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UNICEF To Begin Immunizing Children In Nigeria With COVID-19 Vaccine

Toyin Adebayo
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UNICEF To Begin Immunizing Children In Nigeria With COVID-19 Vaccine

Concerned about the high incidence of COVID-19-related mortality among children, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), in collaboration with the Federal Government, will begin immunizing Nigerian children soon.

Dr. Olusoji Akinleye, UNICEF Health Specialist and Officer in Charge of the Enugu Field Office, hinted at this at a recent One Day Media Executive Meeting on Child Rights Influenced Reporting on the Covid-19 Pandemic in Enugu, organized in collaboration with the Broadcasting Corporation of Abia State.

“In the next few months, Nigeria will begin providing the vaccination to children under the age of 12,” Akinleye stated, lamenting the deaths of so many youngsters due to the COVID-19 virus.

He explained that the vaccines for children are being delayed because many processes must be completed before any drug can be administered to children. However, he urged parents to ensure that their children are safe and protected by following the safety protocols.

Though the federal government, UNICEF, and other development agencies have made significant progress in bringing the pandemic under control through the importation and accessibility of vaccines, the health specialist said they are still facing serious challenges in the areas of public skepticism, unwillingness, and conspiracies against the COVID-19 vaccines.

Akinyele said, “we recognize the partnership in promoting and highlighting the right of every child to life , the very first right that every human being is supposed to have is the right to life, we recognized the fact that the media has always supported the effort of government and partners including UNICEF in promoting right to health.

“UNICEF looks forward to more robust collaboration with media and an expected upward trend in the promotion of health and hygiene practices by media in Nigeria by daily communication to the public of protocols enforced by the government to prevent spread of COVID-19.”

Also speaking Dr. Obasi Chikezie of the Community Medicine Department, Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) in his papers titled :“COVID-19: Vaccination as a lifesaver. The Role of Mass Media in Accurately Reporting Child Rights Influenced Information, to Curtail the Spread of COVID-19”, equally expressed concern over the low coverage of the vaccines in Nigeria, saying “about 80 percent of people died of not knowing that they had COVID-19, while 20 percent that survived had severe cases”.

Chikezie said the role of the media in COVID-19 vaccine is to remind everyone of the benefits by researching and investigating information that are against the use of the vaccine.

On her part, UNICEF Communication Officer, Dr. Ijeoma Onuoha-Igwe also urged media practitioners to debunk rumours against the COVID-19 vaccines but rather use their medium to speak positively on it.   

She said, “use your outlets to emphasise on the need to take the vaccine and also the need to speak well about the vaccines, try to debunk rumours based on the knowledge you will gather”.

Earlier, the Director General, Broadcasting Corporation of Abia State, Umuahia, Sir Anyaso Anyaso, commended UNICEF for the role in championing the cause for women and children in the society saying, the gathering was to harness both the media and UNICEF collective roles in championing the welfare of women and children especially in the COVID-19 pandemic era

PDP Draws Line, Ends Form Submissions For Positions At National Convention

Saladin Babagana
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PDP Draws Line, Ends Form Submissions For Positions At National Convention

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) drew the line and stopped accepting nominations for elective seats on Tuesday, ahead of the party’s national convention on October 30 and 31.

As a result, several applicants were spotted rushing to meet the October 19, 2021 deadline for submitting their applications.

Hon Debo Ologunagba, a two-term member of the House of Representatives and a lawyer, was one of those who expressed interest and filed nomination papers for the position of PDP National Publicity Secretary.

Mrs Inna Ciroma, a former Minister and former National Woman Leader, also submitted her own forms to run for the office of Deputy National Chairman (North).

Hajia Ciroma will be pitted against two other women, one of which is a former Ambassador, Alhaji Umar Damagum.

Prof. Stella Effah-Attoe, a former professor at the University of Calabar in Cross River State, also applied for the role of National Woman Leader, presenting herself as a “politician with academic background.”

Ambassador Usman Sani Elkudan, who is also running for the position of PDP National Youth Leader, filed his declaration of interest and nomination forms to the party’s National Secretariat.

