The speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajuddeen Abbas, on Monday met with six regional caucus leaders and their secretaries to intensified lobby for the passage of controversial Nigeria Tax Bill, Nigeria Tax Administration Bill, Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill and Joint Revenue Board (Establishment) Bill.

The bills have generated widespread controversy, especially in the Northern part of the country over some contentious clauses believed to be inimical to the development of the region.

The regional caucus leaders are Sada Soli, North West; Mukhtar Betara, North East; Ahmed Wase, North Central; Fredrick Agbedi, South South; James Faleke, South West and; Igariwey Iduma, South East.

At least three members of the House of Representatives confirmed the meeting  on Monday, saying the speaker wanted the controversial bills to be passed for the second reading on Tuesday.

“They want the regional caucus leaders to convince their members to allow the bills to be read on Tuesday. Once the bills are read and passed for second reading, that is the end of the game because they will achieve their aim at the committee level,” said a lawmaker who preferred anonymity.

And the irony is that the chairman of the Finance Committee that will handle the bills is James Faleke, a hardline supporter of President Tinubu and one of the top promoters of the bill at the House.”

The sources further said the speaker is under pressure from the presidency to ensure passage of the bills within a week to enable President Bola Tinubu present the 2025 budget.

“Right now the presidency is at crossroads as the budget is tied to tax increase. This is the reason the presidency is desperate about the passage of the bills before the end of the year,” said another lawmaker.

It was gathered that the speaker is scheduled to meet with Northern governors tonight at the Bauchi Governors’ Lodge, Asokoro Abuja.

Mr Abbas’ spokesman, Musa Krishi, did not reply to inquiry on the matter.

Daily Nigerian

UK-Based Nigerian Scholarship Beneficiary Launches Foundation In Sokoto

A Sokoto state born and now living in the United Kingdom, Anas Muhammad Sani has launched a foundation focusing on Female Child Education tagged “Catch Them Young”; Sponsorship and scholarship.

Anas who says the initiative was because of his decision to give back to the society after he was given 100% scholarship for his Masters degree in the UK by House of Representatives member representing Kebbe/Tambuwal, Hon. Abdussamad Dasuki.

“Two years ago, the legislator representing my constituency, Kebbe/Tambuwal Federal Constituency, Hon. Abdussamad Dasuki [Santurakin Sokoto] sponsored me 100% to study my MSc at the prestigious University of Westminster in the Central London. That was a historic patriotic move that was unprecedented in the region I come from.

Since then, my primary objective has been to find a way to give back to the community that has been electing the selfless leader who shaped my life career to represent them in the Federal House of Representatives.”

At the launching of the foundation, the Anas Dukura Foundation considered 10 girls from the community’s primary school for the “catch them young” sponsorship; they all got new set of uniforms, exercise and text books, and monthly allowance to take care of their other needs to avoid their parents from sending them for hawking.

“In our community right now no single girl in primary 5 and 6 and we have very few in the other classes this is why we picked those in primary 4 and 3, we will provide everything for their studies.
The foundation is also giving scholarship to 9 higher institution students from the community where six will be giving 50% tuition fee with 30,000 scholarship every year.

“All students of tertiary institutions from my community, Dukura [in Kebbe local government of Sokoto state], would be getting a reasonable financial grant annually starting this year.
Students of institutions (not covered by government’s sponsorship) especially nursing and other health—related courses would be assisted with at least 50% tuition.

Aside the western Education the foundation aimed at establishing a weekly special Quranic classes for kids aged 10 years and below under the tutelage of a sponsored professional instructor.

Meet 31 years old Dr. Dahir M Hashim (MBBCh, University Egypt). A Kwankwasiyya Scholar. He is the current Project Coordinator of ACReSAL Kano.

Dahir is a Environmental Health Policy Professional With A Strong Background In Climate Change Mitigation And Adaptation, As Well As Sustainable Development.

Successfully Led Teams In Reducing Carbon Emissions And Implementing Sustainable Practices In Previous Roles.

Dr. Dahir M. Hashim, A Visionary Medical Doctor Whose Unwavering Passion For The Environment Has Transformed Him Into An Outstanding Environmental And Climate Change Expert.

At The Intersection Of Changing Climate And Human Health, Dr. Hashim Not Only Prescribed Antibiotics To Alleviate Ailments But Felt Compelled To Tackle The Root Causes Of These Health Challenges. His Profound Insights Led Him To Advocate For Addressing Critical Issues Such As Increasing Temperatures And Low Air Quality As The Major Culprits Behind Numerous Ailments.

Recognizing The Global Significance Of His Mission, Dr. Hashim’s Dedication Has Been Formally Recognized And Celebrated. He Has Joined The Esteemed Ranks Of Influential Organizations Like The United Nations Framework Convention On Climate Change, Where He Plays A Pivotal Role In Shaping Climate Policy And Solutions.

As A Proud Member Of The Official Youth Constituency Of The UNFCCC, Dr. Hashim Represents The Voice Of Future Generations, Injecting Youthful Enthusiasm And Fresh Perspectives Into The Global Climate Dialogue.
Not Stopping There, Dr. Hashim’s Exceptional Commitment Earned Him A Coveted Spot As A Climate Leadership Fellow In COHORT4, Where He Hones His Leadership Skills To Inspire Meaningful Change Worldwide.

At COP27, The Esteemed Climate Change Conference, Dr. Hashim Proudly Represented Nigeria, Lending His Expertise And Passion To Promote Sustainable Solutions On An International Stage.

Taking His Quest For Knowledge To New Heights, Dr. Hashim Pursued Studies At The Prestigious Hillary Clinton School Of Climate Change In The United States, Where He Sharpened His Expertise To Tackle Environmental Challenges Head-On.

Dr. Hashim Has Been Contributing His Knowledge And Expertise To Foster A Greener And Healthier Future For His Country.”

He is the Founder/Pioneer Chairman Panacea Foundation, Kano. A Non-Governmental Organization that is focused on tree planting And Ensuring Sustainability Through Environmental Awareness, Climate Change And, Advocacy.