Proper Use Of Tax Revenues Will Enhance Tax Morale And Compliance -FIRS

Muhammad Nami, FIRS boss

When governments deploy tax revenues for the common good of the citizens, there is a concomitant increase in tax compliance by citizens who see the direct benefit of the taxes they pay.

This was the position held by the Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Muhammad Nami during his opening remarks at the launch of the Public Finance Database by the Nigeria Governors’ Forum at the Wells Carlton Hotel, in Abuja, on Tuesday, last week.

Mr. Nami argued that the low compliance tax rate in most developing countries was as a result of the failure of the social contract between the taxpayers and the government, noting that those in political leadership in the country had a duty to promote a tax-paying culture by relating projects and infrastructural developments executed by them to taxes paid by taxpayers.

“Taxpayers need to see what has been done with their money to be encouraged to continue to pay their obligations under the Social Contract they have with the government.

“I am delighted that one of the sessions focuses on the tax-for-service programmes as they impact tax revenues. This issue is dear to us as tax administrators as there is a nexus between the effective utilization of tax revenue and tax compliance,” he stated.

“The low level of tax compliance in developing countries can be attributed to the failure of the social contract between the taxpayers and the government. It is expected that if the citizens are committed to paying taxes, the government should be committed to using the taxes for the common good of all citizens.”

The FIRS boss further argued that projects funded by taxpayers’ moneys should be reported as such and not personalized so that citizens would begin to relate these projects as the proceeds of their taxes.

“Those in political leadership should promote the tax-paying culture by relating projects and infrastructural developments executed by them to tax.

“The government at all levels are doing a lot with taxpayers’ money but citizens do not easily appreciate these facts because of the way and manner the projects are reported.

“There is the need to de-emphasize and de-personalize projects so that the citizens will begin to relate all the ongoing laudable projects in the states to tax revenue. This singular act to a great extent will increase the tax morale and enhance compliance.”

Mr. Muhammad Nami, an advocate for a harmonized tax system as a cure for tax revenue leakages used the platform to call for the country to make a bold paradigm shift by harmonizing the country’s tax system to optimize tax revenue collection.

“Recently, there has been a clamour for a holistic review of our tax system. Its proponents, including myself argue that if Nigeria must achieve its tax revenue potentials as the fulcrum of economic development, a harmonisation of our tax system must be undertaken.

“Tax harmonisation for enhanced revenue generation, which was the theme of the 2nd National Tax Dialogue was carefully chosen to reiterate the need for us as a nation to rethink the current tax system being operated.

“There was a consensus at the dialogue that Nigeria needs a transition to a unified tax administration as practised globally by most of the efficient and effective tax jurisdictions that have achieved optimum tax revenue collection.

“Certainly, there is no gainsaying that if Nigeria must be less dependent on external borrowing and buffer from the volatility and dwindling oil revenue, there should be a paradigm shift. Beyond politics and sentiment, the country should be willing to make those bold and hard but beneficial tax reforms and there is no better time than now, if we must avert the looming debt crisis. The gains from a harmonised tax system far outweigh the fears expressed in some quarters, if dispassionately analysed.”

Pharmacists Day: Ogun PSN Seeks Collaboration with Govt on Improved Management of Chronic Diseases

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) in Ogun State has expressed its readiness to collaborate with the state government on the management
of long term and chronic disease conditions.

 

These, according to the body, include both for communicable diseases such as HIV/AIDS as tuberculosis and also for non-communicable diseases such as Hypertension, Diabetes, Cancer and Cardiovascular Disease.

 

The State Chairman of the PSN, Otunba Adewale Adenugba said this in his address at the Pharmacy House, Abeokuta, on the occasion of this year's World Pharmacists Day.

 

Adenugba said the collaboration becomes necessary because pharmacists are the closest healthcare providers to the community and also the last port of call in hospital.

 

According to him, the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals Number 3 sets a number of targets for these disease conditions, saying pharmacists in Ogun state are willing and empowered to collaborate with the state government.

 

He added that globally pharmacists "are recognized as drug therapy experts, health educators and improved patient care advocates."

 

Adenugba said "The Nigeria National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) has already deployed machinery to engage the over 6,000 community pharmacies in Nigeria in the National Vaccination Program.

 

"Pharmacists as the closest healthcare providers to the community and also as the last port of call in hospital managed patients have proven to be key in management of long term and chronic disease conditions both for communicable diseases such as HIV/AIDS as tuberculosis and also for non-communicable diseases such as Hypertension, Diabetes, Cancer and Cardiovascular Disease.

 

"The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals Number 3 sets a number of targets for these disease conditions and pharmacists in Ogun state are willing and empowered to collaborate with the Government and all other stakeholders in healthcare to bring succor and relief to the good people of Ogun State via a united front.

 

"Pharmacists in Ogun state in different areas of practice, Industrial/Production, Community/Retail, Academic/Research, Public Health and Hospital Practice are trained and continuously being trained to deliver effective pharmaceutical care following international guidelines and best practices in the prevention and management of these disease conditions thereby improving the overall health status , quality of life and life expectancy of the good people of Ogun state.

 

"Globally pharmacists are recognized as drug therapy experts, health educators and improved patient care advocates.

 

"The trust and confidence of people in pharmacy and pharmacists as providers of care will continue to increase as more and more pharmacists provide a broad spectrum of healthcare services."

 

Continuing, the Chairman said "In our country Nigeria, following trends already obtained in other advanced countries, patients, policy makers and the society at large are beginning to understand the multifunctional role of the pharmacist. This was revealed in great measure during the recent COVID pandemic where pharmacists across Nigeria being the closest health care providers to citizens played a crucial role in stemming the spread of the disease while also catering for healthcare needs of the majority of citizens who could not access hospital services due to different levels and stages of government announced COVID lockdown.

