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Senate Moves To Provide Economic Diversification Framework

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By Lateef Taiwo
The Senate is set to provide the much needed legislative framework to enable the federal government pursue its diversification policies to improve on the Nigerian economy.

The upper chamber, accordingly, seeks to achieve same with the passage of the Nigerian Economic Diversification Bill 2022 presently before the National Assembly.

A public hearing on the bill sponsored by the Deputy Whip, Senator Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi (APC, Niger North) is slated for Monday, December 19th, 2022.

The hearing is organised by the Senator Olubunmi Adetunmbi-led Committee on National Planning.

The bill, which was read for the first time on December 8, 2021, seeks to establish the Nigerian Economic Diversification Council, as well as provide for the Nigerian Resource Development Plan.

It also provides for the transfer of technology for Nigerian capacity development and succession plan, establishment and management of startup development programme, issuance of work permits and expatriate quotas, and formalization and development of artisanal and small scale miners of solid minerals.

The bill in its provisions, specifically focuses on the promotion of Nigerian Content Development in automobile manufacturing, maritime industry and credit guarantee scheme.

The piece of legislation makes it mandatory for Ministries, Departments and Agencies of government to submit Annual Nigerian Content and Economic Diversification Development Report and Annual Budget.

Other sectors of the economy duly covered in the bill are Information and Communications Technology, Health, Agriculture and Agro Allied, Power etc.

Speaking on the bill, its sponsor, Senator Sabi Abdullahi, said same provides for the “establishment and maintenance of programmes for the overall development of the Nigerian economy, more especially, to encourage the growth of Nigerian industries, services, technologies in order to diversify the Nigerian economy and raise the standard of living of persons living in Nigeria to a reasonable level.”

He added that the scope of the Bill “are to be applicable to all ministries, arms and agencies of the Federal Government of Nigeria and private businesses.”

“However, local content development in the oil and gas sector is excluded from the application of this Bill”, he noted.

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Ultimate Health HMO appoints 2 directors

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Ultimate Health Services (UHS), a Health Maintenance Organisation (HMO), has announced the appointment of Tosin Adefeko and Bolajoko Abiola-Odunowo as directors to its board to strengthen capacity and functionality.

The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of UHS, Mr Lekan Ewenla, made this known in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja.

Ewenla said that the appointments, made by the HMO’s Board of Directors and shareholders, were in line with global corporate governance and best practices.

He said that it was also a reflection of the organisation’s ongoing commitment to enhancing diversity and empowering women in leadership positions within the organised private sector.

“The appointments of Adefeko and Abiola-Odunowo are in-line with the organisation’s commitment to promoting gender inclusivity.

“It is also in accordance with the global agenda for gender inclusiveness in the corporate world and political appointments,” he said.

Ewenla added that the appointments were intentionally done to enhance the organisation’s growth focusing on private and informal sectors, various groups and associations in the country.

He said that enrolment into the health insurance programme is now mandatory for all Nigerians and legal residents.

Ewenla described Adefeko as a corporate executive and entrepreneur with over 25 years of experience.

“She has successfully led businesses and delivered impressive results in the financial services, print and broadcast media, marketing and communication industries.

“Adefeko is passionate about gender inclusion, equity, and female empowerment.

“She is an active member of Women in Managing Business; has served in several committees and chaired the communications committee for the annual conferences for three years,” he said.

The managing director equally described Abiola-Odunowo as a distinguished business executive with a multi-faceted career spanning over three decades in finance, law, and logistics.

He said that she would bring a unique combination of financial and legal expertise, and strategic business development into the board of Ultimate Health HMO.

“Abiola-Odunowo has vast experience in treasury management and financial analysis, with a strong understanding of financial operations and risk management.

“She has expertise in oil and gas, real estate, and environmental law, with a special focus on regulatory compliance and legal frameworks within complex industries,” Ewenla added.

NAN

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