Akume made the statement on Thursday in Abuja when representatives of Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Postgraduate Council conferred on him the Gamji Award of Excellence and also inducted him into the ABU Sardauna Hall of Fame.

The minister noted that challenges were part of nation building, adding that the World Bank already projected a growth rate of 3.3 per cent for the country by 2021.

He expressed confidence that Nigeria would exit recession by 2021 even as efforts were being made to repay debts, stressing that Nigerians had a duty to make Nigeria great again.

According to him, working together with a determination to succeed can bring the nation to its former place of glory.

Mr Sagir Adam, the President of ABU PG council, said the title was conferred on the minister because of his exemplary leadership role, while describing him as an epitome of humanitarian service.

In a related development, the Northern Youths Council of Nigeria (NYCN) also conferred on the minister the title of Jagara Matasan Arewa, which means an epitome of administrative prudence.

Mr Isah Abubakar, the NYCN President said Akume was being honoured in appreciation of his immense contribution towards a united and indivisible Nigeria.

According to him, Akume is regarded as a vanguard of youth emancipation who serves as a bridge for national unity.

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Chukwu spoke with our reporter in Lagos, against the backdrop of the 2021 budget estinates presented by President Muhammadu Buhari to the joint session of the National Assembly.

He, however, noted the challenges around the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) which is projected to be negative in the third quarter of 2020, after a decline by 6.1 percent in the second quarter, ending a three year positive.

Chukwu said that the Federal Government’s projected growth rate of three per cent in 2021 might be difficult to achieve.

“Basically, it is necessary for the budget to pull Nigeria out of recession.

“It might be difficult for us to achieve a three per cent growth rate, also the inflation target of 11.5 per cent is very optimistic,” he said.

Chukwu said that FG’s benchmark of $40 per barrel and daily projected production of 1.86 million barrels daily to fund the budget were welcomed ideas.

It was reported that the president had presented an estimated budget size of N13.08tn to the National Assembly.

Based on the fiscal assumptions and parameters, total federally distributable revenue is estimated at N8.433 trillion in 2021.

Total revenue available to fund the 2021 Federal Budget is estimated at N7.886 trillion.

This includes Grants and Aid of N354.85 billion as well as the revenues of 60 Government-Owned Enterprises.

Oil revenue is projected at N2.01 trillion. Non-oil revenue is estimated at N1.49 trillion.

The 2021 Budget deficit (inclusive of Government Owned Enterprises and project-tied loans), is projected at N5.20 trillion.

This represents 3.64 percent of estimated GDP, slightly above the 3 percent threshold set by the Fiscal Responsibility Act, 2007.

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A renowned scholar and economist, Dr Abdulmaji Jamal encapsulated this optimism in an interview with our reporter in Bauchi on Thursday and described the estimate as realistic.

He explained that the benchmark of N379 to a dollar as envisaged by the estimate was reasonable, considering the nation’s dwindling oil revenue which may appreciate or indicate otherwise.

He said the 11.9 per cent inflation target of the expected annual expenditure was also reasonable.

“But we must expect a significant reduction in the prices of consumables especially foodstuff,” he said.

In the same vein, Malam Dauda Mohammed, a civil servant expressed optimism that the price of oil in the international market would appreciate and the budget target could be achieved as envisaged or even better.

He added that the budget which was projected at the N 4.4 trillion deficit would definitely see the light of the day through exploiting the various existing revenue sources and blocking of leakages.

Also, Mr Alhassan Ibrahim, a businessman lauded the president for such an ambitious budgetary allocation.

He said that the N420 billion and the N20 billion earmarked for the social investment and housing programmes would likely generate employment and provide sufficiency in shelter.

Ibrahim, however, called on the government to ensure full implementation of the budget while calling on the national assembly to ensure speedy and timely passage of the budget into law for development.

NAN reports that President Muhammadu Buhari presented the 2021 budget estimate before a joint session of the national assembly for their consideration and subsequent approval.

The post Economist, others hail 2021 budget proposal as a budget of hope appeared first on NEWSVERGE.

In the second episode, viewers will see how the telco employed innovative means to help several women and children in a community in Osun State.

The Episode 2 also shows how the telco gave lifeline to a man who battled an unknown, debilitating disease for several years.

In the first episode of the revolutionary television show, which aired last week, Airtel fulfilled its promise to Season 1 beneficiary, Mr. Essien Obong, a mathematician/software writer who became blind after an armed robbery attack.

The telco came to his aid by providing him with a customized laptop, bespoke braille machine and other computer software to support him.

Also in episode 1, the telco assisted a foundation known as ‘Centre for Citizens with Disabilities,’ founded by David Anyaele, a social support activist, whose hands were amputated by Revolutionary United Front (RUF) rebels in 1999 while on a business trip to Sierra Leone during the Civil War. With the aid of prosthesis and the support of family and friends, he recovered quickly to only carry on the burden of life and living, but also to canvass for the support of the less privileged. He brought quite a few in the audience to tears with his moving story, but expressed utmost appreciation to God for sparing his life and to Airtel Nigeria, for donating laptops, printers, desks, photocopiers and other office equipment to enable him do his work of mercy and faith.

Through the Touching Lives platform, Airtel has been promoting the spirit of giving, self-sacrifice and love among Nigerians.

The Season 2 of the programme was premiered recently in Abuja with prominent individuals, government functionaries, NGOs and well-meaning Nigerians in attendance.

Speaking at the event, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Airtel Nigeria, Mr. Segun Ogunsanya, called on Nigerians, including corporate organisations, government and NGOs, to join efforts in humanitarian causes to support the less privileged.

He said: “If we all support just one programme in our immediate communities, it will make a huge difference in making our country a better place for all. Airtel, we believe that to be a great company, we must first and foremost be a good company; and we are very much committed to earning our social license – the love and acceptance of the various communities and people we serve.”

Airtel Touching Lives airs on Africa Magic Channel 151 on Sunday, by 7.30-8.00pm. Repeat shows are televised on Africa Magic Family 154 on Saturdays 8pm to 8.30pm; Africa Magic Urban on Thursdays 7.30pm to 8.00pm; AIT on Sundays by 6.30pm to 7pm; NTA on Wednesdays by 8.30pm to 9.00pm and Arewa 24 TV on Sundays by 7.00pm to 7.30pm.

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