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Adegbite Says Mining Clusters Will Create, Job Opportunities,Wealth For Nigerians

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0

Arc Olamilekan Adegbite , the Minister of Mines and Steel Development has hinted that the establishment of Mining Clusters across the six (6) geopolitical zones will boost the productivity of Artisanal and Small Scale Miners (ASM), thereby generating wealth and creating employment opportunities for Nigerians.

The Clusters, according to the Minister,are Federal Government intervention projects to cushion the adverse effects of COVID-19 and jumpstart the economy.

Adegbite gave this hint on Thursday in Ugaga, Yala Local Government Area of Cross River State during an inspection of the ongoing work at Barite Cluster Processing Plant.

This is a contained in a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja by the Director, Media and Public Relatios, Mrs Etore Thomas explained that the establishment of Barite Cluster in Ugaga was necessitated by the abundance of Barite in the area.

The statement reads: “ The Barite Processing Plant is sited in Ugaga because of abundance of Barite in this location and the need to reduce logistics for the processing, as localisation of industries at the sources of raw materials minimises logistics overload.

“When completed, Barite would be processed in Ugaga and shipped to Port Harcourt selling point where buyers and exporters could buy them”, he added.

The Minister, however assured that the plant when completed, would not be run by government but by experienced and knowledgeable experts who have wherewithal to run it on behalf of the Federal Government.

He noted that the plant would also provide services to Barite miners. “Miners of Barite can bring it here to sell to processors or mill their Barite to America Petroleum Institute (API) standard at reasonable cost” .

Adegbite who carried out the inspection alongside the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Dr Oluwatoyin Akinlade and the Director, ASM, Mr Patrick Ojeka, said the factory when operationalised, would increase the sector’s contribution to the Nation’s GDP.

Earlier in her remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Dr Akinlade called on Barite miners to take full advantage of the opportunities provided by this huge investment, to enhance and improve productivity of Barite in the country.

This, according to her, would save Nigeria foreign exchange currently being spent on Barite importation.

FG Links Fuel Scarcity To Inspection Failure

By
Uche Kingsley
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0

The Federal Government on Sunday attributed the ongoing scarcity of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) popularly known as petrol to inspection failure, which allowed adulterated products into the country.

Senior Adviser (Media and Communications, to Minister of State Petroleum Resources, Horatius Egua in a statement, described the situation as regrettable, noting that the Federal Government sympathizes with the citizenry over the unforeseen hardship, occasioned by the inevitable scarcity.

According to the statement, Chief Timiprye Sylva, Minister of State Petroleum Resources, vowed to get to the bottom of the cause of the unfortunate occurrence when the storm settles.

“In the last weeks, Nigerians have grappled with fuel scarcity, not because of the absence of supply of products but due to inspection failure, which allowed adulterated products into the country.

“This is regrettable, and the Federal Government sympathizes with the citizenry over the unforeseen hardship, occasioned by the inevitable scarcity. Let me once again appeal to Nigerians to be patient with government in finding lasting solutions to the crisis.

“We appreciate the NNPC for showing so much concern to the plight of Nigerians by coming forward with an apology. This is unprecedented and shows that we on the government side are not afraid to take responsibility. The Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority has been out on the streets, filling station by filling station to ensure that the situation normalizes quickly and we are beginning to see the fruits of their efforts.

“This is a time that calls for collective action to save a situation that was not foreseen. It is not a time to trade blames as is customary in Nigeria. It is therefore not a time to query anyone but a time to come together to salvage the plight of the average Nigerian.

After the storm settles there will be time enough to investigate and get to the bottom, so that this does not repeat itself.

“Mr. President’s charge to all parties and agencies concerned is to work together to ensure that normalcy returns quickly. The Nigerian people deserve the best and President Muhammadu Buhari’s government is determined to set the country on the right path of petroleum products availability and sustainability, as demonstrated in the award of the contracts for the rehabilitation of all our refineries and the acquisition of stake in the Dangote Refinery.

“Let us as Nigerians stand shoulder to shoulder in our shared quest for a greater country” reads the statement in parts.

Asokoro Hospital Main Building Not Burnt, Says DG

By
Toyin Adebayo
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muhammad-musa-bello
FCT Minister, Nigeria

The Director General of the Federal Capital Hospital Services Management Board, Dr. Mohammed Kawu on Friday noted that the main building and other important structures of the Asokoro District Hospital were not affected by the fire incident which occurred last Thursday.

Kawu hinted that the clarification became necessary against the backdrop of reports in some sections of the media that the entire building structures at the Asokoro District Hospital have been razed by fire.

This was contained in a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja by the Senior Special Assistant to FCT Minister on Strategy Communication, Malam Abubakar Sani stated that: “Fire was noticed at about 12 noon at the IHVN and Tuberculosis porta cabin that is located at the back of the hospital main building. These porta cabins are isolated from the main building and so the fire did not pose any threat to the structures which house patients.

