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Nigeria Must Not Repeat Oil , Gas Mistakes in Mining, Adegbite

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Minister for Mines & Steel, Arch. Olamilekan Adegbite
Minister for Mines & Steel, Arch. Olamilekan Adegbite

Arc. Olamilekan Adegbite, the Minister of Mines and Steel Development on Monday said that Nigeria cannot afford to repeat the mistakes made in oil and gas in mining by exporting raw ore.

He, however, added that, minerals mined in the country should be processed before being exported.

Adegbite made this known during his familiarization tour of some media houses in the South Western States. Adding that, mining, before independence, was the mainstay of Nigeria’s economy as resources from mining was used to develop infrastructure in oil and gas sector.

A statement made available to journalists in Abuja by the Director Press, stated that, “The moment we found oil, we turned our focus away from mining and it died, so we are trying to revive it, Nigeria was once quoted on the London metal exchange, we were the highest exporter of columbite in the world, importing tin from Jos, exporting coal from Enugu to the world, we can bring back that era”.

“The Ministry is currently working a downstream policy that would make exportation of raw ore illegal. “We don’t want to export raw ore in Nigeria anymore, we want to do beneficiation and that is the downstream policy the Ministry is working on and when it comes on stream, nobody can export raw ore in Nigeria again, whatever you mine, you must process locally” This, he said would bring about job creation.

As part of the downstream policy, he stated that, the Ministry would introduce what is called pre-shipment inspectors for mineral export. Pre-Shipment inspectors according to him, are people who have the knowledge, equipment and can confirm the value of what is being exported and ensure payments of appropriate royalties to government.

The Minister, however, acknowledged that mining in Nigeria is mostly artisanal based. He said the government would not criminalise the artisanal miners but encourage them to come into the fold and support them. “Nigerians who engage in mining at artisanal level is not consider illegal, the illegal miners are foreigners who come into Nigeria and partake in artisanal mining, they ride on the back of artisanal miners, offer them peanuts or little incentives and exploit them”

He explained that, the mining sector has potential to match oil and gas as he noted that, “the lone efforts of artisanal miners would not be enough to generate the needed resources to match oil and gas unless we have big investors and that is why we go on international road shows but the big investors will not come to Nigeria if we do not have data”. He cited the presence of ‘Minors’ such as Thor exploration mining gold in Osun, a Canadian Company quoted on the Toronto stock exchange.

Adegbite also expressed confidence that the ongoing exploration which enables data generation through the National Integrated Mineral exploration Project (NIMEP) would confirm the availability of minerals in different places in the country and at what quantum that would attract the ‘Major’ mining companies to the country.

He referred to the recent presentation of gold bar to the President as a demonstration of possibility. “It showed prove of concept, that the gold is here in Nigeria, we can mine it but government cannot get involved in that business, so we are saying to individuals to come into mining, the gold is here, you process it, you sell it and make money.”

Adegbite noted the gold presented was mined locally but refined outside the country as he disclosed that the Federal Government has licensed three (3) refineries in Nigeria. “These refineries, situated in Abuja, Ogun & Kano States, are coming up so that we will be able to refine our own gold, Nigeria needs to start refining her gold locally and the Ministry is working on that”.

He also disclosed the plan to establish gold souk in the country as he made reference to the recently launched gold Durba in Kano as a move towards having Nigeria gold souk. He said Nigeria is getting to the point where women can take their idle gold to the bank, obtain certificates and use them to trade.

Another lesson learnt from the past mistakes of oil and gas according to the Minister is in respect of environmental issues. He said, “the Ministry is doing very well on environmental issues, we have learnt a lot of lessons from Niger Delta, there is what we call consent in mining, if you don’t have the consent of the people who live on the land where you want to mine, you cannot mine, you must sign the Community Development Agreement (CDA) without which you cannot get a mining license, so the people are very important.”

The CDA according to him, is a graduated promise of benefits to the people in form of money, scholarships, grading of roads, among others. “As the company prospers, the community must also prosper, so the community is carried along unlike what played out in the Niger Delta”, he further explained.

