Connect with us

News

Oyo, Imo, Six Others To Receive $540m AfDB Funds For SAPZs

Published

on

Oyo, Cross River and Imo are among seven states and the Federal Capital Territory to receive the first tranche of disbursements of $540m from the African Development Bank to develop Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones.

Prof. Banji Oyelaran-Oyeyinka, Senior Special Adviser on Industrialisation to the AfDB President, Akinwumi Adesina, disclosed this on Monday when a delegation of the bank and that of the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation presented their separate reports on the status of projects being executed in Nigeria to Vice President Kashim Shettima at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Advertisement

Shettima’s Senior Special Assistant on Media and Communications, Stanley Nkwocha, revealed details of Monday’s discourse in a statement titled, ‘AfDB set to begin disbursement of $540m SAPZs fund.’

Monday’s development comes nearly eight months after the AfDB President, Adesina, first apprised President Bola Tinubu of a $520m investment in the zones.

READ ALSO: Nigeria, 17 Others Countries Missing Out On 2025 US Lottery Scheme

Advertisement

At a two-day summit on A New Global Financing Pact in Paris in late June 2023, Adesina had assured Tinubu that the bank would support the new administration’s economic policies in Nigeria, placing the people first in development targets.

Speaking on Monday, Oyelaran-Oyeyinka said the SAPZs, which plans to turn Nigeria’s rural landscape into economic zones of prosperity, is meant to “support inclusive and sustainable agro-industrial development in Nigeria.”

“The phase one of the project is at the point of disbursement. Kaduna, Oyo and Cross River States are all in the process of receiving disbursements and we hope that the other states can speed up their documentation so that we can fast-track these states.

Advertisement

“We raised $540m in catalytic funding and expect every state to find a partner to bring equity and join up with them. It is a government-enabled project but private-sector driven,” he explained further.

READ ALSO: EFCC Arrests General Overseer Over N1.3bn Fraud

He also clarified that the first phase of SAPZs is being implemented in seven states: Cross River, Imo, Kaduna, Kano, Kwara, Ogun, Oyo and the Federal Capital Territory.

Advertisement

“Ogun state found a partner for the project and decided not to take the loan. We are going to distribute the loan to the other states.

“The next thing is preparation for phase two with 27 states. The demand is enormous, but we must prioritise those who move fast.

“We have set up eligibility criteria for the states and to rank them. We expect them to have a feasibility report, environmental impact study and a commitment to counterpart funding,” Oyelaran-Oyeyinka added.

Advertisement

READ ALSO: High Cost Of Living: NANS Demands Action From Tinubu, Gives Ultimatum

On his part, VP Shettima called for immediate action, saying it is time for the government and its development partners to walk the talk.

The three states will benefit from phase one of the development of processing zones, including Oyo, Kaduna and Cross River, while others will get theirs as soon as they conclude documentation.

Advertisement

In another report on the visit to the Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited, as earlier commissioned by the VP, the Head of Investment and Technology Promotion Office at the UNIDO, Abimbola Wycliffe, told VP Shettima that the recovery plan for the company would include revitalising through rehabilitation, modernisation and expansion.

She said, “Single-phase turnaround for the entire plant is challenging due to heavy investments and a prolonged revenue generation timeline. Convert the integrated steel plant into strategic business units to serve as profit centers.

READ ALSO: Abducted Baby Sold For N800,000 Rescued In Lagos Market

Advertisement

“Conduct opportunity studies for each SBU, focusing on incremental investments, raw material availability, labor, utilities, and market demand. Prioritize SBUs with lower investments and quicker positive cash flows (the low-hanging fruits)”.

Wycliffe called for the reinvestment of profits from each SBU in ASC to reduce the burden of incremental investment on the Nigerian economy, even as she recommended the enhancement of foreign exchange earnings and contribution to local economic development in the country

In his response, VP Shettima called for immediate action, saying all hands must be on deck to ensure that the visions of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu are delivered to the Nigerian people.

Advertisement

He asserted, “We have passed the age of talking; we must walk the talk. We can talk from now till eternity and it does not mean anything if there is no action and; hence, we must make this work. We just must.