He explained that the FCT fire service was called in and they responded promptly and were able to contain the fire.

The DG said in order to ensure the safety of patients, the Male Out Patient Department was evacuated and all the cylinders removed from the oxygen plant.

He added that following the precautionary measures taken, no member of staff or patients sustained any injury, pointing out that normal hospital services have since resumed at the hospital.

FCT State Minister Not Booed, Group Insist

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0
Dr Ramatu Tijjani Aliyu. Minister of State, Federal Capital Territory Abuja, Nigeria.
Dr Ramatu Tijjani Aliyu. Minister of State, Federal Capital Territory Abuja, Nigeria.

The Peoples Alliance for Indigenous Rights (PAIR) has dismissed a newspaper report that the Minister of State, FCT, Dr. Ramatu Tijjani Aliyu, was heckled at the presentation of Certificates of Return to newly elected area councils’ chairmen on Friday in Abuja.

In a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja on Saturday by the National Coordinator of the PAIR, Isa Pai, accused the newspaper of reporting out of context as those who applauded the minister’s suggestion to the INEC were overwhelming.

The statement reads: “Newspapers and media houses need to guard their integrity like a woman’s honour. During last Saturday’s area council elections, there was widespread failure of BVAS leading to the disenfranchisement of some voters. This election obsevers like YAIGA Africa have noted in their preliminary report on the election.

“As an important stakeholder in Nigeria’s political environment, the Hon. Minister of State FCT, Dr. Ramatu Tijjani Aliyu, suggested the possibility of allowing registered voters to vote in places of widespread failure of the BVAS as was witnessed in the area council elections.

“For a newspaper to twist facts when the minister was widely applauded bothers on mischief and a new narrative of some individuals to taint the hard earned reputation of the minister as unfortunate,” the statement further reads.

Pai further stated that the minister has continued to receive commendation one of which was from the NUJ FCT over her exemplary leadership and accommodating administrative style when she paid an unscheduled visit to the union.

The PAIR coordinator called on media houses to be circumspect about reports from some of their reporters as they could be misleading.

FG Task Entrepreneurs To Operate Within Mining Extant Laws For Peaceful Coexistence

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0

The Federal Government has urged drivers of mining industry to always operate within Mining Extant Laws to engender peaceful coexistence between operators and host communities

The Minister of State Mines and Steel Development Dr. Uchechukwu Sampson Ogah made this known during his facility tour of BUA Cement, Okpella, Edo State on his 3-day Working visit to the state recently.

A statement made available to newsmen in Abuja by the Director (Press & Public Relations Unit, Mrs Etore Thomas, the minister stated that operating within Mining Extant Laws would engender peaceful coexistence between operators and host communities.

He, however, encouraged them to maintain good community relationship for enhanced production, stating that maximum production of the plant would be of immense benefit to the Federal Government and create jobs for lots of Nigerians.

Ogah noted that the interaction with Mining Operators would enable government know the challenges faced by operators and interven by profering solution. He added that the Ministry is committed towards helping them succeed. Saying, “the success of the plant makes the Ministry happy”.

The Minister enjoined the Management to consider the request of the community and provide mast for cellular services for them, asking that they speak with cellular service providers on behalf of the community.

Also, the Plant Director, Engr. Ahmed Idris, while revealing that 98% of raw materials used for production were sourced in the vicinity, stated that the Plant had two lines with a production capacity of 3 million tonnes each. He disclosed that they were planning to have more lines of production.

The Minister who was accompanied by the Edo State Commissioner, Ministry of Mining, Oil and Gas, Ethan Uzamere, the Zonal Mines Officer, Abdulkadir Adamu, the Ministry’s entourage also visited Okpella Cement Plc (Dangote) and Zhong xin quarry all located in the northern part of the state.

FCTA To Partners NCC On 5G Broadband Development In FCT

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Malam Muhammad Musa Bello has expressed the readiness FCT Administration’s to partner with the Nigeria Communication Commission (NCC) for 5G broadband deployment in the Territory.

The minister made this known when he received a delegation of the NCC led by its Chairman, Professor Adeolu Akande on a courtesy visit to the FCTA.

He, however, assured the NCC Board and Management that all pending issues concerning the deployment of telecommunication facilities within the Territory, including the payment of appropriate charges by telecommunication companies will be resolved with the collaboration of all parties.

He noted that providing infrastructure within the Federal Capital City was very expensive and provision had been made for the easy deployment of telecommunication facilities within the city, as part of its extensive road network

He directed the setting up of a team, comprising the Executive Commissioner (Technical Services) of NCC, the Executive Secretary, Federal Capital Development Authority, (FCDA) as well as the Chief of Staff to the Minister to harmonise and resolve all outstanding issues.