On environmental remediation, Adegbite said every mining company must have remediation plan which must be approved by the Ministry of Environment and submitted along with other documents to the Ministry before mining license can be issued. “There is a sum that is collected, that accumulates, at the end of your mining, you must reclaim the land. If you don’t do it, the Ministry will do it from the funds that have been taking from you, environment is very important to us” he reiterated.

The Minister said part of his mandate is to make mining to be an alternate to oil and gas, diversify the economy through mining, create employment and generate revenue for the government

He said his ministry has been working assiduously to fulfill this mandate. He thereafter encouraged Nigerians who have the wherewithal to invest in mining.

Akpabio Advocates For Fresh NDDC Master Plan for Niger Delta Development

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The Minister, Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs,Sen. Godswill Akpabio, said that the ministry is committed to harmonizing the Niger Delta Regional Development Master Plan with the Niger Delta Action Plan to produce one regional road map for development in Nigeria’s oil-rich region.

He made this known at the new Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Permanent Headquarters at the Eastern By-Pass, Port Harcourt as part of the activities during his working visit to the Niger Delta, harped on the need for collaboration and synergy in the effort to develop the Niger Delta region.

The Minister and his entourage, which included the Permanent Secretary of his ministry, Dr Babayo Ardo, inspected the high-rise office complex and remarked that the building tells a positive story for the NDDC.

A statement by Patricia Deworitshe, the Director, Press and Public Relations. stated that the visiting team was received by the NDDC Acting Managing Director, Prof. Kemebradikumo Pondei, in the company of the Acting Executive Director, Finance and Administration, Mr. Effiong Akwa, a member of the Interim Management Committee, IMC, Mrs Caroline Nagbo and directors of the Commission.

The Minister regretted that the NDDC had not lived up to expectations, noting: “Whether we like it or not, this child (NDDC) has not grown well in 19 years. It could have done better. Perhaps, we lost track of the developmental plan of the Niger Delta region.”

He, however, congratulated the NDDC Acting Managing Director and members of the IMC for doing a good job in delivering the new office complex, which he described as “a good story for the NDDC.”

He further stated that, “The most thrilling thing for me is that change has come to the NDDC. I must commend the management and staff of the NDDC for making this possible. Despite the criticisms and distractions, some positive change has taken place in the Commission and I like to see progress because I am a development-oriented politician.”

Akpabio said that Prof. Pondei should be proud to be the first Chief Executive Officer of the NDDC to move into a new edifice. “The feat could not have been achieved without the cooperation of members of the IMC and the Ministry of the Niger Delta Affairs,” he said.

Akpabio further hinted that : “The completion of the new NDDC headquarters is a positive story for Nigeria, especially when you consider that the project has taken over 24 years to get to this point.

“It is to the glory of President Buhari that we are sitting in the new headquarters today. This is a legacy project which the IMC will be remembered for.”

The Minister said that with the inauguration of the NDDC Advisory Council by Mr President, the Commission would work closely with the governors so that there would be synergy and the problem of duplication of projects would be addressed.

Akpabio noted that President Buhari inaugurated the NDDC Advisory Committee, comprising the nine governors of the Niger Delta Region and the Ministers of Niger Delta Affairs and Environment in line with the provisions of the NDDC Establishment Act.

He declared: “I want a positive image for the NDDC. Therefore, we must collaborate with the National Assembly to change the situation. If there is need to rejig the law, we will encourage the lawmakers to do that, particularly in the area of budgeting. We must budget for more regional projects that will impact lives of the people. We must budget to bring industrial development, as well as bring about capacity building in the region.”

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs, Babayo Ardo, in his remarks, noted that the site inspection embarked by the Minister is to appraise the progress of work done and also to give appropriate attention to areas where the Ministry with other development partners would intervene to ensure that the project is completed for the benefit of the people in the region.

Dr. Ardo said that, NDDC is being repositioned and refocused on the mandate of the Ministry with the Support of President Muhammadu Buhari for effective service delivery. Therefore, it is important to synergise the master plan and actions with all development partners.

Speaking earlier, the NDDC Chief Executive Officer said that the new headquarters would add value to the work of the NDDC towards meeting its mandate of facilitating the rapid development of the Niger Delta region.

