Day: July 16, 2024

Work is underway to position the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) as a powerful engine for economic growth.

‘The Apex Priority of the Government of National Unity, as captured in our shared Statement of Intent, is to generate rapid, inclusive and sustainable economic growth to create jobs,’ said the Minister of Home Affairs, Dr Leon Schreiber.

Presenting the DHA’s Budget Vote in Parliament on Monday, Schreiber said the department has a critical role to play in achieving this vision, by accelerating the reforms introduced by the President through Operation Vulindlela.

Operation Vulindlela is a government-driven initiative aimed at accelerating the implementation of structural reforms in key sectors to achieve inclusive growth in the economy.

Schreiber said the National Treasury has found that increasing the availability of scarce skills in the labour market is the second most powerful step that can be taken to grow the economy and create jobs for South Africans, just behind the eradication of load shedding
.

‘It is in fulfilment of this mandate of the Government of National Unity (GNU), that Home Affairs will enhance our role as an economic enabler by accelerating the implementation of Operation Vulindlela’s reforms. Alongside steps that have already been taken, such as the streamlining of required documents and the introduction of the Trusted Employer Scheme, we will do much more,’ Schreiber said.

The Trusted Employer Scheme is a key recommendation of the work visa review. The scheme will allow major investors and large employers to follow a streamlined process with improved turnaround times.

Schreiber said in order for the country to be effective in unlocking scarce skills and growing tourism to create jobs, Home Affairs must urgently clear the backlog in the processing of permits.

‘The department has set up a dedicated team to reduce the backlog. I am pleased to report that we are starting to see progress. Our dedicated team has already reduced the backlog by processing 92 886 applications out of a total
of 306 042.

‘This is a reduction of 30%. But we must do more, because clearing this backlog is the only way to avoid another extension of the concession on visas, waivers and appeals that has already been granted three times. This is an abnormal situation, and we must get this problem under control so that extensions are no longer necessary. For this reason, I have asked to be provided with daily reports on the state of the backlog until it is eradicated,’ Schreiber said.

Schreiber said repairing the relationship with key stakeholders is vital to building trust and the partnerships needed to move forward.

‘This is especially urgent because the department is currently inundated with costly court cases that it cannot afford,’ he said, adding that in many instances, these cases stem from a simple inability to process applications in a timely manner, forcing clients to seek judicial relief.’

Source: South African Government News Agency

Alhaji Mohammed Idris, Minister of Information and National Orientation says the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has lifted the Visa ban on Nigerians travelling to the country.

The Minister made the announcement while briefing State House Correspondents at the end of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting on Monday.

‘You are aware that Nigeria has been discussing with the United Arab Emirates on the issue of Visa for Nigerian passport holders going to the United Arab Emirates.

‘Today, an agreement has been reached on that, and effective from today July 15, Nigerian passport holders are able to obtain Visa to go to the United Arab Emirates.

‘I can tell you that the agreement has been reached and effective from today, Nigerian passport holders intending to travel to the UAE are able to do so,’ said Idris.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The Society of Women Accountants of Nigeria (SWAN) has inaugurated an accounting club at Lagos Anglican Girls Grammar School (LAGGS) and equipped the school library with accountancy and motivational books.

Mrs Hilda Ozoh, National Chairperson of SWAN, while delivering her keynote address at the inauguration of the club named it: ‘SWAN/ICAN Future Accountants Club’, on Monday in Lagos.

Ozoh said that the accounting club would help the students with foundational understanding of financial information structure and enhance their accounting literacy.

She noted that the club aimed to support all students, enabling them to work closely with their peers, develop soft skills, and gain practical experience.

‘The club will help students develop a broad understanding of financial concepts and tools, boost their competence and self-discipline, and increase their awareness of ethics and social responsibility.

‘It will assist students in acquiring knowledge on effective communication and interpretation of financial in
formation and encourage the development of necessary traits and skills for entrepreneurship.’