Addressing newsmen shortly after submitting her form, Prof Effah-Attoe said, “I have filled the forms adequately and I have submitted few minutes ago. I have very deep interest in women affairs. People have asked, Why are you going for National Woman Leader, why not any other position?

“I said well, in as much as National Woman Leader is zoned to my zone, I normally would have gone for it because of my passion for women. I am very passionate about women.

“Over the years I’ve been involved deeply in women issues. Like I said earlier, apart from being a female politician, I have done a lot of work in the academic field concerning women and gender issues.

“So I’m deeply rooted in gender women, issues, not only practically but theoretically, I have a lot of publications on women. I am much involved in women issues.”

Ologunagba on his part said: “Like I always say, the superpower is in PDP, where the hope resides. So, two things are going to be key in this communication mantra, it will be retrieved and restore.

“We want to restore the country back to the PDP days when it was easy for you to go to bed, at 10pm and take your car and drive down to Lokoja and come back.

“We want a situation where kids will go to school, and they won’t be kidnapped. We want to restore fundamental freedoms that are guaranteed for instance, the freedom to worship.”

Promising to work with other national officers to provide the best qualities of leadership for the party, if elected, Hajia Ciroma said, “as the Deputy National Chairman for the North, I will particularly work with our leaders to mobilize the support that is required to see that the states lost by PDP in 2015 are all reclaimed.

“If offered this position, I will maintain an open-door policy and I will keep my promise to serve within the best possible standards conscious of the need to be impartial, objective and an open facilitator.

“The 2023 election is a task that must be done, and we need a winning formula, knowing the difficulties Nigerians are now faced with.”

The aspirant for the National Youth Leader, Usman Elkudan, promised that PDP youth will be taught how to become tech savvy, to farm and trade, iaf given the mandate.

“Therefore, with the support and acceptance that this declaration of interest to contest has garnered, it is obvious that Usman Elkudan is friendly with the youths, and the youths are as well pleased with him”, his National Campaign Co-ordinator, Hon Aderemi Olusegun declared.

He said: “In terms of Capacity and Competence Amb. Elkudan is the right Choice. Therefore, on behalf of the PDP Youth Wing of our party, we present to you Amb Usman Sani El-kudan to contest for the office of The PDP National Youth Leader as our Consensus Candidate.”

# EndSARS: There Are Many Reasons For Nigerian Youths To Ask For A Better Life, Future Says Sanwo-Olu

Mosali Edunosa
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# EndSARS: There Are Many Reasons For Nigerian Youths To Ask For A Better Life, Future Says Sanwo-Olu


Nigerian youths have numerous reasons to want a better life and future, according to Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who added that their incapacity to live and flourish is exacerbated by the country’s current socio-economic and political realities, among other issues.


Sanwo-Olu, who spoke on Tuesday at a Lagos youth symposium organized by the Ministry of Youth and Social Development with the theme “Rebuilding For Greatness, Peaceful Conflict Resolution,” noted that the symposium would bring together over 1,500 youths from various voluntary organizations, uniformed organizations, non-governmental organizations, the National Youth Council of Nigeria, and the Lagos Youth Council.


The governor stated that the goal is to use the opportunity to network and learn new methods to contribute to the reconstruction of Lagos and the realization of the Greater Lagos plan.

The governor recalled that around this time last year, the state, and indeed the entire country, saw mass protests against police brutality, dubbed #EndSars, with the majority of Nigeria’s youth population participating in one of the largest movements since the country’s democratic transition in 1993.

He said, ‘’The protest culminated into wanton destruction of government’s facilities and individual properties across the nation after the riot on October 20th forever known as the Black Tuesday.

This incident sparked global outrage and hoodlums took advantage of the situation and went on rampage, looting and burning down destroying government properties and facilities. In what seemed like a calculated attack, the hoodlums ravaged the city of Lagos, leaving many parts of the state with burnt buildings, looted shops and destroyed properties worth billions of Naira. The economy of the country that was already in decline due to some many factors suffered a huge setback.

‘’Nigerian youths have many reasons to demand for a better life and future, especially in a country where their ability to live and prosper is challenged by existing socioeconomic and political conditions amongst other factors. The proportion of people living in poverty continues to grow especially as COVD 19 rampage continues.