He stated: “It is part of the mandate of the IMC to reposition the NDDC and make sure that the mistakes of the past are corrected and ensure that going forward, NDDC will work towards realizing its mandate of fast-tracking development in the Niger Delta region.

In his own remarks, the NDDC Director of Project Monitoring and Supervision, Engr. Tonye George, said that he felt fulfilled that the project, which started in 1993 during the days of the Oil Minerals Producing Areas Development Commission, OMPADEC, was virtually completed.

He said that the IMC was able to push the project to the level where the contractor was now putting finishing touches because of the active support of the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, noting: “As we speak, members of the IMC now work from the new headquarters building.”

BBNaija ‘Lockdown Edition’ Ends, Laycon Wins

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Big Brother Naija Season Five beloved housemate, Laycon has won the whooping prize of N85million and all the attendant benefits of a BBNaija winner.

Among other fringe benefits, Laycon will be taking home a whooping N30 million Maura cash, a two bedroom apartment, and an SUV among other exciting prizes.

With the BBNaija season five Lockdown edition officially ended tonight, Vee and Neo had been the first to be evicted, leaving Laycon with Dorathy and Nengi.

Laycon’s journey through Biggie’s Lockdown House has been one full of drama and music. Not just that, his love triangle with Erica and Kiddwaya portrayed him as the underdog, which netted him even more fans and followers than he earlier had.

The show, which started 10 weeks ago on July 19 with 20 housemates (10 males and 10 females) was a rollercoaster of activities with both expected and unexpected twists and turns.

NLC Suspends Strike, Seals Deal For Workers

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Chris Ngige Minister of Labour
Chris Ngige Minister of Labour

The Nigeria Labor Congress has suspended it’s planned strike on Monday 28th September 2020 over the recent hike in petroleum product and electricity tariff by the Federal Government.

The decision came following an agreement reached with the Federal Government.

Briefing journalists in Abuja at the end of a Bipartite Meeting that lasted for over seven hours between the Federal goverment and the organized labour, the President Nigeria Labour Congress, Comrade Ayuba Wabba said the both parties have agreed on incentives that will help cushion the hardship that comes with the rising from recent cost – reflective Electricity Tariff adjustments and deregulation of the downstream sector. Ayuba pointed out the need for social dialogue as a viable tool in solving industrial dispute.

“This meeting which has been concluded this night after about eight hours of discussions, the details of this communique is captured in this five paged document. Specifically, we have been able to look at the issue of fuel price hike and what is needed to be put in place on this perennial issue of fuel pump price.”

“It is therefore the decision of organized labour as presented here to suspend the action and we are going to convey our central working committe to convey the detail of this information to them”

In his remarks,the Minister of labour and employment Sen. Chris Ngige enumerated some of the agreements reached.

“After exhaustive deliberations on the issues raised by Labour Centres, the FGN stated that it has fashioned out palliatives that would ameliorate the sufferings that Nigerian workers may experience as a result of the cost – reflective Electricity Tariff adjustments and deregulation of the downstream sector of the Petroleum Industry. The palliatives will be in the areas of transport, power, housing, agriculture and humanitarian support.”

It could be recalled that Labour had recently announced its planned strike following the hike in petroleum products and electricity tariff.

Housing: FCTA To Partner With Competent Developers, Says Aliyu

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The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister of State, Dr. Ramatu Tijjani Aliyu, has expressed the intentions of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) to partner with any developer who has the capacity and competence to deliver an affordable housing aimed at bridging the housing deficit in the nation’s capital.  

She made this intention known during a meeting with the management of Tayan Group, an Estate Developer in Abuja, while stressed that such partnership would fast track the execution of the presidential mandate to deliver 5000 affordable housing units to residents of the territory.  

Aliyu, also, warned that all development in the nation’s capital must comply with all engineering rules and regulations of construction within the Federal Capital Territory, just as she reiterated the commitment of the administration to complete all abandoned and ongoing projects.  

The minister stated that the administration would only partner with companies with financial muscle to execute a project within 18 months period in order to avoid the mistakes of the past of littering the city with abandoned projects.  

Her words ; “I have seen your beautiful projects, but hoping that the property has valid documents and certified by the Federal Capital Territory Administration. All property in the territory must comply with all engineering rules and regulations of construction within the Federal Capital Territory.  

