Tinubu commends Governors for supporting tax reform

President Bola Tinubu has expressed his appreciation for the Nigeria Governors’ Forum following their unanimous endorsement of the four Tax Reform Bills currently under consideration by the National Assembly. President Tinubu lauded the governors for their bold leadership and commitment to fostering unity among leaders nationwide, transcending regional, ethnic, and political barriers to advance Nigeria’s development. Thursday’s productive consultation between the Nigeria Governors’ Forum and the Presidential Committee on Tax and Fiscal Policy is a commendable example of cooperation between the Federal and State governments. He extended special commendations to the Chairman of the Governors’ Forum, Kwara State Governor Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq, for successfully galvanising support among his peers for these transformative tax bills to rejuvenate the national economy and enhance Nigeria’s investment climate. He also commended the Progressive Governors Forum, the Northern Governors Forum, and all other groups that made the bipartisan resolution of the controversy stirred by the tax bills possible. President Tinubu underscored that the primary aim of the Tax Reform Bills, which is pro-poor, is to promote national interests, improve the competitiveness of Nigeria’s economy, and attract both local and foreign investments. He said updating the country’s outdated tax laws is essential to this endeavour. The President noted that the dialogue between the NGF and the Presidential Committee on Tax and Fiscal Policy Reform highlights the power of constructive conversation in resolving differences. President Tinubu regarded the governors as vital contributors to nation-building and affirms his commitment to partnering with them to promote economic growth, national harmony, peace, and stability. He also encouraged other stakeholders with ideas and suggestions for refining the Tax Bills to engage with the ongoing legislative process at the National Assembly. Finally, President Tinubu urged the National Assembly to expedite the legislative process for these crucial bills so that the country can swiftly reap the benefits of the reforms.

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Solskjaer named Besiktas new coach

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has been named new coach of Besiktas. The former Manchester United manager has been out of football since his sacking in December 2021. Solskjaer said at his presentation: “It’s great to be here. “It’s very nice to see so many people who care about this fantastic football club. “I’ve had a very nice first meeting with the members of the board. “I’m really looking forward to this – it’s fantastic to be in this beautiful city.” Besiktas axed Giovanni van Bronckhorst last month. The Black Eagles currently sit sixth in the Super Lig table.

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Kwara to employ 1,800 new senior class teachers

Kwara State Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq has approved a request of the Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM) to hire 1,800 teachers, 100 non-teaching staff, and 200 security guards to promote safer school environment. The hires are for the senior secondary schools across the state, with emphasis on the rural areas where teachers are lacking. TESCOM Chairman Mallam Bello Tauheed Abubakar said in a statement that application links will soon be released. “All applicants will have to apply online. Applicants must have a university bachelor degree in education or a university degree in relevant subjects with a teaching certificate. These are B.Ed, BSc. Ed, B.A. Ed, BSc plus PGDE or NCE. Applicants without the listed qualifications will not be invited for the test,” he said. “The recruitment exercise is essentially to bridge the human resource gap in the schools in the hinterlands. Therefore, applications will be screened along that line. “Teachers of STEM subjects will also be prioritised in the exercise. Required subject areas in Art and Commercial will also be indicated on the application portal. We plead that persons whose subject areas are not indicated should not apply. “Applicants will be required to upload the certificate of their local government of origin, indicate their local government of residence, and show evidence of same at different stages of the exercise. “Further requirements may be announced in the course of the exercise. The cutoff mark will be decided after the CBT. Only applicants who meet the requirements will be invited for the CBT. “After the CBT, shortlisted applicants will be invited for interviews and peer teaching (practicum) at venues to be announced. “All shortlisted applicants shall undergo drug tests in line with the focus of the government to fight drug abuse and protect school children from the menace of drug abuse. “Applicants who exhibit behaviours unexpected of a teacher and role model will be disqualified at any stage of the exercise. “TESCOM sincerely commends the unrivalled commitment of the Governor to a better public sector education. This is reflected in the clear policy direction and investment of the administration since 2019.”

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Gov Abdulrazaq celebrates 18-year-old chartered accountant

Kwara State Governor Abdulrazaq Rahman sends hearty congratulations to 18-year-old University of Ilorin’s student Miss Faith Aduragbemi Olabisi who recently became a chartered accountant. Abdulrazaq said the feat is a triumph of hard work, determination, equal opportunities, and equitable access to education. He urged the young chartered accountant to remain steadfast and strong as she pursues a career in the field of accountancy. The Governor commended her parents and her communities for the opportunity and encouragement that saw her through years of rigorous and consistent study. He wished Miss Olabisi many years of outstanding success and contributions to national development as a chartered accountant.

