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We’ll deliver on our mandate, Makinde assures Oyo residents
Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde, declared on Thursday that his administration was determined to deliver on the mandate given to him by the people of the state.
He also maintained that his government would continue to respect the rights of all citizens irrespective of their religious affiliations.
Governor Makinde, who was speaking during a courtesy visit by Bishops of the Anglican Dioceses in Oyo State, said that his administration remained committed to providing good governance.
A statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Makinde, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, quoted the Governor as stating that his administration remained committed to providing good governance and services that will be beneficial to residents across all religious lines.
He said: “This visit to congratulate this administration is actually not coming late because, about seven weeks ago, we were still talking about the Supreme Court judgment. When that judgment of Oyo State was delivered, another judgment was delivered which took away the mandate in Imo State. Having gone through the lion’s den, it is not late to congratulate us and I am appreciative of the visit.
“I also want to use the opportunity to thank you, spiritual leaders, because I got maximum support from you during the electioneering campaign and on the election itself. Of course, the support that we got cuts across the religious line.
“We have switched to the governance world because we are through with the electioneering. Now, we are set to deliver to the people of Oyo State, irrespective of their religious leanings.
“I am actually surprised when Bishop said we are doing very well but I know the Bishop’s Court in Ibadan and I know that going there right now, it’s very dusty. From around Islamic where they stopped the dualization going towards Akobo-Oju-Irin side, I know people living in that area and I have got feedback on what they are currently experiencing. So, I will just use this opportunity to let them know that we are feeling their pains right now. Of course, the contractor that was given that job happens to be one of the non-performing contractors in this state.
“The process is on to determine that contract and put people that are serious on the project. Also, for the rest of the state, we are looking at connectivity; how we can get our infrastructure to target our economy but you are also all aware of this local government issue going on. Apart from spiritual counselling, we also need prayers. We need you to remember us as individuals and also the state. Every time you are on the altar, remember us and pray for the state.
“I want to say that one of the major tasks for us is to tackle poverty and take the state from poverty to prosperity. Sometimes, people look at their individual interests and they say they worked and want to get their own benefits. Yes, positions may not go round; but if we fix that road from Moniya to Iseyin, and if that road is able to lead to more economic activities around that axis, anyone who is not lazy will derive some benefits from what we have done.
“Also, in the area of security, if we can secure an entire neighbourhood, then it will not matter whether people living in there are Christians or Muslims or traditional worshippers. We would have been able to provide security for everybody. We want to deliver on the mandate that we have right now.
“Please, support us and keep pointing out to us areas where we are falling short. We will pay attention and try to make amendments where possible. And where we cannot amend, we will provide explanation and justifications why we have taken the position that we have taken.”
The Anglican bishops, led by the Archbishop of Ibadan Ecclesiastical Province, Most Reverend Segun Okubadejo, with others including the Bishop of the Diocese of Ibadan, Most Reverend J.O. Akinfenwa; Bishop of Oke Ogun Diocese, Rt Revd Cornelius O. Adagbada and the Vice Chancellor of Ajayi Crowther University, Professor Dapo Folorunsho Asaju, among others, stated that their visit was to congratulate Governor Makinde on his victory at the poll and at the Supreme Court and to also pledge their spiritual and prayerful support to the Governor.
Speaking on behalf of the delegation, Most Revd. Okubadejo said: “So far so good, we are encouraged by your leadership style. You have been demonstrating in word and in action that you are a servant leader; the one who has truly come to serve his people. We are happy with this. We have also observed that your policies in management strategies, which are people-oriented are seen loud.
In the education sector, we know what is going on. In the health sector, you have performed well. The welfare of the workforce, which is the prompt payment of salary, payment of backlogs of pensioners’ entitlements; security of lives and property; equipping the Police Force and the emerging Amotekun outfit. We are happy with other things happening in Oyo State.
“So, all the Bishops in Oyo State are saying Seyi is working and Oyo State is on the move. Your Excellency, please be free at all times to seek spiritual counsel and guidance on any of these matters and concerning religious harmony in the state. We will be glad to offer our counsel and guidance.
“On this note, we want to thank you very much for all we have seen so far. People are asking if this administration will be able to sustain what it has started. Before, they were asking if they can do it. Now that you are doing it, they are asking if you can sustain it. But we believe that God will back you up and empower you to sustain it.”
