How Alimosho LG Chairman, Jelili Suleimon, Escapes Impeachment *Lagos Assembly wades in

What would have resulted in the removal of the Alimosho Local Government chairman, Jelili Suleimon, was on Monday prevented by the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa.

Lawmakers had suggested on the floor of the House that the council chairman be removed or suspended for 'stubbornly disrespecting' the House and refusing to obey its resolutions concerning toll collections in the Iyana-Ipaja area of Alimosho.

One person had been killed on April 16, 2024, when fracas occurred in Iyana-Ipaja over allegations that council chairman forcefully withdrew the collection of revenues from Abiodun Ejigbadero and handed same to a man allegedly loyal to him.

After what a member of the House, Hon. Sa'ad Olumoh, described as a painstaking two months investigation in which all parties to the issue were invited, the Assembly directed Jelili to return Ejigbadero, who was able to present all the vital documents requested during the inquiries.

However, the lawmakers surprisingly received a letter from the secretary to the Alimosho Local Government council, Dare Ogunkoya, stating that the chairman cannot obey the resolutions of the House concerning the matter.

The letter read by the Clerk of the House, Barr. Olalekan Onafeko, said any action by the council chairman on the resolutions of the House would be contentious.

Reacting to the letter, Hon. Sanni Okanlawon, who chaired the committee that investigated the crisis, described Jelili as a stubborn chairman who would go any length to debase the House.

He recalled that in resolving the matter, the committee invited all the stakeholders including Jelili, who the committee discovered to be the cause of the mayhem.

Okanlawon said while Jelili could not provide any documents, Ejigbadero produced all documents to prove his position as toll collector in the place.

According to Okanlawon, Jelili had remained "defiant and, to say the least, this is an affront against the House that had resolved the issue."

He urged the House to invoke the right section of the law against the council chairman as a deterrent.

In his contribution, Majority Leader Noheem Adams, said the letter by Ogunkoya undermines the authority of the House which sought peace in the affected area.

Deputy Majority Leader Adedamola Kasunmu told his colleagues, "I can attest to his (Jelili's) stubbornness. He has shown incompetence and irresponsibility. For us to avert further loss of lives, it is good that he is either immediately removed or suspended."

In their individual contributions, the two lawmakers from Alimosho, Hon. Kehinde Joseph and Luqman Orelope, pleaded with the House for leniency on the council chairman.

The duo expressed surprise that the council could disobey the House in such a manner, while Joseph urged that the chairman could be suspended instead of an outright removal.

While noting all the contributions, Dr. Obasa wondered why Alimosho is always enmeshed in crises adding that the resolution by the House was to ensure peace in the community.

Pacifying the lawmakers, Dr. Obasa said the chairman should be given the benefit of doubt since the letter was not directly written by him and, as such, he could claim ignorance.

He, therefore, directed the Clerk to resend the resolutions of the House to the council chairman, the Local Government Service Commission and other top officials of the Alimosho Local Government council.

Discover the New Property Hotspots: Why More Buyers are Choosing Adron Homes

 

In recent years, a significant shift in where people choose to call home has been quietly reshaping the property market. From bustling cities to serene suburban towns, the narrative of homeownership is being rewritten as more individuals and families seek out new environments that offer a better quality of life, more space, and a stronger sense of community. At the forefront of this transformation is Adron Homes, a real estate company that has not only recognized these emerging trends but has positioned itself as the premier choice for discerning buyers.

 

The idea of "home" has evolved, especially in the wake of global events that have made people reevaluate their priorities. The shift toward remote work, the desire for more personal space, and a renewed focus on wellness have led to a surge in demand for properties in areas that were once considered off the beaten path. Suburban towns, smaller cities, and even rural locales are experiencing a renaissance, with people flocking to these areas for a variety of reasons:

1. Space and Affordability: As property prices in major cities continue to soar, buyers are increasingly looking for alternatives that offer more bang for their buck. Suburban and rural areas often provide larger homes at a fraction of the cost, allowing families to enjoy more space without compromising on quality.

2. Quality of Life: The hustle and bustle of city life, once a draw for many, is now being traded for the peace and tranquility of quieter neighborhoods. With less traffic, lower crime rates, and a closer connection to nature, these areas offer a slower pace of life that appeals to those looking to escape the stress of urban living.

3. Community and Connection: In these new property hotspots, there is often a stronger sense of community. Neighbors know each other, local businesses thrive, and there's a shared commitment to preserving the character of the area. This sense of belonging is a significant draw for those looking to put down roots.

