News
CBN Disburses N1.452trn For 337 Real Sector Projects
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has said it had disbursed N1.452trillion to 337 large real sector projects in agriculture, manufacturing, services, and mining under the Real Sector Support Facility as part of the effort to diversify the nation’s economic base.
The CBN, Director, Corporate Communications Department, Osita Nwanisobi, who disclosed this, yesterday, during “CBN Special Day” at the ongoing 33rd Enugu International Trade Fair, also noted that N948billion was disbursed to 4,478,381 smallholder farmers under the Anchor Borrowers’ Programme.
Nwanidobi stated that the programme was yielding the desired objective as the beneficiary farmers cultivated 5.2million hectares of farmland, creating 12.6million direct and indirect jobs across the country.
Reeling out other interventions the apex bank had taken to revive the economy and create access to credit, he said CBN had extended the interest rate of 5percent across all its intervention loans to March, 2023.
He said “the recently launched Tertiary Institutions Entrepreneurship Scheme (TIES) is an innovative financing model that will create jobs, enhance the entrepreneurial ecosystem and support economic growth and development through Agribusiness, Creative Industry, Science & Technology and Information Technology/software development.
“The broad objective of the 100 for 100 Policy on Production and Productivity (PPP) is to boost production and productivity, necessary to transform and jumpstart the productive base of the Nigerian economy.
“It is also expected that the Initiative will reverse the nation’s over-reliance on imports, by creating an ecosystem that targets and supports the right companies and projects with potentials to immediately transform Nigeria’s productive base at every 100 days.
“The Bank has so far disbursed the sum of N29.51billion to 31 projects, comprising 16 in manufacturing, 13 in agriculture, and 2 in healthcare sector. The RT200 FX Programme, which stands for the ‘Race to $200billion in FX Repatriation was recently announced by the CBN in consultation with the Bankers’ Committee.’”
He added, “under our Targeted Credit Facility (TCF), which was meant to cushion the severe effects of COVID-19 pandemic, we have disbursed N368.79billion to 778,000 beneficiaries comprising 648,052 households and about 130,000 SMEs.
“The Bank also recently disbursed $8.50billion to six healthcare projects under the Healthcare Sector Intervention Facility (HSIF), bringing the cumulative disbursements to N116.72billion for 124 projects, comprising 31 pharmaceuticals, 56 hospitals, and 37 other health-related services.
“As part of the effort to further support the resilience of the healthcare sector, an additional tranche of N14.7 million was disbursed to five Researchers under the Healthcare Sector Research and Development (HSRD) Grant.”
Nwanisobi, however, noted that the theme of the fair, “Opening up Nigeria Business Windows for Competitiveness in the Emerging Global Market”, could not have come at a better time than now when the world economy is gradually opening up to businesses after the global lockdown that affected economies, leading to recessions.
While commending the leadership of the Enugu Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture for her efforts in organising this year’s Trade Fair, he said CBN was delighted that they are driving pragmatic conversations on reshaping the Nigerian economy through the fair.
“This perfectly fits into the bank’s drive towards diversification of the nation’s economic base and encouraging the export of non-oil commodities.
“It also underscores the CBN governor’s clarion call on Nigerians to not only focus on the production of commodities in which they have comparative advantage but to produce, add value and export so as to grow Nigeria’s economy and create jobs.”
Earlier in an address, the President of ECCIMA, Jasper Nduagwuike, commended CBN for its interventions in various sectors of the economy, adding that it had more than proved its commitment to seeing to the welfare and wellbeing of the Nigerian economy.
“The CBN can raise its shoulders in pride for the uncommon contributions it has made to not only the economy but the day to day life of the ordinary man.”
News
NPF Warn Applicants Ahead Of Constable Recruitment Exam
The Katsina State Police Command has cautioned applicants for the upcoming police constable recruitment examination to adhere strictly to laid-down procedures and avoid falling victim to fraudsters.
The Commissioner of Police, Ali Umar-Fage, issued the warning in a statement released on Sunday by the command’s spokesperson, Abubakar Sadiq-Aliyu.
He disclosed that the nationwide examination is scheduled to take place from April 28 to April 30 in Katsina State and that the exercise will be conducted at Hassan Usman Katsina Polytechnic along Dutsin-Ma Road.
According to the commissioner, only candidates who successfully passed the recently concluded physical and credential screening will be eligible to sit for the examination.
Applicants have been directed to log on to the official recruitment portal from April 24 to print their coloured examination invitation slips, which contain details of their specific date, time, and venue.
Mr Umar-Fage stated that candidates must present a valid National Identification Number (NIN) slip issued by the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), bearing a clear photograph, alongside their printed coloured invitation slip and a writing pen at the examination centre.
He added that the approved dress code for the exercise is a white T-shirt, white shorts, and white canvas shoes.
Reiterating that the recruitment process is entirely free of charge, the police chief warned applicants to be wary of individuals or groups seeking to extort money under the guise of facilitating recruitment.
News
Monarch Pledges Strong Action Against Gender-Based Violence
The Rivers State Traditional Rulers Council has pledged to take decisive action to curb the rising cases of gender-based violence (GBV) across the state, in partnership with ActionAid and other relevant organisations.