The Minister acknowledged the long and harmonious relationship existing between the NCC and the FCTA and extended the Administration’s appreciation to the NCC for its educational support to schools within the FCT.

Earlier, the Chairman, of the NCC’s Governing Board Professor Adeolu Akande had disclosed plans by the NCC to deploy infrastructure to accommodate 5G broadband in the FCT while calling for a partnership with the FCTA to increase the number of possible technology deployment sites in the Territory.

In his remarks, the Executive Vice Chairman, NCC, Professor Umar Garba Danbatta commended the Minister and the management of the FCTA for the infrastructural development in the FCT while appreciating the warm relationship between the Administration and the NCC.

Also present at the meeting were the Permanent Secretary, FCTA, Mr. Olusade Adesola, the Executive Secretary of the FCDA, Engr Shehu Hadi Ahmed, the Chief of Staff to the FCT Minister, Malam Bashir Mai-Bornu, NCC Commissioners and some management staff of the NCC and the FCTA.

APC Hints INEC, Fixes Zonal Congresses For March 26

By
Ola Akinola
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The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has notified the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) that its national convention earlier scheduled for February 26 will no longer hold.

In a letter to the Electoral Commission which was signed Governor Mai Mala Buni, the National Chairman of the party’s Caretaker Extra-Ordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC) and Senator John Akpan Udoedehe, its Secretary, the APC notified INEC of its intention to hold its Zonal Congresses on March 26th.

The APC said the current letter supercedes the earlier one it wrote notifying INEC of plans to conduct its national convention on February 26th.

Our correspondent had earlier reported that the Buni-led Caretaker Committee is seeking a minimum of two weeks extension to conduct the national convention.

Abba Kyari Slams N500m Rights Suit Against FG

By
Nnenna Nwankwo
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0

Detained former Commander of Intelligence Response Team (IRT), Force Intelligence Bureau, Nigerian Police Force, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Abba Kyari, has instituted a suit at the Federal High Court Abuja, against the Federal Government.

The suit filed on DCP Kyari’s behalf by his lawyer, Cynthia Ikenna, was brought pursuant to Order 11 Rule 3 of the Fundamental Rights (Enforcement Procedure) Rule 2009.

By the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/182/22, the plaintiff wants an order of court directing the Federal Government to him the sum of N500,000,000.00 (Five Hundred Million Naira) for unlawful violation of his constitutional right provided for in Sections 35 and 36 of the 1999 Consutution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended.

The applicant also is praying for a declaration that his arrest and continuing detention by agent of the FG without bringing him before a court of competent jurisdiction from 12th of February 2022 till date is “illegal, unlawful and a gross violation of Applicants’ fundamental right to personal liberty and freedom of movement guaranteed by section 35(1) of the 1999 Constitution of Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) and Article 6 of the African Charter on human and Peoples Rights (Ratification and Enforcement) Act”.

Court Declines Abba Kyari’s Plea For Bail

By
Nnenna Nwankwo
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0

Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court Abuja on Monday declined an application by the embattled suspended former Commander of Intelligence Response Team (IRT), Force Intelligence Bureau, Nigerian Police Force, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Abba Kyari, seeking his release from detention.

Kyari, through his lawyer, Cynthia Ikenna had moved an exparte motion praying the court for an order releasing the applicant from detention based on health grounds.

However, Justice Ekwo refused making an order for the release of Kyari, and instead directed the applicant to put respondents in the matter on notice.

Meanwhile, the court has adjouned to February 24, for hearing of the motion on notice seeking the release of Kyari from detention.

Court Dismisses Suit Challenging Atiku’s Citizenship

By
Nnenna Nwankwo
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0

Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja on Monday dismissed a suit challenging Nigerian citizenship of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.

He is made the order in his judgment in a suit filed by the Incorporated Trustees of Egalitarian Mission for Africa querying the Nigerian citizenship of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.

The court cautioned some so called NGO’s to refrain from filing frivolous applications targeted at harrassing politically exposed Nigerians.

In addition, Justice Ekwo held that the plaintiff lacks the locus standi to institute the legal action, describing them as “busy body and middlesome interlopers.

In the suit, the group had asked the court to disqualify Atiku as the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and to restrain him from contesting the February 16, 2019 presidential election over alleged circumstances surrounding his citizenship.

The suit which was filed on 11th February, 2019, has Atiku, PDP, the Independent National Electoral Commission, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice as well as the Attorney General of Adamawa state as defendants
Specifically, the plaintiff had approached the court for an interpretation of Sections 25(1) & (2) and 131(a) of the 1999 Constitution.

By the suit, the plaintiff prayed for “A declaration that by the combined interpretation of Sections 25(l) & (2) and 131(a) of the Constitution and given the circumstances surrounding Atiku’s birth, he cannot be cleared by PDP and INEC to contest for post of president.”

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