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AFRICA MUST INDUSTRIALISE, CEASE BEING DUMPING GROUND FOR INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTS – SANWO-OLU

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Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu
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Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has expressed the need for Africa to industrialise and cease being a dumping site for industrial, commercial and consumer products from other countries.

Speaking at the Y2021 Africa Industrialisation Day, held in Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos, Sanwo-Olu said that industrialisation of Africa will serve a dual purpose of socio-economic empowerment, through job creation, and wealth generation opportunities for the people, while enhancing government revenue for government for provision of infrastructure and social services.

The Governor, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Mrs. Folashade Jaji, declared that the State was not unmindful of the potentials available for socio-economic growth and regeneration, especially with its status as the hub of socio-economic and industrial activities in Nigeria and the ECOWAS sub-region.

His words: “We are committed to enhancing our potential through partnerships and collaboration with the private sector and other stakeholders, provision of incentives and implementation of policies that will encourage more entrepreneurs to jump on the industrialisation train.

“I urge you all, young and upcoming entrepreneurs in particular, to take advantage of the opportunities we have provided through relevant government agencies. Industrialisation is about adding value to the abundant primary products we are blessed with for greater and more rewarding returns, through local consumption and exports”, he said.

He further noted that the creation of the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AFCFTA) has the potential of being a veritable platform for the opening up of the industrial space with available opportunities to promote free trade among component States.

In her opening remarks, Commissioner for Commerce, Industry and Cooperatives, Dr. Lola Akande, affirmed that the theme for this year; “Industrialising Africa: Renewed Commitment Towards an Inclusive and Sustainable Industrialisation and Economic Diversification”, is apt and timely.

She noted that the theme was a pointer to the fact that internal policies must be evolved to act as catalysts for local industries to facilitate industrialisation and economic diversification.

Mrs. Akande said: “I wish to also remind you of the need to begin to work out strategies that would give our Country comparative advantages as a nation in view of the Africa Continental Free Trade Agreement which Nigeria keyed into on 22nd July, 2019 in Niamey”.

“It is expected that once AFCFTA is fully implemented, it will create a single African market for goods and services, covering an estimated 1.2 billion people with a combined GDP of USD2.5 trillion across 55 member States,” she stated.

She noted that the Sanwo-Olu government had introduced the exhibition of locally fabricated machines, equipment and innovative projects from schools in Lagos State to create the desired linkage between machine fabricators, manufacturers of products and the end-users.

The Commissioner enjoined all stakeholders to take advantage of this opportunity and make efforts to create a synergy that would lead to value addition on the government’s path to industrialisation, economic recovery and growth.

Also, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Commerce, Industry and Cooperatives, Mr. Oladele Ajayi asserted that the annual event is a good platform to showcase innovative potentials of students in local machine fabrication and made in Lagos products.

He declared that the event will assist young entrepreneurs and industrialists to grow their businesses and create linkages for sustainable development.

While commending the State Government’s effort in sustaining the annual event, Ajayi submitted that the Week has encouraged young industrialists to thrive, despite the socio-economic challenges, and also encouraged the patronage of locally made products.

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#EndSARS Movement Was Funded From US To Ambush Tinubu From Becoming President – Bisi Akande 

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Asiwaju Bola Tinubu
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu
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The former interim National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), has claimed that the #EndSARS movement was designed and funded from the United States of America against President Bola Tinubu.

According to him, the #EndSARS movement was heavily funded from the US with support from America and only brought to Nigeria to ambush Tinubu from becoming President.

Speaking in an interview with Edmund Obilo, as seen in a video which has now gone viral on social media, he mentioned that the .obedient movement were the ones behind the #EndSARS movement and protest.

He added that it was after the protest they attempted to transform into a political party and when it became impossible, they all migrated into another political party.

“EndSARS was designed to be the end of Tinubu. Those behind the EndSARS knew that’s what they were doing,” Akande declared during the interview.

Asked by the interviewer to identify those behind the EndSARS movement, Akande replied, “The obidients.”

“The Obidients were behind EndSARS; it was manufactured in America and brought in just to stop him (Tinubu).

“Obideints came from America to do the EndSARS and later became a movement to form a party, and they couldn’t form a party and joined whichever party,” the APC chieftain said.

Pushing further, the interviewer noted that Obidients are tied to Peter Obi and Akande, in response said: “Well, maybe Obi’s party, I don’t know, maybe Obi’s movement, I don’t know, but the obidients were behind the EndSARS.

“It was well planned with a lot of money from America.”

He added that it was an ambush that President Tinubu wasn’t aware of.

