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Tag: Grant

  • Over 5,000 benefit as Gov Oborevwori launches ‘MORE Grant Scheme’

    Over 5,000 benefit as Gov Oborevwori launches ‘MORE Grant Scheme’

    Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, Thursday, launched the MORE Grant Scheme for petty traders, artisans and female entrepreneurs with 5,426 persons from poor and vulnerable households in the state benefitting.

    Speaking at the formal launch of the M.O.R.E Grant Scheme at Event Centre, Asaba, Governor Oborevwori said the initiative was a comprehensive support system that would empower 5,426 Deltans, comprising 1,600 petty traders, 1,826 artisans and 2000 female entrepreneurs across the state.

    He said Delta State was rich in talent and ambition and commended the artisans, traders, and entrepreneurs for being the unsung heroes of the state’s local economies.

    He said: “Your hard work, creativity and perseverance are the driving force behind the vibrancy and resilience of our local communities. As we recognize your invaluable contributions, I reaffirm the state government’s commitment and willingness to support your endeavours.

    “The MORE Grant Scheme represents a beacon of hope and a catalyst for positive change, as the programme provides critical resources that will help you scale up your businesses, and improve your livelihoods.

    “To our petty traders from poor and vulnerable households, despite the daily struggles of life, you have continued to strive for a better future for your families and communities through your small businesses.

    “As a show of faith, the MORE Grant Scheme will continue to provide you with the financial assistance necessary to improve your businesses, as we remain committed to turning small ventures into flourishing enterprises, thereby improving the quality of life of our people and contributing to the economic growth of our state.”

    He charged the artisans, to use their skills, craftsmanship and dedication to preserve the state’s cultural heritage through creative innovation for sustainable living.

    The Governor added; “the grant being given out today will help you acquire better tools, access quality materials, and reach wider markets, which will, in turn, take the rich traditions of our people to new heights.

    “To our female entrepreneurs, you are the embodiment of strength and innovation. Despite facing numerous challenges with courage and determination, you have not stopped breaking barriers and setting new standards. I am proud of you.

    “This grant scheme is dedicated to empowering you and more young women with the resources and mentorship needed to grow your businesses and inspire other women to follow in your footsteps.

    “Your success is crucial to our state’s progress, and we are devoted to supporting your entrepreneurial journey every step of the way.”

    Governor Oborevwori assured the beneficiaries that the state would offer them workshops, training sessions and mentorship programmes to equip them with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in today’s competitive market.

    “We aim to foster a community of empowered individuals who collaborate, innovate and uplift one another”, the governor said.

    In her welcome remarks, the Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Community Support Services and Girl-Child Development, Orode Uduaghan, said the project was anchored on three phases, with each carefully designed to empower specific segments of the state, for over 5,000 beneficiaries.

    Uduaghan disclosed that the first phase of the project ‘targets the heartbeat’ of the local economy of the state, the petty traders who, she said, contribute immeasurably to the tapestry of communities in the state.

    According to her, with the MORE Grant Scheme, the state government aimed to infuse vitality in their businesses, saying; “we are aware of how impactful even a small additional capital can be for these petty traders who work tirelessly to make a living.”

    The keynote speakers at the event, Weyinmi Eribo and Nneka Okekearu, affirmed that human capital development was a platform to break the jinx of poverty and lauded the governor for providing resources to grow small and medium- scale enterprises.

    They pledged to partner the state government through their agencies to mentor young entrepreneurs from the MORE grant scheme on ways to grow their businesses to become large- scale establishments.

    Some of the beneficiaries, including; Mr Paul Onwochei (Delta North); Ogemuno Endurance (Delta Central) and Shodipe Gbubemi Sarah (Delta South), thanked Governor Oborevwori for providing money for them to expand their businesses and called on him to sustain the programme to pave the way for more Deltans to benefit.

    Highlight of the event was the symbolic presentation of cheques to some of the beneficiaries drawn from the over 5,000 persons.