“I want to use this opportunity to inform you that under the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari, and under the 13 presidential deliverables given to the Federal Capital Territory Administration, affordable housing is given priority. And in this affordable housing project, we intend to carry along competent companies of repute whose integrity have been proven by the various jobs they have executed within the nation.  

“Also one of the areas we are looking at is the financial muscles to execute a project going by the paucity of funds in the country, and any project awarded must be executed within a certain period of time.  

She continued; “As student of history, when a project is being initiated by any administration and it is not completed, then it becomes an abandoned project. But under the leadership of our indefatigable president Muhammadu Buhari, he has insisted that we must complete all abandoned and ongoing projects.  

“Besides that, the only new projects we can execute now are projects that will have meaningful impact on the citizenry; mainly the road construction, housing to give shelter, water, healthcare and transportation. So, housing of course is Mr. President priority”.  

Aliyu also noted that one of the cries and challenges of people who work in the Federal Capital Territory was a place of abode, stressing that in order  to ease that burden and to reduce the difficulties, the president has ordered the provisions of affordable housing.  

Earlier, the Managing Director of Tayan Group, Mr. Tola Ayanlola, used the occasion to unveil the company’s “Project 10,000 Smiles Home for All” located in Kuje, adding that the project was planned to accommodate all classes of people in line with the vision of the company.

Ayanlola, revealed that the shortage within the housing industry has prompted higher affordability certainties, stressing that the involvement of Tayan Group was to provide a bridge in the gap and provide benefiting and affordable accommodations that would be made available to all.  

korean Govt’ Donates 3 Smart Walk-through Booths For Covid-19 Sample Collection

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Minister of State for Health, Dr. Olorunnibe Mamora
Minister of State for Health, Dr. Olorunnibe Mamora

The Republic of Korea donates 3 Smart Walk-through Booths for COVID-19 Sample collection to Federal Government of Nigeria.

Receiving the 3 Smart Walk-through Booths for COVID-19 sample collection, the Minister of State for Health, Dr. Olorunnimbe Mamora expressed appreciations to the Government of Korea for the donation.

While saying that, the 3 Smart Walk-through Booths for COVID-19 sample collection to fast-track the fight against COVID-19 pandemic in the country.

He said the gesture has shown that Republic of Korea is a true friend of Nigeria “because a friend in need is a friend indeed.”

The Minister of State said that these Smart Walk-through Booths are expected to provide medical staff with effective protection during sample collection, support mass screening for COVID-19 in a timely and efficient manner and reduce the usage of Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) during test sample collection.

Mamora told the gathering that the Booths will be put into effective use at the National Reference Laboratory in Abuja, the Central Public Health Laboratory, and the Nigerian Institute for Medical Research in Lagos. He charged the beneficiaries to ensure decency in the use and also cultivate maintenance culture for the Booths.

His Excellency, Maj. Gen. Lee In-tae (rtd), the Ambassador of The Republic of Korea, who was represented by Mr. Woochan Chang, the KOICA Country Director extended his deepest condolences to the families and victims of COVID-19 pandemic, and also commended all the frontline health workers and professionals for their resilience in the battle against COVID-19 pandemic.

The Ambassador stated that the donation of the 3 Smart Walk-through Booths for COVID-19 sample collection marks another milestone in the bilateral relations between his Country and Nigeria which has been established since 1980, adding that as a key bilateral partner, Republic of Korea have continually engaged in the advancement of existing excellent cooperation projects for Nigeria in maternal and child health, education, amongst others, and recently the COVID-19 response. “I believe the donation of the Smart Walk-through Booths has further consolidated the bilateral relations which marks the 40th Anniversary this year’’, he said.

He, however, explained some key features of the Booths which include High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) Filter, High Efficiency Bi-directional Fan Module, Air Conditioning and Heat System to make the environment conducive for Medical Staff to collect sample, Intercom System and LED Control Panel.

The Ambassador requested the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) to ensure efficiency and good maintenance of these Booths at the deployed locations in the country.

FCTA To Partner NEPC On Export Promotion

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The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) , Malam Muhammad Musa Bello on Friday revealed the intention of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) to partner with the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) towards the realisation of all export promotion businesses.

