The Chairman Senate Committee on Capital Market and Institutions, Distinguished Senator Osita Izunaso on Saturday, 25th May, 2024, received the Senator of the Year Award

Organisers of the event celebrated Senator Osita Izunaso for his sterling qualities, intergrity, his outstanding contributions and motions of national interest at the 10th Senate of the National Assembly.

Responding, Distinguished Senator Izunaso, thanked the organisers of the event for spotting out his humble and modest contributions at the Senate, saying that the Special Recognition will further spur him to do more.

He expressed delight in the Award and dedicated it to God, the Masses of Nigeria and the good people of Imo West, for their unflinching support so far in his return to the Red Chambers.

The epoc making occasion which witnessed in attendance, the high and the mighty in the society, was put together by the Champion Newspapers Nigeria, at Eko Hotel & Suites, Victoria Island Lagos. END

By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja.

Jacob Edi, Former Special Adviser on Media and Strategy to former Governor Idris Wada, has been appointed as Special Adviser to Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo on Information and Communication among 183 persons including 43 Special Advisers, 131 Senior Special Assistants so appointed

Mrs Folashade Arike Ayoade, Ph.D, Secretary to the Government of Kogi State (SSG), made tge disclosure in a press statement made available to newsmen on Saturday in Lokoja.

The SSG said that approval was also given for the appointment of 10 others including a Director General (DG), a Principal Private Secretary (PPS), Chairman and Members of Kogi State Hotels and Tourism Board.

Among the Special Advisers are former Governor Yahaya Bello’s Chief Press Secretary, Onogwu Isah Mohammed who has been appointed as Special Adviser to the Governor on Public Relations.

Also on the list of Special Advisers is former member of Kogi State House of Assembly, Hon. Idris Ndako who has been appointed as Special Adviser to the Executive Governor on Local Government Matters.

Hon. Nda Aaron was also appointed as Special Adviser on Multimedia and Conception, a position he held throughout former Governor Yahaya Bello’s regime.

Also among the new appointees is the immediate past Chairman of Ibaji Local Government Area, Hon. Thomas Offor is to serve as Special Adviser to the Governor on Special Duties II.

Among many others are Abdulhamid Lawal, Special Adviser to the Governor on Grassroots Mobilization and Isah Omeiza Albert, Special Adviser on Community Relations.

Also on the list are Basir Audu Abubakar, Special Adviser on Hotel & Tourism (East); Achimugu Eunice Special Adviser on Youth and Women Affairs; Otitoju David Durojaiye, Special Adviser on Internal and Corporate Affairs
and Otaru Abdulkabir Onoruooyiza, Special Adviser on Agriculture.

Notable among the new Senior Special Assistants to the Governor are Onoja Simon Shaibu, Information and Political Strategy; Hon. Laz Akubo, Public Relations (East); Obademi Samson Oladende, Public Relations (West) and
Joseph Olutimi , Finance.

Some others are Joseph A. Omeiza, Commerce; Ikeyi Sunday, Sanitation; Richard Otitoleke , Drug Rehabilitation and Akubo Victoria Unekwu, Youth and Women Mobilization (Dekina Bassa).

Halimat Mohammed Onotu , Youth and Women Mobilzation (Adavi/Okehi)
and Abubakar Idris Yakubu Echipate, Local Matters.

The SSG said that the Governor also approved the redeployment of Ahmed Kashim, from being Personal Assistant to the Governor to Special Adviser to the Governor on Domestic Affairs.

Dr Ayoade in the statement said that the Governor while congratulating all the appointees demanded absolute commitment to the development of the State adding that the appointments take immediate effect. (Ends)

The Minister of Finance and Co-ordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Wale Edun, has commended the outgoing World Bank Country Director, Dr. Shubham Chaudhari for his Significant Contributions to Nigeria’s Economic Growth

At an event held in Abuja, hosted by the Minister to honour the out-going World Bank Country Director, Mr Edun acknowledged the Organization’s crucial role in promoting socio-economic sustainability and enhancing Nigeria’s economic competitiveness.
A statement by the Director of Information and Public Relations Mohammed Manga quoted the minister to have expressed appreciation for the remarkable achievements recorded during Dr. Chaudhari’s tenure.
He reaffirmed the country’s commitment to building on these accomplishments so as to further drive economic progress in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led Administration.

