Business
Allow States To Manage Their Resources, Cleric Tells FG
The International President, Council of Arch. Bishops and Bishops for Pentecostal and Charismatic Churches, Royal Eminence, Arch Bishop Benny Danson, has called on the Federal Government to allow states to manage their resources for proper economic growth and development.
He has also called on the Federal Government and the National Assembly to rescind the decision to grant amnesty to Boko Haram terrorists in whatever guise, saying the insurgents should be treated as terrorists.
Danson, a United Nations ambassador and Peace Advocate for Conflict and Peace Management in charge of West Africa, disclosed this while speaking to aviation correspondents in Port Harcourt, recently.
He regretted that though Nigeria is a blessed country, corruption and mismanagement of the nation’s resources have been a major challenge and setback to its greatness.
“In my assessment, Nigeria is the richest country in the world, but mismanagement and corruption have set the country backward.
“You can imagine how much that is being looted in this country by the leaders every year, but yet, the country has not collapsed financially, but there are many countries this will happen to, and that will be their end financially.
“Let the Federal Government allow the states to manage their own resources, and pay certain percentage to the Federal Government, as it is done in other developed countries like the United Kingdom.
“That is true federalism, and it will allow states to manage and grow their resources which will create heathy economic competition among federating states”, he said.
The Pentecostal Arch Bishop commended the efforts and moves by the Rivers State governor, Chief NyesomeWike on Value Added Tax (VAT, saying the governor is a man of courage and vision, and enjoined other governors to emulate his boldness.
The clergy also called on all tiers of government to pay their workers well so as to boost their efficiency and productivity, as well as eliminate corruption in the system.
Dansonemphasised the need for the government to take the issue of welfare of workers seriously, especially in the area of free health care for workers.
He also drew the attention of the Federal Government to the empowerment of the military and Police through provision of better and sophisticated equipment to do their job well.
He appealed to the Federal Government to enforce discipline in the civil service, as well as ensure that square pegs are put in square holes when it comes to the issue of appointment.
By: Corlins Walter
Kenya made it a clean sweep at the Berlin Marathon with Sabastian Sawe winning the men’s race and Rosemary Wanjiru triumphing in the women’s.
Sawe finished in two hours, two minutes and 16 seconds to make it three wins in his first three marathons.
The 30-year-old, who was victorious at this year’s London Marathon, set a sizzling pace as he left the field behind and ran much of the race surrounded only by his pacesetters.
Japan’s Akasaki Akira came second after a powerful latter half of the race, finishing almost four minutes behind Sawe, while Ethiopia’s Chimdessa Debele followed in third.
“I did my best and I am happy for this performance,” said Sawe.
“I am so happy for this year. I felt well but you cannot change the weather. Next year will be better.”
Sawe had Kelvin Kiptum’s 2023 world record of 2:00:35 in his sights when he reached halfway in 1:00:12, but faded towards the end.
In the women’s race, Wanjiru sped away from the lead pack after 25 kilometers before finishing in 2:21:05.
Ethiopia’s Dera Dida followed three seconds behind Wanjiru, with Azmera Gebru, also of Ethiopia, coming third in 2:21:29.
Wanjiru’s time was 12 minutes slower than compatriot Ruth Chepng’etich’s world record of 2:09:56, which she set in Chicago in 2024.