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Azuka Okwuosa & Anambra South Senate By-Election: Case For A Cerebral Candidate

By
Toyin Adebayo
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In Nigeria senatorial zones are typically made up of a group of local government areas in a particular, state and each zone is represented by a senator in the National Assembly.

The Anambra South Senatorial zone/district comprises the geographical areas of seven local governments which includes ::
*Aguata(300PU), Ekwusigo(175PU), Ihiala(278PU), Nnewi North(198PU), Nnewi south(295PU), Orumba North(231PU), Orumba South(192PU)*

*Following the untimely death of Senator Ifeanyi Ubah who represented the Anambra South Senatorial District in the National Assembly, the stakes are high for all political parties that want to participate in a bye-election to replace the deceased senator.*

*It will be a fierce competition between the political parties, and especially in the All Progressives Congress, the party of the deceased senator.*

The office of a senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, is an important one, therefore, elected senators should possess the credentials to be effective in order to perform their jobs creditably.

An effective legislator must have very high standard of personal integrity and conduct himself in a disciplined and ethical manner at all times.

It is a truism that a concomitant consequence of our choice of representation to the present National Assembly (Senate and House of Representatives) is the quality of legislators that we have, in exercise of our adult suffrage and franchise voted (or chosen) to represent us in the federal legislature.

*It is within this context that Hon. Sir Azuka Okwuosa’s participation in the bye-election must be applauded.*

Hopefully, this trait will continue, thereby further energizing the Senate with qualitative cerebral personae, who have made impact on the lives of their people. Hon. Sir Azuka Okwuosa, a reputable Oil magnet is among the strong contenders for the ticket of the All Progressives Congress, for the forthcoming Senatorial Bye-Election in Anambra South Senatorial Zone.

Chinyelugo is an acknowledged philanthropist, a bridge-builder and a person whose guiding principle is the upliftment of his people and aims at sponsoring bills that will enhance the quality of their lives.

*Azuka Okwuosa desires the best for the people of Anambra South Senatorial district and for Anambra State in general.*

*We are of the firm conviction, that Hon. Sir Azuka Okwuosa is cerebral, astute, honest and a qualitative material that possesses leadership qualities which are credentials that makes him most suitable to represent the Anambra South Senatorial Zone in the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.*

*#Nominate & Support Azuka Okwuosa*

 

*AZUKA OKWUOSA MEDIA*

Transparency Is Our Watchword For The Senate; Sir Azuka Okwuosa Is Our Choice Says Ndị Anambra South

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0

Dearest APC Anambra South Senatorial bye-election Delegates and the good people of Anambra South, there is and adage which says, “Look before you leap”. And a tiny voice from the Anthill whispers, “Anger is an extremely powerful emotion. It can destroy lives, tear relationships apart, and ruin a believer’s witness”.

Scrutinizing the roles and responsibilities of a Senator , 3 major things resonates in the constituents’ subconsciousness – the Senator should be a transparent role model, the Senator should be of sound mind and the Senator should be Competent.

Anybody can be a Senator but, the question is, “How sound is the person’s mind, does he control anger or is he a slave to anger?”

Anybody could be a Senator but, what role does he model? What’s the people’s perspective on him as regards reliability, trustworthiness and Supportiveness ( for personal or collective interest)?

Anybody can be a Senator, but is he educationally and skillfully Competent to handle the weighty duties of a Senator in the highest Chambers of the National Assembly? Could the competence be justifiably verified?

Ndị Anambra South have resolutely said, “Chinyelugo, a Transparent Leader is our man for the Senate”.

Let’s support Sir Azuka Okwuosa for an Effective Representation in the Red Chambers of the National Assembly.

AZUKA OKWUOSA MEDIA

IGP Defies PSC Directive: Police Officers Told to Remain in Office

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0

In a surprising move, the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has instructed police officers affected by the recent Police Service Commission (PSC) directive to disregard the order and remain in office. The PSC had directed officers who have served 35 years or reached 60 years of age to retire immediately, citing Public Service Rule No. 020908 .

However, IGP Egbetokun has countered this directive, ordering affected officers to “stay action, pending further instruction.” This move has sparked controversy, with the PSC clarifying that it does not have the constitutional authority to determine the appointment or retirement of the IGP himself.

The PSC’s initial directive was made to address inconsistencies with the Public Service Rule, which mandates retirement after 35 years of service or upon reaching 60 years of age. However, the IGP’s defiance has raised questions about the power dynamics between the PSC and the Nigerian Police Force .

As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how this will impact the police force and the retirement plans of affected officers.