Regarding the book donation, Ozoh stated that accountancy is a comprehensive profession and SWAN believes in extensive study.

‘SWAN values knowledge, research, learning and improvement. Without knowledge, as a student or professional, you cannot fulfill your potential.

‘That is why equipping libraries with professional books is one of our special projects,’ she added.

According to Ozoh, a well-equipped library offers an excellent academic environment where students can concentrate and explore different subjects.

She said, ‘Libraries offer a good research background for aspiring students to learn, think, create, share, and grow without worries about affordability.

‘Cultivate the habit of reading, and your knowledge base will increase. The wider your knowledge base, the stronger your confidence in facing everyday challenges.’

Mrs Ronke Akeredolu, Chairperson of the SWAN Equipping Schools’ Library Committee, sai
d the project would positively impact the lives of the girl-child and give back to society.

Akeredolu noted that the donated books would promote the reading culture among students, while the accounting club would prepare them as future accountants with enviable integrity.

‘This will encourage a learning culture and awareness of current affairs through quiz competitions and provide knowledge about SWAN, ICAN, and the accounting profession,’ Akeredolu said.

She appreciated the support and donations from SWAN leaders and members as well as the cooperation from the school’s principal and officials.

Responding, the school’s Principal, Mrs Folashade Ogedengbe, commended SWAN for choosing LAGGS as a beneficiary.

She noted that the initiative would positively impact the students’ lives and career paths.

Ogedengbe pledged that the school would ensure students make judicious use of the books and support the club’s growth.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the society also presented gifts to winners o
f its quiz competition on the sidelines of the event.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

Chinese researchers on Tuesday said they had discovered a new fern species in south China, and named it Cyrtomium adenotrichum.

The researchers found 10 wild Cyrtomium adenotrichum on a cliff in Nandan County under Hechi City, south China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region.

This is according to the Guangxi Institute of Chinese Medicine and Pharmaceutical Science.

The findings, recently published in PhytoKeys, an international journal of plant taxonomy, revealed that the new species belongs to the family Dryopteridaceae and the genus Cyrtomium.

The plant has a height ranging from 5 to 15cm.

The species features a sparsely glandular leaf axis, a unique structure that easily distinguishes it from other species in the genus Cyrtomium.

Due to its rarity, small population and fragile habitat, the researchers classified the species as critically endangered based on the criteria set by the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List of Threatened Species.

Research on the biological, ecological and
medicinal value of the species will be further conducted, according to the researchers.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

A Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court has dismissed an application filed by the suspended Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, to travel to the UK medical treatment.

The EFCC charged Emefiele with criminal breach of trust, forgery, conspiracy to obtain by false pretence and obtaining money by false pretence, when he served as the apex bank’s boss.

Among the allegations was that the former CBN boss forged a document titled: Re: Presidential Directive on Foreign Election Observer Missions dated Jan. 26, 2023 with Ref No. SGF.43/L.01/201 and purported same to have emanated from the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (AGF).

Besides he is also accused of using his office as CBN governor to confer unfair and corrupt advantage on two companies; April 1616 Nigeria Ltd and Architekon Nigeria Ltd.

Emefiele in the amended charge was alleged to have, on Feb. 8, 2023 knowingly obtain, by false pretence, $6,230,000.00 by falsely representing that the Secretary
to the Government of the Federation vide a letter dated Jan. 26, 2023 with Ref No. SGF 43/L.01/201 requested the CBN to provide a contingent logistic advance in the sum of $6,230,000 ‘in line with Mr. President’s directive.’

Justice Hamza Muazu,dismissed the application in a ruling, adding that though the applicant stated that he would be away from July 28 to Sept 10, there was no medical appointment or invitation brought before the court.

He held that though the court had the discretion to grant leave but the applicant is standing trial in various charges in three courts, two in FCT and one in Lagos.