“We have not seen beyond the depth of our pockets; what comes to us is more important than what comes to the generality of the people. Things must change.

“I read a book on how Korea transformed itself with no natural resources, how they started producing steel against all odds, how they went into shipbuilding, and how Hyundai, Daewoo, Samsung and Kia came about. I believe that when there is a will, there is always a way. We have to walk the talk,” the Vice President stated.

Advertisement

News

JUST IN: Ibom Air Passenger Breaks Silence After Release

Published

on

An Ibom Air passenger who was recently released from custody, Comfort Emmanson, has taken to social media to thank her supporters and describe her post-release condition.

In a statement posted on her Instagram page on Wednesday, Emmanson (#soft_commy), said she is still “in pains due to how I was treated” and requires medical attention before she can share her full account of the incident.

Advertisement

She also maintained that she needed some rest and medical treatment before she could give out her side of the story.

READ ALSO: NCAA Petitions IGP Over KWAM 1’s Unruly Conduct In Abuja Airport

The statement comes after a widely publicised dispute between Emmanson and the airline, which reportedly led to her arrest and detention.

Advertisement

While details of the original altercation remain a subject of debate, the passenger’s latest post focuses on the physical and emotional toll of her time in custody.

The full statement from her Instagram page reads, “Thank you so much for the prayers, love and support. I’ve been released from the prison, but I’m still in pains due to how I was treated.

“I just need some rest and medical treatment before I give out my own version of the event. Thank you so much, my lovely friends and supporters. I really appreciate y’all from the bottom of my heart. God bless you all. Thank you, my great God!!!”

Advertisement

READ ALSO: Ibom Air Passenger Emmason: Why Kwam1 Was Not Charged In Court — NCAA

The airline has not yet issued a public response to Emmanson’s latest post, but earlier statements from Ibom Air confirmed a customer service incident had taken place and was being handled internally.

The airline’s management has previously maintained that the well-being of all passengers and staff is a top priority.

Advertisement

Emmanson’s post has garnered thousands of likes and comments, with supporters offering words of encouragement and demanding an official investigation into her treatment while in custody. The public now awaits her full account of the events that led to the dispute and her subsequent arrest.

Advertisement
Continue Reading

News

FG Gives KWAM 1 Aviation Appointment, After Airport Incident

Published

on

The Federal Government has announced plans to engage Fuji star, Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as KWAM 1, as an ambassador for proper airport security protocol, after the recent controversy over his conduct at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

‎This was disclosed on Wednesday by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, in a statement outlining resolutions to recent cases of unruly behaviour at Nigerian airports.

‎Keyamo said the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority had agreed to reduce KWAM 1’s flight ban to one month and would work with the musician to promote awareness on acceptable conduct within the aviation space.

‎The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria will lead the engagement process.

READ ALSO:Man Jailed For Cybercrime, Forfeits Cars, Land, $42,000 To FG

‎”The NCAA is to reduce his flight ban to a one-month period. FAAN will also work with the music star with a view to engaging him as an ambassador for proper airport security protocol going forward.

‎”Having publicly demonstrated penitence, the NCAA is also to withdraw its criminal complaints against KWAM 1 earlier lodged with the police,” the statement read.

‎The minister added that the decision followed appeals from well-meaning individuals, as well as KWAM 1’s public show of penitence over the August 5 incident in which he allegedly obstructed a ValueJet aircraft’s movement.

‎Keyamo also revealed that the NCAA would withdraw its criminal complaints against the artiste.

Advertisement

READ ALSO:NCAA Stops Fuji Star K1 De Ultimate From Flying For Six Months

‎The development comes days after the musician apologised to the public, insisting the flask he carried on the day of the incident contained water for medical reasons and not alcohol, as was alleged by security personnel.

‎The minister emphasised that the clemency was granted on “compassionate grounds” , warning that the government remained committed to enforcing safety and security laws in the aviation sector.

‎On August 5, KWAM 1 was involved in a confrontation with airline staff and security officials at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, while attempting to board a ValueJet flight to Lagos.