 

"Pharmacists were at the forefront in the production, procurement and distribution of personal protective equipment PPEs through various NGOs, Government Central Pharmaceutical Stores and thousands of retail community pharmacy outlets around the country throughout the pandemic.

 

"As Nigeria exits the pandemic era, pharmacists are also at the forefront the prevention of future disease outbreaks as more and more pharmacists are taking on active roles as vaccinators and more and more pharmacy outlets are becoming recognized points of vaccination in Nigeria.This is also in line with the trend in advanced societies like the USA where Pharmacy Based Immunization Services (PBIS) have been available since the 1980s, as at today all states in the USA have fully implemented the PBIS where citizens can get vaccinated in Pharmacies in their neighborhood."

 

The Chairman also appreciated the efforts of His Excellency Prince Dapo Abiodun on his giant strides on healthcare in the state through different measures such as renovation and equipping of primary health centres, the recently launched Ogun State Health Insurance Agency and the Drug Management Agency in the pipeline asking that more and more pharmacists be engaged into these government agencies for better performance.

 

As part of activities marking this year's World Pharmacists Day, he said the celebration also includes a Charity Visit to the Nigeria Correctional Service, Ibara on Wednesday the 28th of September and also a Public Health Campaign against Drug Abuse and Misuse at Egba High School, Asero also on Wednesday the 28th of September.

 

He said " It is with great delight that I and my entire executives at the PSN Ogun state wish all pharmacists and indeed the entire population a Happy World Pharmacists Day 2022.This year’s celebration also includes a Charity Visit to the Nigeria Correctional Service, Ibara on Wednesday the 28th of September and also a Public Health Campaign against Drug Abuse and Misuse at Egba High School, Asero also on Wednesday the 28th of September.

"I appreciate your efforts and dedication in improving healthcare outcomes in Ogun state."

 

Foundation Empowers Widows, Funds Children Education

 

To reduce the number of out-of-school children in the country and help widows in society, Lawrence Grace Foundation has urged the Federal Government to formulate a policy that will keep children in school and a workable policy document that will cater for the widow’s well-being.

Speaking at the empowerment of 200 widows, free medical outreach, and payment for scores of school children whose parents cannot afford school fees in Agiliti, Mile 12 Area of Lagos state, with the theme, ‘No act of kindness is ever wasted,’ the convener, Oluyinka Adewoye urged government at all levels to create mechanisms through which the needy’s well being can be attended to.

She stated that the aim of the Foundation is to reduce the poverty rate in society to the minimum as well as the rate of out-of-school children in society. “Part of the foundation objectives is to also train widows in different types of handiwork, which will make them self-reliant and able to contribute their quota to nation-building at large.”

Adewoye pointed out that the Foundation started four years ago with the aim of reaching out to widows, and the less privileged in society as well as empowering more than 4000 indigent people.

Also speaking at the event, Programme Coordinator, Kemisola Adeyemi, urged the government to establish more old people’s homes for senior citizens in all the 774 local councils in Nigeria to cater to their needs.

Kemisola Adeyemi

Nami: Road Infrastructure Tax Credit Scheme, One of Greatest Innovations of FG

 

 

The Road Infrastructure Tax Credit Scheme has been described by the Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Muhammad Nami as one of the greatest innovations of the Federal government in its resolve to tackle Nigeria’s infrastructure deficit.

 

The scheme which provides for public-private partnership intervention in the construction, refurbishment and maintenance of critical road infrastructure in the country with participants being entitled to Tax Credits against their future Companies Income Tax was the subject of debate at the Senate Stakeholder and Public Hearing on the 2023 Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and Fiscal Paper, which held yesterday at the Senate Chambers.

 

“I think one of the greatest innovations of the government of the day is the Executive Order 007, which was signed into law in 2019,” Mr. Nami said. “I want to speak to the one we are handling jointly with the NNPC. The NNPC through its subsidiary for instance is investing in about 1,824 kilometres of roads across the 6 geopolitical zones in Nigeria.

 

“Some of these roads had been constructed as far back as 1976. I could remember when I was still rounding up my primary school education, the road that leads Suleja to Lapai-Agaie-Bida was constructed by a company called DTV. I am not aware of any significant work done on that road 40 years later, only until now when the NNPC is using Executive Order 007 to reconstruct the road.

 

“I can report authoritatively to the Chairman and members of this committee that from December 2021 to July this year, the contractor has completed the reconstruction of well over 50 percent of that road.

 

“The challenge of road construction in Nigeria has always been funding. Yes, there are contracts for the construction of roads, but funding these constructions is the challenge.

 

“The road leading from Suleja to Minna for instance was awarded some 11 years ago to a company for over N20 billion. Ironically, annual budgetary provision in our National Budget every year stands between N150 million to N200 million per annum. If we are to complete that road, going by the annual budgetary provisions it would take an average of 35 to 40 years before we finish it.

 

“I can confirm to the Chairman that with Executive Order 007, NNPC is now providing funds and in the next two to three years that road will be completed. This is an important innovation of the government and I would plead with this distinguished Committee of the National Assembly to support the government on it,” Mr. Nami noted.

 

Supporting the position of the FIRS Executive Chairman, the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Hajia Zainab Shamsuna Ahmed explained further that the tax credit was only provided to the beneficiaries after completion of the construction work, and not before.

 

She noted that several companies had indicated interest in carrying out construction and rehabilitation of roads under the scheme across the country, adding that while some of these companies had commenced work, others were yet to as they were still finalising on some of the documentation requirements such as Bill of Quantities.

