News
FG empowers 80 Ekiti women agri-preneurs with N1.6m grant
No fewer than 80 women agri-preneurs in Ekiti have benefited from a N1.6 million grant provided under the Federal Government’s Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise’s grant, as part of its vision of lifting 100 million Nigerians out of poverty.
Dr. Umar Radda, Director General, Small and Medium Enterprise Development Agency of Nigeria, (SMEDAN), restated the commitment of the present administration to lift 100 million Nigerians out of poverty in the next four years.
Radda, who was speaking on Sunday at the closing ceremony of the training of participants of the SMEDAN’s Women in Self Employment Programme, (WISE-P) in Ado-Ekiti, said that the training was aimed at raising the capacity of the participants to enable them utilize the funds effectively.
The DG of SMEDAN, who was represented by the agency’s Director of Agric-business Development and Extension, Dr Robert Owaiye, noted that globally, MSMEs are recognized as engines of socio-economic transformation, as they offered opportunities to drive jobs and wealth creation, as well as income re-distribution within the society.
“The WISE-P training and empowerment component is one the instruments available to SMEDAN to meet its mandate.
” The focus is on providing capacity building, (inclusive of entrepreneurship and vocational training) with associated empowerment grants to existing women agri-preneurs.
“This will procure for them the required mind-set and financial enablement, as well as place their businesses on the needed sound footing for impact in terms of pride, profit and diversification.
” This is part of President Buhari’s vision of raising 100 million persons out of poverty over the next four years, ” Radda said.
Our correspondent, reports that the DG, who explained that beneficiaries had been grouped into seven cooperative societies, with a grant of N230,000 each, urged beneficiaries to use the money judiciously.
Also speaking, the Ekiti state Commissioner for Trade and Investments, Chief Muyiwa Olumilua, reiterated the commitment of the state governor Kayode Fayemi to partner with SMEDAN and other agencies, to raise the standards of living of the citizens.
Participants at the training, Mrs Ruth Oladoja and Mrs Omoyeni Palmer, who spoke separately with newsmen, assured of equitable distribution and judicious use of the grants in order to contribute their own quota to the development of the economy.
Present at the occasion were the representative of NIRSAL Micro Finance Bank in Ekiti, Mr Dele Ayobami, and the SMEDAN Manager in Ekiti. Mr Ayomide Ilesanmi.
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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