‘’Nigeria’s Youth make up the majority of the country’s population which means that the youths are mostly affected by these statistics of poor people.

‘’The Lagos State government being the most hit state in the nation by the effects of the End SARS protest and the devastating effects of COVID 19 pandemics on its economic and social status, swung into decisive and impactful actions immediately so as to mitigate the effects on its populace.’’

Sanwo-Olu explained that despite the massive destruction of properties as a result of the protests and economic downturn occasioned by the COVD 19 pandemics, the state was able to cope with the challenges.

‘’We embarked on rebuilding the city of Lagos gradually, not only the physical structures but the residents hope was also rekindled with various palliative measures.
‘’Of utmost importance to us as a government are the youth population of the state who formed the bulk of the population and its working force. We had embarked on the implementation of series of Youth engagement and empowerment activities and programmes through its various MDAs notably of which are Ministries of Wealth Creation and Employment; Arts, Tourism and Culture; Science and Technology; Agriculture; Commerce, Industry & Cooperatives and other agencies.

‘’Some of these programmes, which were initiated as part of our efforts to address issues bothering on youth development and empowerment include the remodelling, development and equipping of four  Youth Centres across the state namely – Abesan, Lafiaji, Ikorodu and Omituntun Youth Centres. We are also working on the renovation of Ikeja; Popo Oba, Epe; Isheri; Badagry;  Sam Shonibare and Obele Oniwala Youth Centres. These facilities offer both recreational and sporting engagement as well as opportunities for skill acquisition / vocational training for youths.
‘’We have in partnership with USAID created two Youth Hubs at Lafiaji and Araromi Gbagada Youth Centers. These hubs offer leadership, livelihood and life skills to Out school youth aged between 15 – 24 years. With this partnership, we hope to reach 25,000 young people during its 5-year tenure with soft skills, leadership competence, social capital and resources using an approach that enables them reach their full potentials in a safe and youth friendly environment.’’

Governor Sanwo-Olu said his government has also implemented mind set changing and reorientation programmes to build the capacity of young people in the state to think positively and take up their role in nation building.

‘’ Some of these programmes include the Lagos State Youth Leadership Initiatives – Ibile Youth Academy which produced Youth Ambassadors that are already making waves as change makers in their communities implementing various live touching and empowering pet projects leveraging on local collaboration and resources. Notable among these programmes also is the Transformational Leadership Training for Young leaders which was designed to upscale the leadership capacity of over 2000 (Two Thousand) participating young leaders physically and virtually in the three senatorial districts of the state.

‘’In a few days, Wednesday 27th October, 2021 to be precise we will be organizing the first of its kind Lagos Police Youth Dialogue session which will have in attendance over 1000 Police Officers and Youths in the State coming together to deliberate on how to strengthen the relationship between them and create a synergy that will improve both their interaction and security situation in the state.’’

Governor Sanwo-Olu added, ‘’Education and healthcare services are two principal things that top our budget expenditure. Year on year we have continued to increase our budget for the education and health sectors. We have built the finest school in Lagos, it is in Elemoro, Ibeju Lekki. It will be commissioned next month. You will happy when you see that school, it is a brand new school, we are building brand new school with all the infrastructure provided in the schools.’’

He said his government has operated an open door policy and maintained a robust engagement serviced by effective feedback mechanism to ensure that the resident’s yearnings and aspirations are met.

Also speaking, the deputy vice chancellor of the Lagos State University (LASU), Professor Wahab Elias, who was the guest speaker noted that conflicts are inevitable in any society , saying it is how the conflict is managed that matters.
Elias urged the youths to always negotiate their demands with the authority, saying engaging in conflicts that are not progressive could destroy any society.

New Oil Spill Impacts Environment Of Bayelsa Communities

Roland Edet
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New Oil Spill Impacts Environment Of Bayelsa Communities

A new and disastrous oil spill has been reported at a facility operated by the Nigerian Agip Oil Company (NAOC) near Ogboinbiri in Bayelsa State’s Southern Ijaw Local Government Area.

According to reports, the oil leak at the NAOC Wellhead 9 on October 17 was caused by technical failure.