 

On the issue of revenue challenges being faced by the country, Mr. Muhammad Nami noted that a major cause of tax revenue loses for the country is the issue of having “fragmented tax systems and agencies.”

 

“In Nigeria we have 774 Local Governments, each of them have a tax authority; each of the 36 States, too, have revenue authorities with their respective mandates; then we have the FIRS and Customs. What I would advise for efficiency and to do things in line with global best practices, is that we should amend our tax laws to harmonise the tax agencies and tax system.

 

“With this, when the FIRS, for instance visits ‘Company A,’ it can serve one assessment on the company, and also on the individual that owns the Company; it can also ask the company to account for the VAT it has collected, and ask for PAYE it has deducted from its employees as well as the Personal Income Tax of the Promoters of the Company.

 

“This is currently not the case, and as such has created a huge gap in our tax system.”

 

The Senate Finance Committee, led by Senator Solomon Adeola charged the Federal Government through the Ministry of Finance and members of the government’s economic team to explore novel strategies that would shore up revenue for the Federal Government, including restructuring the remitting formula for Government Owned Enterprises (GOEs).

 

The Committee urged the Federal Government to consider a situation where Government Owned Enterprises (GOEs) remit 100% of their revenue to the government, while being funded by a determined percentage of Cost of Collection as is the case with the FIRS and Customs.

 

Arguing for this, the Committee opposed the current situation where some government agencies were retaining hundred percent of their revenue, spending from it, and paying government operating surplus.

 

The Committee recommended that these GOEs should keep only 5 to 15 percent as their cost of collection from the revenue generated to cater for their salaries, operational expenses and capital expenditure as is currently done by the Nigerian Customs and FIRS, while remitting the difference of 85 to 95 percent of their gross earnings as against the current practice of operating surplus where they spend between 70 and 90 percent of their gross earnings.

 

The Committee noted that this also has the capacity to make them put in more effort to improve their revenue when compared to the FIRS and Customs.

 

The Committee further urged the Federal Government to apply the same logic to the running of government owned universities by providing funding for only research and infrastructure needs through the Education Tax already being administered by the FIRS, while allowing the Vice Chancellors to use the revenue from school fees and other innovative revenue sources to run the Universities.

Ooni of Ife Visits Cavista in Lagos, Lauds Health Technology Solution's Initiative

 

 

His Imperial Majesty Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, recently visited the Lagos offices of Cavista Nigeria, and lauded its founder and chairman, Niyi John Olajide, for his strides in creating advanced technology as a tool for development and job creation.
During the visit, the Ooni further stated that the giant strides of Olajide, a proud descendant of Oduduwa from Erinmope-Ekiti, Ekiti State, should not go unnoticed.

 

“Despite the stereotype woven around Nigerian youths, Olajide has proven himself to be a worthy ambassador putting Nigeria on the world map as a problem-solver.,” the Ooni said.

“The purpose of my visit is to show my unflinching support for him and task the government to encourage technology businesses and entrepreneurs to achieve their dreams by creating an enabling environment.”

 

The Ooni also said Olajide, the founder and president of leading global healthcare technology company Axxess, a global partner to Cavista, is setting an extraordinary example for other business leaders.

 

“At a time when the best brains of our young people are relocating out of Nigeria due to a harsh economic climate, Olajide is in Nigeria utilizing his wealth of experience to create opportunities for job creation while ensuring consistent development of technology solutions in healthcare delivery across Africa,” the Ooni emphasized.

 

“Olajide is doing a lot, not only for himself but for the Nigerian youths he has engaged,” the Ooni continued. “Nigeria requires more than 65% of its total young population to take the lead in instituting modern governance and leadership, as well as establishing the noblest economic outlooks capable of competing favorably with any nation in the world through their entrepreneurial spirit.”

 

Since Olajide created Axxess in 2007 as an IT consulting firm, it has created and pioneered innovative healthcare solutions using cutting-edge technology to solve complex challenges in healthcare in North America and Africa. Today, Axxess is trusted by more than 9,000 organizations that serve more than 3 million patients worldwide.

 

“With investments in Cavista Nigeria, where more than 250 software engineers are currently employed, we provide cloud-based solutions that can be used anytime, anywhere, so people can receive the absolute best healthcare efficiently and in the privacy and comfort of wherever they call home,” Olajide said.

“Olajide’s story of struggles and challenges resonate with me and strikes a chord with a lesson of always believing in your dreams,” the Ooni said. “His toughness and doggedness exemplify the widely-held belief of ‘no pain, no gain.’ Indeed, there is the promise of greater value and reward for the price of persistent and intentional work.”

Appreciating the Ooni for his words of encouragement and playing his fatherly role during the visit, Olajide noted he kick-started his entrepreneurial sojourn from his days at the University of Texas at Dallas, where the vision for Axxess was conceived.

 

Axxess has a diverse pool of employees representing more than 45 countries worldwide.

 

“I believe that when we can harness the power of our diversity, we will replicate our success around the world in Nigeria at Cavista,” Olajide said.

Siju Iluyomade Kicks Off 14th Arise Women Empowerment Project *skills acquisition, golf play, conference, others listed

 

 

Its yet another season of series of humanitarian gesture, with several activities lined up as usual to mark the 14th edition of Arise Women, a non-governmental organization championed by Dr Siju Iluyomade as a tool of intervention to awaken the consciousness of not only women in the society but humanity as a whole and as well support the efforts of government in cushion the effect of current socio-economic situation in Nigeria.

This year’s event has already started with several sensitization programmes including the official unveiling of the 14th edition special T-Shirts with different designs as well as revelation of the official theme of the season tagged ‘Appointed To Live’. The Convener, Dr Siju whose passion to continue impacting positively to the upliftment of the downtrodden made past editions of the event to be successful despite the financial constraint, is again poised to make sure all activities proposed for the 2022 season are achieved.

