting in Awe, Afijio Local Council of Oyo State, has struck out a case filed by kingmakers in Oyo (Oyo Mesi) against Governor Seyi Makinde, the Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General and the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters on the vacant stool of Alaafin of Oyo over administrative defect.

 

It would be recalled that the Alaafin stool became vacant following the death of Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III at 82. Selecting the next Alaafin has since then become a subject of litigation.

 

The claimants in the suit no HOY/14/2023 are the Bashorun of Oyo, Chief Yusuf Layinka; Lagunna of Oyo, Chief Wakeel Oyedepo; Akinniku of Oyo, Chief Amusa Yusuf; Areago Bashorun, Chief Wahab Oyetunji and the Alapo of Oyo, Chief Gbadebo Mufutau.

 

The claimants were seeking a court injunction restraining Makinde and his agents from overruling their choice on the selected candidate for the vacant stool.

 

According to them, “due diligence was followed in the selection/appointment of the candidate for filling the vacant stool of Alaafin of Oyo duly conducted by the kingmakers of Alaafin of Oyo Chieftaincy.”

 

While ruling on the notice of preliminary objection as filed by the defendants, Justice Ladiran Akintola said there was no proof of service to notify the governor of the outcome of the selection process as carried out by the kingmakers.

 

The failure to serve the notice of the outcome on the governor made the court strike out the case.

 

The court ruled: “This court found merit in the Notice of Preliminary Objection filed by the defendants/applicants against the claimants/respondents in this case.

 

“The same succeeds; accordingly all the issues raised for determination of this court by learned counsels on both sides are thereby resolved in favour of the defendants/applicants but against the claimants/respondents.

 

“Consequently, the suit initiated by the claimants/respondents in this case against the defendants/applicants is thereby struck out.”

 

The lead counsel for the claimants, Kunle Sobaloju (SAN), yesterday said a notice of appeal and motion for injunction pending an appeal have been filed at the Court of Appeal and Oyo High Court respectively.

 

Sobaloju said the judgment was based on a preliminary objection filed by the defendants.

 

He said: “We have filed a notice of appeal and motion for injunction pending an appeal. What was considered on Tuesday was the notice for preliminary objection. The merit of the case is yet to be considered.”

Minister hails Nigerian delegates to global robotics meet

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Minister hails Nigerian delegates to global robotics meet

Press Release

 

Minister hails Nigerian delegates to global robotics meet

 

Minister of Information and National Orientation @HMMohammedIdris has commended the team representing Nigeria at the global robotics competition in Dallas, Texas, later this month. He spoke when the team paid him a courtesy call on Friday, 19th April 2024.

The Minister was delighted to receive the team members aged 15 and below and students of Glisten Academy, Abuja; they were accompanied by their coaches.

The Minister said the government is willing to promote Nigerians who make the country proud.

“By carrying the Nigerian flag, you are representing Nigeria; we urge you to make your mark in that competition and make Nigeria proud.”

The minister said he was comforted by the children’s ingenuity, comportment, and confidence and was awed by their inventions.

He said the effort of these children is worthy of emulation as it indicates that when you put in your best, you can excel and be the embodiment of excellence in our country.

He promised to support the team in enjoying a visible outing.

Earlier, the leader of the delegation, Abubakar Mohammed, commended the Minister for the excellent work he is doing to promote Nigeria. He said Nigerians need to know that they are being represented at this competition. He said the children’s commitment indicates the country’s future will be great.

The Executive Director of Glisten Academy, Abba Said, said the competition will attract 650 teams from 65 countries. Even though Nigeria is not attending for the first time, with improved robots, the country will surely bring laurels home this year. The eleven children representing Nigeria are competing in three categories.

The team demonstrated the performance of the robots before the minister.

 

Suleiman Haruna

Deputy Director, Press

Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation

20th April, 2024

Junior Pope: Our Lawyers Preparing Documents – Actors Guild President

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Junior Pope: Our Lawyers Preparing Documents – Actors Guild President

The President, Actors Guild of Nigeria, Emeka Rollas, has said that he is waiting for the report from a committee that was set up to investigate the boat accident that claimed Nollywood actor, John Odonwodo, popularly known as Junior Pope and four others.