A field report released on Tuesday in Yenagoa by the Environmental Rights Action/Friends of the Earth Nigeria (ERA/FoEN) hinted that
the incident “sprayed crude oil into the environment in gaseous form,” according to

A similar occurrence occurred around several of the oil firm’s wellheads in the area about a year ago, according to the report signed by Project Officer/Head of ERA Niger Delta Resource Centre, Yenagoa, Alagoa Morris.

“The (latest) incident took place on a Nigerian Agip Oil Company (NAOC) wellhead in a marine setting, very visible from the community and commuters on the Apoi Creek; a short distance from the community.”

“ERA/FoEN had reported a similar incident on these wellheads (three) about a year ago. And these spills, which are due to equipment failure, impact the one-way flowing Apoi Creek, affecting Ogboinbiri community and downstream communities like Keme-ebiama and others, all in the Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State,” it stated.

The youth president of Ogboinbiri, Clinton Oseke, confirmed the recent oil spill, saying that officials of Agip mobilised to the facility one and half hours after the incident took place.

He said, “It (the oil spill) occurred as a result of equipment failure, no argument about that. The company officials finally put it off, but the water of the creek and air we breathe were affected.

“While crude oil spread downstream, the fumes in the air lasted for several hours in the community environment causing discomfort to residents.”

The environmental rights organisation called on the National Oil Spill Detection Agency (NOSDRA) to take steps to ensure that “these reoccurring equipment failure incidents from Agip facilities within Ogboinbiri community environment do not continue without serious penalties against the company.”

“Besides proper investigation and related actions to forestall further occurrence, the incidents should attract compensation, medical attention for victims and environmental audit.

“This is most needful as the community depends on their natural bodies of water in the environment for their water needs since their is no provision of potable water by government or Agip,” ERA/FoEN said.

Nigeria Can Produce Over 400,000 Vehicles Per Year—DG NADDC

Toyin Adebayo
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Nigeria Can Produce Over 400,000 Vehicles Per Year—DG NADDC

Jelani Aliyu, Director General of the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) said Nigeria has the ability to build approximately 400,000 vehicles per year.

Aliyu, who stated this at the Commerce and Industry Correspondents Association of Nigeria (CICAN) Annual Conference in Abuja, Nigeria has the combined potential to build over 400,000 vehicles each year due to the amount of car manufacturing enterprises in the country.

He stated that Innoson manufactures vehicles for the Nigerian market, and that the company is already exporting vehicles to Mali, providing value to Africa.

While adding that the National Automotive Design and Development Council’s (NADDC) innovation has permitted and supported vehicle assembly and manufacture in the country.

He stated that the first electric vehicle was released in Nigeria earlier this year, and that the Council has gone a step further in leveraging electric powered automobiles.

He also claimed that several automobile manufacturers have begun to create gas-powered automobiles as part of the Federal Government’s National Gas Expansion Programme.

In response to the country’s epileptic power supply, which might be a stumbling block to progress, Aliyu stated, “Nigeria should not be defined by its issues.”

According to him, “We are bigger than our problems. We must be defined by our dreams and aspirations and by what we can achieve.”

The Director General of NADDC said the Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, University of Lagos have developed solar-powered vehicles, adding that the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, has begun production of environment-friendly, solar- powered automobile.

He noted that the AfCFTA presents the automotive industry with an even wider market of over one billion people.

The communiqué issued at the end of the CICAN Annual Conference, with the theme, “The Role of Nigeria’s MSMEs, Export, Commodities, Trade and Investment in Stabilising the Post-Covid-19 Economy : Issues and Challenges, ” with the sub themes as :”The Place of AfCFTA in Nigeria’s Economic Diversification Plan: Pros & Cons” and the “FG’s MSMEs Survival Fund: Successes, Lessons and Pitfalls,” focused on key issues impacting the trade, investment and industrial sub-sectors of the economy.

The Communiqué which was signed by CICAN Chairman, Frederick Idehai, expressed concern on Nigeria’s continued dependence on oil revenues, which has been a major challenge in the country’s foreign exchange market.

“The conference was of the consensus that though the AfCFTA has its challenges, the pan-African trade pact would deepen economic integration of the continent, improve and expand intra-Africa trade, enable rule-based engagement facilitating dispute resolution and addressing injurious trade practices and would serve as foundation for establishment of a continental Customs Union.

