The Bauchi State Commissioner of Environment and Housing, Honorable Hamisu Muazu Shira has given a 3-week ultimatum to the Management of the State Environmental Protection Agency (BASEPA) to keep the state clean.
The Commissioner gave the ultimatum at a closed door meeting with the Management of the Agency held at its Headquarters in Bauchi.
Shira said the ultimatum became necessary due to the state of illegal dumping of refuse in major streets in the state.
He said, during the 3 weeks period, the agency must work hard with the support of critical stakeholders to tackle the situation thereby ensuring improvement in keeping the state clean.
” My emergency meeting with you today is urgent, we have a lot of complaints from people on refuse collections, with the appointment of new Director-General, I give you a 3-week ultimatum to address the issue and see possible improvement”, he said.
The Commissioner tasked the appointed Director-General of the Environmental Agency to come up with new reforms and and strategies in order to enable the state government free resources for the execution of environmental projects.
He expressed concern over the attitude of some unpatriotic citizens of the state who engaged in sabotaging the efforts of the state government in ensuring effective environmental management.
Shira stressed the need for all and sundry to join hands in the ongoing campaign in the state against illegal dumping of refuse on streets or other unauthorised areas.
He said, “It is an insult, at any official assignment people always raised questions about refuse collections in Bauchi, it was embarrassment, but we must put stop to it.
” I am also aware about saboteurs, people were been supported to sabotage our plans for keeping Bauchi clean, they will not succeed. We have taken the necessary steps to ensure we overcome the challenges associated with refuse collections. “
The Commissioner, therefore, tasked people of the state to use the waste dumping designated areas to dump their waste considering the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic and as raining season is approaching.
The newly appointed Director General of BASEPA, Dr Ibrahim Kabir, assured the Commissioner of the total commitment of the agency to work round the clock to achieve the set objectives.
Following the approval for the takeoff of the first phase of the Consumer Credit Scheme as part of efforts to enhance social mobility among Nigerians, the Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation (CREDICORP) opened a website to encourage Nigerians to register loans for important purchases.
The scheme aims to make consumer credit accessible and empower economically active citizens.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how civil servants and other Nigerians who are economically active can apply to enjoy this opportunity:
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Step 1: Understand the scheme
Before applying, understand what CREDICORP offers. The scheme is designed to:
– Improve Nigeria’s credit reporting systems, ensuring every economically active citizen has a reliable credit score.
This website will serve as your primary resource for application forms and additional information.
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Step 5: Fill out the Application Form
Complete the application form available on the website. Ensure all information is accurate to avoid any delays in your application process. Double-check all entries before submission.
Step 6: Submit Your Application
After filling out the form, submit your application through the website. You might receive a confirmation email or a notification on the portal confirming your submission.
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Step 7: Await Response
Once submitted, await feedback from CREDICORP. This could take a few days or weeks, depending on the volume of applications. Keep an eye on your email and the portal for any updates.
Step 8: Follow Up
If you haven’t heard back within the expected timeframe, it’s advisable to follow up through the contact details provided on the CREDICORP website.
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The PUNCH had earlier reported that President Bola Tinubu had approved the takeoff of the first phase of the Consumer Credit Scheme.
This was contained in a statement signed by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale.
“The President believes every hardworking Nigerian should have access to social mobility, with consumer credit playing a pivotal role in achieving this vision,”the statement said.
The Swedish government has resolved to return 39 pieces of Benin Artefacts in her Museum to the custody of Oba of Benin, Ewuare II.
According to a statement issued by Osaigbovo Iguobaro, Chief Press Secretary to Oba of Benin, the disclosure followed a Gazzette by the Federal Government which recognises ownership and vesting custody and management of repatriated Benin Artefacts in the Oba of Benin.
Iguobaro in the statement said that the Swedish Ambassador to Nigeria, Her Excellency Annika Hahn-Englund, conveyed the Swedish government decision when she paid a courtesy visit to Oba of Benin Palace in Benin City, Edo State.
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Ambassador Hahn-Englund informed the Royal father that Sweden and Nigeria, which is the second largest market in Sub-Sahara Africa, are trading partners, including infrastructure, Telecommunication, Energy and other businesses that supported the economies significantly.
The Swedish envoy, said, “also, I would like to mention that with cooperation, we have in Culture, Education with Nigeria; I would like to mention the decision of why the Swedish government has to return 39 Artefacts to Benin Kingdom.
