News
Ease Of Doing Business: $750m World Bank Grant Ready To Be Accessed, Dec – PEBEC
The Secretary Presidential Enabling Business Council (PEBEC), Dr. Jumoke Oduwale, has said that ably qualified States, Local Government and SMEs who duly complied with the ‘Ease of Doing Business’ reform programme of the present administration will start assessing the World Bank $750million grants by December, 2022.
Oduwale, made the revelation weekend in Abuja during an occasion organised to mark Nigerian’s 62nd Independent anniversary.
Though stating that the disbursement of money would begin proper in January, 2023.
According to the Secretary, PEBEC, will be using the ‘ easy’ of doing business National reports which it also made use of last year to access winners of this grant.
Oduwale, said, “We have our National Action Plan reports which we use in selecting winners of the grant each year. You know that most of this job is done at the state level and that is why we engage the Governor’s forum and other relevant states agencies and consultants, and ofcourse, you know that the money goes to the state government with a structure that is transparent and legally binding.”
On which of the reforms will be impactful, on the economy, she said that the private sector will mostly feel the impact owing to the unharnessed business environment in Nigeria which needs immediate attention.
However, she stressed that many other sectors including government are also inline of reforms, which include Agriculture, Health, Energy and others.
The reforms according to Oduwale, includes working on the speed and the process of attending to business in the country, with efficiency and honesty to reduce corruption.
The sustainability plan of the reform in her view, is geared towards institutionalization of the process through several individuals drawn from both private and government establishments, stressing that the entire programme should be carried out under PPP arrangement to get this desired public acceptance.
She stressed that the World Bank owing to the recognition, approved and released $750million for local government and states as well as SMEs to access.
Also highlighting on the global recognition of the reforms, she stated that PEBEC reforms bears eloquent testimony through the recognition by Fobs magazine as well as Massachusetts institute of Technology who recognised PEBEC as EO1 government innovator.
Oduwale, said, “Right now, we have some partnering with us on project sustainability. We have a lot to ensure that this project is enshrined in Nigerian system”.
On analysing the rate of compliance of Nigerians to the ongoing reforms, she informed that PEBEC already instituted impact assessment module, which has been acknowledged all over the world.
“We are recognised all over the world. We are top global performer and I can also tell you that we are in collaboration with the University of Massachusetts United States of America and this also attracted the recently World Bank grant which will be shared among qualified states of the Federation and the SMSEs who are working inline with our reforms, and ofcourse, others from the National Assembly also to be recognised of their contribution”.
Oduwale, further, said, “Remember that we are working with many government agencies, the local government authorities as well as private sector. And it has been a fruitful journey though slowly but well and benefiting as well”.
Commenting on the programme marking the Independent Day, she said that this is the show, which PEBEC have been doing since last six years, so that Nigerians will be aware of what it is doing.
“Of course, there have been a lot of reforms though a lot of issues with the reforms. And when we look at some of the issues with Nigerian way of doing things such processing of visa, or visa on arrival, clearing of goods from the ports we find out that Nigerian system is below the way a viable economy will be run so what we need is a systematic change.
“In the drama we showcased, we saw how a litigant can represent in court, away from a lawyer seeking to milk him dry. We also advocate for an end to years of litigation in Nigerian judicial system. All these and many more are part of reforms we are carrying out through the Ominibus bill soon to be passed at the National Assembly.
“We also use the occasion to celebrate Nigeria at 62, and celebrate deserving Civil servants who have distinguished themselves through compliance to the reforms”.
The Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress Christian Leaders Forum has expressed strong confidence in the capacity of All Progressives Congress (All Progressives Congress) candidates in the state to deliver effective governance if elected into office in the coming elections.
The State Coordinator of the forum, Archbishop Lucky Aroh, made this known during a breakfast and thanksgiving meeting held in Port Harcourt, where leaders gathered to pray for the stability of the party and the safety of its candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.According to him, the meeting was convened to seek divine intervention for peace, unity, and security among APC candidates across Rivers State.
“Today we are praying for APC stability in Rivers State and the security of our candidates that have been elected to contest the 2027 elections. It is a breakfast meeting,” Aroh said.
He further expressed optimism that the party’s candidates would not disappoint the people if entrusted with leadership responsibilities.
“They will not fail when elected into office. We are here as fathers of the land to let them know, and I must tell you the truth that these are the authentic people that will do well in Rivers State,” he added.