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Court Grants Sowore ₦10m Bail

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Omoyele Sowore
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The judge gave him 24 hours to perfect the bail conditions or be remanded by the police until the bail is perfected.

The convener of #Revolutionnow movement, Omoyele Sowore, has been granted bail to the tune of ₦10 million and one surety in like sum.

The surety must be a responsible individual with landed property valued in like sum.

The surety is expected to deposit the original documents of landed property and a passport photograph to the registrar of the court.

While ruling on the bail application, the trial judge, Justice Musa Liman, ordered Sowore to deposit his international passport with the registrar of the court.

The judge, however, gave him 24 hours to perfect the bail conditions or be remanded by the police until the bail is perfected.

Sowore had honoured the invitation of the police on Monday, January 27, 2025, when he was questioned at the Force Criminal Investigation Department.

He was subsequently granted administrative bail but rejected the conditions of bail and remained in custody.

The police later filed a 16-count charge of cybercrime against him.

In count three, the police said Sowore on December 20, 2024, through his X handle, called the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, “the illegal IG of Nigeria Police Force”.

Sowore is being accused by the police of posting the picture Egbetokun on his X handle with the caption: “Mediocrity, incompetence, corruption, a country run by characterless people can not make progress”.

The police also alleged that Sowore, through his X handle, said, “IGP Kayode Egbetokun will destroy the Nigeria police if we don’t act now”.

He pleaded not guilty to 16 count charge of alleged cybercrime.

 

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Nigeria Was On Life Support When Tinubu Assumed Office – Akpabio

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President Bola Tinubu and Senate President Godswill Akpabio
President Bola Tinubu and Senate President Godswill Akpabio
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The Senate President and Chairman of the 10th National Assembly, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has said the country was on a “life support” as at the time President Bola Tinubu assumed office in May 2023.

Speaking at his 2024 Constituency Briefing and Empowerment Programme held at the Ikot Ekpene Township Stadium, Akpabio, who represents Akwa Ibom Northwest Senatorial District, he called on Nigerians, particularly the people of Akwa Ibom State, to continue supporting President Tinubu as he works to address Nigeria’s economic challenges.

“Nigeria Was on Life Support,” he said.

His stance comes following ongoing major reforms such as the introduction of the tax bills, removal of fuel subsidies, floating of the naira, and others introduced by Tinubu.

Akpabio recounted a conversation with President Tinubu about the state of the economy inherited from the previous administration.

“Nigeria was on life support when Asiwaju Bola Tinubu took over. I once asked him, ‘Are you excited about being president after seeing the economy left behind by Emefiele?’ He replied, ‘I must tell you, I didn’t know it was this bad.’”

The Senate President expressed optimism about ongoing economic reforms, noting that while they may be painful, they are necessary for sustainable growth.

“You did it in Lagos, and you will do it again for Nigeria. It’s just a matter of time. We are praying for you, and God will grant you the wisdom to lead us to El Dorado.”

He advised beneficiaries not to sell their empowerment tools but to use them to uplift their families economically.

“We have enough foodstuff to distribute; there should be no stampede. These items are being extended beyond Ikot Ekpene to other senatorial districts in the state.”

“Your support has not only enhanced our educational experience but also inspired us to strive for excellence. Thank you for your unwavering support.”

Akpabio commended Governor Umo Eno for promoting peace and inclusivity in Akwa Ibom.

“Without peace, there cannot be development. The governor has embraced all Akwa Ibom people, regardless of political affiliations.”

He also acknowledged the governor’s Christmas gesture of distributing 1,000 bags of rice to the APC family in the state and announced an additional 1,500 bags of rice for the PDP State Chairman.

Akpabio praised Senate Minority Leader, Senator Abba Moro, for fostering unity in the Senate.

“Everyone in the Senate has an equal voice, regardless of party affiliation. Opposition is good, but it should be constructive.”

Senator Abba Moro described Akpabio as a leader committed to empowering his people.

“It takes wisdom to know what to give people for lasting benefits rather than instant gratification.”

Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, Chairman of the Senate Committee on NDDC, called the empowerment programme “mega, marvellous, and magnificent.”

The event was attended by key political and community leaders, including,

Obongemem Ekperikpo Ekpo (Minister of Petroleum Resources, Gas) Senator Ita Enang (APC Chieftain), Senator Ekong Sampson (Akwa Ibom South), Paramount Rulers of Ikot Ekpene and Essien Udim

In closing, Akpabio emphasised the importance of collective effort in building a better Nigeria and assured constituents of continued representation and development-focused initiatives.

 

 

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