Adamawa LG Chair Says Autonomy Driving Grassroots Development

Adamawa LG chair says autonomy driving grassroots development. Local government autonomy is driving impactful grassroots development in Adamawa, says Kassah Shalum, the chairman of Guyuk LGA.

Local government autonomy is driving impactful grassroots development in Adamawa, says Kassah Shalum, the chairman of Guyuk LGA.

Mr Shalum said this on Thursday.
”We must commend Governor Ahmadu Fintiri, who implemented financial autonomy for Adamawa councils five years ago, allowing them to effectively address the needs of their communities.

“This free hand and open-minded approach by our governor has challenged every chairman to work harder. Now, each of us is focused on ensuring that our people receive tangible benefits from democracy,” he said.

Mr Shalum noted that the collaboration between local government chairpersons and the governor has fostered healthy developmental competition.
“Every chairman is engaged in projects that directly impact rural communities, ensuring they feel connected to the government they elected.

“In Guyuk LGA, which consists of ten wards, each is witnessing visible development. Every ward is undergoing transformation with at least one major project, and the evidence is there for all to see,” he said.

He highlighted ongoing projects, including constructing and renovating schools, establishing modern healthcare facilities, and developing rural roads.
According to him, these projects are designed to meet the specific needs of communities and improve their quality of life.

Adamawa LG Chair

Regarding youth unemployment, Mr Shalum commended Fintiri’s initiative through the Poverty and Wealth Creation Agency, which trains young people in various vocational skills.

He said the programme aims to provide youths with employment opportunities and financial stability.

“Lack of employment is the root cause of crimes in society, but I assure you that in the coming months, this initiative will lead to large-scale job creation,” he said.

Akwa Ibom Governor Eno Reaffirms Commitment To Deliver On Projects

Akwa Ibom Governor Eno reaffirms commitment to deliver on projects. Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to delivering the over 40 new and impactful projects initiated across various sectors in the State.

Speaking at the second Monthly Delivery Meeting at the Banquet Hall, Government House, Uyo, the Governor urged Commissioners and Delivery Advisors to take their assignments seriously and ensure that the projects are delivered according to specification and timelines.

“Let me add here that we are executing these projects without borrowing a kobo from any bank. While we may not foreclose the possibility in the future of borrowing to complete projects, but I wish to state here that, through prudent management of resources, such as trimming the size of government and elimination of wastages, we are able to free up resources for us to undertake these audacious and impactful projects.”

The Governor who had invited some stakeholders to be part of the meeting, as part of his strict adherence to the spirit of inclusivity, said “I am sure that with the presentations today, you will be convinced that truly, Akwa Ibom is rising and on the right trajectory- and by the time we finish our first term, and our people reward us with a second term, we will indeed be the sub-national to beat in Nigeria.”

Appraising the different presentations including the progress of work at the Industrial Park, Ewet Luxury Garden, Ibom City Bus, Ikot Ekpene Market, Ibom Hotel, Abuja, Ibom Sports Academy, rebranding of Ibom Paint, staff and pensioners verification exercise and the proposed ARISE Shopping City, AKBC House, and others, he urged the delivery advisors not to relent in their efforts to meet the target deadlines.

The Governor likened the delivery meeting to a situation room, as obtained in other climes -where critical developmental decisions are taken and deliverables and outcomes tabled.

He appreciated the stakeholders present for taking part in the meeting.

In his remark, Senator Ekong Sampson
representing Akwa Ibom South Senatorial District in the 10th National Assembly and Chairman, Senate Committee on Solid Minerals Development said the meeting was an experience for him, adding that having served in the State Executive Council and now Senate, the development was novel and laudable.

He said the administration has a very good road map for development of the State, adding “We are proud of you and we will continue to support you for eight years. You have the full support of Abuja for eight years.”

Umo Eno

Also speaking, Ambassador Asam Asam SAN, appreciated the Governor for the invitation to be part of the meeting, saying it was “an opportunity to help us see what you are doing from inside. There is no one who would leave here without knowing that you are charting a good course.”

On his part, Senator Effiong Bob said he was delighted at the development, and the decision to appoint Delivery Advisors, adding that he has no regrets for the decision to be the Governor’s “guarantor.”

Also at the meeting were the Deputy Governor, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Elder Udeme Otong, State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Elder Aniekan Akpan, Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah, Head of Service, Elder Effiong Essien, Executive Assistant and Chief Delivery Advisor, Mr. Aniefiok Johnson, members of the State Executive Council, Delivery Advisors, Board Chairmen and Heads of agencies.

Senate Sets To Consider Tax Reform Bills

Senate sets to consider tax reform bills. The Senate leader assured Nigerians that the upper chamber will consider the bills immediately after Eid-El-Fitir and Easter holidays.

The leader of the Senate, Opeyemi Bamidele, has said the Red Chamber will look into all issues of public concern relating to the Tax Reform Bills, 2024.

The Senate leader assured Nigerians that the upper chamber will consider the bills immediately after Eid-El-Fitir and Easter holidays.

Mr Bamidele said this on Thursday in a statement.
He also mentioned that the review of the Constitution was on course.

According to him, the process would lead to a more efficient and responsive governance system when it was concluded.

Persuaded by the urgent need to strengthen the country’s economy, Bamidele said the Senate had focused mainly on developing legal frameworks.

“To stabilise the fiscal and monetary spaces; prioritise security; address consumer price inflation and create more functional governance structures,” he said.

The Senate leader pointed out prominent roles he had played in the formulation and prioritisation of several significant legislative initiatives, including the introduction of the Tax Reform Bills 2024.

He said the tax reform bills “are game changers that will significantly redefine and transform our country’s fiscal environment.”

Tax Reform Bills

Mr Bamidele stated that when enacted, the bills will address inequality and injustice that characterise our tax system.

“Besides, all businesses with N50 million capital or below will now enjoy tax exemptions. Value-added tax will no longer be placed on exports and essential consumptions by the masses.

“The essential goods and services include food items, education, transportation and medical treatment, among others,” the senator said.