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Oyetola sets special committee to address incessant boat mishaps

The Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola has constituted a Special Committee to review the operations of commercial boat operators in Coastal and Inland Waterways with a view to addressing incessant boat mishaps across the country. In a meeting in Abuja with Heads of Agencies overseen by the Ministry, Oyetola, noted that it has become a matter of urgent concern, hence the need to proffer solutions to reduce it to the barest minimum. The Committee is expected to reveiw and come up with recommendations and actionable plans that would checkmate the menace. The Committee has the Managing Director, National Inland Waterways (NIWA), Bola Oyebamiji as Chairman. Others members are as follows; Mr. D. Mobereola, DG-NIMASA (Member); Prof. S. Abiodun ED-NIOMR (Member); Dr. A.M Sule ED-NIFFR (Member); Dr. B.D. Olaosebikan, P-FCFFT (Member); Prof. B. Fakinlede TA-HM-FMMBE (Member); and Mr. A. Offie DD-IWW (Secretary). The Terms of Reference to guide the Committee include but not limited to; “Review the existing commercial boat transport operations and assess: Boat mishaps and its causative factors; Current boat operations safety & sbecurity compliance; and Existing boat specifications in relation to acceptable standards. “Develop a comprehensive plan to address the findings from the assessment and guarantee safe commercial boat transport operations in Coastal and Inland Waterway; “Develop standard design specification for basic categories of commercial boats for Coastal and Inland Waterway; and “Consider any other related measures/issues as may be deemed appropriate for a safe and viable commercial boat operations in our coastal and Inland waterway transport system that would address incessant boat mishaps.” The Committee has 21 days to complete the assignment and submit a comprehensive report to the Ministry.

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NFF to strengthen partnership with Mini-Football team

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has initiated a collaboration with the mini-football team aimed at creating a strategic partnership that is expected to benefit both entities. This initiative is part of the NFF’s broader commitment to enhance football development and governance in Nigeria. On Friday, representatives from the mini-football team visited the NFF headquarters in Abuja, where they met with the General Secretary, Dr Mohammed Sanusi, MON. During the meeting, Dr Sanusi highlighted the importance of maintaining professionalism within the federation and emphasized the necessity for the NFF’s operations to align with the regulations established by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA). Dr Sanusi reiterated the NFF’s primary role in overseeing and regulating football activities in Nigeria, clarifying that all related events must receive the appropriate approvals and sanctions from the federation. He stressed the need for compliance with the standards set forth by FIFA and CAF, underscoring the importance of adhering to global practices in football governance. The mini-football team included Alhaji Umah Yusuf Datti, Ambassador Paul Chukwudi Maduakor, Chief Agu Chukwuemelie Lambert, Ambassador Sheriff Mulade and Fabian Edaba. Their presence underscored a collective effort to advance football governance and foster collaboration within various levels of the sport in Nigeria. This partnership between the NFF and the mini-football team represents a pivotal move towards enhancing football governance and development in the country. The NFF is committed to engaging with stakeholders to achieve its objectives.

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UAE President to visit Nigeria this year

United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has accepted Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s invitation to visit Nigeria this year. The Nigerian leader invited him Wednesday night during their bilateral talks on the sidelines of the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week 2025 President Tinubu arrived in Abu Dhabi on Sunday as a guest of the UAE President to participate in the Sustainability Week, a forum for exchanging ideas to support sustainable development worldwide and encourage collective action to address global challenges, such as climate change, water and energy crises. He delivered Nigeria’s position on climate and other challenges earlier on Wednesday and congratulated the UAE leader for the successful event. During the discussions, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan thanked the Nigerian leader for accepting his invitation and expressed the UAE’s determination to strengthen economic cooperation between Nigeria and his country. The two leaders also explored attracting investment into Nigeria. President Tinubu said his government’s economic reforms are yielding fruits and called on the UAE to partner with Nigeria to develop the economy. He said the reforms had stabilised and grown the economy, encouraging foreign investors, including international oil companies, to announce billion-dollar investments, signalling renewed confidence in doing business with Africa’s most populous nation. President Tinubu thanked Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan for the warm reception he and his aides received since their arrival over the weekend. Minister of Foreign Affairs Yusuf Tuggar, Minister of Finance Wale Edun, and the National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu accompanied President Tinubu to the meeting at the Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental in Abu Dhabi. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs; Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Special Affairs; and H.H. Sheikh Zayed bin Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan accompanied the UAE President. Other UAE officials at the meeting were: Reem bint Ebrahim Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Cooperation; Dr Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and Salem Saeed Al Shamsi, UAE Ambassador to Nigeria.

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House of Representatives mourn Deputy Chief Whip, Onanuga

The House of Representatives has announced the passing of Rt. Hon. Adewunmi Oriyomi Onanuga, who, until her demise, served as the Deputy Chief Whip of the House. Onanuga, who represented the Ikenne/Sagamu/Remo North Federal Constituency of Ogun State, passed away Tuesday, January 15, 2025, after a brief illness. Representative Onanuga, born on December 2, 1965, was a dedicated public servant, a visionary leader, and a passionate advocate for her constituents. She was first elected to the House in 2019 on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC). During that tenure, she served as Chairperson of the House Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development in the 9th Assembly, where she championed policies to empower women and advance social welfare. Re-elected in 2023, she was appointed Deputy Chief Whip of the 10th Assembly, a role in which she demonstrated exceptional leadership and unwavering commitment to legislative discipline, particularly during parliamentary sittings. Affectionately known as ‘ Ijaya,’ Rep. Onanuga’s intellect, passion, humility, and drive for excellence earned her admiration among her colleagues and constituents alike. Her impactful contributions to Nigeria’s political landscape reflected her passion for creating a better society and her tireless dedication to public service. “We extend our heartfelt condolences to her family, friends, associates, the Government and People of Ogun State – particularly the Ikenne/Sagamu/Remo North constituency – and the entire membership of the National Assembly. “As we mourn the loss of this vibrant and committed lawmaker, whose life was devoted to improving the lives of Nigerians – especially her constituents – her legacy of service and dedication will continue to inspire future generations. “Funeral arrangements will be announced by her family in due course. May her soul rest in perfect peace, and may her legacy continue to inspire generations to come,” the House stated.

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