News

Lateef Agboola: The Man Osun NUJ Secretary’s Cap Fit

Published

5 years ago

February 9, 2020

“Whether the union will run a peaceful and smooth tenure, all depends on him. The union to face one crisis or the other will be to an extent determined by him. He is the middle man; he is the interface between the union and the members. He is likewise the interface between the union and the general public.”

The above quote from a colleague of mine recently gives credence to the role the secretary office plays in an organisation or union partucularly the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ). NUJ is a body without a Public Relations Officer hence the secretary bears the burden of that office and that of his primary office (secretary). He is the brainbox of the Union. This is why this office must be entrusted on someone with the ability and experience. Someone who has the charisma, professional skills, and the human relations and not on ‘who know man or long leg.’

As members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Osun State council warm up to elect members of executives that will pilot affairs of the Union for the next three years, Lateef Agboola is the man best fit for the secretary office. He is capable and reliable and likewise accountable.

Lateef is no accidental journalist. He is a well trained and professional journalist. He is a graduate of mass communication and Masters degree holder of Communication Art. So, Lateef is no push aside or push over person in the field of journalism.

Lateef, popularly called CLAM, has all the experience needed to take Osun NUJ to a greater heights. He is not a new comer or toddler in running the affairs of any union. This journalist cum musician (Fuji music) is a well experienced person in the position he is currently vying for at the state level. He had served as secretary of his chapel two times and presently serving as vice chairman of the same chapel. If Leteef is not good and capable, members of his chapel wouldn’t have entrusted him that sensitive position for two times and now the vice chairman. Least I forget, Lateef is a staff of the state-owned broadcast outfit (Osun State Broadcasting Corporation (OSBC), Osogbo, a leading broadcasting firm in the state and Southwest at large.

Lateef Agboola for secretary, Osun NUJ

Giving Lateef Agboola the secretary office is putting a round peg in a round hole. Lateef Agboola is the right man; no one amongst his co-contestants can do it better than he does. Lateef can deliver. He has the human relations; he has the skills. 2010 was the year I had opportunity to work with this man as intern in the state-owned broadcast station, but after leaving the station for several years, Lateef and I relationship is still very cordial and intact. This tells how friendly this man is! This is the type of person Osun NUJ needs as secretary.

NUJ secretary office is a sensitive one that must be occupied by someone like Leteef. Someone who is friendly and has a listening hear like Lateef Agboola. Someone who will be ready to welcome and listen to the least member when he or she has something to say. Someone who can speak for the least member when the need arises.

Interestingly, Lateef is not just a journalist or Fuji artiste, the Lateef I know is an activist. For the short period I worked alongside with him, I saw this in him. He will never allow you to be denied of what is due for you. As an intern back then, I can recall many instances where he exhibited this even in assignment but time will not permit me to list such instances. He makes sure what was given to full staff was given to us as intern. Lateef is a team player that everyone loves to work with back then. He will definitely speak for Osun NUJ members if given the opportunity.

Yoruba bo woni, bi awo’o ka’ju ilu, yiya ni o ya. Awo Lateef kaju ilu. Eje ki Lati se; Lati lo le se.

Agboola Lateef is the right man for the secretary position. He had handle this office at the chapel level, he performed excellently. Please entrust him the state council’s office. Lateef will not disappoint you. He is up to the task.

Osun NUJ members, as you walk towards the polling boot, please put Lateef Agboola of OSBC at the back of your mind and cast your votes for him.

A vote for Lateef Agboola is a vote for accountability, transparency and equity.

Joseph Kanjo, a journalist, online publisher, wishing Osun NUJ members a peaceful election.
editor@infodailyng.com

News

BREAKING: Renowned Businessman, Aminu Dantata, Is Dead

Published

2 hours ago

June 28, 2025

Editor

Alhaji Aminu Alhassan Dantata, a renowned Nigerian businessman and philanthropist, has passed away at the age of 94.

The news of billionaire businessman’s demise was disclosed via a social media post on Saturday by the Deputy National Treasurer of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Uba Tanko Mijinyawa.

According to him, details of the Muslim funeral prayer (Jana’iza) for Dantata will be announced in due course.

“Inna Lillahi wa’inna ilaihi Raji’un. Allah ya yi wa babanmu Dattijo, Alhaji Aminu Alhassan Dantata, rasuwa. Muna addu’a Allah ya jikan sa, ya gafarta masa. Za a sanar da lokacin jana’izarsa,” Tanko wrote in Hausa language.

Tanko’s message about the late philanthropist, who is also an uncle to Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, was translated as “Indeed, we belong to Allah and to Him we shall return. May Allah have mercy on our father and elder, Alhaji Aminu Alhassan Dantata. We pray for his forgiveness. The time of his funeral will be announced.”

Also confirming the news, his Principal Private Secretary, Mustapha Abdullahi Junaid, disclosed in a statement Saturday morning that the Janazah details will be shared later.

Junaid wrote, “Innalillahi wa inna ilaihi rajiun. Innalillahi wa inna ilaihi rajiun. It is with heavy heart that I announce the passing of our beloved father, Alhaji Aminu Alhassan Dantata. May Allah grant him Jannatul Firdaus and forgive his shortcomings. The Janazah details will be shared later insha Allah.”

Alhaji Aminu Dantata, who was the founder of Express Petroleum & Gas Company Ltd., is also credited with having played a key role in the establishment of Nigeria’s first non-interest (Islamic) bank, Jaiz Bank.

News

EYIF: Utilize N2m Grant Provided By The Govt, Edo Deputy Gov Urges Youths

Published

11 hours ago

June 27, 2025

Editor

…says 1,500 applicants screened, 30 met requirements

Deputy Governor of Edo State, Hon. Dennis Idahosa, has urged youths in the state to make the best use of the N2 million start-up grant provided by the state government under the Edo Youth Impact Forum (EYIF).

