President Tinubu's tax reforms have sparked debate, but what do they mean for Northern Nigeria? The region has vast resources – fertile land, minerals and strategic borders. Here's how these reforms can drive growth:

1. Agricultural Boom: With simplified taxes, investors will flock to the north's fertile land, boosting farming and food production.
2. Mining and Revenue: Streamlined tax operations will increase revenue from mineral resources.
3. Cross-Border Trade: Unified tax authorities will facilitate trade with neighboring countries.
4. Infrastructure Development: Fairer revenue allocation will fund roads, electricity and digital connectivity.

To maximize these benefits, northern leaders should:

1. Diversify Economy by exploring tourism, manufacturing and innovation.
2. Invest in People by developing education and healthcare infrastructure.
3. Empower Entrepreneurs: Offer tax incentives and business-friendly policies.
4. Foster Regional Cooperation by Collaborating with neighboring states and countries.

By embracing these reforms and strategies, Northern Nigeria can:

1. Unlock economic potential
2. Drive growth
3. Improve lives

Thank you
Sanni Mudathir

Food Tourism
Taste the world with food tourism: sushi in Japan, pasta in Italy, tacos in Mexico. Examples of culinary experiences are cooking classes, food festivals, and local markets. Culture to be discovered through flavors and traditions.

Tourism

Mountain Escapes
Relax in the serenity of mountain destinations: the Alps, Rockies, or Himalayas. Hike through scenic trails, breathe fresh air, and enjoy stunning views. Perfectly set for adventure or to unwind, mountain escapes recharge your spirit and connect you with nature.

Nigeria has been in the news lately for various reasons. Here are some key updates:

Recent Events
- *General Strike*: The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) called for an indefinite general strike in May 2024, demanding a higher minimum wage due to the rising cost of living. The strike was later suspended, and an agreement was reached to increase the minimum wage to ₦70,000 ¹.
- *Economic Reforms*: President Bola Tinubu's government has implemented economic reforms, which have led to inflation rising to its highest rate in almost three decades, exacerbating Nigeria's cost-of-living crisis ¹.
- *Security Concerns*: There have been reports of security breaches, including a boat attack in Bayelsa State that killed at least 20 people, and a prison break in Maiduguri that freed over 280 inmates ².

Politics and Governance
- *Cabinet Reshuffle*: President Tinubu implemented a cabinet reshuffle in October 2024, dismissing several ministers, including those for education, tourism, women's affairs, and youth development ².
- *Senate Probe*: The Senate began a probe into allegations that personnel from the Department of State Services had taken over the National Assembly Complex in an attempt to impeach the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio ².

Other News
- *Flooding*: Heavy rains caused flooding in several states, including Adamawa, Jigawa, and Taraba, displacing over 40,000 people and killing at least 49 ².
- *Airstrike*: A Chadian military airstrike mistakenly targeted fishermen on Tilma island, killing scores of civilians ².

CHRISTMAS VILLAGE BLACK MARKET KIOSK: THE WRITING ON THE WALL

My initial reaction to the news of Christmas Village kiosks being resold for as high as three hundred thousand naira in the black market was anger. I was vexed at such greed and selfishness. The Pastor Umo Eno-led administration has been intentional about subsidizing livelihoods for our people. Initiatives like the Arise Healthcare Insurance, Bulk Purchase and Food Distribution programmes, testify to the Governor’s efforts to reduce the cost of living for the citizenry.

Reducing the cost of kiosks at the Christmas Village from last year's one hundred and fifty thousand naira—despite increased construction and operational costs—was a deliberate move to make them affordable and maximize the profit margin for vendors during the 32 days of Christmas Unplugged 2.0. Yet, some selfish individuals exploited this noble initiative by reselling kiosks with a 300% markup.

However, what baffled me even more was that people were willing to pay such exorbitant prices. I couldn’t help but ask myself: What will they sell? At what rate? How will they recoup such an investment and still make a profit? These questions lingered until yesterday morning, when the answers became clear.

At 6 a.m., the manager of Amazing Pot, my cousin, called urgently. She requested a soft loan to purchase goat heads for the shop. Half-asleep, I initially dismissed her plea, thinking, What’s the emergency in buying goat head for a night business? But her reply caught my attention: “Christmas Village vendors are rushing goat heads; the available ones are for the highest bidders. If I don’t buy now, there won’t be Isi Ewu at Amazing Pot.” Realizing the urgency, I transferred the money.

The Christmas Village, officially opened on December 1, 2024, by the representative of the Governor, and Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah, has become a hub of economic activities. Just four days in, vendors are experiencing sales, leading to spikes in demand for goat head. Suddenly, the rationale behind paying three hundred thousand naira for kiosks became evident: the business potential was massive.

The Christmas Village was designed not just as a festive venue but as an economic engine. The rich buffet of cultural displays, entertainment, scenic beauty, and tourism potentials have attracted lots of patrons. Vendors, especially those offering local delicacies, have tapped into this influx of customers, making their kiosks a worthwhile investment.

As an experienced entrepreneur, Pastor Umo Eno has transformed the Ibibio Museum grounds into a profitable marketplace. While the Governor's concerns over the sharp practices of kiosk black marketers are valid, we must also acknowledge the success story unfolding at the Ibom Christmas Village.

This article does not, in any way, rationalize the illegality of kiosks reselling. Instead, it points to the overwhelming demand and the value the Christmas Village has added to the local business community. The writing on the wall is clear: this initiative is not just about celebrating Christmas; it’s about creating opportunities and boosting the economy of Akwa Ibom State.

#TheGoldenEraAndYou
#AriseAgenda
#GovernorUmoEno
#AmazingAniebietFrancis

Unemployment refers to the state of being without a paid job, but actively seeking employment. It is a measure of the number of people in a workforce who are not currently working, but are available and willing to work.