4. Remote Work Flexibility: The rise of remote work has untethered many workers from the office, giving them the freedom to live wherever they choose. This newfound flexibility has opened up a world of possibilities, with many opting to live in areas that offer a better work-life balance.

 

As the property market shifts and new hotspots emerge, one name consistently stands out as the go-to option for buyers: Adron Homes. With a reputation for excellence, innovation, and customer satisfaction, Adron Homes is more than just a real estate company; it’s a partner in your journey to finding the perfect home.

1. Diverse Portfolio: Adron Homes offers a wide range of properties in the most sought-after locations, from serene suburban communities to vibrant small towns. Whether you're looking for a spacious family home, a modern apartment, or a serene getaway, Adron Homes has something to suit every taste and budget.

2. Commitment to Quality: Every Adron Homes property is built to the highest standards, with a focus on durability, design, and functionality. The company’s commitment to quality ensures that your home is not just a place to live, but an investment in your future.

3. Customer-Centric Approach: At Adron Homes, the customer always comes first. The company’s dedicated team of professionals is there to guide you every step of the way, from choosing the right property to navigating the buying process. With Adron Homes, you’re never just a client; you’re part of the family.

4. Affordability and Flexibility: Understanding that buying a home is one of the most significant financial decisions you’ll ever make, Adron Homes offers flexible payment plans and financing options that make homeownership more accessible. The company’s goal is to make your dream home a reality without the stress of financial strain.

5. Sustainability and Innovation: Adron Homes is committed to building sustainable communities that are not only good for their residents but also for the environment. From energy-efficient homes to green spaces and community amenities, Adron Homes is leading the way in creating living spaces that are as environmentally friendly as they are beautiful.

 

As more people discover the benefits of living in these new property hotspots, the demand for quality homes will continue to rise. Adron Homes, with its unwavering commitment to excellence, is perfectly positioned to meet this demand and help buyers find their ideal home in these thriving communities.

 

Whether you're looking to escape the chaos of city life, find more space for your growing family, or simply invest in a community that aligns with your values, Adron Homes is your best choice. With their diverse portfolio, commitment to quality, and customer-focused approach, Adron Homes is not just helping people find houses; they're helping them find homes where they can build their futures.

World Quality Day: 10th Global Quality Alliance Awards Set To Hold Nov 16

The World Quality Alliance brand is set to hold its 10th edition of annual Excellence Awards  which will take place at the Civic Center Victoria Island Lagos on the 16th of November 2023, in celebration of World Quality Day.  

According to the organizers, the focus is charged towards  helping organizations and brands achieve its goals  through quality improvement principles and methods, sharing best practices. It is a time to recognize the achievements of quality professionals, reflect on the successes and challenges of the past year, and share best practices for ensuring quality in all areas of our lives.

World Quality Day, an annual celebration in November which aims to highlight the importance of quality management in Organizations across different industries. Businesses and organizations worldwide come together to share best practices, celebrate achievements and raise awareness about the importance of quality management.

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The main objective of Quality Day is to encourage companies to focus on continuous improvement in their processes, products and services to enhance customer satisfaction and achieve sustainable growth.

The Chartered Quality Institute used to celebrate on the 3rd Thursday in November, but since 2021, CQI now celebrates World Quality Week. This year's celebration will commence on 10th to 16th November 2023, themed "Quality: Realizing Your Competitive Potential".

Highlights of the 2023 edition includes, Lectures on the year's theme, World Quality Day Exhibition and Global Quality Excellence Awards.

The 2023 World Quality Day Exhibition provides Organizations with maximum exposure at a premier congress and exhibition devoted to increase brand visibility. Participating as an Exhibitor at 2023 WORLD QUALITY DAY Showcase and Exhibition can take you straight to target market and demonstrate your level of support and commitment to brand management systems.

The Global Quality Excellence Awards 2023 is meant to celebrate Excellence in Quality conformance to customer needs and promote awareness of the important contributions that quality makes towards a nation, or organization growth and prosperity.

According to the Country Director, World Quality Alliance, Mr Desmond Esorougwe,  the brand is a global quality organization that seeks to improve quality of human life by contributing to the progress of science and technology: and to the development of industry through professional activities for the research and development of philosophy, theory, methodology and application by laying emphasis on Quality Management.

World Quality Alliance is established to provide vital professional stimulus for the development of Quality Management as a profession. It aimed at continuously developing of Quality Management by improving customer's satisfaction and profitability, reducing costs, efficiently managing risk and promoting corporate responsibility. World Quality Alliance is committed to promoting Quality in all field of endeavour by providing Quality Awareness, Leadership Principles, Products and Services.

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.