“While the Federal and sub-national governments work to solve the challenges associated with the AfCFTA such as infrastructure dearth, intense competition from cheaper imports and weak regulation, it is pertinent that the private sector ramp up production, improve their packaging and expand distribution to beat the looming competition.

“It was recommended that Nigeria should be mindful not to turn into a dumping ground as the country explores the opportunities in the AfCFTA.

“At the centre of discussions at the conference was the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Fund established by the Federal Government to cushion the effect of COVID-19 on small businesses in Nigeria.

“The speed with which Nigeria exited recession has been attributed to the success of the Fund and other initiatives of the government.

“Participants x-rayed the major impact of the MSME Fund and pitfalls in order to chart a better path in the future.

“The conference reviewed and noted key achievements of the MSME Survival Fund. Data from the Industry Ministry shows that N75billion survival fund has been carried out in four segments even as a total of 174,574 persons successfully registered for the N75 billion National MSME Survival Fund and the Guaranteed Off-take Stimulus Scheme under the Nigeria Economic Sustainability Plan.

“The Scheme, designed to save jobs and sustain local production amidst COVID-19, has impacted small businesses positively. The Fund was adjudged successful and recommended for extension.

“The conference welcomed the Federal Government’s assurance that it has created access to finance to boost production and foster innovation geared towards sustaining small businesses,” according to the Communiqué.

FG, Brazil Sets To Establish 117 Agric Mechanisation Centres Across Nigeria

Saladin Babagana
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FG, Brazil Sets To Establish 117 Agric Mechanisation Centres Across Nigeria

Nigerian and Brazilian governments would develop 117 agricultural mechanisation facilities around the country.

Minister of State, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development Mustapha Baba Shehuri made this known at a virtual high level panel discussion to commemorate 2021 World Food Day.

Shehuri added that once these centres are operating, Nigerian farmers will be able to receive agricultural mechanisation services for a charge without having to acquire expensive farm equipment.

So he asked for more financial backing to increase big agricultural investment.

The minister stated that agriculture, as the government’s economic diversification priority, requires stronger agro financing to support value chain activities.

He said the ministry was committed to addressing domestic food needs, promoting quality exports, and fostering an agro-business-friendly environment.

According to him, ‘’There is a deliberate strategic approach towards job creation, conservation of foreign exchange and attainment of food security.

Shehuri pointed out that the seed sub- sector is being repositioned to ensure that farmers have access to quality seeds to improve yields.

“The National Agricultural Seeds Council (NASC) under my watch has been directed to interface with key seed industry stakeholders to ensure that Early Generation Seeds (EGS) are structured to ensure uninterrupted supply of certified seeds,” he said.

He disclosed that, ‘’there is also on-going awareness campaign by NASC on the importance of using improved seeds to boost production’’, adding that the administrative bottlenecks that had previously hindered farmers from having easy access to fertilizer had been addressed.

The Minister further maintained Nigeria’s agriculture has done well in the areas such as Nigeria”being the world leading producer of yam( which is about 18.3 million metric tonnes), world leader in the production of cassava that has steadily risen to 70 million metric tonnes, ranks second as world producer of sorghum just after the United States of America, ranks fifth in the production of palm oil and cocoa and the share of Gross Domestic Product(GDP) contributed by agricultural sector in Nigeria has consistently been impressive year in year out.”

Commenting on Nigeria’s agricultural exports, Shehuri said: “Nigeria is a global player in agricultural export; in the year 2019, they are as follows: Sesame Seeds oil: N77.04 billion, Cocoa: N66.73 billion, Cashew Nuts: N45.6 billion, Frozen Shrimps and Prawns: N7.46 billion, Ginger: N3.34 billion, Processed & Semi Processed Agro Food: N1.84 billion and Cotton: N609.33 million.”

He emphasised that ‘’the potential in this strategic sector is enormous and there is enthusiasm and political will to return the agricultural sector as the highest contributor to the National Gross Domestic Product by the year 2025’’.
 
