Economy
Alex Otti To Revamp National War Museum, Ojukwu Bunker For Tourism
Alex Otti To Revamp National War Museum, Ojukwu Bunker For Tourism
Alex Otti to revamp National War Museum, Ojukwu Bunker for tourism. “By revamping these sites, we will not only preserve history but also create economic opportunities through tourism,” he said.
The Abia government says it will collaborate with the federal government to upgrade the National War Museum and Ojukwu Bunker, both in Umuahia, into world-class tourism destinations.
Information commissioner Okey Kanu disclosed this at the Government House, Umuahi while briefing journalists on the outcome of Monday’s State Executive Council meeting.
Mr Kanu said the initiative, spearheaded by the Ministry of Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy, aims to preserve the state’s rich historical heritage while boosting tourism.
He expressed the Abia government’s commitment to making Abia a key destination for historical and cultural tourism.
“By revamping these sites, we will not only preserve history but also create economic opportunities through tourism,” he said.
According to him, the government has made broader efforts to identify and develop tourism sites across the state.
Mr Kanu also said the ministry recently discovered over 55 unique heritage sites across the state. He listed the sites to include Ulochukwu Cave in Alayi in Bende, the Mazi Okoro Orji’s Compound in Arochukwu, and Ntubugwo Oloko in Ikwuano, where participants in the Aba Women’s Riot of 1929 were tried, among others.
The commissioner also affirmed the government’s commitment to building a five-star hotel in Umuahia to support the growing tourism sector.
“These projects are part of a comprehensive strategy to make Abia a leading tourism hub, attract visitors, and boost the state’s economy,” Mr Kanu said.
Also, the commissioner for arts, culture, and creative economy, Matthew Ekwuribe, said Abia has numerous historical and natural attractions.
“Abia is blessed with waterfalls in at least three LGAs, caves in places like Alayi, Isuikwuato, and Umunneochi, as well as the Azumini Blue River, a unique natural attraction.
Alex Otti
We also have Akwaete Beach, which remains an untapped coastal treasure,” Mr Ekwuribe said.
He also said if the sites got properly developed, they could position the state as a top tourism destination in Nigeria and beyond.
The commissioner also spoke about the uniqueness of the National War Museum, the only one of its kind in West Africa, and the Ojukwu Bunker, which played a significant role during the Nigerian Civil War.
He said, “These historical sites, if properly rehabilitated, would attract visitors from across the country and beyond.”
Sanwo-Olu Swears In 8 New Permanent Secretaries
Sanwo-Olu swears in 8 new permanent secretaries. With this batch, Mr Sanwo-Olu has sworn in 111 permanent secretaries—the highest in the state’s history.
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has sworn in eight newly appointed permanent secretaries, urging them to embrace the THEMES Plus developmental agenda with vigour.
The governor gave the charge during the swearing-in ceremony on Thursday at the Banquet Hall, Lagos House, Ikeja.
Mr Sanwo-Olu described the new appointees as drivers of innovation, tasked with formulating policies to improve the lives of Lagos residents.
“As you take office, embrace the development agenda with renewed energy, working towards sustainable progress and prosperity for all Lagosians,” Mr Sanwo-Olu advised.
He reiterated that Lagos State prioritises excellence to ensure the best hands tackle social and economic challenges facing the state.
“With your elevation comes greater responsibility and expectation. You are entrusted with public service and must lead by example at all times.
“We expect nothing less than excellence, which has earned you this position through your hard work and dedication,” the governor said.
Mr Sanwo-Olu emphasised that governance is a collective effort, urging collaboration with colleagues and citizens for effective service delivery.
“Engage with feedback, respond constructively to criticism, and always prioritise the public good over personal interests,” he stated.
Sanwo-Olu
The head of service, Bode Agoro, said the appointments aim to revitalise civil service structures for the benefit of Lagos residents.
The new permanent secretaries include Abiola Idowu, Health Facilities Monitoring and Accreditation Agency, and Olarewaju Adebanjo, Citizens Mediation Bureau.
Others are Olarenwaju Bajulaye, Ministry of Arts, Culture and Tourism; Also Mahmood, Ministry of Finance; Wasiu Agbabiaka, Civil Service Commission.
Gbolahan Oki, Urban Development, Ministry of Physical Planning, and others were also sworn in and assigned to various portfolios
With this batch, Mr Sanwo-Olu has sworn in 111 permanent secretaries—the highest in the state’s history.
NYSC To Pay Corps Members N77,000 Monthly From March Says DG
NYSC to pay Corps members N77,000 monthly from March says DG. The Director General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brigadier General Olakunle Oluseye Nafiu, has announced that corps members will receive an increased monthly allowance of N77,000 starting March 2025.
Speaking in Abuja, Nafiu reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to corps members’ welfare, assuring them of timely payments.
NYSC
He praised the NYSC’s role in promoting national unity and urged members to remain dedicated and disciplined.
“With effect from March, you will receive Seventy-Seven Thousand Naira as your monthly allowance. The nation and the scheme appreciate your service,” he stated.
Corps members expressed gratitude for the increment, commending the NYSC management for its efforts.
High Court Rejects EFCC’s Additional Proof Evidence On Emefiele
High Court rejects EFCC’s additional proof evidence on Emefiele. Justice Hamza Muazu of the Federal Capital Territory High Court Abuja, has rejected the additional proof of evidence brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against a former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, in the alleged procurement fraud trial brought against him.
Delivering ruling in a motion on notice filed by Emefiele to object to the action of the EFCC, Justice Muazu held that the Commission had on February 12, 2024, first filed additional proof of evidence against the former CBN governor to accommodate the evidence of a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha and one Bamayi Haruna Mairiga.
The judge, who noted that the charge against Emefiele was filed since August 14, 2023 and his plea taking on November 16, 2023, said that the action of the EFCC would amount to denial of fair trial because the former governor of CBN was not confronted with the new evidence during investigation as required by law.
Justice Muazu further added that the action of EFCC amounted to trial by ambush and a clear case of fishing for evidence in the trial that commenced since November 28, 2023.
Justice Muazu pointed out that allowing the additional proof of evidence after the charge had been amended severally was prejudicial to the defendant, as his right to fair hearing is being breached.
Emefiele
The judge held that the position of the law is that the charge was filed upon the completion of investigation and prima facie case established against any defendant in a criminal matter, adding that in the instant case, the contrary is the case.
The judge however, declined to strike out the charge for being a product of incomplete or ongoing investigation and therefore speculative as claimed by Emefiele.
Justice Muaza said that the charge cannot be struck down because both the defendant and the prosecution had joined issues with each other and trial almost completed.
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