 

Rollas stated that once the report is submitted, the Association of Movie Producers and Adanma Luke will hear from their lawyers.

 

Rollas made this known during an interview with Arise TV correspondent, Oseni Rufai, on Friday, as he added that a day after Junior Pope died, some actors still travelled by boat without life jackets

 

Rollas said, “Our lawyers are already preparing documents because this matter is actionable. I am only waiting for a small committee we have set up to give me the report on all the things that happened.

 

“I also learnt that not only the day that Junior Pope died, the previous day they still went on the waters without life jackets. At least the video that Junior Pope showed everybody on Instagram the previous day people on that boat weren’t wearing life jackets.

 

“I am waiting for this report, and as soon as I get the report, the Association of Movie Producers and the Adanma Luke Production will also hear from our lawyers.

 

“The other day, we had an actor who almost died on set because the producer hired a driver who doesn’t have a driver’s licence and also doesn’t know how to drive and while he was reversing, he hit the actor, Emmanuel. It was the Guild that took him for treatment, hospital, and everything. We spent millions of naira to get him back on track, and the producer was still saying,’Please, please.’

 

“This is not a profession for brothers or sisters. It is a business profession. If you are a producer, be a producer, and put money down. If you hire an actor, pay him, and he will act. It is not ‘abeg do this for me there is no money.'”

 

Junior Pope and four other actors drowned after their boat capsized on Anam River in Anambra State on Wednesday, April 10, 2024, while returning from a movie shoot.

 

Credit: X | Arisetv

Nigeria to become Africa’s fourth largest economy in 2024 – IMF

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Nigeria to become Africa’s fourth largest economy in 2024 – IMF

Nigeria to become Africa’s fourth largest economy in 2024 – IMF

Nigeria is projected to slip to the fourth largest economy in Africa in 2024, behind South Africa, Egypt, and Algeria, according to IMF forecasts for April 2024.

 

Nigeria which has held the title of “Africa’s largest economy” since the GDP rebasing in 2013 is projected to have a total GDP of $253 billion in 2024, primarily due to the devaluation of the Naira.

 

According to IMF forecasts, South Africa will be Africa’s largest economy with a GDP of $373 billion, followed by Egypt with $348 billion, and Algeria with $267 billion.

 

Recall that in 2023, it was projected that South Africa will overtake Nigeria as the largest economy in Africa.

 

Based on IMF’s estimates, Nigeria’s GDP in US Dollars declined from $477 billion in 2022, to $375 billion in 2023, it is estimated to drop to $253 billion in 2024. However, in the Naira, the GDP improved from N202.4 trillion in 2022 to N234.4 trillion in 2023. For 2024, the GDP is projected to hit N296.4 trillion.

What you should know

According to IMF data, Nigeria was the largest economy in Africa in 2022, however, a devaluation of the Naira caused Nigeria to drop to third place in 2023, behind Egypt with a GDP of $394 billion and South Africa with a GDP of $378 billion.

 

In 2024, the devaluation of the Nigerian Naira and the Egyptian Pounds will see Nigeria and Egypt’s fortunes decline, with South Africa taking the reins as Africa’s largest economy.

 

Since President Bola Tinubu took over as President in 2023, the official exchange rate of the Nigerian Naira has plunged by over 55%, leaving a significant dent in the GDP computation of the country. Meanwhile, in Egypt, economic reforms since March 2024 have caused the Egyptian Pounds to decline by almost 40% in just over a month. In South Africa, the Rand has devalued by a slim 4% in 2024.

 

IMF estimates that Nigeria’s GDP will grow by 3.34% in 2024, up from the 2.86% growth rate posted in 2023. South Africa’s GDP is estimated to grow by 0.9% in 2024, from 2023’s 0.6% GDP growth rate.

 

Egypt’s GDP is projected to grow at 3.0% in 2024, a decline from its 2023’s GDP growth rate of 3.76.