Other panelists at the virtual meeting include the Senior Special Advisor to the President on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Princess Adejoke Orelope Adefulire represented by her Assistant, Rose Keffas, Senior Special Advisor to the President on Agriculture, Dr. Andrew Kwasari, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Representative in Nigeria and to ECOWAS, Fred Kafeero, International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) Country Programme Manager, Patrick Habamenshi, National President of All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Arc. Kabir Ibrahim, World Food Programme (WFP) Country Director, Ronald Sibanda among others
 
 

Eid- El- Maulud: Bello Urges FCT Residents To Imbibe Virtues Of Sacrifice, Patience, Tolerance Amidst Increased Political Activities

Toyin Adebayo
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Eid- El- Maulud: Bello Urges FCT Residents To Imbibe Virtues Of Sacrifice, Patience, Tolerance Amidst Increased Political Activities

Malam Muhammad Musa Bello, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has urged citizens of the nation’s capital to adopt the values of sacrifice, patience, and tolerance as political activities intensify.

He made this known in his Eid-el-Maulud message to FCT residents, while enjoining all Muslim faithful and other residents of the FCT to join Nigerians from across the country to reflect deeply on the role they can play individually and collectively to build a nation of which they can be proud.

According to him, “We must recognize that the resort to violence or promotion of anarchy has never, and will never resolve our social or political variances.

“Therefore, there is the need for us to imbibe the true meaning and virtues of sacrifice, patience, tolerance and fellowship in our relationships and dealings with fellow residents and all Nigerians.
 

“Always embrace dialogue in settling differences and reject attempts by unpatriotic individuals or groups to incite unrest which he said is always counter-productive”, the Minister added.

Bello also used the opportunity to restate the commitment of the FCT Administration to the provision of adequate security during the Maulud celebrations, and also appealed to residents to always cooperate with the security agencies at all time by providing useful information that will assist them in the discharge of their responsibilities.

Speaking on COVID-19, Bello called on residents to be mindful of the disease which he said is still very much in the FCT, and urged them to continue to observe all non-pharmaceutical interventions to prevent its spread.

He, however, felicitated with Muslims in the FCT on the occasion of the Eid- el- Maulud celebrations, urging them to adhere to the cardinal principle of peace upon which the religion of Islam is built.

UNICEF Responds To UN’s Removal Of CJTF Off List Of Groups Using, Recruiting Children In Armed Conflict

Toyin Adebayo
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UNICEF Responds To UN’s Removal Of CJTF Off List Of Groups Using, Recruiting Children In Armed Conflict

UNICEF said the removal of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) from the UN Secretary-General’s report on Children and Armed Conflict is a positive move for children protection.

In his last report, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres attributed the delisting to the CJTF’s commitment to completing an Action Plan negotiated with the UN Country Task Force on Monitoring and Reporting (CTFMR) in 2017 to halt child recruitment and use.

The CJTF was established in 2013 to help the Nigerian military in protecting communities from Boko Haram attacks. The CJTF has expanded in size and influence since then.

Recruiting and using children was addressed in the annexes of the Secretary-General’s Annual Report on Children and Armed Conflict in 2016.

The CJTF has now released over 2,000 children, many of whom are in school and receiving UNICEF psychosocial help. Les enfants in north-east Nigeria have suffered greatly.

Between 2013 and 2020, at least 3,500 children were enlisted as fighters. Girls and boys have used suicide bombers, spies, laborers, chefs, messengers, even wives.
Armed groups frequently expose girls to gender-based violence, including rape.

Children used as soldiers are at risk of death or injury during military training, initiation rites, and combat.

Witnessing or participating in torture and murder causes long-term physical and mental health effects.

They are also denied access to education, nourishment, and safe living conditions, among other rights violations.

Phuong T. Nguyen said, “This is a welcome development for the children of Nigeria,” said Phuong T. Nguyen, UNICEF Chief of Maiduguri Field Office. “But we must remember that this is the first step in a long journey. I urge the leadership of the CJTF to establish child protection units across its offices to prevent future recruitment and use of children and consistently model its agreement to not use children for any kind of role.”

“Recruiting children into armed groups steals their innocence and the protection they need. We should not forget – deploying children as soldiers imperils peace and perpetuates the cycle of generational violence. I call on other armed groups and parties to the conflict to immediately stop the recruitment of children and safely reintegrate them with their families and communities, where they belong’’.