Idahosa added that the youths must be innovative as they tapped into the two million start-up grant.

In a statement, the Chief Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor, Friday Aghedo, said Idahosa made the remarks during an incubation class of EYIF.

The Edo number two citizen, while noting that EYIF was parts of the government’s drive to build a new generation of entrepreneurs that would impact and shape the state’s financial economy, showed them how to position themselves in the entrepreneurial space to boost the local economy.

Idahosa encouraged the youths to put behind their challenges and make the best of the opportunity provided by the Senator Monday Okpebholo-led government.

According to him,
though 1,500 applicants got screened ahead of the finale scheduled for July 2, 2025, only 30 met the requirement and thus scaled the initial process.

“This number has again been pruned to 10 participants today and will eventually be reduced further to five finalists at the end of the day.

“Irrespective of who emerges as finalists, I want you to know that you are all winners. We are here as a government to encourage the youths because any society that strives to grow must have an active youth involvement,” Idahosa reiterated.

Earlier, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Finance, Investment and Revenue Generation, Mr. Kizito Okpebholo, presented the participants to the deputy governor.

News

Things To Know About Nigeria’s New Tax Laws

Published

12 hours ago

June 27, 2025

Editor

President Bola Tinubu on Thursday signed four new tax laws aimed at modernising and streamlining the country’s tax system.

In the new tax law, the Value Added Tax rate remains at 7.5 per cent despite initial proposals to increase to 12.5 per cent, but its scope is expanded.

Essential items—such as food, education, healthcare, public transport, residential rent, and exports—are zero-rated to ease inflationary pressure.

For revenue allocation is restructured: now 30 per cent of VAT proceeds are distributed based on consumption (rather than contribution), 50 per cent equally among states, and 20 per cent to population-based allocation.

With the latest development, it is expected that state revenue streams will increase, and it will also discourage tax evasion.

Overview of the four new laws

Nigeria Tax Act: Consolidates various tax rules into a single, simplified code, eliminating over 50 small, overlapping taxes. This reduces complexity and duplication, making it easier for businesses to comply.

Tax Administration Act: Establishes uniform rules for tax collection across federal, state, and local governments, ensuring consistency and reducing administrative conflicts.

Nigeria Revenue Service Act: Replaces the Federal Inland Revenue Service with the independent Nigeria Revenue Service, aiming for greater efficiency and autonomy in tax administration.

Joint Revenue Board Act: Enhances coordination between different government levels and introduces a Tax Ombudsman and Tax Appeal Tribunal to handle disputes fairly.

Key objectives of the new tax rules

Simplify Tax System: Reduces bureaucratic hurdles and overlapping taxes to make compliance easier, especially for small businesses and informal traders.

Increase Revenue Efficiency: Aims to boost Nigeria’s tax-to-GDP ratio from 10% (below the African average of 16–18%) to 18 per cent by 2026 without raising taxes on essential goods.

Reduce Financial Burden: Provides relief for low-income households and small businesses while ensuring high-income earners and luxury consumers contribute more.

Fund Public Services: Increased revenue will support infrastructure, healthcare, and education, reducing reliance on borrowing.

Who benefits and how
Low-Income Households:
Individuals earning up to ₦1 million ($650) annually receive a ₦200,000 rent relief, reducing taxable income to ₦800,000, exempting them from income tax.

VAT exemptions on essential goods and services (food, healthcare, education, rent, power, baby products) lower living costs.

Small businesses:

Businesses with an annual turnover below ₦50 million ($32,400) are exempt from company income tax.
Simplified tax filing without requiring audited accounts reduces compliance costs.

Large businesses:

Corporate tax rates drop from 30 per cent to 27.5 per cent in 2025 and 25 per cent thereafter.
Tax credits for VAT paid on expenses and assets allow businesses to recover the 7.5 per cent VAT.

Charitable, educational, and religious organisations:

Tax incentives for non-commercial earnings, encouraging community-focused activities.
Impact on different groups
Low-Income Earners: Benefit most from income tax exemptions and lower costs for essentials, increasing disposable income.

Small Businesses and informal traders: Simplified rules and tax exemptions encourage compliance and reduce financial strain, potentially formalising more businesses.

High-income earners and luxury consumers face higher VAT on luxury goods and premium services, plus capital gains tax on large share sales.

Government: Expects increased revenue for public services without overburdening vulnerable citizens.

Why reforms were needed

Nigeria’s tax system was outdated, inefficient, and disproportionately harsh on low-income groups.
The low tax-to-GDP ratio (10%) limited funding for critical services like healthcare and infrastructure.
Overlapping taxes and complex rules deterred compliance, especially among small businesses and informal traders.
Public and expert reactions

Positive sentiment: Small business owners welcome tax exemptions but seek clarity on enforcement to avoid unexpected levies.

Low-income earners appreciate relief on essentials but remain cautious about implementation.
Taiwo Oyedele, head of the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reform Committee, claims 90% public support, emphasising that success depends on awareness and trust.

The reforms align with Tinubu’s administration’s goal to reduce economic inequality and boost fiscal capacity without overburdening citizens.

By encouraging voluntary compliance and reducing reliance on loans, Nigeria aims to strengthen its economy and fund development projects.

These reforms mark a significant step toward a fairer, more efficient tax system, with a focus on supporting vulnerable groups while fostering economic growth. However, their success hinges on transparent enforcement and public trust. For further details, you can refer to official statements from the Nigerian government or credible news sources covering the reforms.
(PUNCH)