The commitment was made during an event organised by ActionAid in collaboration with the Rivers State Ministry of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation in Port Harcourt. The programme, titled “Convening of Traditional Rulers for GBV Prevention,” carried the theme, “From Custodians to Champions: Redefining Culture for GBV Prevention and Community Protection.”
Speaking on behalf of the council, the Okilomuibe of Engenni Kingdom, HRM King Moore MacLean Ubuo, said traditional rulers are determined to move beyond mere responses to incidents of violence by adopting proactive strategies.
“We will establish and empower community-led structures, including traditional cabinets and women leaders, to identify early warning signs of violence and intervene before harm occurs,” he said.
King Ubuo added that traditional institutions are committed to enforcing the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law within their domains, stressing that the longstanding culture of silence surrounding abuse would no longer be tolerated.
“We will ensure that our subjects understand their rights and that the law is respected as the ultimate standard for justice,” he added.
Also speaking, the Rivers State Government emphasised that tackling GBV requires more than policies and enforcement, noting that a transformation in societal attitudes is essential.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation, Mrs. Lauretta Dimkpa, who was represented by the Director of Child Welfare, Mrs. Fumilayo Adebayo, highlighted the critical role of traditional rulers in shaping societal values.
“As traditional rulers, your voices command respect, your decisions influence behaviour, and your institutions are trusted platforms for conflict resolution and social guidance,” she said.
She urged them to promote cultural norms that uphold dignity, respect, and equality, while also encouraging victims to report abuse without fear of stigma.
In his remarks, the Country Director of ActionAid Nigeria, Dr. Andrew Mamedu, described the gathering as timely, noting that GBV remains a widespread violation of human rights and a major obstacle to sustainable development.
Represented by Dr. Adedeji Ademefun, he cited data showing that 31 per cent of Nigerian women aged 15 to 49 have experienced physical violence, with many cases going unreported due to fear, stigma, and cultural silence.
“National surveys indicate that nearly three in ten women have experienced physical or sexual violence, underscoring the scale and urgency of this crisis,” he said.
Earlier, the Coordinator of the Rivers State Multi-Stakeholders Action Committee, Barrister Evelyn Asimie Membere, described GBV as one of the most persistent human rights violations, cutting across age, class, and geography.
According to her, traditional rulers are uniquely positioned to influence behaviour and drive meaningful change at the grassroots level.
“In many of our communities, your voice carries more weight than any policy or legislation,” she said.
The event brought together key stakeholders committed to strengthening community-based approaches to preventing GBV and protecting vulnerable groups across Rivers State.
News
Tinubu Support Group Canvasses Second Term For President Ahead Of 2027
A socio-political group, the Tinubu Youths Vanguard Organisation (TYVO), Rivers State chapter, has called on Nigerians to support the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027, citing the need to consolidate ongoing economic and infrastructural reforms.
The State Coordinator of the group, Hon. Emmanuel Fubara, made the appeal over the weekend in Port Harcourt on the sidelines of a meeting of the Southern Traditional Rulers Council.
He said granting the Tinubu administration a second term would enable it to fully implement its transformation agenda, particularly under the Renewed Hope initiative.
“It is important that the Tinubu administration is given another opportunity to complete its economic and developmental programmes for the benefit of the country,” he stated.
Fubara disclosed that the group is preparing for its formal inauguration in the State, along with the unveiling of its local government, ward and unit structures, including student and market women wings.
According to him, the organization will be fully mobilised to promote the policies and achievements of the current administration, with a focus on issue-based campaigns aimed at restoring public confidence in the nation’s economy.
He noted that the administration has made strides in revamping the economy and executing key infrastructure projects, including the ongoing coastal road development in parts of the country.
Fubara expressed confidence that the group’s campaign strategies would resonate with Nigerians, adding that opposition voices would be effectively countered through sustained grassroots engagement.
He also urged members of the group to intensify sensitisation efforts across communities, highlighting what he described as visible results of the administration’s reforms.
On security challenges facing the country, Fubara said the situation was inherited from previous administrations but maintained that the current government is taking decisive steps to address it.
He expressed optimism that ongoing efforts, including international collaborations, would significantly curb insecurity in the near future.
When asked whether the group would also campaign for Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, the TYVO coordinator said the organisation would take a position at the appropriate time, noting that directives from the All Progressives Congress (APC) would guide its activities.
-
Sports5 days agoFinancial Issues Stall Chelle’s Eagles Contract Talks
-
Sports5 days agoNFF mourns ex-Eagles striker Eneramo
-
Sports5 days agoEuropean Giants Circle For Osimhen
-
Sports5 days ago
Four Private Clubs Gain Promotion To NPFL
-
Sports5 days agoW/Cup Qualifier: Flamingos In Impressive Opener
-
Sports5 days agoTennis Event Boosts Grassroots Development Push
-
Sports5 days agoChelle Confirms Financial Issues in Eagles Contract Discussion
-
Sports5 days agoNigerian Player Closes In On Historic UEFA Honour
