News
VP Osinbajo launches TraderMoni in Edo as Obaseki assures more incentives for MSMEs
By Ikhili Ebalu, Benin City
Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, has launched TraderMoni, a component of the National Social Investment Programme (NSIP), in Benin City, the Edo State capital, promising the Federal Government’s unwavering support for micro businesses across the country.
The Vice President, accompanied by Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, and members of the state Executive Council at the launch, assured market women in Oba Market and Ekiosa, Benin City, that traders would receive the sum of N10,000 as a start-up capital, which is an initiative of the Federal Government through the Bank of Industry (BOI) and Government Enterprise Empowerment Programme (GEEP) to fund micro businesses in the country.
Osinbajo, who was received by the jubilant crowd in both markets; Oba Market and Ekiosa, populated by traders who gathered from across the state, said the initiative is part of the Federal Government’s Social Investment Programme to boost the funding of micro and small-scale businesses and commercial activities.
He said the sum of N10,000 which is to be repaid in six months is targeted at small-scale business enterprises, market women and artisans.
According to him, the beneficiaries are expected to meet up repayment deadline to enable them qualify for the next tranche ranging from N15,000 to N20,000.
Assuring beneficiaries of more incentives for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), Governor Obaseki said his administration would continue to work closely with the Federal Government on the several empowerment initiatives designed to enhance the welfare of Nigerians.
The governor urged market men and women to take advantage of the funding window to scale their businesses and improve their welfare, noting that the scheme has come to stay in Edo State.
One of the beneficiaries, Mrs Amina Ojo, expressed confidence in the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari, adding that the initiative, which was a rare privilege to petty traders, would go a long way to ameliorate the suffering of the downtrodden.
She urged the Federal Government to sustain the scheme when President is voted into office come next election.
Earlier, Governor Obaseki and his deputy, Rt. Hon. Shaibu and members of the state Executive Council received the Vice President at the Benin Airport.
Prof. Osinbajo, who is on a one-day working visit to the state, also held a closed-door meeting with Christian leaders in Benin City, at the Bishop Kelly Pastoral Center.
The Edo State Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Bishop Oyonnude Kure, led other Christian leaders including the representative of the President of Catholic Bishops Conference, and the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN).
Other Christian leaders present at the meeting were the presiding Bishop, Church of God Mission International, Arch. Bishop Margaret Idahosa, and overseer of Family Intercessory Ministries, Margaret Agbonifo.
Investigations by Nigerian Concord Newspaper reveal that the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers Council, Mr. Pius Akutah, has allegedly misappropriated public funds for a lavish lifestyle.
According to our findings, within months of assuming office, Akutah allegedly purchased a bulletproof SUV valued at approximately N850 million. In addition, he is reported to have acquired over twenty exotic SUVs for use as a convoy.
Akutah is also said to have acquired multiple high-value properties, including three in Abuja’s Maitama and Asokoro districts worth over N2 billion, and two in Lagos’ Banana Island valued at N1.8 billion. These acquisitions appear far beyond the scope of his official salary and allowances.
Further investigation suggests that Akutah may be using public funds to support political ambitions, including allegedly grooming militants across 23 local government areas in Benue State for a potential 2027 gubernatorial bid.
Staff of the Shippers Council reportedly claim that Akutah frequently accesses the council’s treasury without proper authorization. Some insiders have indicated that a petition will soon be filed with the EFCC, ICPC, and the Presidency to report his alleged misconduct.
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Investigations by Nigerian Concord Newspaper reveal that the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers Council, Mr. Pius Akutah, has allegedly misappropriated public funds for a lavish lifestyle.
According to our findings, within months of assuming office, Akutah allegedly purchased a bulletproof SUV valued at approximately N850 million. In addition, he is reported to have acquired over twenty exotic SUVs for use as a convoy.
Akutah is also said to have acquired multiple high-value properties, including three in Abuja’s Maitama and Asokoro districts worth over N2 billion, and two in Lagos’ Banana Island valued at N1.8 billion. These acquisitions appear far beyond the scope of his official salary and allowances.
Further investigation suggests that Akutah may be using public funds to support political ambitions, including allegedly grooming militants across 23 local government areas in Benue State for a potential 2027 gubernatorial bid.
Staff of the Shippers Council reportedly claim that Akutah frequently accesses the council’s treasury without proper authorization. Some insiders have indicated that a petition will soon be filed with the EFCC, ICPC, and the Presidency to report his alleged misconduct.
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I am writing to felicitate with Your Excellency, Atku Abubakar, GCON, former Vice-President of Nigeria (Zege Mule u Tiv & Wazirin Adamawa)
on the occasion of your 79th birthday anniversary.
I join your teeming admirers globally in celebrating you on this special day, an adorable Statesman and my Boss.
I recall with nostalgia, how countless generations have benefited from your generosity, wealth of experience and benevolence including being my key benefactor even as a young lawyer for my professional success.
Your Excellency, may your special day be filled with grandeur befitting your illustrious career.
I wish you continued success, prosperity, and an unending stream of accolades.
It takes a remarkable kind of fortitude to remain active in public life well into one’s golden years. Your dedication and patriotism remain truly exceptional.
May you enjoy a day of reflection on your many years of fruitful service to humanity. It is my prayer that God Almighty grants you many more healthy, fruitful, and fulfilling years ahead, and continues to endow you with wisdom, strength, and the grace to keep contributing to our nation-building.
Happy Birthday, Your Excellency.
Michael Kaase Aondoakaa SAN.
Former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice
TAU reaffirms commitment to globally competitive learning
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