READ ALSO: Air Peace Jet Hits Antelope At Asaba Airport, NCAA Reacts

He was accused of carrying a prohibited flask believed to contain alcohol, spilling its contents on personnel, and later walking onto the aircraft’s tarmac, allegedly blocking the plane from taxiing.

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority described the act as a breach of aviation safety regulations and initially placed him on a six-month no-fly list while filing a criminal complaint with the police.

Advertisement
Continue Reading

News

Gov. Mohammed Flags Off Cybernation Program In Bauchi, Targets 100, 000 Citizens On Digital Skill

Published

on

In a determined move to position Bauchi State as a hub for digital innovation and a technologically-driven state, Governor Bala Mohammed on Tuesday flagged off what he called a “Cybernations” program–
an intensive cybersecurity training initiative.

This ambitious program known as the Digital Literacy and Skill Framework Bauchi Initiative, the project, developed in collaboration with the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), will provide basic digital skills training to more than 100,000 citizens by 2027.

Advertisement

Speaking at the launching in Bauchi on Tuesday, the governor said the initiative “marks a turning point for our state’s economic future” and will ensure that citizens, especially young people, can participate fully in the global digital economy.

He added that DL4ALL will integrate digital education into schools and workforce development policies, creating a talent pipeline for both local and international employers.

He also said it will offer advanced training to 2,000 youths in high-demand technology fields such as software development, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity among others.

Advertisement

READ ALSO: How I Transited From Abacha’s Friend To prisoner — Lamido

He said, “We acknowledge that Information Technology is today and in the foreseeable future the fastest growing industry and one with increasing capacity to absorb young people with skills. Its advantage is such that everyone can undertake training and acquire skills, be certified and create a sustainable source of livelihood leveraging on its power.

“Our vision is clear: to transform Bauchi into a digitally inclusive, economically vibrant, and innovation-driven state. We aim to harness technology not just as a tool, but as a catalyst for economic diversification, human capital development, and social transformation.”

Advertisement

Also, the Managing Director, Galaxy Backbone, Professor Ibrahim Adeyanju in a goodwill message Harped on the importance of cybersecurity awareness in today’s digital age.

He highlighted the need for collective efforts to equip Nigerians with the knowledge and tools necessary to thrive in a digital society.

He added that through visionary leadership of Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Muhammed, Galaxy Backbone has successfully extended its digital infrastructure to Bauchi via fibre optic connectivity and deployed 3 eLTE base stations to deliver true broadband internet access.

Advertisement

READ ALSO: Return To PDP, Bauchi Gov Tells Peter Obi

Country Representative of Protexxa’s Abi -Hafsat Abubakar, described the initiative as a gateway to over 3,5 million global cyber security jobs.

“The Cyber Nation programme, in partnership with Protexxa Inc, is the first of its kind in Nigeria and second in Africa, whereby 500 youths will be trained as certified cyber security experts with dire f pathway to local and international employment, including opportunities to earn foreign currency”.

Advertisement

Speaking in the same vein, the Director General Bauchi State Bureau for Information and Communication Technology, (BICTDE), Hayatudeen Babamaji noted that the Bauchi State Cyber Nations Program, in partnership with Protexxa Inc., under the leadership of Governor Balance Mohammed is a pioneering initiative the first of its kind in Nigeria and second in Africa.

Babamaji added that the program will train youths to become world-class cybersecurity professionals, equipping them with the skills to protect critical infrastructure and participate competitively in the global digital economy.

As we launch these programs, I want to reaffirm that this is not random. Our vision is clear, our direction is set, and with the collaborative programs such as these, we will achieve our goal of making Bauchi State an ICT hub not just for the North East region but whole of Nigeria and beyond”.

Advertisement

Other critical stakeholders include the Chief Operating Officer, Protexxa Inc. Canada, Rick Huijbregts, Executive Vice Chairman, Nigerian Communication Commission,(NCC) Dr. Aminu Maida, National Commissioner, Nigeria Data Protection Commission, Dr. Vincent Olatunji and MD, Nigerian Communication Satellite Limited, Mrs Nkechi Idehen among others.

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Trending