Metro
Kogi wins World Bank’s Fiscal Transparency, Revenue Mobilisation awards
By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja.
In recognition of its prowess in management of resources, the World Bank has conferred on Kogi State, North Central Nigeria, three categories of Awards of Excellence in Fiscal Transparency and Accountability, Debt Sustainability and Domestic Revenue Mobilisation.
A statement signed by the state Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, said the awards were conferred at the Federal Government of Nigeria/World Bank States Fiscal Transparency, Accountability and Sustainability (SFTAS) Dinner.
The statement added that the dinner with Governors/Award Night, was held at Transcorp Hilton, Abuja on Monday evening.
According to the statement, the objective of the World Bank’s SFTAS Programme is to promote and refocus attention of Nigerian States towards improvement of their PFM systems, processes and institutions.
“SFTAS is aimed at strengthening fiscal transparency to help build trust in government, facilitating accountability in public resource management and ensuring sustainability in the participating states”, the statement said.
It further said that the National Programme Coordinator, Ali Mohammed, who signed the invitation letter to states, noted that the SFTAS had made remarkable achievements.
“The SFTAS programme has achieved important milestones with remarkable improvement in fiscal transparency and accountability; increased domestic revenue mobilization; increased efficiency in public expenditure; and strengthened debt management”, Mohammed had said.
The statement also added that the Auditor-General of Kogi State, Yakubu Okala, attributed the celebrated success of the state in the areas of fiscal transparency and accountability to self-discipline.
He also attributed it to the institution of a transparent and accountable governance system by Governor Yahaya Bello from the inception of his administration.
“The State is blessed with an incorruptible Governor who also provides leadership from all fronts, a professional to the core that has surrounded himself only with persons that have the capacity to deliver.
“The philosophy of the Governor of the State, His Excellency, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, is making every single kobo available work for the entity of the State.
“Hence, he has instituted self-discipline, as well as transparent and accountable governance system from day-one of his administration.
“He does not condone any form of abuse or misuse of the state’s resources at the disposal of every responsible officer”, the Auditor-General said.
The dinner was therefore organized to celebrate the acievements of SFTAS since inception.
Recall that the World Bank, in July 2021, commended Governor Yahaya Bello for refunding $4.63 million surplus funds under the Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP).
The commendation was conveyed in a letter of appreciation, signed by its Regional Director, Shubham Chaudhuri, describing the step as a sign of good leadership.
According to the World Bank, the Governor’s action made it possible for the organisation to extend its projects to other states facing deficit funds and to extend the closing date of its projects.
Metro
Plane Crash Averted Hours After Enenche’s Prophetic Warning at Prayer Session
In a mindblowing prophetic insight, Senior Pastor Dr. Paul Enenche of Dunamis International Gospel Centre led prayers against an impending plane crash during his Commanding The Day Midnight Prayers on Thursday, which many believe averted a disaster just hours later.
During the early hours at the Glory Dome in Abuja, Dr. Enenche urged his congregation to pray fervently against a possible plane crash, asking for divine intervention to “cancel” any agenda of harm in the skies. “We must pray against a plane crash,” he declared, adding, “I stand anointed to cancel every agenda of the devil to cause any crash…it is canceled in the name of Jesus.”
Six hours after the prayer session, an incident involving an Air Peace flight traveling from Abuja to Lagos appeared to validate his warning.
As the flight was about to take off, a bird strike at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport forced the plane to halt immediately.
Passengers onboard, including Lagos-based lawyer Inibehe Effiong, were shaken as the aircraft came to a sudden stop. Effiong shared his experience on social media, expressing relief that the incident occurred before takeoff, which could have led to a graver situation. “Thankfully, it didn’t happen after takeoff. It would have been scarier,” Effiong wrote.
As a replacement aircraft was brought in and passengers reboarded, Effiong called for the adoption of bird detection radar technology to prevent similar incidents.
Dr. Enenche’s congregation took to social media to celebrate what they saw as divine intervention, expressing gratitude for his timely prayer, which they credit with averting a national tragedy.
This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of spiritual vigilance and has inspired many in the congregation to deepen their faith and remain steadfast in prayer.
A video of Dr. Enenche’s prophetic declaration is now being widely shared, with many inspired by his foresight and the significance of this near-miss event.
Metro
ENSG Cracks Down on School Bullying, Orders Arrest of Culprits
The Enugu State Government (ENSG) has ordered the immediate arrest and prosecution of students involved in the bullying and physical assault of a fellow student at the Federal Government College, Enugu.
This is coming after a disturbing video of the incident surfaced on social media, sparking widespread condemnation.
In a statement, Commissioner for Education Prof. Ndubueze Mbah expressed deep concern, labeling the incident as “emotionally distressing” and underscoring the government’s zero-tolerance policy for bullying and abuse in schools.
He confirmed that the state government is collaborating with the Federal Ministry of Education to ensure that all those involved, including any school authorities who failed in their duties, face appropriate consequences.
“The safety and welfare of our students are paramount,” Prof. Mbah stated, pointing to the state’s significant investment in education under Governor Peter Mbah’s administration as evidence of its commitment to providing a safe learning environment.
He warned that acts of harassment, intimidation, and violence will be met with strict repercussions.
Meanwhile, the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) at FGC Enugu sought to clarify the situation, dispelling rumors of cult involvement.
PTA Chairman Dr. Chinedu Mba explained that the disturbance began when a student was found with Indian hemp.
He emphasized that parents should counsel their children on avoiding harmful behaviors and reassured the public of the PTA’s commitment to student safety.
Metro
Group Calls for Suspension, Investigation, Prosecution of FERMA MD Over Alleged Corruption
A group, Coalition for National Rehabilitation and Reconstruction (CNRR), has issued a formal plea to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, urging the immediate suspension, investigation, and potential prosecution of the Managing Director of the Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA).
Their call is coming amid series of damning allegations surrounding corruption, incompetence, and misuse of office.
The group who converged on Thursday morning at the Headquarters of the FERMA at the Wuse 11 in the Federal Capital Territory carried banners and placards with inscriptions calling for the investigation and possible sack of the Managing Director of the Agency, Engr Emeka Agbasi.
In a strongly worded letter addressed to the President and Commader in Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, Three Arms Zone, and read by the National converner of the coalition Alhaji Ali Abacha, they outlined numerous accusations against the FERMA boss.
They accused him of gross mismanagement and criminal activity, which threaten to undermine the government’s anti-corruption drive. Key allegations include the sale of contracts for financial gain, abuse of Direct Labor Agencies for unauthorized projects, and financial irregularities involving the illegal virement and swapping of payments without due process.
According to the letter, the FERMA MD is also accused of laundering money through fronts operating via Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB) and Zenith Bank, living lavishly in Abuja hotel suites such as Pinnatech Suites Ltd., and sidelining experienced contractors in favor of cronies.
Furthermore, the MD is being accused of ignoring directives from the Ministry of Works, acting independently and awarding contracts unrelated to federal road maintenance.
Abacha stressed the importance of suspending and investigating the official to maintain public trust and uphold the government’s commitment to transparency and accountability.
He called on anti-corruption agencies, including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC), to take immediate action.
The statement warned that allowing such actions to continue unaddressed would reflect poorly on President Tinubu’s administration, which has made fighting corruption a key priority. CNRR urged the government to act swiftly to prevent further damage to its image and credibility.
As of now, there has been no official response from the Presidency or FERMA regarding these allegations. The Nigerian public and stakeholders in the construction sector are closely watching for developments in what could become a significant test of the government’s resolve in combating corruption.
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