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Ugwuanyi has Utilized IGR to Transform Enugu- Finance Minister
The Minister of Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun has expressed delight at the impressive pace of development in Enugu State, attributing the stride to the focused leadership of Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi and his prudent management of the state’s meager resources to address the basic needs of the people.
Mrs. Adeosun, who described Gov. Ugwuanyi as a “brave” leader, noted that the governor has done very well in growing the state’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) “transparently” and has also ensured that the revenues collected are utilized for the development of the state.
The finance minister spoke at the launch of the Voluntary Assets and Income Declaration Scheme (VAIDS) in Enugu, which offer taxpayers an opportunity, within a limited time, to regularize their tax status relating to previous tax periods.
She emphasized the need for the development of taxes that will assist states and the country achieve their potentials and vision for the people, stressing that “with regular taxes, we will avoid the pain that the recent collapse in oil prices and the consequent recession inflicted on Nigerians”.
Mrs. Adeosun also commended Gov. Ugwuanyi for the massive road projects in the state, especially his administration’s intervention on federal roads such as the 9th Mile-Ngwo- Miliken Hill-New Market road, adding that “Enugu State is one of the states where a lot is going on”.
The minister disclosed that the federal government has recognized that infrastructure is the key to job creation, growth and wealth, stressing that “payment of taxes is a fundamental requirement for our growth story”.
She said: “We have already released N1.2 trillion in capital so far for the 2017 budget, which commenced in June and most of this was applied to roads, bridges, rails, power, our airports and other key infrastructural projects”.
Also speaking, the Executive Secretary of Joint Tax Board, Sir Oseni Elamah, who applauded the finance minister for initiating the scheme, also commended Gov. Ugwuanyi for his giant strides in Enugu State.
Describing Ugwuanyi as a “digital governor”, Sir Elamah said that the governor has been able to manage the resources of the state in a transparent manner that has added value to the lives of the people, wondering how he has been able to achieve such remarkable feats with the meager income of the state.
“The governor (Ugwuanyi) is doing it in a digital way, because we all know that Enugu State is not one of the oil producing states, it is among the states that get the least federal allocation. We wonder where the governor gets the resources to do all that he is doing”, the Executive Secretary said.
In his address, Gov. Ugwuanyi while appreciating the minister for her resourcefulness, dynamism and commitment, which he said saw to the establishment of the scheme, disclosed that his administration, despite daunting economic constraints, has through prudent management and application of its meager resources, made substantial progress in actualizing its set objectives for the benefit of the people.
The governor stated that the government while creating job opportunities for the people through agriculture, entrepreneurship and investments, has also actively increased the tempo of infrastructural development especially in the rural areas; built capacity and remained regular in the payment of civil servants’ salaries and pensions.
He added that the state government has spent over N40 billion on the construction/rehabilitation of about 240km of roads across the three senatorial zones of the state between 2015 and this year, disclosing that “about N2.7 billion of the sum was spent on the rehabilitation/reconstruction of some Federal Roads including sections of the 9th Mile- Udi – Oji River – Ugwuoba – Anambra State border; sections of the 9th mile – Opi Expressway and the 9th Mile-Ngwo-Miliken-New Market road”.
Gov. Ugwuanyi further stated that the far reaching reforms initiated by his administration saw to the significant increase of the state’s IGR to “an all-time high of N22 billion at the close of 2017 in contrast to the N14 billion that we collected in the whole of 2016 fiscal year”, regretting that federal institutions in Enugu were owing the state government over N14 billion in unpaid taxes.
While requested the minister’s intervention on the payment of the outstanding tax debts owed by the federal agencies, Gov. Ugwuanyi enjoined “all Tax payers in Nigeria, but more particularly in Enugu State, to participate actively in VAIDS especially when it offers citizens the opportunity to regularize their tax status and avoid prosecution or investigation for tax-related offences”.
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APRA Decries Terror Attack in Burkina Faso
… Spread of mpox in DRC and the frightening flooding in Sudan
The African Public Relations Association (APRA) has condemned the recent terror attack in the Burkinabe town of Barsalogho in the Sanmatenga Province of the Republic, which has killed so many people and injured scores of persons.
In a statement on Friday, signed by Dr. Omoniyi Ibietan, secretary-general, APRA, the body said it is greatly concerned about the increasing terror attacks in Burkina Faso and in other parts of Africa.
“The umbrella body of practitioners and professionals of public relations in Africa hereby calls for the cessation of all forms of attacks, especially on unarmed people. We call for dialogue as a more civil approach to resolving conflicts instead of violent attacks leading to destruction and catastrophic outcomes that leave the continent more devastated.