“So, your Majesty, I am very honoured to be here tonight”,Ambassador Hahn-Englund said this while paying respect to Oba Ewuare II.
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Responding, Oba Ewuare II on behalf of Edo people also welcomed the decision and expressed his deepest gratitude to the Swedish government for the intervention.
The Benin monarch recalled how he made a request through the Swedish monarch in 1998 to return Benin Bronzes in Sweden during his courtesy visit to him as Nigeria Ambassador to Scandinavian Countries.
The traditional ruler disclosed that the federal government-backed Benin Royal Museum project is still on course, and commended partners for their support and devotion towards the project.
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The Oba also commended the National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM), which is an agency of the Federal Government of Nigeria, responsible for the preservation, promotion, and development of Nigeria’s cultural heritage.
The traditional ruler who prayed for members of the Diplomatic Mission, shared a captivating tale of his Diplomatic exploits as Ambassador in the Scandinavian Countries, noting that the remarkable reign and enduring affection of the Swedish monarch, His Royal Majesty, Carl Gustaf Folke Hubertus remain indelible.
According to Oba Ewuare II, the demand for the return of looted Benin Artefacts has been on since the reign of Oba Akenzua II, “and you are here today telling that it has been approved. This has been my request a long time ago. God’s time is always the best”.
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To underscore the significance of the historic visit to the Palace, the Ambassador in the accompany of her husband and a member of the Diplomatic Mission, presented a souvenir to Oba Ewuare II, who in turn gave a copy of the federal government Gazette on all Benin Artefacts to the envoy in appreciation.
Rivers commissioners Prof. Chinedu Mmom (Education), Dr. Gift Worlu (Housing), and Austen Ben-Chioma (Environment).
Three commissioners serving in the cabinet of Governor Siminalayi Fubara have resigned from the Rivers State Executive Council.
The commissioners are Prof. Chinedu Mmom (Education), Dr. Gift Worlu (Housing), and Austen Ben-Chioma (Environment), who are all loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
They were among the nine commissioners who had previously resigned in the heat of the political crisis in the state before the intervention of President Bola Tinubu.
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Their resignations came 24 hours after Fubara slammed his predecessor and estranged his political godfather, accusing him of leaving a huge debt burden for him.
The three commissioners tendered their resignations in separate letters addressed to the governor through the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Tammy Danagogo.
Mmom’s letter read, “I write to formally tender my resignation as a member of the Rivers State Executive Council as the Commissioner for Education with effect from today, May 15, 2024.
“It is a truism that a calm, safe, and friendly environment would stimulate efficient service delivery and enhanced productivity. It is, however, unfortunate to note that my current workspace has become toxic and no longer guarantees a favourable environment to enable me to realise my set targets for the education sector in the state.
“There is loss of trust, animosity and sharp division among colleagues in the same cabinet which is unhealthy and very unfortunate. I want to thank Your Excellency for the opportunity to serve in your cabinet and wish your administration well.”
Moments later, Ben-Chioma forwarded his letter dated same May 15. He noted that his reason for resigning is because of the political crisis in the state.
His letter read, “I hereby tender my resignation as the Commissioner for Environment, Rivers State, on this day, May 15, 2024.
“I want to sincerely appreciate Your Excellency for giving me the opportunity to be a part of the State Executive Council. My decision to resign is due to the political crisis befalling our dear Rivers State and other personal reasons.
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“It was a privilege to have been of service to you in your administration and wish you all the best in your tenure.”
Similarly, Worlu in his letter dated May 15, said, “I write to resign my appointment as the Commissioner for Housing formally. One of the most difficult decisions in my life yet, it is precipitated by the toxic atmosphere that has characterised our working relationship, especially the smouldering arbitrariness of decisions and actions, including the attempt to fuse the executive and legislative arms of government in Rivers State.
“I thank you for the opportunity to serve in your government and wish you the best as you continue to steer the ship of state. Kindly accept the assurances of my esteemed regards.”
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Before the trio of Mmom, Worlu, and Ben-Chioma, others who resigned were the former Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Prof Zacchaeus Adangor, and former Commissioner for Finance, Isaac Kamalu.
Adangor and Kamalu resigned after Fubara directed that they should be redeployed to the Ministry of Special Duties (Governor’s Office) and Ministry for Employment Generation and Empowerment, respectively.