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PPP has Made Significant Contribution to Economic Growth and Human Capital in Lagos – George
The Special Adviser to the Governor of Lagos State on Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs), Mr. Ope George, has said that PPPs structure is a good vehicle that can be explored to stimulate national economic growth and human capital development.
He said the state government is leveraging PPPs strategically to deliver critical infrastructure assets that increase access to better and improved services for the over 21 million residents, and to further boost socio-economic growth and development of the state.
‘‘For us in Lagos State, considering our huge population of over 21 million we know the importance of catering for our people in terms of infrastructure needs, provide better roads, better hospitals, better schools, ferry services.
“So, our PPP projects cut across all the various infrastructural services and that is what we are trying to provide for the residents in the state,’’ he said.
George, speaking at a media interaction session, added that the engagement of local professionals such as engineers, architects, project managers and consultants, artisans like welders, aluminum fitters, plumbers and labourers at various PPPs project sites in various sectors and located in several wards in the five divisions has helped significantly in boosting human capital development.
He added that thousands of direct and indirect jobs were being created on an ongoing basis through the various infrastructure projects in the state, noting that opportunities and other value-added services propelled by PPPs also accounted for the high rate of migration into the state, a development that continues to exert pressure on existing social amenities and infrastructure in the state.
‘‘These projects create tens of direct and indirect jobs. If you consider the number of people that come into Lagos every day, those that live in Lagos and those from neighbouring states and towns who come to work at these project sites, you will find out that these projects have tremendous positive impact on the economy of individuals and Lagos State.
“Also, these projects help us develop our local capacity and human capital because the projects provide opportunity for our local engineers, professionals and artisans to put their skills and expertise to use. A lot of capital flights are being saved for the country as well,’’ he stressed.
The PPPs boss listed the ongoing construction of about 8,000 bed spaces at the Lagos State University (LASU), Ojo as one of the PPPs projects in the education sector aimed to solve the accommodation problems faced by students of the institution, while the proposed construction of a medical park at the old site of the former School of Nursing on Awolowo Road, Ikoyi, is another example. The medical facility, to be equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and staffed with specialists in various fields of medicine, is aimed to reduce medical tourism in Nigeria.
George added that the 5000-capacity Truck Park in Orile Iganmu is another PPP project, stating that though its construction is ongoing, operations have commenced and already yielding results in the gradual decongestion of Apapa traffic caused by trucks.
The adviser also revealed that the ongoing construction of the entire physical infrastructure for the smooth take-off of the red and blue rail services such as station terminals, ticketing points, bridges, access roads and other infrastructure was also by PPPs arrangements.
He dismissed critics of PPPs structure for their ignorance, explaining that public-private collaboration has greater benefits by helping government to provide and maintain basic amenities as well as meet other statutory obligations like payment of workers’ salaries and allowances while private capital helps in delivering capital projects that have long-term impact.
George restated that there were enormous opportunities for interested private capital investors to partner with Lagos State on PPPs projects, even as he assured them that the state was safe for investment. He said the state government has put in place the appropriate policy and legal framework that protects investors with the enactment of the Public-Private Partnerships Act.
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Egueke, Former Bank Manager Jailed for $46,900 Fraud
Fidelis Egueke, former bank manager, , has been convicted and sentenced to six months in prison by an Asaba, Delta State Chief Magistrate’s Court for defrauding a victim of $46,900.
Chief Magistrate Callistus Isioma Moeteke found Egueke guilty of a single charge brought against him by the police under case number CMA/295c/2024.
Raphael Eze, prosecutor, of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Asaba, said Egueke, a former Asaba branch manager of a tier-one bank, fraudulently obtained $46,900 by using two Certificates of Occupancy (CofOs) as collateral.
One of the land titles, however, was not his, and the other was fake.
After receiving the money, Egueke used it for personal expenses and failed to repay the victim as promised.
The prosecution argued that Egueke’s actions violated Section 419 of the Criminal Code Law, Cap C21, Vol.1 Laws of Delta State, Nigeria, 2006.
Despite denying the offence, Egueke failed to present evidence of repayment during the trial.
Chief Magistrate Moeteke determined that the prosecution had proven its case beyond a reasonable doubt.
Egueke was convicted and sentenced to six months imprisonment.
However, the court also gave him the option to pay a fine of N350,000 in lieu of serving the prison term.
The court ordered Egueke to pay N30 million in restitution to the victim within six months of his conviction.
The charge against Egueke stated that, in 2016, he fraudulently obtained a credit facility worth $46,900 (approximately N60 million) from Chief Jude Ndudi by presenting false documents, including land titles that did not belong to him, in violation of Section 419 of the Criminal Code Law.