“We are gravely disturbed by this recent attack in Burkina Faso, coming on the heels of the death of over 500 persons due to mpox scourge caused by the monkeypox virus ravaging the Democratic Republic of Congo, DRC, the hotbed of the health crisis; and the distressing floods caused by the collapse of the Arba’ at Dam in the east of the Republic of Sudan, destroying or impacting about 70 communities and affecting telecommunication infrastructure and other utilities. These and many emergent humanitarian crises in Africa have been overwhelming enough for a great but challenged continent. Therefore, entrenched terror attacks can only worsen efforts at restoring the glory of the continent.
“As a body of communication managers, APRA iterates its call for increased, sincere and responsible conversation and concrete actions among state actors and other stakeholders in Africa to address these and future challenges, many of which are heralded by warning signs. Therefore, APRA calls on the World Health Organisation (WHO) to resume strengthening collaboration with the government and people of DRC because mpox is yet to be defeated as an existential global health issue.
APRA stands in solidarity with the Governments and people of Burkina Faso, the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Republic of Sudan. We commiserate with those who have lost family members and friends. We also wish those injured and displaced speedy recovery.
News
NNPC Launches Vision First Programme in Ilaje Community, Lagos
… Over 1,000 Individuals Receive Free Eye-care Services
The NNPC Ltd has flagged off the third edition of the Vision First Programme, as part of comprehensive community-focused healthcare outreach targeted at the Ilaje community and its environs in Bariga, Lagos State.
The Vision First programme is a continuation of NNPC Ltd/ SNEPCo Production Sharing Contract (PSC) commitment to advancing health and well-being within its host communities. Through this initiative, over 1,000 individuals will receive free eye care services, alongside a range of general healthcare provisions. The services include cardiovascular screening, BMI assessments, laboratory services, consultations, treatment of mild and chronic diseases, and distribution of insecticide-treated nets.
Since its inception, the Vision First programme has made a significant impact, with over 1,853 individuals benefiting from free eye care services. The Lagos edition, which began in 2022, has screened 2,000 people, provided 1,199 prescription glasses, administered medication to 1,310 beneficiaries, and facilitated successful procedures for 189 individuals.
The initiative is also aligned with the Mallam Mele Kyari-led Management commitment of making positive impact in NNPC Ltd’s host communities and enhancing the quality of life for Nigerians through sustainable partnerships.
In his remarks, the Chief Upstream Investment Officer of NNPC Upstream Investment Management Services (CUIO – NUIMS), Mr. Bala Wunti stated that the Vision First Plus programme represents a commitment to restoring hope and improving lives within NNPC Ltd commour communities.
“Through this programme, we aim to ensure that preventable vision challenges do not hold anyone back. By providing eye screenings, corrective lenses, surgeries, and general healthcare, we’re dedicated to bringing clarity and brighter futures to those who need it most,” Wunti, who was represented by Mrs. Bunmi Lawson, added.
The outreach emphasized the significance of proactive health management, highlighting that healthy eyes lead to a brighter future. Attendees were encouraged to protect their vision through regular check-ups, a balanced diet, and adequate rest.
The Vision First programme embodies the spirit of collaboration and the essence of giving back to the communities where NNPC Ltd operates. It also signifies the Company’s commitment to investing in social initiatives that leave a lasting positive impact.
News
Bashir Hadeija: More Revelations, Panic as Fingered Elements Embark on Attack of High Profile Government Officials
By: Staff Writer
The sponsors of malicious allegations and attacks on the Minister of Defense, Dr Bello Matawalle, the Director General of DSS, Mr. Yusuf Magaji Bichi, the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, the IG of Police, Kayode Egbetokun and other top government officials, are on it again.
Commenting on the matter, Habib Ahmed, a Public Analyst, believes they are circulating spurious write up through an unknown and faceless group to attack top government functionaries, “this is orchestrated by the arrest of one Bashir Hadeija who they collaborate with and also use him to propagate false and nefarious information.
“This Bashir Hadeija uses all sorts of deceitful ways including name dropping to manipulate the public.
Since the arrest of Bashir Hadeija and the revelations he is making, certain individuals are jittery because investigation is closing in on them.
“Zamfara State Governor, former NSA , Defence minister and others who are sponsoring Bashir Hadeija have embarked on campaign of calumny against Dr Matawalle, IGP, NSA , DG DSS and other credible top government officials.
“Dr Matawalle does not have need to smear the image of any one as he is busy with efforts to enhance national security.
“Bashir Hadeija and his cohorts who have been found with Gold with the inscription of former late Libyan leader whose street value is unimaginable. Bashir Hadeija is an international crook who has been caught up by wrath of the law is capable of subversive activities.
“Arrest of Bashir Hadeija has triggered more reactions and thank God that Bashir Hadeija mentioned the names of Zamfara Governor, Ali Gusau, Badaru and as a result of this, they have started attacks on Matawalle, Nuhu Ribadu, DG DSS and IGP but this should not deter them in ensuring that justice is done.
“The anticipated attacks from the named accomplices of Bashir Hadeija against high profile Nigerians should be ignored. A person who stole Gold from Libya can say anything to anybody. The public should ignore them”, Habib Ahmed, said.
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