 

The initiative, which has always been experienced by thousands of individuals including prominent Nigerians and internationals in business, politics, entertainment and also the vineyard of the Lord regardless of faith or religion, has also been witnessing tremendous anticipation this year. According to information made available to us by the organizers, this year's main event will kick off with the Arise Golf Tournament on Friday October 7 at the Lagos Ikoyi Club and it is expected to Tee-Off by 7am. This is a new initiative to sensitize prominent Nigerians who are into the sport to support Arise in navigating several humanitarian projects proposed in assisting the less privileged in the country.

The Yearly health-awareness Arise Walk for Life will follow up on Saturday October 15th 2022 globally and it will commence at 7:00am in over 50 clusters across different African countries, including the United Kingdom, United States of America, Canada and Australia and several European countries. Each cluster will be having a minimum of 25 persons amongst whom are influencers and celebrities

Later in the Month of October, there will be Skills Acquisition programmes in different fields, including Hairdressing, Catering, Computer Training, Soap & Cream Making among others. The event will culminate with the Arise Women Conference.

The 2022 Arise Women Conference as usual will witness prominent Women leaders, First Ladies and top celebrities across the country.

Gospel Music Sensation, Esther Osaji, Drops New Song's Video, 'Overtake'

  

 

This rising star Esther Osaji has broken the bounds with her audacious tune titled 'Overtake', that is rocking the air waves and breaking the Internet, especially the jaw dropping music videos that defines another level of Gospel Jams.

This pulsating groove gives a victorious touch to every line and will lift you beyond any downcast emotions you are going through.

 

Feel this jam and connect with Esther Osaji for more resounding and electrifying moments as she drops hit to hit.

 

https://youtu.be/ZdcJBPBNpcQ

 

Wiseman Daniel Stages Crusade in Botswana, Receives Presidential Welcome (Video)

 

It was pomp and pageantry as Wiseman Daniel whose biological name is Daniel Emelandu Udochukwu was given a presidential treatment when he arrived Botswana for a two day crusade.

Wiseman Daniel is one of the wiseman who late prophet T.B Joshua released the prophetic mantle on. He has proven to be a carrier of the prophetic, as through him God is moving in the miraculous.

As the man of God entered Botswana for a two day crusade, a presidential welcome was organised for the man of God. Dignitaries from all spheres of life, came together to welcome the man of God; bikers were not left out as they also showcased their beautiful stunts on the streets as they move.

 

International visitors from around the world also thronged Botswana at the Gaborone National Stadium eagerly waiting for their encounter with the Spirit of God. In excitement, they wave the flags of their nations believing Jesus Christ to remember and bless their countries as He is in Botswana.

Watch:

https://youtu.be/lBXVfIbCWc4

Quincy Ayodele Bags National Honour, Urges FG to Enact Laws To Promote, Regulate Herbal Practice in Nigeria

 

 

 

 

Traditional medicine practitioner and founder, Quincy Wellness and Naturopathic Centre, Dr Quincy Olasumbo Ayodele, has called on the national assembly to fast-track the passage of the Traditional Medicine Bill to regulate and promote proper practice of traditional medicine in the country.

 

 

 

 

Ayodele, who is a World Health Organization (WHO) expert on development of natural medicine, made the call during an interactive session with the media held on Thursday, 8th September in Lagos.

 

 

 

“There should be enabling laws that regulate the practice of herbal medicine.

 

 

 

 

Awareness and education for practitioners in other health-related fields will help to promote the practice," she noted, adding that, "It is good to also educate people to know that traditional medicine is not evil; but like every field, we have people who are not doing what they are supposed to do."

 

 

 

 

According to Mrs. Ayodele, medicinal plants in Nigeria are being underutilized, despite rising global demand for herbal medication.

 

 

 

Herbal and traditional medicine is supposed to be a cultural way of not only treating people but also diagnosing different types of health problems.

 

 

 

Quincy stated that herbal and traditional medicine should not be seen as a threat to other medical practices.

 

 

 

 

''Anybody feeling threatened by our practice should go back to school and we are ready to train them if they don't know anything about what we do because we have knowledge of what they do and we are ready to train them''.

 

 

 

 

If the bill is passed it will be well with Nigeria.

 

 

 

 

Speaking further on the advantage of passing traditional medicine bill, Quincy said; ''it will encourage professionals in the industry to integrate with the orthodox medical practitioner, just as Quincy has done because that is what is obtainable in many parts of the world now."

 

 

 

 

Quincy remains the only practitioner in the industry that has fully integrated by combining the traditional and orthodox systems for a better approach to treatment of ailments.

 

 

''We are supposed to be a nation that is supported by nature, we have all the natural resources around us, so, is it okay for us to put that nature behind us? what do you think nature will do if we care less? Nature will just begin to bring all diseases we think our practice can cure and, at the end of the day, we will realize that it's only nature that can cure the diseases," she warned.

 

 

 

 

''For instance, Covid-19 was a test, it forced everybody to go back to nature because you are putting your eyes on something else and eradicating nature to the background. So nature came out and said okay let me see how you are going to do it because it is still traditional medicine that managed Covid-19 proper," Quincy said.

 

 

 

 

She added that “traditional medicine is all that we had before the emergence of modern medicine. And the same applies to all cultures and civilisations. The continued interest and research into traditional medicine is the right way to go for further development of these ancient herbs in Nigeria."

 

 

 

 

Meanwhile, the ageless herbal treatment expert, has just been honoured by the Federal Government of Nigeria through the Federal Ministry of Health for her commitment and expertise in the herbal health solution sector. Quincy was recognized alongside few other notable personalities during this 2022 celebration of African Traditional Medicine Day.

