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Oyedele’s Presidential Committee on Reforms seeks NEITI Partnership, Collaboration on Accurate Data, Revenue Transparency

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The Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) and the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms (PCFPTR) have agreed to work in partnership and collaborate on deployment of reliable data, public disclosure to support ongoing governance and institutional reforms and public finance management.

Rising from an elaborate meeting held at the NEITI House Abuja, the Executive Secretary of NEITI, Dr Orji Ogbonnaya Orji and the Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, Mr. Taiwo Oyedele identified the importance of NEITI’s reports in the oil, gas and mining sectors and the deployment of accurate data as critical success factors in evolving enduring fiscal policies and tax reforms in Nigeria.

Receiving the delegation, the Executive Secretary of NEITI, Dr Orji Ogbonnaya Orji remarked that NEITI’s key focal areas of improving Nigeria’s macro-economic environment, strengthening public expenditure management, structure, institutional and governance reforms to boost economic growth, create jobs and poverty reduction aligns closely with the mandates of the Presidential Committee. 

According to the NEITI Boss: “With the combined forces of the Presidential Committee and NEITI, Nigeria would benefit from shared knowledge, skills, information and data that informs best economic reforms and policy making”.

He noted that NEITI is available to provide information and data as contained in the NEITI oil, gas, solid minerals and the Fiscal Allocation and Statutory Disbursement Reports and advised the Committee on the need to utilize the findings and recommendations contained in the NEITI reports to advance economic policy initiatives for the benefit of the citizens.

Dr. Orji congratulated the Chairman of the Presidential Committee, Mr Taiwo Oyedele on his appointment to undertake such a critical task and pledged the cooperation of NEITI to support and ensure the success of their national assignment.

The Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms (PCFPTR), Mr. Taiwo Oyedele commended NEITI for the work that the agency is doing in the extractive sector and maintained that such efforts are the reason behind NEITI’s selection by the Committee as one of the key Agencies to support the Committee with data and information that will enable it to deliver on its assignment.

He explained that the Committee has classified its work in three distinct categories including fiscal governance with particular attention to financial management, revenue generation, borrowing, spending as well as policy coordination at the national and sub-national levels.

Others were on revenue transformation focusing on improving government revenues through improved mechanisms for taxing oil and gas and non-oil resources to transform the revenue profile of the Country. 

The Committee is also looking at oil and gas which is the core area of focus by NEITI as well as non-oil resources like the solid minerals sector which NEITI can support the Committee in the area of information and data.

Mr Oyedele further explained that the third pillar or mandate of the Committee is economic growth facilitation and competitiveness with focus on removal of impediments for businesses to thrive, growth, provide jobs and generate revenues.

Mr. Oyedele announced that under the first phase of the Committee’s work which he classified as the ‘quick wins’, it submitted a report with over 20 recommendations to the President, 3 of which have been fully implemented.

He highlighted that the Committee is in its second phase tagged critical reforms which among other things will require amendment of some existing Laws.

The Committee is already engaging the National Assembly and sub-national government on the issues that concerns them while the third phase will be on implementation and change management.

He hopes that the outcome of the Committee’s work will transform to revenue growth for Nigeria.

The Presidential Committee extended special invitation to NEITI to be its partner and co-opted NEITI into the Committee in recognition of the knowledge, competence and integrity of the agency in helping the Committee to streamline fiscal policies, optimize tax structures, and improve revenue collection mechanisms.

Mr Oyedele remarked “By harnessing data-driven insights and best practices, both entities will strive to create an enabling environment for investment, job creation, and economic growth.

Furthermore, the collaboration will prioritise initiatives aimed at enhancing transparency, accountability, and integrity in the management of Nigeria’s extractive resources through promotion and facilitation of participatory and inclusive dialogue with stakeholders, engagements and information sharing, building trust, promoting responsible resource management and combating illicit financial flows.

In reaffirming their commitment to driving meaningful change, the Presidential Committee and NEITI called on all stakeholders, including government agencies, industry partners, civil society organisations and the general public, to actively support and participate in these collective efforts.

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Here’s When To Watch Lunar Crescent Across Nigeria on Friday, February 28, according to NASRDA

The last cities to experience the lunar crescent, he said, would be Lagos and Abeokuta between the hours of 6:59 pm to 7:30 pm.

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The National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) said that Nigeria would likely witness its first astronomical lunar crescent on Friday evenings, February 28.

The Director of Media and Corporate Communications of NASRDA, Dr. Felix Ale, disclosed this in a statement, saying that the lunar crescent had been calculated to occur at 1:45 A.M. West African Time (WAT).

He said that the predicted time of 1:45 A.M time, also known as the Crescent Zero hour, would be when the crescent could be seen under perfect atmospheric conditions with the aid of optical instruments like binoculars or telescopes.

“The crescent will become visible to the naked eye in the evening of Friday, February 28, 2025, between 6:17 PM and 7:35 PM across different locations in Nigeria.