Speaking earlier, the National Chairman of the forum, Professor Olanrewaju Abraham, commended the Rivers State chapter for organizing the programme, noting that the national body of the forum believes strongly in the power of prayer.
He stated that political leadership provides an opportunity to influence society positively, including advancing moral and spiritual values, while expressing confidence that APC candidates at all levels would emerge victorious in the upcoming elections.
Also speaking, the Rivers State Women Leader of the APC, Hon. Darling Amadi, praised the forum for its commitment to prayers for peace, stability, and the protection of party candidates.
Represented by the Deputy Women Leader of the party in the state, she described the initiative as commendable and urged other political and support groups within the party to emulate the gesture in promoting unity and stability.
By: John Bibor, Menebe Emmanuel & Fortune Paibi
Prominent businessman and philanthropist, Elder Anthony Osagwe-Ogo, was celebrated in grand style as he marked his 70th birthday anniversary, with distinguished Nigerians, business leaders, and golf enthusiasts gathering to honour his remarkable contributions to society.
The colourful celebration took place at the Port Harcourt Golf Club, where friends, associates, and well-wishers converged to pay tribute to the revered elder statesman.
Chairman of the occasion, High Chief (Dr.) Ikenna Okafor, described the celebrant as a detribalised Nigerian whose generosity, humility, and commitment to humanity have earned him admiration across different communities and backgrounds.
According to Dr. Okafor, Pa Osagwe-Ogo’s impact on society and the development of his community remains unparalleled. He noted that members of the golfing community are proud to be associated with a father figure who consistently promotes the welfare and well-being of those around him.
He further stated that the history and growth of the Port Harcourt Golf Club cannot be told without acknowledging the significant role played by the celebrant, whose wisdom, encouragement, and leadership have helped sustain the club over the years.
“We are here to celebrate a man who has impacted humanity positively, a peace-loving individual and an epitome of hope for the younger generation. We pray to emulate his virtues. Today, we celebrate a bridge-builder, a trailblazer, and an iconic leader whose life continues to inspire many,” Dr. Okafor said.
He expressed delight at the large turnout of guests from various walks of life, describing it as a testament to the respect and affection Pa Osagwe-Ogo commands within and beyond Rivers State.
In his response, the celebrant, Pa Anthony Osagwe-Ogo, expressed profound gratitude to God for preserving his life and granting him the privilege of attaining the milestone age of 70.
He also thanked members of the Port Harcourt Golf Club, family members, friends, and associates for identifying with him during the celebration and for their unwavering support over the years.
The event featured the cutting of the birthday cake, presentation of awards to deserving members of the club, goodwill messages, and moments of celebration among guests.
The ceremony was attended by notable personalities from the business community, the golfing fraternity, and other sectors, all of whom joined in celebrating the life and legacy of the respected elder statesman.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, and the Permanent Secretary of the Rivers State Ministry of Information and Communications, Dr. Honour Kuru Sirawoo, have been honoured with awards of recognition in connection with the 2026 Democracy Day celebrations held in Port Harcourt.
The awards, which formed part of activities marking Nigeria’s Democracy Day on June 12, were formally presented on Tuesday at the Ministry of Information and Communications in Port Harcourt.
Presenting the awards was Hon. Abdul Hameed Oladipupo Alli, popularly known as “Mr. Nigeria,” Publisher of Asiwaju Trumpet Magazine and Achievers World International Magazine.
Governor Fubara was recognised for his efforts in sustaining peace, stability, and a conducive political atmospherJohn Bibor / Menebe Emmanuel / Fortune Paibie in Rivers State. The organisers noted that his administration has fostered harmony and strengthened civic participation across the state.
Dr. Sirawoo, on the other hand, was honoured for his exemplary administrative leadership and significant contributions to effective information management within the Ministry of Information and Communications.
Representing Dr. Sirawoo at the presentation ceremony, Dr. Christian Davies received the award on his behalf and expressed gratitude for the recognition. He described the honour as a reflection of Dr. Sirawoo’s unwavering commitment to professionalism, excellence, and dedicated public service.
Dr. Davies assured the organisers that the award would be formally conveyed to the Permanent Secretary.
The event also featured the presentation of commemorative publications highlighting major governance and civic milestones in Rivers State, including Easter celebrations, Workers’ Day activities, the Governor’s third anniversary in office, and Democracy Day programmes.
Organisers of the awards commended the Rivers State administration for what they described as sustained peace, political stability, and improved civic engagement, noting that these achievements have contributed significantly to the state’s continued development.
By: Jessica Sambol
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