_Types of Unemployment:_

1. *Frictional Unemployment*: Temporary unemployment that occurs when workers are transitioning between jobs or entering the workforce for the first time.
2. *Structural Unemployment*: Long-term unemployment that occurs when there is a mismatch between the skills and qualifications of workers and the requirements of available jobs.
3. *Cyclical Unemployment*: Unemployment that occurs due to economic downturns or recessions.
4. *Seasonal Unemployment*: Unemployment that occurs due to seasonal fluctuations in industries such as agriculture, tourism, or construction.

_Causes of Unemployment:_

1. *Economic Downturns*: Recessions, depressions, or other economic downturns can lead to widespread job losses.
2. *Technological Changes*: Automation and technological advancements can replace human workers, leading to unemployment.

_Effects of Unemployment:_

1. *Economic Hardship*: Unemployment can lead to financial difficulties, poverty, and reduced living standards.
2. *Mental Health Issues*: Unemployment can lead to stress, anxiety, and depression.

_Solutions to Unemployment:_

1. *Job Training and Education*: Providing workers with the necessary skills and qualifications to compete in the job market.
2. *Economic Stimulus*: Implementing policies to stimulate economic growth, such as tax cuts, infrastructure spending, or monetary policy.

Opobo

A community in Rivers State.

The kingdom was founded in 1870 by Jubo Jubogha AkA JaJa.

The native language is the Ibani, a dialect of Ijaw that is closely related to Kalabari.

Majority speak Igbo called Okwu Ubani which is similar to Ndoki dialect due to their heterogeneous ancestry.

Home of several islands

Opobo is 2 meters above the sea level.

Divided into 14 sections.

Customs and Tradition: Dogs are forbidden, shooting a gun is not allowed, No wearing of caps when passing through a gateway that links a compound to another, making nose, pounding or quarreling at night is forbidden.

Initiation into womanhood is important or some of your rights as a woman would be denied.

Visit Opobo

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A'IBOM GOVT TO ENACT LAW AGAINST INDESCRIMANTE WASTE DISPOSAL

...launches waste management equipment

Akwa Ibom State Governor has announced plans to issue an Executive Order providing legal backing for the prosecution of anyone caught in the act of indiscriminate waste disposal in the state.

The State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, announced this at the official launch of newly-acquired equipment for the Akwa Ibom State Environmental Protection and Waste Management Agency (AKSEPWMA) in Itu LGA.

Unveiling the waste management equipment, the Governor frowned at the practice of indiscriminate waste disposal experienced in some parts of the state, noting that Akwa Ibom people are known for their cleanliness and it must remain so.

He called for concerted effort in ensuring a clean state and charged local government councils to align with the Agency in the discharge of their duties, saying that awards will be given to the cleanest LGA by May 29, 2025.

Speaking on the 2024 Christmas unplugged, the Governor observed that intelligence report has indicted people involved in illegal sale of kiosks at prices above the N100,000 pegged by the state government at the soon -to -be-opened Christmas village, and warned those involved in the sharp practices to refrain from it as law enforcement agents have been alerted on their mission.

"I have credible intelligence that some people went and bought some shops at the Christmas village and are now re-selling for as much as N300,000.

“If anybody tells you to pay N300,000, please report the person immediately.
Anybody who sells a shop to you, just take the shop, pay the person N100,000, if he asks you for any balance tell them to meet Umo Eno.”

Governor Eno announced the prohibition of masquerades and other weird displays at the Christmas village, directing the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Sir Charles Udoh to enforce the order.

He assured the people of uninterrupted job execution at various project sites and urged the youths to embrace the trend by availing themselves of various jobs that will be executed during and after the festivities season.

Earlier, the Chairman of Akwa Ibom State Environmental Protection and Waste Management Agency, Prince Ikim commended the vision of the governor in maintaining a clean state through the purchase of the equipment, and pledged his commitment to driving the vision of the Governorto fruition.

In a goodwill message, the Chairman of Itu Local Government Area, Mr. Ubong Nkut thanked the Governor for bringing development to the area and mentioned the flag off of the Nnung Ukot Itam - Ikot Ekwere Road projects as testaments to his promise kept in the area, assuring the Governor of the support of the people beyond his first tenure.

The National Coordinator, Clean Up Nigeria Limited, Mr Ene Baba-Owo, commended the vision of the Governor in maintaining a clean environment and urged the agency not to relent in driving the vision of the Governor.

On her part, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment and Mineral Resources, Mrs Ikwo Abia, appreciated the Governor for the lofty programmes of his administration especially as it concerns the environment.

The new equipment purchased included: 5 units of waste compacting trucks, 4 units of waste swing arm trucks, 1 unit of pull-up waste truck with crane mechanism, 50 units 6,000 litres dumpsters and 6 units of 12, 000 litres dumpsters.

Some of the most profitable industries in the world include:

Oil and gas
In 2024, the global oil and gas exploration and production industry is projected to have a revenue of $4,233.8 billion. Saudi Aramco, a Saudi Arabian oil company, generated over $247 billion in profits in 2023.
Life and health insurance
In 2024, the global life and health insurance carriers industry is projected to have a revenue of $5,531.9 billion.
Car and automobile sales
In 2024, the global car and automobile sales industry is projected to have a revenue of $4,357.5 billion.

Commercial real estate
In 2024, the global commercial real estate industry is projected to have a revenue of $4,329.8 billion.
Pension funds
In 2024, the global pension funds industry is projected to have a revenue of $4,253.6 billion.

Coal mining
In 2024, the global coal mining industry is projected to have a revenue of $2,542.6 billion.
Tourism
In 2024, the global tourism industry is projected to have a revenue of $2,029.7 billion.