Senate Deputy President Barau Launches ₦2.79 Billion Loan Scheme for Farmers in North-West

By
Ola Akinola
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0

Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Jibrin Barau, has announced a ₦2.79 billion loan scheme to support farmers across Kano, Jigawa, Kaduna, Katsina, Kebbi, and Zamfara states in the North-West.

Speaking through his Special Adviser on Policy and Monitoring, Professor Bashir Muhammad Fage, at a press briefing in Abuja on Thursday, Barau emphasized that food security remains a top priority for progressive nations.

“Without food security, we are vulnerable at every level—individual, family, local government, state, and national. Decades ago, the North, especially the North-West, was Nigeria’s food hub, producing most of the country’s agricultural products for both domestic consumption and export. However, that is no longer the case,” he stated.

To revive the region’s agricultural strength, Barau has launched the Barau Initiative for Agricultural Revolution in the North-West, targeting 500 young farmers in the first phase of the program.

Loan Disbursement Plan

The initiative, executed through Barau Agricultural Foundation in partnership with national financial institutions, aims to provide financial assistance to farmers ahead of the 2025 planting season.

Under the scheme, each selected farmer will receive ₦5 million to invest in rice and maize cultivation. The breakdown of beneficiaries across the six states includes:

  • Kano – 133 beneficiaries
  • Kaduna – 69 beneficiaries
  • Kebbi – 63 beneficiaries
  • Katsina – 102 beneficiaries
  • Jigawa – 81 beneficiaries
  • Sokoto – 69 beneficiaries
  • Zamfara – 42 beneficiaries

The initiative is set to be fully launched in April 2025, in time for the farming season.

Boosting Food Production and Economic Growth

Barau noted that the program aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s New Hope Agenda, which prioritizes agriculture as a key driver of economic growth and food security.

“In 2023, Nigeria produced about 8.9 million metric tons of rice, the highest since 2010. However, this is still insufficient to meet the demands of our rapidly growing population. Through this initiative, we aim to significantly boost maize and rice production, stabilize food prices, and ensure year-round food availability,” he explained.

Farmers selected for the scheme will also receive technical guidance to enhance their productivity and maximize crop yields.

The Barau Initiative for Agricultural Revolution marks a major step toward revitalizing North-Western Nigeria’s agricultural sector, restoring its historical role as the nation’s food basket.

House of Reps to Hold ‘Art for Governance’ Exhibition to Promote Gender Inclusion

By
Roland Edet
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The House of Representatives Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution, in collaboration with Advocacy for Civic Engagement Centre, ElectHER, and the National Assembly Library, is set to host an exhibition on gender inclusion, tagged “Art for Governance,” next month.

Deputy Speaker and Chairman of the Constitution Review Committee, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, announced this on Wednesday in Abuja while receiving a delegation from the Albright Stonebridge Group in his office.

Kalu explained that the initiative leverages art as a tool for advocacy, with a focus on increasing women’s participation in leadership. He emphasized that the exhibition aligns with the proposed Constitution (Alteration) Bill, 2024, which seeks to reserve seats for women in Nigeria’s **National and State Houses

NNPC, First E&P Achieve 96% Reduction in Gas Flaring, Advance Nigeria’s Climate Goals

By
Roland Edet
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In a major breakthrough for Nigeria’s environmental sustainability efforts, the NNPC Ltd and First Exploration & Petroleum Development Company Limited (First E&P) Joint Venture (JV) has successfully reduced routine flaring of associated gas (AG) by 96% from the Anyala (OML 83) and Madu (OML 85) fields.

This milestone, which supports Nigeria’s commitment to cutting greenhouse gas emissions by 20% unconditionally and 47% conditionally under the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) of the Paris Agreement, was achieved through an AG reinjection strategy at the Madu field, offshore Bayelsa State.

In a statement on Thursday, Olufemi Soneye, Chief Corporate Communications Officer of NNPC, said the initiative involves storing gas that would have otherwise been flared in a designated underground storage reservoir, significantly reducing environmental impact.

The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has commended the JV’s achievement, highlighting its alignment with national environmental regulations and global best practices.

Mele Kyari, Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Ltd, lauded the initiative, stating:
“This achievement underscores our commitment to leveraging resources responsibly and optimising production to meet energy needs and sustainability goals. It reflects our commitment to aligning our operations with global standards and environmental best practices.”