“We appreciate your tireless efforts towards the promotion of economic growth and development in Nigeria. Your leadership and expertise have made a significant impact on our country’s progress.
“Your dedication to supporting Nigeria’s development agenda is truly commendable. We are grateful for these contributions and look forward to continued collaboration. Your commitment to fostering inclusive and sustainable growth in Nigeria is inspiring.
“We appreciate your partnership and guidance in shaping our country’s future*, Edun said.

According to him, the hallmark of the present administration’s policy thrust that brought fiscal reforms was aimed at boosting the nation’s economic development with a view to attracting foreign investments so as to ensure job creation, poverty reduction and improved standard of living for the citizenry.

The Minister assured that Nigeria offers a wealth of opportunities for foreign investors, with a large and growing market, rich natural resources, and a skilled workforce.
“We invite you to explore the possibilities and partner with us for mutual growth. Join us in harnessing the potential of Nigeria’s emerging economy. Our country offers a favourable business environment, investment incentives, and a dynamic market waiting to be tapped.”

Mr Edun used the opportunity to invite the international community to discover the opportunities and advantages of investing in Nigeria.

“Our government is committed to creating a conducive environment for businesses to thrive and succeed. We are inviting the international development partners to come to Nigeria and invest their resources. Nigeria is a country with diverse business opportunities and market potentials for profit maximisation*, he stressed.

The Minister stated further that Nigeria would continue to be a development partner with the World Bank, and that the present administration was committed to championing a good cause as well as implement policies that would boost the country’s economy in order to make it more vibrant and resilient.

Edun further appreciated Dr Chaudhari’s tenure, which he said, underscores the importance of supporting and recognizing Nigeria, aligning with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s pragmatic leadership in providing good governance.

He added that the reforms initiated by the administration would serve as a window to the global investment community, stressing that Nigeria is open for business with stable and profitable benefits thereby calling on Philanthropists, both within and outside the country, to invest their resources in Nigeria, a country which he said, has the largest population in Africa.

Edun explained that *the disputable access to renewal energy recently launched was an indication to build trust, attract foreign investment, and foster international partnerships aimed at reinvigorating the Nigerian economy.*

Speaking during the event, Dr. Shaubham Chaudhari, the out-going World Bank Country Director, described the event as symbolic and strategic, saying that it would help build bonds in relationship trust. He commended Nigeria for its proactive measures and robust efforts in bracing up monetory policies and in fostering sustainable economic development despite the daunting challenges.

The out-going Director assured that his Organisation’s doors were widely open for more collaborations and partnerships for the country’s growth.

Earlier in her remarks at the event, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Finance, Mrs Lydia Shehu Jafiya assured that the Ministry will continue to provide an enabling environment for the full implementation of the policies, programmes and projects of the Federal Government in line with its mandate.

She appealed to the international community to support the efforts of the present administration in its determination to boost the country’s economy and further stressed the need for international partners to take advantage of the country’s diversity and invest their resources for maximum benefits.

*Nigeria offers a vast and untapped market, rich in natural resources and human capital. We invite you to explore the numerous investment opportunities and be a part of our growth story. Join us in shaping Nigeria’s future and tapping into the immense potentials of our economy. Together, let’s create a prosperous and sustainable tomorrow.*
*Nigeria is open for business. We welcome foreign investors to partner with us in unlocking our economic potentials and driving growth in key sectors.* Jafiya said.

Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary Special Duties, Mr Okokon Ekanem Udo, assured that the present administration was committed to putting and implementing projects that will impact on the lives of Nigerians in line with contemporary global realities.

He commended the outgoing World Bank Country Director, Dr. Shaubham Chaudhari for his commitment and dedication. *Thank you for your dedication and commitment. We are grateful for your unwavering support and guidance, which has helped us navigate complex development challenges and create a brighter future for Nigerians.* Udo said.