  • CARTOON OF THE DAY: N50,000 grant for food security a huge joke

    CARTOON OF THE DAY: N50,000 grant for food security a huge joke

    CARTOON OF THE DAY: N50,000 grant for food security a huge joke

  • More Nigerians to benefit from FG’s N50,000 grant

    More Nigerians to benefit from FG’s N50,000 grant

    The Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Doris Uzoka-Anite has said more Nigerians will benefit from the ongoing disbursement of N50,000 by the federal government.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Dr Uzoka-Anite made this known on Monday while announcing that the loan disbursement for MSMEs and the manufacturing sector had commenced.

    According to the Minister, the initial disbursements to nano businesses have shown great success, supporting 1 million nano businesses across Nigeria.

    Confirming that application for the presidential conditional grant scheme is closed, Uzoka-Anite disclosed that disbursements are ongoing.

    “More beneficiaries will receive their grants this week. The process is ongoing. Only 10% of the beneficiaries have been paid thus far. More disbursements will be made this week and in the weeks to come. A list of all beneficiaries will be published at the end of the process.

    “Once the disbursement process is complete all beneficiaries will be listed on the fedgrantandloan.gov.ng website. The process is ongoing and so far only about 10% of the 1 million beneficiaries have been paid. More will be paid this week and in the weeks to come.

    “1 million beneficiaries will be paid across all the 774 local governments of the federation. This is roughly 1,290 people per local government. The process of disbursement is ongoing and a full list of beneficiaries will be published once complete.

    “The two programmes are running concurrently. The grant portal is closed and disbursements have started and are ongoing. The loans portal remains open and eligible applicants are welcome to visit http://fedgrantandloan.gov.ng or their nearest Bank of Industry branch,” she said.

    On the federal government’s presidential N200 billion fund for MSMEs and the manufacturing sector, Uzoka-Anite revealed that N75 billion had been set aside for MSMEs while another N75 billion for manufacturing.

  • FG releases update on N50,000 grant scheme

    FG releases update on N50,000 grant scheme

    The Federal Government has released an update for Nigerians who applied for the N50,000 Presidential Conditional Grant Scheme.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports the N50,000 Presidential Conditional Grant Scheme is for citizens across the 774 local government areas of the country.

    The Minister of Trade, Industry, and Investment, Doris Uzoka-Anite, released the update in a public announcement she posted via her official X (formerly Twitter) account on Sunday.

    Uzoka-Anite urged applicants to watch out for SMS to link their applications with their National Identity Numbers (NINs).

    The Minister stressed that the applicant’s NIN must tally, without which there will be no processing in line with the Central Bank of Nigeria’s NIN-Account number linkage requirement.

    According to Uzoka-Anite in the notice, only verified applicants will receive notification, and that NINs must match the applicant’s name for the process to proceed.

    The notice reads: “The Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment thanks all applicants for their interest in the Presidential Conditional Grant Programme and assures that applications are being thoroughly processed.

    “Due to new regulations from the Central Bank of Nigeria, it is now required for applicants to link their National Identification Numbers (NIN) with their bank accounts.

    “We currently do not have a record of the NINs of those who applied. Therefore all applicants will receive an SMS from ‘FGGRANTLOAN’ with instructions to submit this information via a secure link. This step is essential for the continuation of the application process.

    “Only verified applicants will receive this notification, and NINs must match the applicant’s name for the process to proceed.

    “We appreciate your patience and cooperation, and we will keep you updated on your application’s progress. Thank you for your participation and contribution to national growth”.

     

  • Climate change: IFAD-VCDP approves $3.5m grant for FG

    Climate change: IFAD-VCDP approves $3.5m grant for FG

    The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) Value Chain Development Programme(VCDP),  has approved $3.5 million grant for the Federal Government to mitigate the effects of climate change in Niger and Kogi.

    Dr Fatima Aliyu, National Programme Coordinator, FG/IFAD-VCDP, Abuja stated  this on Wednesday in Minna, at the inauguration of the 2023 wet season inputs distribution to VCDP farmers in the state.

    There was also the distribution of motorcycles to extension agents by the state governor, Alhaji Umaru Bago during the inauguration.

    “I am pleased to inform you that IFAD-VCDP has approved Adaptation for Smallholders Agricultural Programme (ASAP) of $3.5 million grant to the Nigerian government.

    “This is to assist farmers in Niger and Kogi  to enhance their resilience to climate shocks,“she said.

    Aliyu said that IFAD-VCDP would not give cash to farmers or groups, but would build capacities of farmers and infrastructures to mitigate the effects of flooding.

    “We are not giving free money to people, we are going to build capacities of farmers and infrastructures to mitigate the effects of flooding,” she said.

    She explained that the programme which would soon be implemented in Niger and Kogi, would be done under the IFAD-VCDP Additional Financing (AF).

    The coordinator said that VCDP would support 355 rice and cassava farmers with inputs and implements this year.

    She said the support would be extended to 10 extension agents with motorcycles, 10 youths with Point Of Sale (POS) machines and 10 farmers with solar sprayers.

    The inputs included improved rice seedlings, herbicides, cassava stems, NPK and Urea fertilisers, while the implements are water pumping machines, intra-planters and power tillers.

    She said that the project spent over ₦80 million to procure the inputs and implements.

    Aliyu said that the farmers would be contributing 50 per cent of the cost of the inputs and implements through matching grant arrangement, while the project would pay the balance of 50 per cent.

    She urged the beneficiaries to utilise the inputs and implements, to enhance their productivity which would increase their incomes and improve their living standards.

    The coordinator said that the VCDP was supporting over 32,000 farmers in the state in the areas of rice and cassava value chains, which includes production, processing and marketing.

    “The capacity of these farmers had been built by the project in the state which has led to increase in yield, value addition to agricultural commodity among others,” she said.

    She appealed for support in the payment of the state counterpart fund, saying that part of it was used to pay staff salaries and other allowances.

    Inaugurating the exercise, Bago assured that government would pay its counterpart fund soon to enable farmers in the state benefit more from the programme.

    Bago was represented by the state deputy governor, Alhaji Yakubu Garba.

    He said that the state was committed to utilising the abundant arable land and water bodies, for Agricultural development for the production of rice, cassava, sugarcane, yam, maize aquaculture and livestock.

    The governor said that the measure would ensure self-sufficiency in food production and employment generation for the people.

    “So far, our partnership with IFAD- VCDP has been attested to generate positive outcome as more beneficiaries continue to have access to improved incomes and meaningfully contributing to the state`s economy.

    “We are determined to expand the partnership with FG/IFAD VCDP to support rural smallholder farmers annually with agro-inputs, agro-processing equipment and simple farm implements across the local government areas in the state to increase their yield.

    “Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, I am pleased that already Niger state is being rated as first by the IFAD +AF.

    “We hope that the next phase of the Additional financing phase will centre on addressing issues of environment and climate change

    “Others are nutrition, financial inclusion, gender, and youth inclusion to consolidate on the gains recorded,” he said.

    He said that the programme will no doubt have meaningful impact on the production and marketing of farm produce in the state.

    Also speaking, the State Programme Coordinator, Dr Mathew Ahmed, said that each farmer would get four bags of NPK fertilisers, two bags of urea fertilisers and two litres of herbicides; one selective and one non-elective.

    Ahmed said that rice farmers would get 25kg of rice seeds each, while the cassava farmers get 50 bundles of cassava stems each.

    He added that farm implements such as the transplanters, power tillers and water pumping machines are meant for youth engagement to reduce drudgery in the field.

    Hajiya Fatima Adamu, a beneficiary of POS machine promised to use it to start a business to uplift the living standard of her household.

    Adamu thanked the federal government, the state and IFAD-VCDP for the gesture.

    The VCDP is a project of the federal government and funded by IFAD and domiciled in the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.

    The project aims to improve the incomes and food security of poor rural households, engaged in production, processing and marketing of rice and cassava on sustainable basis.

    In addition, the VCDP is addressing the issues of financial inclusion, environment and climate change, nutrition, gender and youth inclusion.

    The project is being implemented in the nine states of Anambra, Benue, Ebonyi, Niger, Enugu, Kogi, Nasarawa, Ogun and Taraba.

    In Niger, it is being implemented in eight Local Government Areas of Bida, Borogu, Edati, Katcha, Kontagora, Mokwa, Shiroro and Wushishi.

    NAN

  • Lagos Museum gets $40,000 grant to preserve Igbo-Ukwu bronzes

    Lagos Museum gets $40,000 grant to preserve Igbo-Ukwu bronzes

    The National Museum, Lagos, has been selected as a beneficiary of the Bank of America Arts Conservation Project 2022 grant of US$40,000 to restore and preserve the Igbo-Ukwu bronzes.

    Mr Abba Tijani, Director-general, National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM), disclosed this in a statement made available to newsmen on Wednesday in Abuja.

    Tijani said that the inimitable Igbo-Ukwu bronzes in the Lagos Museum were among the 19 major global art conservation projects selected, with fund from the grant to restore 350 Igbo-Ukwu bronze objects.

    Tijani said that the Bank of America Arts Conservation grant was the first fund to be received for the conservation of the Igbo-Ukwu bronzes.

    He explained that the grant would enable the National Museum conduct a structural analysis, consolidate and carryout full conservation and treatment of a total of 350 culturally significant objects of Igbo-Ukwu origin in its collection.

    The NCMM D-G added that the conservation process would take approximately eight months on site at the National Museum and would involve support from an expert conservator.

    “The Bank of America’s Art Conservation Project has supported the conservation of more than 6,000 individual pieces since 2010.

    “They include paintings, sculptures, archaeological and architectural pieces of critical importance to cultural heritage and the history of art.

    “More than 200 projects across 39 countries have been managed by non-profit cultural institutions that receive grants to conserve historically or culturally significant works of art that are in danger of deterioration.

    “The National Museum, Lagos, will restore the Igbo-Ukwu Bronzes, elaborately decorated bronze works, dating from the 9th century, in need of conservation to keep the objects in proper form.

    “The grant provides an avenue for proper and adequate conservation of Igbo-Ukwu objects, especially some that are already corroded and needed to be restored.

    “It allows the National Commission for Museums and Monuments the opportunity to exhibit objects in their best states for public education and enlightenment,” Tijani said.

    Mr Brian Siegel, Global Arts and Heritage Executive, Bank of America, said that the support to the Museum was to support the preservation of artefacts and cultural relics in other to preserve history.

    “Through the Art Conservation Project, we have an opportunity to shine a light on the perpetual need for conservation and preservation.

    “Our support helps to ensure that future generation can celebrate and enjoy these historic works of art for years to come,” Siegel said.

    Newsmen reports that the inimitable historical Igbo-Ukwu art pieces date back between 9th and 11th Century AD from Igbo ethnic groups of South Eastern Nigeria.

    The objects represent archaeological materials from Igbo Isaiah, Igbo Jonah and Igbo Richard.

    Their outstanding features are great elaboration of insects and other naturalistic representations on the surfaces.

  • YouTube announces grant to support Africa creators

    YouTube announces grant to support Africa creators

    YouTube on Tuesday announced its expansion efforts to support creators and the creative economy in Africa with $20000 and $50000 respectively through the 2023 #YouTubeBlack Voices creators and artist cohorts.

    Alex Okosi, Managing Director, Emerging Markets, YouTube EMEA, said in a statement that the initiative from YouTube was a follow-up to a global, multi-year commitment made in 2020.

    Okosi said that the grant was intended to uplift and grow Black creators, artists, songwriters, and producers on the platform.

    According to him, YouTube is seriously interested in the growth of the creative community in Africa.

    He said that for the creators, artists, songwriters and producers that would be joining this third cohort, it would go beyond the initial training to measure success with them over a long-term period.

    Okosi also stated that it would ensure that the creators achieved sustained success.

    He said that 40 creators from Sub-Saharan Africa would be part of the 135 #YouTubeBlack Voices Creators selected globally that enrolled into the cohort.

    He said that among the 23 #YouTubeBlack Voices Artists selected for the programme were African fast-rising musical artists, Gyakie from Ghana, Kamo Mphela from South Africa, Asake from Nigeria and BNXN from Nigeria.

    He said,‘’As support from YouTube, grantees will receive $20,000 and $50,000 as seed funding.”

    Okosi said that they would receive dedicated partner support for six months and have the opportunity to participate in programmes including bespoke training, workshops and networking programmes spread out across the year.

    ”We are excited about the creators, musical artists and producers from Africa joining others from across the world in the 2023 #YouTubeBlack Voices Fund.

    ‘’The initiative is dedicated to equipping up-and-coming Black creators and artists with the resources to succeed on our platform,” he said

    According to him, the cohort will also include Hip Hop producer MashBeatz from South Africa and Nairobi-based producer Ukweli, who will be joining 17 #YouTubeBlack Voices Songwriters and Producers globally.

    Okosi that the artists, songwriters, and producers joining the #YouTubeBlack Voices Music Class of 2023 would be required to set goals, develop content strategy, and engage with their fans on YouTube, with the assistance of a YouTube partner manager.

    According to him, there will be networking opportunities with other artists, songwriters, and producers included in the #YouTubeBlack Voices Fund.

    Okosi said that there would also be a chance to maximise the impact of their channels as they provide catalogue-development opportunities.

    He said that over the next few years, YouTube would be directly investing in more than 500 creators and artists from across the world.

    “It is to support, grow, and fund their channels and content development through the #YouTubeBlack Voices Fund”.

  • NCC awards N233 million in research grants, professorial chair endowments

    NCC awards N233 million in research grants, professorial chair endowments

    Consistent with its recognition of the academia as a central stakeholder in its commitment to linkages and local development sphere of the Nigeria’s telecommunications sector, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has awarded fresh research grants and endowed professorial chairs in some Nigerian universities in the sum of N233 million.

    From the total sum, N172.5 million was awarded to support 13 proposals found to have met the stipulated criteria in the advertised 2021 Request for Proposal (RfP) for Telecommunications-Based Research Innovations from Nigerian Tertiary Institutions (research grant) Programme. Additionally, three universities received the sum of N20 million each for endowments of professorial chair by the Commission.

    Speaking at the award ceremony, which took place at the Commission’s Head Office in Maitama, Abuja, on Thursday, April 7, 2022, the Executive Vice Chairman of the Commission, Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, said the event demonstrated Commission’s strong resolve in advancing the impact of digital technologies on the national economy, using indigenous products and solutions.

    While presenting award letters to the Lead Researchers of the beneficiaries of the 13 research grants, Danbatta said, under the Telecommunications-Based Research Innovations, tertiary institutions submit detailed and well thought-out research proposal, on specific thematic areas provided by the Commission. The proposal are expected to result in the development of commercially-viable prototypes as concrete harvests.

    According to Danbatta, in 2021 RfP, the Commission received a total of 55 research proposal that focused on five emerging technology areas, namely: Fifth Generation (5G) deployment; Innovative Clean Energy; Advanced Method of Quality of Service (QoS)/Quality of Experience Management and Test Mechanism; Internet of Things (IoT); Low Power Wide Area Network (LPWAN) Technology; and Monitoring and Localising of Drones.

    “After thorough evaluations, 13 proposals were found to have met the stipulated criteria. Indeed, this is a clear testimony to the objectivity and painstaking approach to the evaluation process aimed at ensuring that the best quality is achieved and only researches that could produce prototypes with the potential of providing solutions to both local and global challenges were selected,” Danbatta said as he congratulates the 13 successful research awardees.

    The EVC also presented dummy cheques of N20 million each to the Vice Chancellors of three Nigerian universities, namely: University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State; Usman Danfodio University, Sokoto; and Federal University of Technology, Minna, Niger State, who are the beneficiaries of the NCC’s Professorial Chair Endowments.

    “The Commission has endowed professorial chairs in tertiary institutions across the country, as a mechanism in entrenching innovations in our tertiary institutions, as well as having graduates that are “industry-ready”. The endowment of professorial chairs in universities is one of Commission’s initiatives in supporting the academia to focus on research in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in order to enhance the advancements of emerging technologies,” Danbatta stated, to underscore the purpose for instituting professorial chairs in tertiary institutions.

    The fresh endowment in the three universities brings to seven, the number of universities that the Commission has endowed professorial chairs. Earlier, the NCC had instituted professorial chairs in Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Imo State; Bayero University, Kano, Kano State; Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi State; and University of Ibadan, Oyo State.

    Meanwhile, the EVC stated that while the implementation of the endowment is through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the Commission and each benefitting university just as the Commission recently included the sighing of MoU as part of the implementation of the Telecommunications-Based Research Innovations.

    The EVC stated that with the latest awards and endowments, the Commission has committed more than N660 million to Nigerian tertiary institutions for ICT-focused research innovations. This is in demonstration of commitment to driving the attainment of the goals of the Federal Government’s agenda on digital economy, as captured in the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS), 2020-2030.

    Earlier in his remarks, NCC’s Head of Research and Development (HRD), Kelechi Nwankwo, thanked the EVC for his vision to continually deepen collaboration between the Commission and the Academia. Nwankwo expressed optimism that the Management of the Commission would continue to allocate the requisite resources to research, development and innovations that are necessary for the industry to continue to contribute to the socio-economic development of the country.

    The HRD said the initiatives which are policy-driven were instituted as a proof of Commission’s appreciation of the importance of working with stakeholders to engender innovations and build indigenous technological capabilities that would strengthen the ICT ecosystem, not only in the provision of services but also in the development of the communications manufacturing and supply sector within the Nigerian economy. He said collaborations such the one with the academia are in line with the NCC’s Strategic Management Plan (SMP), 2020-2024, because strategic partnering has been identified as a critical pillar for the attainment of NCC’s corporate objectives.

    Nwankwo encouraged the beneficiaries of the research grants and the universities that benefited from the endowment of professorial chairs, to put the financial resources into proper use that will produce research outputs that address societal problems and contribute to further growth of the telecoms sector.

    Expressing appreciation on behalf of the beneficiaries, the Vice Chancellor, Usman Danfodio University, Prof. Lawal Bilbis, assured the Commission that the funds will be put to judicious use.

  • 36 states in Nigeria to get $750m World Bank grant to improve governance

    36 states in Nigeria to get $750m World Bank grant to improve governance

    The World Bank is set to release the second and final tranche of $750 million to the 36 states of the Nigerian federation as part of a plan to improve governance.

    The $750 million is being distributed under World Bank’s States Fiscal Transparency, Accountability, and Sustainability (SFTAS) Programme.

    The initiative is aimed at providing technical assistance to states to enable them to achieve the Federal Government’s 22-point Fiscal Sustainability Plan.

    The SFTAS Programme, which will formally end in December, also builds the capacity of civil society organisations (CSOs) to ensure the sustainability of the SFTAS reforms beyond the programme’s timeline of 2018 – 2022.

    Our correspondent learnt that the World Bank office at the Ministry of Finance coordinating the programme has kick-started efforts to commence disbursement of the second tranche of $750 million to the states.

    The Federal Government had given conditions state governments must meet before they can benefit from the $750 million International Development Association (IDA) credit facility extended to the Nigerian government by the World Bank.

    The $750 million World Bank grant is designed to strengthen the fiscal transparency, accountability and sustainability in states as a way of improving their revenue base, increasing fiscal efficiency in public expenditure and reducing debt overhang.

    All the states have bought into the programme with many already drawing from the facility.

    To qualify for the facility in 2022, state governments are expected to first achieve Disbursement Linked Indicators (DLIs) in 2021.

    For the states to meet the DLI II in 2021, the Federal Government is demanding that citizens’ inputs from formal public consultations be published online, along with the proposed 2022 budget.

    The states are to execute citizens’ budget based on the approved 2021 state budget published online by the end April 2021 with functional online feedback mechanisms.

    The state governments are also required to create a Citizens Accountability Report based on audited financial statements and reports published online for 2020 not later than the end of September.

    The Fiscal Sustainability Plan has now been redesigned as the nine Disbursement Linked Indicators under SFTAS.

    To benefit from the grant, state governments are required to achieve improved financial reporting and budget reliability; increased openness and citizens’ engagement in the budget process; improved cash management and reduced revenue leakages through the implementation of State Treasury Single Account (TSA); strengthened internally generated revenue (IGR) collection; biometric registration and Bank Verification Number (BVN) used to reduce payroll fraud.