Tana Adelana, Layi Wasabi, Ejiro Onojaife.. These Are The First-Time AMVCA Nominees | #AMVCA10

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Tana Adelana, Layi Wasabi, Ejiro Onojaife.. These Are The First-Time AMVCA Nominees | #AMVCA10

On March 24, Multichoice Nigeria and Africa Magic announced the nominees of the 10th edition of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards. This prestigious annual award celebrates outstanding achievements across television, film, entertainment and now in digital content creation throughout Nollywood and the broader African content landscape. Movies like “Over The Bridge,” “Mami Wata” and “Breath Of Life” emerged as frontrunners among the nominated movies.

 

The AMVCAs is one of the biggest awards events on the continent. This year, just like the years before, amidst talented nominees, several individuals are experiencing the thrill of their very first AMVCA nomination.

 

See the AMVCA first-time nominees who are making their mark in their respective fields below:

 

Actor, producer and director Ibrahim Yekini, known as Itele D Icon, began acting in 2000. He has featured in many movies, including the notable “Omo Ghetto: The Saga” and “Jagun Jagun (The Warrior),” where he played the role of the warrior Gbogunmi, which earned him his first AMVCA nomination in the Best Supporting Actor category. In 2019, he won the best actor in the Best of Nollywood Awards for his role in “Return of Kesari,” a film he also produced.

Sanwo-Olu, Fashola, others chart new course for youths at first Lagos Leadership Summit

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Sanwo-Olu, Fashola, others chart new course for youths at first Lagos Leadership Summit

The first Lagos Leadership Summit, held Wednesday, ignited new passion and zeal towards charting a new course of action for the country’s future. The event, organised by Lateef Jakande Leadership Academy (LJLA), presented an opportunity for inclusive interaction between old and new generations.

Debates, speeches and panels delved into topics that challenged the mental, emotional and physical preparation of the youth to take up leadership roles. Discussants evaluated how young people currently in leadership positions had inspired impactful changes.

 

The event, with the theme: “Leadership and Nigeria’s Future”, held at Konga Place in Lekki, was graced by a large physical and virtual audience, indicating the interest of the youth in the conversation.

 

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu shared his personal leadership engagement story with the participants, recalling how, at 37, he was appointed into Lagos State cabinet as Special Adviser with only private sector experience.

 

The Governor said his appointment into public service offered him the opportunity to learn multidimensional leadership and build problem-solving capacity, which, he added, prepared him for bigger tasks in the course of his public career.

 

Sanwo-Olu said the summit was initiated with the objective to create an engaging platform for young people to channel their energy, knowledge and creativity to actions that would project their leadership skills.

He said: “We believe young people are leaders not only for tomorrow, but today. This idea gave birth to Lateef Jakande Leadership Academy through which we provide opportunities for young leaders to learn, innovate and develop skills that will enable them hone their leadership skills.

 

“For us, it is not about the contemporary challenges that we face; it is about the innovative ideas and solutions that we will bring about in solving the problems. That is why we all gather here to make you think out of the box, innovate and unleash your leadership potential.

 

“The quality of output from the Academy has not only shown us that we took the right step, the feedback has been outstanding and we are prepared to create more platforms for robust youth engagement. The country is banking its future on the youth. Character is critical; young people must have the competence and vision to make the changes you want to see.”

 

Former Minister for Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola, during a discussion titled: “Ethical Leadership and its Impact on Nation Building”, lent his voice to the notion that young people must go through the rudimentary process of leadership before being entrusted with responsibilities.

 

The former Lagos Governor also said the notion that “the end justifies the means” could no longer be a standard practice in governance, stressing that the leader must do the right thing even if the consequence won’t go down well with the population.

 

He said: “Days of the end justifies the means can no longer be the gold standard for governance any more. The process must be as important as the result. I subscribe to enjoyment after adversity because I have had introspection on every sustainable success story we have had, not one of them had not been built on the foundation of adversity.

 

“Therefore, if the utilitarian value of any policy, project or programme being pursued by the government serves the greatest good to the greatest number of people, then the leadership must go for it regardless of the consequences. In years to come, many people would look back and say it was better that we did it the way it was done.”

 

The Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, shared perspectives on “Leadership and Community Engagement: Strengthening the social Fabric of Nigeria” during a session moderated by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Legal Matters and Public Private Partnership (PPP), Mrs. Bukola Odoe.

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