The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development, Nentawe Yilwatda, has announced the Federal Government’s plan to reach 15 million households, representing 75 million people, through its conditional cash transfer scheme.
Speaking on Monday during an interview on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief, Yilwatda explained that the initiative is part of President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to mitigating the economic hardships faced by vulnerable Nigerians.
“The president was so specific,” Yilwatda noted.
“There are policies that he brought in to see if that can ease those challenges for people at the lower end of the pyramid. One of those policies is to reach out to 15 million beneficiaries under the conditional cash transfer, targeting households rather than individuals. Each household will receive ₦25,000 monthly, paid three times a year.”
Yilwatda further clarified that the 15 million households being targeted translate to 75 million Nigerians, assuming an average of five persons per household.
So far, the Federal Government has reached five million individuals but is facing challenges in fully sanitizing the social register, particularly with the implementation of the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) policy mandating digital identities for transparency and traceability of payments.
“Currently, only 1.4 million people on the social register have digital identities. Many of those we are targeting are outside the formal banking system,” the minister disclosed.
Yilwatda emphasized that women are specifically targeted as household leaders under the program to ensure the funds are used effectively for the benefit of children and other vulnerable members of society.
The conditional cash transfer programme, which is administered under the National Social Investment Programme, had earlier been suspended by President Tinubu in January due to allegations of corruption. However, the scheme was reinstated in February, with plans to extend the initiative to an additional 12 million households.
The Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) has assured Nigerians of a reduction in the pump price of petrol within the week, following adjustments to the ex-depot price by key players in the industry.
Last week, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited and the Dangote Refinery announced a reduction in the ex-depot price of petrol to ₦899 per litre in Lagos. Despite this, the pump price at many filling stations across the country has remained unchanged.
However, PETROAN President, Billy Gilly-Harry, during a Monday appearance on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily, expressed optimism that the price change would soon reflect in retail outlets.
“But I believe from today when members start loading from both NNPC and Dangote at this new price reduction, it will reflect in the market,” he said.
Gilly-Harry lauded some members of PETROAN, particularly in Abuja, for proactively reducing their pump prices to below ₦1,000 even before the official announcement. He emphasized that while members strive to serve Nigerians by providing affordable fuel, they must maintain marginal profitability to sustain operations.
“We don’t encourage our members to try to sell products at a loss because our focus is to serve Nigerians. And the only way we can serve Nigerians is when we have the resources to do so. The resources can only be there if we’re making marginal profit enough to pay for the cost of money and ensure continuity in business,” he noted.
Addressing concerns over the delay in implementing the price reduction, Gilly-Harry explained that some retailers are still selling old stock purchased at higher prices.
“This reduction, if you apply it immediately, don’t forget that some of them bought at ₦970, paid transportation costs and logistics that have taken it quite high,” he said. “By the time it gets to their retail outlets, it’s quite much more than that. And so they must also sell at a profit – minimal marginal profit as provisioned by the PIA. So, that’s the reason.”
The PETROAN boss commended both the NNPCL and Dangote Refinery for their efforts in reducing the ex-depot price, which he described as a significant step toward easing the burden on Nigerians.
Nigerians are now hopeful that the price adjustment will translate into tangible relief at filling stations in the coming days.
The Federal Government has declared Wednesday, December 25, and Thursday, December 26, 2024, as public holidays to mark Christmas and Boxing Day, respectively. Additionally, Wednesday, January 1, 2025, has been declared a public holiday to celebrate the New Year.
This announcement was made by the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, in a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Magdalene Ajani. The minister extended warm greetings to all Nigerians, urging them to embrace the festive period as an opportunity to reflect on the values of love, peace, and unity that the season represents.
Tunji-Ojo emphasized the significance of the season in fostering harmony and strengthening family and community bonds.
“The Christmas season is a good moment for both spiritual reflection and national renewal. As we celebrate the birth of Jesus, the Prince of Peace, let us demonstrate kindness and extend goodwill to one another, irrespective of our differences,” he stated.
He further encouraged citizens to remain committed to peace, unity, and progress for the development of the nation, stressing the Federal Government’s dedication to ensuring security and prosperity across the country.
While wishing Nigerians a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year, the minister expressed confidence in the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
He assured citizens that the coming year would usher in a stronger and more prosperous economy that would set Nigeria on a global pedestal.
The minister concluded by calling on Nigerians to celebrate responsibly, maintaining peace and unity throughout the festive season.
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