‘ The letter of invitation for medical follow up is not attached. As it stands now, I can not use my discretion to grant the application and he is standing trial in three courts.

‘ The application is hereby dismissed and the adjourned date for continuation of trial still stands,’ he held.

At the proceedings of June 25, Enefiele’s lawyer, Mathew Burkaa, SAN, informed the judge of the defendant’s application
for medical leave.

The judge adjourned the hearing of the application until July 8.

On July 8, Emefiele through his lawyer, Labi Lawal, urged the court to release his passport, previously deposited as part of his bail conditions, to enable him to travel to the UK for medical treatment.

However, the prosecution counsel, Muhammad Omeiza, argued that no medical report was presented to the court showing that Emefiele was suffering from an ailment that could not be treated in Nigeria.

He added that the defence did not present any medical report showing that an ailment plagued Emefiele.

Lawal told the court that there was also no evidence to show that his ailment cannot be treated in Nigeria.

He also stated that Emefiele posed a flight risk due to his connections with co-conspirators abroad and ongoing trials in three different courts.

However, the defence counsel faulted the prosecution’s arguments as speculative.

He said an international red alert could ensure Emefiele is returned if he did not comply aft
er the medical trip.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, says FCT Administration is equipping youths in the territory with functional Information and Communication Technology (ICT) skills for sustainable development.

Wike stated this at the opening of a five-day training of 300 youths on various ICT skills in Abuja on Tuesday.

The free training was organised in collaboration with Nigeria in Diaspora Organisation Americas (NIDO-Americas), as part of activities to commemorate the NIDO Worldwide Week.

The training would cover artificial intelligence, digital marketing, cyber security, digital forensics and mobile application.

The minister, who was represented by Alhaji Ibrahim Aminu, Mandate Secretary, Social Development Secretariat, FCTA, commended NIDO-Americas for their commitment to learning, growth, and collaboration.

The efforts, according to him, is creating a platform for engagement and knowledge exchange between diaspora community and the FCT youths.

He said that the diaspora community
plays a pivotal role in shaping the development and progress of the country by bringing their wealth of resources – knowledge, skills, experiences and finances.

This, according to him, is invaluable to Nigeria’s economy, and growth.

‘Your contributions range from healthcare to technology; education to entrepreneurship; the Nigerian Diaspora continues to make significant contributions that impact lives back home.

‘I wish to emphasise the importance of harnessing this professionalism, expertise and resources to accelerate the development process in Nigeria and the FCT in particular.

‘Together we can build a stronger, more resilient Abuja that serves as a model for sustainable urban development and innovation.

‘By tapping your talents and resources, we can create enduring partnerships that can drive inclusive growth, ensure job creation, and improve the standard of living of our people.’

Wike said that the diaspora input and collaboration would play a key role in FCTA’s determination to create a more vibra
nt and sustainable capital city.

He appealed to the diaspora community to also invest in infrastructure, transportation, housing, healthcare and renewable energy, among other critical areas.

‘Your insights, expertise, and financial resources can play critical roles in enhancing our basic infrastructure, amenities, and overall quality of life in our beloved capital city,’ he added.

Earlier, the Chairman, America Diasporas Committee, Dr Ezekiel Macham, explained that the NIDO Diaspora Worldwide Week was part of efforts to give back to the society.

Macham said that about 500 youths registered for the training but only 300 were selected for the training in FCT.

He commended Wike for accepting to host the training in line with his commitment to human development in FCT.

Also, Dr Victor Ubani, Chairman, NIDO-Americas and Coordinating Chairman of NIDO Worldwide, who was represented by a former chairman of NIDO- Americas, Mr Obed Menago, reiterated the diaspora community’s continued support towards Nigeria’s de
velopment.

One of the beneficiaries, Samuel Chinonye, thanked FCTA and NIDO-Americas for the opportunity to acquire skills on cyber security to enable him carve a niche for himself in the ICT-driven world.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria