Warning from the National Association of Npower Beneficiaries

 

The leadership of the National Association of Npower Beneficiaries (NANB), under Comrade Abdul Rahman Ibrahim Maifada, has alerted members to the emergence of a faction led by two impostors. These individuals infiltrated the association with the intent of derailing ongoing efforts to secure unpaid stipends for beneficiaries. Once their motives—to create discord on behalf of the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs—became clear, they were expelled.

Impostors' Alleged Plans:

1) Attempting to obtain a loan under the NANB's name.

2) Disrupting unity among Npower beneficiaries.

Key Questions for the Impostors:

- Can you provide evidence of your membership in the Npower program?

- How do you intend to secure a loan using the NANB’s name without beneficiary consent?

- What are your real intentions, and who sent you to undermine the association’s efforts?

Beneficiaries are urged to stay alert and safeguard the association from any attempts at exploitation. The NANB is not a political entity, and its sole purpose remains the resolution of unpaid stipends for its members.

Key Highlights from the National MSME Conference 2024 by SMEDAN

The 2024 National MSME Conference, held from October 3rd to 5th at the State House Banquet Hall, Presidential Villa, Abuja, attracted an impressive turnout of participants. Among the attendees were micro, small, and medium-sized enterprise (MSME) owners, top stakeholders, state governors, ministers, and policymakers. With its large and diverse audience, the event marked a historic moment, becoming the biggest MSME-focused gathering in Nigeria’s history.

Over the course of the three-day conference, several activities were carried out, including thought-provoking and educational panel discussions. These sessions explored crucial topics such as export opportunities for small businesses, ways the government can support SMEs in Nigeria, strategies for effective financial management, and how small business owners can harness creativity to boost profitability. Keynote speeches were delivered by both local and international policymakers and notable figures, providing valuable insights. In addition, there were specialized masterclasses on legal issues affecting MSMEs, as well as training workshops led by Google to equip business owners with digital skills.

The conference also featured exhibitions, where MSME owners showcased their products to potential customers and made direct sales. The event celebrated outstanding achievements in the MSME sector, presenting awards to governors who have shown exceptional support for small businesses in their states. One of the most anticipated moments of the event was the Pitch Competition, where ten innovative entrepreneurs presented their ideas, competing for a grand prize of ₦10 million, along with other financial incentives and business support.

Participants left the conference enriched with fresh perspectives and practical knowledge. Many felt energized and ready to implement innovative strategies in their businesses. As one MSME owner expressed, “Attending this conference was eye-opening. I gained valuable ideas to grow my business and connected with influential people who are committed to helping me succeed. I am truly thankful to SMEDAN for this incredible opportunity.” 

The conference proved to be a transformative experience, empowering entrepreneurs with the tools and networks they need to elevate their businesses.

Senate Confirms Lawal as NSIPA Head and Usman as NAHCON Chair

 

The Senate has officially confirmed the appointment of Dr. Badamasi Lawal as the National Coordinator and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA). This decision came after the Senate's Committee on Poverty Alleviation and Social Investments completed its review and screening of the nominee.

Senator Idiat Oluranti Adebule, Chairperson of the committee, presented the report, affirming that Lawal had fulfilled all the necessary legal criteria for the position. Following her presentation, the Senate, under the leadership of Senate President Godswill Akpabio, unanimously approved Lawal’s appointment through a voice vote.

President Bola Tinubu had earlier nominated Dr. Lawal on August 8, 2024, in a statement released by his then spokesperson, Ajuri Ngelale. Lawal’s nomination was contingent upon Senate confirmation. Prior to this appointment, Lawal served as the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs in Katsina State.

Lawal will succeed Halima Shehu, the former CEO of NSIPA, who was suspended by President Tinubu over allegations of financial misconduct. In the interim, Akindele Egbuwalo, the national manager of the N-Power programme, had been tasked with overseeing NSIPA pending the conclusion of investigations into Shehu's conduct.

In a separate confirmation, the Senate also approved the appointment of Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman as the Executive Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON). This confirmation followed the presentation and approval of the report by the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, headed by Senator Abubakar Sani Bello of Niger North.

Professor Usman’s nomination, initially announced by President Tinubu through his former media adviser Ajuri Ngelale on August 19, 2024, was subsequently submitted to the Senate for confirmation. Usman, a prominent scholar with extensive expertise in hajj operations, had previously served as the Chairman of the Kano State Pilgrims’ Board, where he successfully managed the state's large contingent of pilgrims.

Senator Bello, in his report, praised Usman's qualifications, stating that he had proven himself more than capable of leading NAHCON. Usman’s extensive experience in managing hajj-related matters both in Nigeria and abroad made him an ideal candidate for the role.

After reviewing the report, Senate President Godswill Akpabio called for a voice vote, which resulted in Usman’s unanimous confirmation. In his remarks, Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau commended the thoroughness of the screening process conducted by the Foreign Affairs Committee.

Barau lauded both the committee and President Tinubu for selecting such a qualified nominee. "The committee has done an excellent job, and this report is comprehensive and well-structured," Barau noted.

He further praised President Tinubu for choosing an individual with the right qualifications and experience. "The nominee has the track record, experience, and pedigree required for this critical position," Barau stated. "Having managed similar responsibilities at the state level and with experience in Saudi Arabia, he is undoubtedly the right person for the job."

In conclusion, Barau described Usman as "a round peg in a round hole," emphasizing that the nominee’s background and expertise make him perfectly suited to lead NAHCON.

CBN and Partners Launch Women Entrepreneurs Finance Code

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), in partnership with several organizations, launched the Women Entrepreneurs Finance Code on Wednesday, October 9, 2024, at 11:00 AM in the MPC Room of the CBN Headquarters in Abuja. Themed “Declaration of Commitment: Unlocking Her Power,” the event underscored the commitment to empowering female entrepreneurs in Nigeria.

Key attendees included Ms. Emem Usoro, Deputy Governor of Operations at CBN; Dr. Olasupo Olusi, MD/CEO of the Bank of Industry; Mr. Olayemi Cardoso, Governor of CBN; Dr. Tony Okpanachi, MD of the Development Bank of Nigeria; Ms. Bertine Kamphuis, Lead Country Economist at the World Bank Group; and Mr. Philip Ikeazor, Deputy Governor of Financial System Stability at CBN.

With this initiative, Nigeria joins the global effort to empower women entrepreneurs to reach their full potential. 

CBN Governor Olayemi Cardoso urged stakeholders to embrace the Women Entrepreneurs Finance (We-Fi) Code, emphasizing its potential to advance financial inclusion for female entrepreneurs nationwide. According to Cardoso, this commitment represents more than just a symbolic gesture—it marks a crucial step toward bridging the gender financing gap and placing women entrepreneurs at the forefront of national development.

The World Bank Nigeria supports the CBN and its partners' mission to improve access to finance for female entrepreneurs, reinforcing their shared goal of closing this gap.

Minister Urges BVN Submission for Social Security Benefits

The Minister of Women Affairs, Mrs. Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, has urged individuals applying for social security cash grants to ensure they provide their Bank Verification Number (BVN), stressing that the funds will not be disbursed without this crucial requirement.

Speaking in Awka during the distribution of food and essential items to vulnerable groups, the minister clarified that the BVN is essential for receiving the grant. 

"The administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has been supporting the less privileged through the social security programme across the six geopolitical zones. However, only poor women are eligible to receive these benefits," she stated.

Reassuring applicants about the safety of their BVN, Kennedy-Ohanenye said, “Your BVN will not be used to steal your money; it serves as a safeguard to ensure that only eligible individuals, who have not benefited previously, receive the funds.”

She also reassured the public that the government is committed to alleviating the hardships faced by Nigerians, adding that the positive effects of President Tinubu’s policies would soon be felt.

During the event, the minister oversaw the distribution of 5,000 bags of rice, over 500 bags of fertilizer, and 300 cooking gas cylinders. The gas cylinders were donated by Mrs. Yinka Opeke, CEO of Smartgas, to encourage a shift from traditional fossil fuels to gas for cooking, which Kennedy-Ohanenye highlighted as a healthier alternative.

“These items are from President Tinubu, and he has promised that more support is on the way. This distribution is for the poor, and only those who are present will benefit,” she emphasized, reinforcing the importance of directing aid to the intended recipients.

The minister also announced the creation of a mobile court to protect the interests of the underprivileged, warning that individuals who attempt to obstruct the poor from receiving benefits will face legal action when the court becomes operational on October 15. Additionally, she revealed plans to launch an “Integrity Brigade” to combat social ills.

“We are dedicated to serving Nigeria, and President Tinubu is committed to improving the welfare of the poor,” she concluded.