 

Buratai Commissions Projects at Tukur Buratai Institute for War and Peace, Biu

 

As a mark of honour and respect, His Excellency, Lieutenant General Tukur Yusufu Buratai (rtd), former Chief of Army Staff, on Wednesday, 7th September 2022, commissioned two projects at the Tukur Buratai Institute for War and Peace (TBIWP), Nigerian Army University Biu (NAUB), located at Buratai town. The projects, a modern storehouse and a souvenir shop, were in honour of two staff of the institute, the late Lawan Aliyu Buratai and the late Yusuf Abubakar Miringa, the TBIWP storekeeper and his assistant. Speaking at the occasion, Brigadier General Abdullahi Dadan Garba (Rtd), the Director General of TBIWP, stated that he embarked on the projects to immortalise the memory of the two dedicated and hardworking gentlemen.

 

 

Before the commissioning ceremony, Lt Gen TY Buratai (rtd) was conducted around some of the new projects embarked upon by the DG, Brigadier General Abdullahi Dadan Garba. These include a modern cafeteria and living accommodations.

 

The commissioning ceremonies were witnessed by the Director, Strategic Communication at the TBIWP, Major General Lawal Zakari, staff and some members of Buratai and Miringa communities, Biu Local Government Area.

 

 

In a related development, the Ambassador also commissioned some projects at the Community School for Higher Islamic Studies (CSHIS) Miringa executed by TBIWP as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility. The projects include the provision of computers, water, and electricity and the renovation of classrooms in the school. The Commissioning ceremony also featured the presentation of 60 and 80 life society books to the students of the School, rendition, recitation and drama presentation on the importance of education by some of the students, as well as tree planting by some of the dignitaries.

 

Present at the occasion were His Royal Highness Mustapha Umar Mustapha II, Emir of Biu, Vice Chairman, Biu Local Government Council, Alhaji Hassan Pindar Mamza, the Vice Chancellor of Nigerian Army University Biu (NAUB), Professor Kyari Mohammed, who Professor Fatima Tahir represented, Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academics, Alhaji Maina Abba Mohammed, District Head of Miringa, Major General Lawal Zakari, Director, Strategic Communication at the TBIWP, Brigadier General PC Obilor, Director, Academic Planning, NAUB, Brigadier General Aliyu Ahmed (rtd) mni, Chairman of the Committee of the Community School for Higher Islamic Studies, Principal of the school and Mallam Yusuf Alhaji Adam. Others were Colonel Sabi’u Ado (rtd), Alhaji Sultan Hassan, Brigadier Sani Usman Kukasheka (Rtd) mni, Consultant Director, Corporate Affairs and Information Services, Nigerian Resource Centre, Engineer Mohammed Hassan, Lieutenant Colonel SN Bemu, Commanding Officer of 231 Battalion, and Major YM Kachalla, Commanding Officer of 135 Battalion Buratai, Major JG Usman, Commanding Officer, NAUB Admin Battalion, as well as many indigenes of Biu, Miringa, Buratai towns and surrounding, staff and students of the school.

Showbiz Star, Prince CJ, Gives Back To The Less Privileged

It was celebration galore penultimate week as top musician who also doubles as a clearing agent, Nwanazia Daniel Chukwu popularly known as Prince CJ touched lives with his charity organization, Global Lives Touching Foundation.

The outreach that took place in Delta State, Ogwashi had top personalities from all walks of life who commended the organizers for putting up such a great initiative.

According to the prime mover of the foundation, Prince CJ the mission and vision of the charity humanitarian is to provide for the welfare of members, especially the less privileged which includes; the needy widows, widowers and those facing different challenges.

In his words, he said "The charity organization is an avenue to reach out to the needy and also to organise training, workshops, seminars to empower youths."

 

"Aside from that, the youths are going to enjoy free scholarship and trade empowerment funds. It will also promote, care and make peace in the environment, communities, schools, sports, religious bodies and many more."

He also said, " “Global Lives Touching Foundation is a non-governmental organization that was established to fend for youths, widows and the needy. We have contributed towards the education of the young and old. Today, we have donated gifts, food and working tools for the people of Ogwashi. We also have over many students on our scholarship scheme and we hope to do more because we realized that, when a woman loses her husband, both the family members and people around her abandon her to her faith. Prior to that, we have made it our priority to be a shoulder they can lean on anytime they are in need. We don’t just give, we empower, educate and train them on skill acquisition so as to enable them to fend for themselves and their children.” he concluded.

 

It will also interest you to know that the NGO is also meant to inspire and raise youths to a position of responsibility and independence with a deep sense of purpose and destiny and be useful to the society.  And the organisation is also assisting in the health, safety and general well being of the members of the society.

 

Awujale Becomes Royal Patron of Ijebu Fashion Festival

The Awujale of Ijebuland, HRM Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona

One of the most sought after fashion festivals in the Southwestern part of Nigeria, the Ijebu Fashion Festival has assumed a new dimension.

 

The paramount ruler and Awujale of Ijebuland, HRM Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona has accepted to be the face of the socio cultural festival which has attracted thousands of Fashionpreneurs in recent time.

 

The organiser of the event, Miss Ayokunle Maraiyesa made this known yesterday in an interview with newsmen in Abeokuta, the Ogun state capital.

 

"As the grand custodian of Ijebu culture and traditions, we are happy to announce that our Royal Majesty has approved our request to be decorated as the Grand Royal Patron of Ijebu Fashion Festival.

 

The Ijebu Fashion Festival is a platform to promote and empower fashion entrepreneurs. The 2021edition which was the maiden edition of the festival was a huge success, with over 1000 participants with different activities in attendance.

