News
Benue Boosts Agricultural Sector With N6.2Bn
Benue state government is set to prioritize agriculture with emphasis on farm mechanization, land development, rehabilitation of Agro-service Centers and Colleges of agriculture with the allocation of N6.2 billion for 2016 as against N725 million in the 2015 approved budget.
Governor Samuel Ortom during presentation of the 2016 Budget Appropriation Bill at the Benue State House of Assembly Complex, Makurdi which was tagged “Trust, Confidence and Credibility Budget” explained that the proposal was in line with key pillar of agriculture driven industrialization with a view to generate wealth as well as providing employment for Benue’s teeming youth.
He said on the whole, an aggregate sum of N58,382,302,240.00 representing 43.77% is proposed for economic sector in the budget estimate; staying that is encouraging all public and civil servants in the state to own farms and gardens and assured of his administration to provide incentives to ensure that farming is jot drudgery but actually an enjoyable vacation.
“I direct the Ministries of Education, Agriculture and Environment to collaborate and ensure that every student in Benue state plants one economic tree each year. When this is fully carried out, Benue will have at least 800,000 additional economic trees by students beginning from 2016. Moreover, our objectives in this sector include the encouragement of micro, small scale enterprises, commercial and investment activities that creat massive jobs, wealth and opportunities”, he said.
An Economist, Dr. Maurice Tersoo Bemgba who spoke on the 2016 Benue budget estimate of N133, 394, 92,610.00 billion said given the sharp fall in the sale of crude oil in the international market, only the sustenance of agriculture in the country and Benue in particular will make government to fund proposed projects for the benefit of the electorates and call for strict monitoring of appointees to ensure compliance with the lay down policy of APC government in the state.
While commending the Ortom administration for pledging continued institutional strengthening of internally generated revenue collection in collaboration with the local government councils with adequate recognition for Tax Clearance Certificates as instrument of compliance for accessing public services, Dr. Bemgba therefore, challenged the administration to put in place a monitoring mechanism to check possible diversion of such funds to private Pucket.
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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