Egueke is also facing trial before a Lagos Federal High Court on charges related to a separate fraud case involving N179.498 million.
He is being prosecuted by the Force Criminal Investigation Department (ForceCID), Annex Alagbon-Ikoyi, Lagos.
News
PalmPay, Jumia Reward Users in Festive Campaign
This holiday season just got a whole lot more exciting! PalmPay, one of Africa’s leading fintech platforms, operates Nigeria’s most used mobile wallet and has teamed up with Jumia, the continent’s e-commerce giant, to launch a festive campaign that’s all about convenience, rewards, and enhancing your shopping experience.
Running from December 11th to 28th, 2024, this holiday campaign is set to reward shoppers who use the new “Pay with PalmPay” feature on Jumia with cash prizes. Every purchase made using the direct payment method automatically enters participants into a draw, giving them a chance to win exciting cash rewards while enjoying the seamless shopping and payment process.
A Strategic Partnership To Enhance Digital Payments
The integration of the “Pay with PalmPay Wallet” feature on Jumia marks a major milestone in the partnership between the two industry leaders.
Speaking at the media announcement, Mr. Chika Nwosu, Managing Director of PalmPay, highlighted the broader mission driving this collaboration: “We are thrilled to join forces with Jumia to redefine convenience for shoppers. At PalmPay, our mission has always been to drive economic empowerment through accessible and user-friendly financial services. This partnership is a natural step forward in achieving that goal.”
Beyond the holidays, this partnership with Jumia m,k is a signal of bigger things to come. Mr. Chika added: “This is more than just about payments—it’s about creating value for our customers. We are excited about the opportunities this partnership will unlock in 2025, including campaigns and innovative initiatives that will further transform the online shopping landscape.”
Sunil Natraj, CEO of Jumia Nigeria, highlighted the shared vision between both companies, stating: “At Jumia, we are dedicated to creating value for our customers by ensuring a convenient, reliable, and secure shopping experience. This partnership with PalmPay strengthens our commitment to enhancing the digital payments within our platform. By integrating PalmPay, we are providing more options for customers to access affordable and quality goods with the convenience of cashless transactions.”
How to Join the Holiday Fun
Participating in the campaign is simple. When shopping on Jumia, select the “Pay with PalmPay” option at checkout, and your entry into the draw is automatic. It’s that easy!
Bonus Entry: Share a screenshot of your purchase on X (formerly Twitter) using the hashtag #PalmPayXJumia to increase your chances of winning. Additional winners will be selected from participants engaging with the campaign on Twitter.
Whether you are shopping for gifts, or gadgets this festive season, PalmPay and Jumia are making sure your experience is not only seamless but also rewarding.
To learn more about the campaign, stay tuned to the official X accounts (formerly Twitter) of @palmpay_ng and @JumiaNigeria. for updates, announcements, and more chances to win.
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Corruption: ICPC Threatens Sanctions as 330 MDAs Fail Financial, Governance Tests
Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offenses Commission (ICPC), has revealed that none of the Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), in the country complied fully with ethical standards, policies, and anti-corruption measures in the passing year.
This was following the findings from the Commission’s Ethics and Integrity Compliance Scorecard (EICS) for the MDAs.
The Commission warned that henceforth, non-compliant MDAs will face necessary actions, including enforcement, to ensure adherence to government directives.
According to the EICS scorecard released on Thursday in Abuja by Demola Bakare, ICPC spokesperson, no MDA out of 330 MDAs that were assessed through physical deployment by ICPC teams achieved full compliance.
The EICS serves as a preventive tool used to assess and enhance the compliance of MDAs with ethical standards, policies, and anti-corruption measures.
Findings from the report indicated that no MDA achieved full compliance, while 29.55 per cent of MDAs captured attained substantial compliance, and 51.62 per cent had partial compliance.
The report also observed that 15.91 per cent showed poor compliance, while 292 per cent were non-compliant.
According to the report, common gaps included a lack of whistle-blower policies, strategic plans, and effective stock verification units, adding that many MDAs failed to conduct any forms of system studies or render financial and audit reports.
Commenting on the report, Bakare noted: “This year, 2024, the tool covered 323 responsive MDAs, with 15 MDAs non-responsive and categorised as high corruption risk.
“It is imperative to inform you that this initiative has yielded some positive and value-driven impacts, and these are, but not limited to, increased awareness and compliance with anti-corruption measures, enhanced competition among MDAs to meet criteria, and improved procurement processes and data reliability.
“The Commission recognises the MDAs with substantial compliance and will continue deploying these tools to promote integrity and accountability.
“Non-compliant MDAs will face necessary actions, including enforcement, to ensure adherence to government directives. We are certain that these efforts will continue to underline ICPC’s dedication to enhancing good governance and preventing corruption.”
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