Miss Maraiyesa

We are here to create a massive network, and setting the foundation for worldwide commercial influx and patronage of Ijebu designers. I believe IFF fashion magazine we will be launching this year, which will be in digital and printed copies will help advance this too”, she added.

 

Further information has it that the festival will come up on November 18 and 19, 2022, and highlight of the event will be the launching of IFF magazine, a lookbook for fashion entrepreneurs.

 

Other activities include IFF masterclasses, game contests, trade fair, fashion shows, pageantry and awards.

Amb Yusuf Buratai Honoured by His Community

In a rare show of love and commendable effort, the people of Buratai town, Biu Local Government Area of Borno State, on Tuesday 6th September 2022 held a reception in honour of one of their illustrious sons, His Excellency, Lieutenant General Tukur Yusufu Buratai (rtd), former Chief of Army Staff and Nigeria’s ambassador to the Republic of Benin. During  the occasion, community and youth leaders took turn to shower encomiums on Lieutenant General TY Buratai for being a worthy son and an ambassador to the town. They also prayed for him and commended the sterling efforts of the DG TBIWP, Brigadier General Abdullahi Dadan Garba (rtd) and the CO FOB Buratai, Major YH Kachalla for their continuous support to the community and its environs. The people through Galadiman Buratai, Alhaji Lawan Maina Barka and Alhaji Hassan Sarkin  Barkan Buratai, also made a presentation of a shield, bow, arrow and a sword as a mark of honour and respect to the Ambassador.

 

In his remarks Lt Gen TY Buratai thanked President Muhammadu Buhari for entrusting with the responsibility of commanding the Nigerian Army in one of our most critical times of our national history and thereafter his appointment as Nigeria’s ambassador to Benin Republic. He also thanked the good people of Buratai town and environs for their continued love, support and prayers. He described the honour to him as to the Armed Forces of Nigeria for their untiring efforts of bringing peace and stability in the northeast and other parts of the country. He called on them to continue to support and cooperate with the military and security forces. He urged them to take advantage of the interest-free thrift loan scheme to enhance their vocations and also asked the youths to take their education very seriously. 

Present at the occasion were the Galadiman Buratai, Alhaji Lawan Maina Barka, Brigadier General Abdullahi Dadan-Garba (rtd), Director General of Tukur Buratai Institute for War and Peace (TBIWP), Major General Lawal Zakari, Director of Strategic Communication at TBIWP, Colonel Sabi’u Ado (rtd), Alhaji Sultan Hassan, Brigadier Sani Usman Kukasheka (Rtd) mni, Consultant Director, Corporate Affairs and Information Services, Nigerian Resource Centre, Engineer Mohammed Hassan, Lieutenant Colonel SN Bemu, Commanding Officer of 231 Battalion, and Major YM Kachalla, Commanding Officer of 135 Battalion  Buratai, elders and youths of the community amongst other dignitaries.

What The Education Tax Is Doing in Nigeria’s Public Tertiary Institutions *by Aisha Attahiru Jega

Muhammad Nami, FIRS chairman

Some of the most prevalent challenges confronting public tertiary institutions in Nigeria are funding, management problems, obsolete equipment, poor learning facilities and infrastructure. Chief among these that deals the worst blow is funding. Most of the public tertiary institutions in the country are grossly underfunded. When there were just a few tertiary institutions, Government took up the burden of funding the institutions solely but from the mid 1980’s, there was a massive increase in the number of public tertiary institutions and in students’ enrolment in Nigeria. This increase got to the point where Government openly acknowledged that it could no longer shoulder the responsibility of funding institutions alone. This led to the promulgation of the Education Tax Act No7 in January 1993, alongside other education related Decrees. The Decree imposed a 2% tax on the assessable profits of all companies in Nigeria which was earmarked to fund public tertiary institutions in the country.

The Education Trust Fund (ETF), now Tertiary Education Trust Fund Act (replaced in 2011), is an intervention agency set up to provide supplementary support to all levels of public tertiary institutions, with the main objective of using funding alongside project management for the rehabilitation, restoration and consolidation of Tertiary Education in Nigeria. Initially the Education Tax Act No7 of 1993 mandated the Fund to operate as an Intervention Fund to all levels of public education (Federal, State and Local).

The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) is today empowered by the Education Act to assess and collect Education Tax. The Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND) also known as “The Fund” administers the tax imposed by the Act, and disburses the amounts to educational institutions at federal, state and local government levels. It also monitors the projects executed with the funds allocated to beneficiaries. The distribution for tertiary education is shared between Universities, Polytechnics and Colleges of Education in the ratio of 2:1:1. The 1998 amendment changed the disbursement to 50% (Tertiary education); 25% (polytechnics) and 25% (Colleges of Education) with emphasis placed on science and technology due to the expensive nature of training within the country.

The Fund is managed by an eleven (11) member Board of Trustees with members drawn from the six geo-political zones of the country, as well as representatives of the Federal Ministry of Education, Federal Ministry of Finance and the Federal Inland Revenue Service. It is disbursed for the general improvement of education in federal and state tertiary education institutions, in form of annual and special interventions specifically for the provision and/or maintenance of: Essential physical infrastructure for teaching and learning, institutional materials and equipment, research and publications, academic staff training and development and, any other need which, in the opinion of the Board of Trustees, is critical and essential for the improvement and maintenance of standards in the higher educational institutions.

So far, what has the Education Tax done for Nigeria?

Tertiary education tax is imposed on every Nigerian company at the rate of 2.5% (as amended in the 2021 Finance Act) of the assessable profit for each year of assessment. The tax is payable within two months of an assessment notice from the FIRS. In practice, many companies pay the tax on a self-assessment basis along with their Companies Income Tax. Failure to pay education tax comes with a penalty. For a first offence, the fine is N10,000 or imprisonment for a term of three years while for a second or subsequent offence, the fine is N20,000 or imprisonment for a term of five years or it could be both fine and imprisonment.

From 1998-2018, a total of about N1 trillion was disbursed by TETFUND to universities, polytechnics and colleges of education, and as of 2021, 221 institutions were beneficiaries of the fund including 87 universities, 65 Polytechnics, and 69 Colleges of Education. The fund has been used to cater for interventions such as physical development in public tertiary institutions, including construction of physical infrastructure like lecture halls and theatres, laboratories, construction of libraries and academic and non-academic staff offices, procurement of equipment and furniture, procurement of hard and soft copies of books and academic journals, as well as ICT software services/licenses.

Another intervention scheme funded by education tax is library development in tertiary institutions. This is done through the provision of library equipment and e-learning facilities. The fund is also used to support authorship of relevant indigenous academic textbooks for teaching and learning in tertiary institutions and the establishment of 7 academic publishing centers and funding the publishing of academic research journals. Part of the fund is set aside and used to offer Academic staff in Nigerian public tertiary institutions study fellowships, to undertake masters and doctorate degrees. There is also the National Research Fund (NRF) a non-infrastructural special intervention that is aimed at promoting the conduct of applied research and innovation by academics, in public tertiary institutions which focuses on Science, Engineering, Technology and Innovation, Humanities and Social Sciences. As at 2020, the NRF funded 457 projects and this dates back to its inception.

It is a known fact that the foundation of education is frail when education is not well funded, and the products of such foundation are weak intellectuals. The Education Tax has impacted positively in Nigeria’s educational development with particular focus on public tertiary institutions. It is no gainsaying that without the Education Tax, earmarked for the transformation of education in Nigeria, the nation’s public tertiary institutions would be a backwater compared to its counterparts in other climes. It is not surprising however, that there is the conspicuous stamp of “TETFUND” on most of the infrastructure in our public tertiary institutions today, and this is courtesy of the taxes we pay.

How Robbers Raided Socialite Olabisi Akanbi's Labo Autos for Three Hours, Stole Cars Worth N200m

 

 

Labo Autos, a car sale mart owned by Lagos socialite, Olabisi Akanbi, was penultimate week, raided by a gang of armed robbers.

 

The car lot located at Gowon Estate, Egbeda in Alimosho area, Lagos, was reportedly vandalized by the robbers who reportedly wore masks and cars which prices were estimated at about N200 million stolen.

 

The robbery operation which was recorded by the CCTV mounted at the lot showed the night guard named Ibrahim being assaulted and ordered at gunpoint to open the exit gate at the back of the shop

According to the Labo Autos CEO, the cars were burgled with their chassis taken away and valuable items, including windshields and side mirrors.

 

During the incident that lasted about three hours, the guard was reportedly chained to the inner gate and covered with waste bin bag.

 

The incident has been reported at the area police division, we learnt.

Trade Expert, Adekunle Ayoola, Seeks Deeper Poland-Nigeria Relations

 

An expert in international trade and Chief Executive Officer of Afro Euro Investment, Prince Adekunle Adebayo Ayoola has called for a closer Poland-Nigeria bilateral relationship.

 

Prince Ayoola revealed that he was very confident that a stronger Poland-Nigeria bilateral cooperation would translate to greater prosperity for the two nations.

 

He said given how naturally endowed the two countries are, the desire of the two nations to be partners in progress would no doubt bring with it great economic gains and leave open several widows of opportunities.

 

Ayoola made this disclosure while speaking on the imperatives of the working visit of the President of Poland, Andr...Duda to the country.

Ayoola

 

The international trade expert who is based in Poland has however urged the Nigerian government to use the occasion of this visit to demand a comprehensive renewal of the trade relationship that will help the country create opportunities for its agricultural commodities to make inroads into Europe through Poland.

 

He said the country could also benefit in the area of technology transfer, shipbuilding, and cooperation on security among others.

NANS Asks Police to Arrest 'President-Elect', Umar Faruk *he's an impostor

 

The Convention Planning Committee of the National Association of Nigerian Students has released the list of the winners of the Saturday elections of the student body.

 

The committee also asked security operatives to arrest impostors parading themselves as new leaders of the association.

 

One Umar Faruk Lawal had earlier declared himself as the president-elect.

 

However, the election committee in a communique signed by its chairman, Bappare Muhammad and clerk, Adeyemi Azeez named Barambu, a student of the Federal University, Dutse as new president of the association.

 

According to the committee, Barambu polled 292 votes to defeat his rival, Lawal, who polled just eight votes.

 

Former NANS JCC Ondo chairman, Akinteye Babatunde Afeez, is the Vice President, External Affairs.

 

 

 

Akinteye polled 245 votes to defeat his only rival, Dan Fodio who polled 43 votes.

 

Below is the list of the new elected officers;

1. Usman Umar Barambu
President Elect
2. Attah Nnalue Felix
Senate President Elect
3. Usman Baba Kankia
Secretary General Elect
4. Victor W C Ezenagu
VP National Elect
5. Akinteye Babatunde
VP External Elect
6. Suleiman Muhammad Sarki
VP Special Duties Elect
7. Giwa Yisa Topnotch
National PRO Elect
8. Chinyelu Chinelo Okolie
National Treasurer Elect
9. Vanessa Egbeahie
Vice President Campus Affairs Elect
10. Mohammed Shehu
Ex-Officio 2 Elect
11. Ossai Chika
Assistant Secretary General Elect
12. Godwin Asuquo
Financial Secretary Elect
13. Salawudeen Kamorudeen
Director of Travel and Exchange Elect
14. Umar Afkhawa
Sports Director Elect
15. Ekundina Segun Elvis
Deputy Senate President Elect
16. Olatunji Baki
Clerk Elect

 

 

Kidnapped Zamfara Worshippers Working in Bandits' Farm as Labourers

 

The 44 worshippers abducted from a mosque in Zamfara community last Friday have been subjected to physical labour on armed men’s farmlands.

Residents said that the bandits had called to tell relatives that the captives were with them and working on their millet and sorghum plantations but had yet to demand ransom.

 

“Our millet plantations are due for harvest and the captives must do the work for us,” one of the bandits was quoted as saying by a resident, Abubakar Bukkuyum.  

 

Last Friday, bandits abducted dozens of worshippers from a central Juma’at Mosque in Zugu community of Bukkuyum Local Government Area of Zamfara State. 

 

Residents said the armed men hid their guns inside their clothes and stormed the mosque when the Imam was about to start delivering sermons and they asked those on the premises of the mosque to get inside. 

 

“No one saw them with guns and many people mistook them as worshippers. Nobody paid attention to them because they hid their guns.

 

 “However, shortly after they moved inside the mosque they brought out the rifles and fired some shots as a warning.

 

 “They herded the congregants into the bush but some of the worshippers managed to scramble out of the mosque to safety. The muezzin was among those kidnapped but the Imam was able to escape the assault.

 

 “Some those who were outside the mosque were also abducted.

 

When contacted for an update, the spokesman of the police in the state, SP Muhammad Shehu, said search and rescue operation had already commenced.

Tourism And Hospitality Industry Drives Entertainment -Jamiu Ojediran, CEO, Climax Travels & Tours

 

 

 

 

In recent years, many Nigerians in disapora have been inspired to utilise human and material resources within their reach to establish businesses across various industries in Nigeria which have empowered people and brought about improvement on the economy in terms of exploiting available opportunities to build the gross domestic product of the economy. Among such is Mr. Jamiu Abiodun Ojediran, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Climax Travel and Tours and Climax Entertainment and Events that has been adding immense values to the growth of the Nigerian Travels, Tours and Hospitality Industry, as well as the Entertainment Industry.

 

 

 

With his individual competence, academic acquisitions, and as a professional armed with a degree in travels, tourism and hospitality and his practical business experience gathered in the process of running both organisation he established, he has demonstrated his competence as someone who understands his onions and has what it takes, thereby both organisations he led has demonstrated excellence across the years.

 

 

 

Climax Travel and Tours has grown to be a notable organisation in the areas of various visa application categories to various countries including study abroad visa and temporary work permit for which the company is highly respected. In his view, the MD/CEO of the organisation made it known that to sustain organisational success in Study Abroad and other visa categories, honesty, integrity and understanding what the business entails are very important.

 

 

 

Speaking on this, he stated that, “I focused on specific international travel programmes and assisted clients, then I started travelling abroad, precisely to the United Kingdom, after which I took the necessary step to proceed for further education by acquiring a degree in International Tourism and Hospitality Management from the University of Sunderland in UK”.

 

 

 

With about one and a half decade of existence, Climax Travel and Tours which was conceived as a passion transformed into a legitimate business entity operating within the ambits of the law and professionalism, to create employment and solutions for clients on visa application, consultations, air-ticketing and hotel reservations and study abroad programmes. Their services also cover other visa application categories such as visits, family visits, settlement, temporary work permits and others.

 

 

 

While explaining the relationship between Climax Travel and Tours and Climax Entertainment and Events, Mr Jamiu Abiodun Ojediran stated that Climax Entertainment and Events is a build-up on the achievements made with Climax Travels and Tours and also because Travels and Entertainment are interwoven.

 

 

His enviable arrays of clients are made up of notable celebrities in the music, films and entertainment industry.

 

 

 

Having worked with various top artistes and celebrities, and with the combined efforts and synergy among the two organisations that he sits atop, Mr Jamiu Abiodun Ojediran has successfully initiated and partnered with others to host music and entertainment events in United Kingdom, South Africa, United Arab Emirates and Turkey. He explained, “come to think of it, the same set of artistes, celebrities and public figures we served in Climax Travels and Tours make up a sizeable number of those patronising Climax Entertainment and Events, if we had not built effective customer relations with them in the travels and tourism sector, will they be patronising us in the entertainment and events sector?”

 

 

 

Within a short entrance of Climax Entertainment and Events the company have gained grounds and patronages and the CEO says this is largely due to how the company has been handling her clients, “In business you need to learn how to build effective customer relations, no business marketing skill builds more loyal clients than effective customer relations because, people do not care how much you know, they are concerned with how much you care? Therefore, you need to be caring and concerned about your customers to give them the best”.

 

 

 

Mr Jamiu Abiodun Ojediran strongly believes that the Nigerian Travels, Tours and Hospitality Industry as well as the Entertainment Industry can greatly add to the country’s foreign exchange and GDP just like the British Royal family which generates about 500 million British pounds for UK tourism each year through tourist visits to Buckingham palace, Windsor Castle, Tower of London and other monarchy heritage attractions.

 

 

 

“Nigeria has the likes of Osun Osogbo, the Kano Durbar, Ofala, the Argungun Fishing festival and many other fascinating events and tourism sites that can attract visitors and patronage from various parts of the world. So if the travels, tourism and hospitality industry is well organised with government’s strong backing you can imagine how much we stand to make”, he stated.

 

 

 

Having travelled across different continents including Africa, Europe, North America and Middle East, Mr Jamiu Abiodun Ojediran has been able to successfully transform his international travels experience and exposure into building both Climax Travel and Tours with Climax Entertainment and Events into enviable brands.