“Maiduguri will be the first city to witness the young lunar crescent from 6:17 PM to 6:48 PM, followed by Yola, Adamawa State, from 6:21 PM to 6:51 PM.

“Damaturu, Yobe, will follow from 6:22 PM to 6:53 PM, Kano, Kastina, Jos and Kaduna will experience the first lunar crescent between 6:38 pm and 7:12 pm.

“The sunset and moon set will occur between 6:35 pm and 7:12 pm, 6:38 pm and 7:15 pm, 6:35 pm and 7:11 pm, 6:40 pm and 7:17 pm respectively.

“Enugu will experience the lunar crescent between 6:42 pm and 7:32 pm with sunset and moonset at about 6:42 pm and 7:18 pm,’’ he said.

He predicted that in the FCT, the first lunar crescent would appear between 6:44 pm and 7:15 pm, with sunset and moonset at about 6:44 pm and 7:20 pm.

The last cities to experience the lunar crescent, he said, would be Lagos and Abeokuta between the hours of 6:59 pm to 7:30 pm.

Ale said that other cities across the federation will experience the lunar crescent at different times within the estimated visibility window of 6:17 pm and 7:35 pm on the same day.

He said “For a clear sighting of the first lunar crescent, observers are to use optical aids where necessary, and observe under clear atmospheric conditions.

“Observers are to position themselves in locations with an unobstructed view of the western horizon after sunset.

“He added that the scientific report provided precise predictions on the lunar crescent across locations of the country.

According to him, the report ensured accuracy for those who relied on lunar observations for religious, cultural, and scientific purposes.

The space agency encouraged researchers, scholars, and religious groups to utilise the findings, adding that anyone requiring additional data for further analyses could visit the official office website.

Director, the Centre for Basic Space Science and Astronomy (CBSSA), an activity centre of NASRDA, Dr Bonaventure Okere, said it was regarded as the first stage of the moon, hence the new crescent.

Okere said the appearance of the new crescent was highly significant in the Islamic religion because it was used to determine some rites and practices like the beginning of the Ramadan fast.

“The Islamic religion uses moon phases for their Islamic rites but astronomers study the cycle of the rising and setting of the moon to determine moon days, which is usually 28 days.

“Astronomers use the moon cycle to generate the Lunar calendar, understand the part of the moon you can see daily,’’ he said.

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Kogi State Mourns Loss of Media Icon Prof. Tom Adaba

Prof. Adaba, who passed away at the age of 83, was celebrated for his trailblazing contributions to Nigeria’s media landscape.

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The Kogi State Government has expressed a huge sense of loss following the demise of Prof. Tom Adaba, a pioneering broadcast expert, patriot, and distinguished son of Kogi.

Prof. Adaba, who passed away at the age of 83, was celebrated for his trailblazing contributions to Nigeria’s media landscape.

Prof. Adaba’s legacy is marked by groundbreaking achievements.

He was one of the first Nigerians to earn a Doctorate in Mass Communication, setting a high standard for academic excellence in the field.

His visionary leadership was evident during his tenure as the Principal of the Nigerian Television College, Jos, and as the inaugural Director General of the National Broadcasting Commission.

His work not only transformed the media industry but also laid a strong foundation for ethical journalism and responsible broadcasting across the nation.

In an official condolence message signed by the State Information Commissioner, Mr Kingsley Fanwo, the Kogi State Government described Prof. Adaba as “a media colossus, patriot, and a distinguished Nigerian” whose wisdom and dedication left an indelible mark on the country.

The government extended heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and the entire media community, urging that his legacy be remembered as a beacon of inspiration.

The statement reads: “We have lost a great media pioneer whose life-long contributions to Nigeria’s broadcasting industry will forever be cherished. May the Almighty God grant him eternal rest and give his loved ones the strength to bear this irreparable loss.”

Prof. Adaba’s passing is not only a significant loss to Kogi State but also to Nigeria as a whole.

His illustrious career and unwavering patriotism will continue to inspire future generations in the realms of media and beyond.

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BREAKING: Police Have Sealed Our Hqrs – Osun Electoral Commission Boss Raises Alarm

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The Chairman of the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSSIEC), Hashim Abioye, has raised alarm over the sealing of the commission’s headquarters by the police.

The incident on Saturday occurred as the commission proceeded with the controversial local government elections taking place across the state.

Speaking during a live current affairs program on Rave FM, Abioye said he is surprised that such a step could be taken.

He said, “I leave the police IGP in the hands of God.

“Election has started earnestly in all the polling units across the state but no police presence is noticeable from the information available to me.”

Meanwhile, Governor Ademola Adeleke participated in the exercise, casting his vote at a polling station in Ede.

After voting, the governor called on residents to remain calm and peaceful throughout the exercise.

The sealing of the OSSIEC headquarters comes after the Nigeria Police had earlier advised the Osun State Government not to proceed with the election.

Citing security risks and potential legal implications, the police had warned that holding the poll under the current circumstances could lead to unrest.

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