Similarly, Ademola Adeyemi-Bero, MD/CEO of First E&P, emphasized the company’s dedication to environmental responsibility:
“This milestone reflects our unwavering commitment to environmental sustainability and responsible energy production. By substantially reducing our carbon footprint, we are contributing to a sustainable energy future that benefits both the environment and the communities we serve.”

Building on this success, the NNPC-First E&P Joint Venture aims to commercialize the stored gas and other stranded gas resources in the Niger Delta, reinforcing its commitment to sustainable energy solutions and environmental stewardship.

PDP Disciplinary Committee Summons Ortom, Anyanwu Amid Party Crisis

By
Shehu Danladi
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The National Disciplinary Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has summoned former Governor of Benue State, Dr. Samuel Ortom, and the embattled National Secretary of the party, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, as part of ongoing efforts to address the lingering crisis within the party.

The summons comes in the wake of persistent internal conflicts that have plagued the PDP since the 2023 presidential election. The party’s leadership has been grappling with factional disputes, most notably the battle over the position of National Secretary between Hon. Sunday Udeh-Okoye and Senator Anyanwu. While PDP governors and the Board of Trustees (BoT) have thrown their weight behind Udeh-Okoye, Anyanwu has insisted that the Supreme Court will determine the rightful occupant of the office.

In an effort to restore order and discipline, the PDP National Working Committee (NWC) set up a disciplinary committee on August 21, 2024, led by Tom Ikimi, to investigate complaints and recommend appropriate actions. Despite this intervention, the crisis has persisted, further deepening divisions within the party.

Announcing the summons, Ikimi stated that the committee had received five petitions, some of which were against key members of the NWC. However, in a bid to support ongoing reconciliatory efforts led by the Governors’ Forum and the BoT, three petitions against top NWC members were stepped down.

“The second set of petitions, which were set down for enquiry, are those against former Governor of Benue State, His Excellency Dr. Samuel Ortom, and ten others, as well as the petition against Distinguished Senator Samuel Anyanwu,” Ikimi said in a statement.

The affected individuals, along with the petitioners and their witnesses, have been directed to appear before the committee on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, at Legacy House, Maitama, Abuja.

Reiterating its commitment to fairness and due process, the committee urged aggrieved party members to channel their complaints through the appropriate party structures.

“The National Disciplinary Committee is committed to ensuring discipline within the party and restoring the integrity of the PDP. The committee remains available to address grievances fairly and impartially,” Ikimi emphasized.

With the crisis showing no signs of abating, the outcome of the disciplinary proceedings could play a crucial role in determining the future direction of the opposition party.

Nigeria Secures UN-Backed Study to Boost Critical Minerals and Solar Power Industry

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0

Nigeria has secured a United Nations-backed study to develop a critical minerals roadmap, marking a major milestone in its quest to maximize the solid minerals value chain from extraction to beneficiation.

The study, funded by the Global Council for Critical Minerals, emerged as a key outcome of Solid Minerals Development Minister, Dr. Dele Alake’s engagements at the Mining Indaba 2025 in Cape Town, South Africa.

According to a statement by Mr. Segun Tomori, Special Assistant on Media to the Minister, the study will be conducted by UC Davis, with support from Core International, and will set global best practices for Nigeria’s minerals development.

Driving Nigeria’s Renewable Energy Goals

The study aims to:
✅ Assess Nigeria’s critical mineral resources and reserves
✅ Set international benchmarks for value addition and processing
✅ Enhance local industrial production of solar power components

One of the major expected benefits is reducing Nigeria’s dependence on imported solar power products, which will result in foreign exchange savings and stimulate the growth of the domestic renewable energy sector.

Alake: Time to Stop Importing Solar Power Products

Speaking with Mr. Divyam Nagpal, Principal Specialist for Renewable Energy at Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL), Dr. Alake stressed Nigeria’s need to prioritize local production of solar power products.

“Since we have the materials for solar power production, we should vigorously pursue policies that stop the importation of solar products and instead localize production in Nigeria. Our market is vast, already serving the West African sub-region, making local manufacturing a viable and strategic investment,” he stated.

Creating a Secure and Investor-Friendly Mining Sector

Dr. Alake reaffirmed President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s commitment to improving the investment climate in the mining sector.

“We are implementing a new security architecture to ensure the safety of investors and mining sites. Additionally, we have revised the Community Development Agreement to guarantee that local communities benefit maximally from these investments. This ensures a win-win situation for investors, host communities, and the Nigerian economy,” he said.

The Minister noted that a more secure and business-friendly environment would help attract foreign direct investment, increase royalty payments, and ensure regulatory compliance within the solid minerals sector.

Strengthening Global Partnerships

Mr. Nagpal emphasized that Nigeria’s critical minerals roadmap will play a crucial role in shaping policy and unlocking the full potential of the country’s mining sector. He also invited Dr. Alake to the Sustainable Energy for All Programme in Barbados, a high-profile event focused on energy security, equity, and development.

With this development, Nigeria is positioning itself as a key player in the global critical minerals and clean energy markets, paving the way for industrial growth, energy security, and economic transformation.

Senate Mocks PDP Crisis as Senator Nwoko Defects to APC

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0

The crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) became a subject of mockery in the Senate on Wednesday, as lawmakers from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) proposed setting up an ad hoc committee to investigate the internal conflicts plaguing the opposition party.

This development follows the defection of Senator Ned Munir Nwoko (Delta North) from the PDP to the APC, citing persistent leadership struggles within the party.

Nwoko: PDP Crisis Threatens Democracy

Announcing his defection, Senator Nwoko said his decision was made after “deep reflection and extensive consultations” with his constituents and political associates.

“The PDP, which once stood as a formidable platform for democratic participation and national development, has unfortunately been engulfed in persistent crises, ranging from internal divisions to a lack of clear leadership and direction. These unresolved conflicts have weakened its ability to function as an effective opposition, thereby threatening the very fabric of our democracy,” Nwoko stated.

He warned that Nigeria risks sliding into a dangerous one-party system if the PDP’s crisis is not urgently addressed, urging the Senate to set up an ad hoc committee to investigate the root causes of the party’s internal implosion.

Senate Leadership Reacts

The proposal for an investigation was met with fierce opposition from Minority Leader Senator Abba Moro (Benue South), who argued that Nwoko’s defection was unconstitutional, as the 1999 Constitution does not permit defection unless a political party is in crisis.

However, Senate Leader Senator Opeyemi Bamidele countered this claim, pointing out that the PDP is already entangled in legal battles over its national leadership. He argued that this constituted sufficient grounds for Nwoko’s defection.

Moro, in response, insisted that the PDP had already secured a court ruling affirming Sam Anyanwu as the party’s authentic National Secretary, as well as a stay of execution on an Appeal Court judgment against him.

Akpabio Declines Setting Up Ad Hoc Committee

Despite the heated debate, Senate President Godswill Akpabio declined to set up the proposed ad hoc committee, citing ongoing court cases on the PDP crisis as the reason.

With this latest defection and the increasing turmoil within the PDP, the Senate’s reaction underscores the deepening struggles of Nigeria’s main opposition party, raising concerns over the future of multi-party democracy in the country.

Reps Committee Chair Applauds Gas Distribution Licenses, Supports FG’s Clean Energy Initiative

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0

The Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream), Ikenga Ugochinyere, has commended the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) for issuing Gas Distribution Licenses (GDLs) to 10 companies, describing it as a major step toward achieving the “Gas for All Homes” agenda.

The move, Ugochinyere noted, aligns with the Federal Government’s strategy to expand gas accessibility, promote clean energy, and reduce reliance on firewood and cooking stoves.

1.5 Billion Cubic Feet of Gas for Distribution

At the Gas Distribution Licence Award ceremony in Abuja, NMDPRA Chief Executive, Engr. Farouk Ahmed, revealed that the agency received 30 applications, out of which 10 companies were approved.

The awarded licenses cover the distribution of 1.5 billion standard cubic feet/day of gas through a 1,200-kilometer gas pipeline network, a move expected to boost domestic gas supply and energy access.

Supporting Nigeria’s Clean Energy Transition

In a statement, Ugochinyere emphasized the importance of expanding clean energy solutions for Nigerian households.

“The NMDPRA’s issuance of Gas Distribution Licenses is a bold step in actualizing the Gas for All Homes agenda, targeted at addressing energy challenges faced by Nigerians across all social strata,” he stated.

He highlighted that the initiative includes:

  • Distribution of free gas cylinders to one million homes nationwide
  • Annual conversion of 250,000 households to clean cooking gas by 2030
  • Promotion of clean cooking energy and reduction of harmful fuel reliance

Legislative Oversight and Accountability

Ugochinyere assured that lawmakers, especially those in downstream petroleum committees, will provide strict oversight to ensure the initiative benefits Nigerians.

“This is a worthy initiative, and we pledge our support, but with strict supervision, to ensure that Nigerians benefit from it and that it does not become merely another government patronage scheme,” he affirmed.

With this step, Nigeria is advancing its clean energy transition, ensuring that gas-powered cooking becomes a sustainable alternative for millions of households.

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