    SFTAS is now under full implementation with all 36 States participating in the programme.

    In 2018, the first performance year, 24 States met the eligibility criteria and achieved on average five DLI results each and they got the total sum of N43.416 billion or $120.6 million of performance-based grants.

    In 2019, the first performance year, 32 States met the eligibility criteria and achieved on average, eight results each. They got a total sum of $239.6 million of performance-based grants.

    For the 2020 verified results, states performed well with all 36 States achieving COVID-19 responsive results in 2020.

    In total, $692.7 million has been disbursed to date to 36 States in performance-based grants.

    According to the SFTAS office, already, two-thirds of states are engaging citizens in their budget process and publishing citizens budgets; 17 states have achieved annual IGR growth of at least 20 per cent in 2019 of which 11 States increased their IGR by more than 40 per cent.

    In addition, two-thirds of the states are addressing payroll fraud through linking biometric data and Bank Verification Numbers to payroll; two-thirds of the states passed fiscal responsibility and public debt laws and several states have started to clear their domestic expenditure arrears owed to contractors, civil servants and pensioners.

  • US doles out N93m to Nigerian Guild of Editors

    US doles out N93m to Nigerian Guild of Editors

    The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has received a grant from the U.S. to facilitate the capacity building of its members and other senior journalists.

    The grant of $226 .889 (about N93.3million) is to facilitate activities aimed at strengthening the capacity of the media in performing its responsibilities.

    The NGE , in a statement jointly signed by its President, Mustapha Isah and General Secretary, Iyobosa Uwugiarem, on Sunday said the US gave the support through its embassy in Lagos.

    The guild said the capacity building would include training programmes for editors and other senior journalists on press freedom and democracy as well as town hall meetings on media regulation framework.

    “The project also entails printing and distribution of the journalism code of ethics, and strengthening of the NGE’s website-news alerts on media violations.

    “The capacity building conferences, which will hold in the six geo-political zones across the country, are to provide a platform for editors to be reminded of the sacred duties they are tasked to perform by the constitution on behalf of the citizens.

    “Drawing copious examples from the advanced democracies around the world, like US -after which the Nigerian constitution is formed, the conferences are expected to instill in the editors the need to perform their duties with the highest form of standard and sense of responsibilities,” it said.

    The NGE said, with the project, it hoped that a professional media would have the spin-off effect of advancing democratic growth .

    It said the project would also enable NGE strengthen its website to meet up with the demands for news alerts on media violations , public feedback and complaints on allegations of malicious media reportage .

    ‘’This would provide an opportunity for the Guild to strengthen its online presence to promptly disseminate current information with members and the general public, including international partners and audiences.

    ‘’A third component is the printing and distribution of Nigeria Journalism Code of Ethics to all journalists, including editors to popularise among editors and senior journalists the professional code of ethics that guides their profession and have these instilled in their sub-consciousness and serve as a guiding principle” it said.

    On the Town Hall meeting component, the guild said it would provide an opportunity for stakeholders to assess media performance in consolidating democracy and outline an agenda for the future.

    The guild said it had planned strategic meetings with Newspapers Proprietors Association of Nigeria (NPAN), Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) and other media focused NGOs on framework for self-regulation for Nigerian media.

    “This will provide a platform for media stakeholders to undertake self-introspection and develop a framework for media regulation, which will not only have their buy-in but also improve the standard for media practice in Nigeria, thereby reducing, if not eliminate incidence of substandard and unprofessional reportage in the Nigerian media.

    “Such conversations and hopefully eventual adoption of self-regulatory framework could also have a regional spin-off whereby countries within the region , and indeed Africa, could be encouraged to borrow a leaf from the Nigerian example, as was the case with the adoption of a Freedom of Information Act in Nigeria, subsequently having a spin off in Ghana,” it said.

    The Guild said from the timelines of the project, the South-West conference and the Town Hall meeting were scheduled to hold in Lagos between Dec. 2 and Dec. 4.