Aliyu Lauds FCT , Kogi APC Congresses

Toyin Adebayo
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Aliyu Lauds FCT , Kogi APC Congresses

Dr. Ramatu Tijjani Aliyu, Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), lauded the All Progressives Congress (APC) state party congress, which took place on Saturday in the Federal Capital Territory and Kogi state, for its peaceful conduct.

The minister congratulated Hon. Abdulmalik Usman and Hon. Abdullahi Bello on their re-election as APC state chairmen in the FCT and Kogi state chapters, respectively.

The minister commended the appearance of other members of the state executive, saying that their re-elections and the calm conduct of the state congresses demonstrated the party’s readiness to win the general elections in 2023.

“I am ecstatic by the conclusion of the APC conference in the Federal Capital Territory,” she said.

There were a large number of FCT stakeholders and other party supporters in attendance.

It was serene and devoid of hostility.

According to her , “I am delighted with the outcome of the APC congress in the Federal Capital Territory. It witnessed the presence of majorities of the FCT stakeholders and other party faithful. It was most peaceful and rancour free.  

“The re-election of Hon Abdulmalik Usman along side his other executive members is a clear testimony that dedication and hard work never remains unpaid.You always bring positive energy to the party. Your re-election is one of the best decisions our party has ever made. Congratulations!”  

Similarly, the minister said she was overwhelmed by the joy of seeing, Hon.Abdullahi Bello’s, emergence as the chairman of the All Progressives Congress in Kogi state, noting that the party would be more focused come 2023.  

Saying, “I feel so overwhelmed by the joy of seeing you being re-elected. You made us all proud with this win. I’m so happy that your talent and hard work had finally been rewarded. You really deserved this position more than anyone else”, she affirmed.  

While calling on others to join hands with the newly elected executive members of the party, Aliyu, however, assured that with the peaceful conduct of the state congresses, the APC is more than prepared to challenge any opposition party in the forthcoming general elections.    

5 Metric Tonnes of Locally Produced Gas Supplied in September -PPPRA

Nnenna Nwankwo
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5 Metric Tonnes of Locally Produced Gas Supplied in September -PPPRA

The Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA) said data on Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) delivered in September 2021, 49,453.081MT of LPG supplied nationally was generated locally, whereas 27,125.905MT was imported.

Kimchi Apollo, the General Manager, Corporate Services, stated in a statement that Nigeria now produces a significant portion of the LPG consumed in the country due to the enabling environment created by the Federal Government through its programs and policies to attract investment into the entire gas value chain.

Saying, “In the month of September 2021, PPPRA LPG data show that 49,453.081MT was supplied into the domestic market by Algasco, Stockgap, NIPCO, 11 plc, Prudent, Greenville Natural Gas, PNG Gas, NPDC and Ashtavinayak Hydrocarbon Ltd with 66.58% of the supply sourced from the NLNG, whilst 27,125.905 MT was imported by Rainoil, Algasco and Prudent.

“It is worthy to note that the quantity of LPG sourced locally rose from 38,040.457MT in August to 49,453.081MT in September, while importation reduced from 47,224.346MT to 27,125.905MT.

“The marked improvement in local production reflects the success of His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR and the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Chief Timipre Sylva in providing the right enabling business climate for the Gas industry to thrive.

“Government policies and programmes such as the National Gas Policy (NGP), Nigeria Gas Flarek Commercialisation Programme (NGFCP), National Gas Expansion Programme (NGEP) and the Decade of Gas declaration are responsible for the quantum of investments we see today in the gas industry.

“Some of these investments include the NPDC Oredo Integrated Gas Handling Facility, Kwale Hub Gas Processing Plants (PNG, Ashtavinayak Hydrocarbon) Greenville LNG, Rivers State and OSO/Bonny River Terminal project.

“In terms of polices, the waiver of import duties on LPG production equipment as well as the Zero VAT for locally produced LPG have indeed heightened the prospects of domestic investment in the sector.

“In addition, a Pioneer Status Incentive for some categories of LPG Investments was also introduced” reads the statement in parts.

Apollo assured that the PPPRA remains committed to the development of Nigeria’s vast gas resources and strengthening the entire value chain.

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