He, however, appealed that the forthcoming Technical Meeting of the National Committee on Export Promotion be hosted in Abuja.

The Minister Gabe this revelation when he played host to a delegation from the Nigerian Export Promotion Council, (NEPC) led by its Executive Director/CEO, Mr Olusegun Awolowo paid a courtesy visit on the FCTA.

Bello, also, called on NEPC to use the FCT as a place to implement all the Committees suggestions on export promotion , while urging him to leverage on his in depth knowledge of the FCTA to achieve this objective.

He urged the NEPC boss to take advantage of the potentials of the Abuja airport as a major export hub as well as the Abuja train corridor for the movement of goods.

The minister urged NEPC to expand its scope to accommodate more value chains rather than just end products and also pay more attention to price stability.

Mr Olusegun Awolowo who served in the FCTA as the Secretary for Social Development, Area Council and Transportation under three Ministers, briefed Bello that the Committee on Export Promotion was established by the National Economic Council to implement the Zero Oil Campaign, a document envisioned in the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan as part of the economic diversification agenda of the Federal Government.

He also reiterated the expediency of diversifying sources of the country’s foreign reserve to insulate the economy from incessant economic shocks arising from the volatility of crude oil prices and other global geo-political and socio-political dynamics.

He explained further that this is premised on the potential of every state including the FCT in realising an export-led economic revolution to earn foreign exchange and generate employment.

The NEPC boss added that the Technical Committee Meeting would enable all state governments and the FCT to present their export programmes and activities and match them with institutional export facilitation agencies.

Although the FCT has shea butter and handicraft as an alternate product with competitive and comparative advantage to promote for export in line with the One State One Product initiative.

Also present at the meeting were the Permanent Secretary, FCTA, Mr Olusade Adesola, the Chief of Staff to the FCT Minister, Malam Bashir Mai-Bornu, the NEPC Director, Export Development and Incentives, Mr Abdullahi Sidi Aliyu amongst other staff of the FCTA and NEPC.

Gunmen Killed Five Persons in Plateau.

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Five persons have been shot dead by gunmen suspected to be Fulani herdsmen in K/Vom community of Vwang District in Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau state.

Our correspondent gathered that the gunmen stormed the peaceful community at about 10:30pm on Thursday night shot sporadically on the locals who were relaxing in a Cool spots Joint after a hectic days job.

Information reaching us from the restive community hinted that four persons were shot dead in a relaxation spot while a student of the School of Animal Health Production Vom, Plateau state was shot dead close to his shop.

Eyewitness said the gunmen escaped through the surrounding hill around the community

According to him; “After I heard the gunshots and people were crying for help, I was inside my house and I heard the footsteps of the gun men climbing the hills to escape and I didn’t know that they are the perpetrators.”

Meanwhile, Plateau State Police Commissioner, Edward Egbuka , however, confirmed the incident at the scene, described it as a set back to peace effort in the state.

“Last night, some yet to be identify gunmen attack a drinking joint in K/Vom community and shots five persons, we are here and the situation is under control. This is a setback to the peace all stakeholders, the Police Military and state government have being trying to manage here in Plateau.”

Similarly, Member representing Jos South Constituency in the Plateau State House of Assembly, Hon. Dalyop Fom described the incident as ugly and barbaric and called on the security agencies to fish out the perpetrators.

He lamented that five members of his constituents were killed and one injured. “This is a sad moment and time for my peaceful constituents; our people are not happy because we have being having these incidences over and over and we are asking ourselves when will the next one happen.

Fom described his people as hopeless and do not know where to run to as the level of insecurity increases on a daily basis and consoled the people to continue to put their trust in God for safety.

The District Head of Vwang, Da Gyang Balak condemned the killings and described it as unfortunate and barbaric.

He noted that he was informed at about 10:30pm that gunmen invaded K/Vom and shot five people death but the perpetrators are yet to be identify.

He called on the community to be calm and remained law abiding to constituted authorities and pursue their lawful business.

The affected community is housing the National Veterinary Research Institute Vom (NVIR) and the neighbouring National Institute for Policy and Strategy Study (NIPSS) among others prominent Federal Agencies was thrown into mourning mood since the attack.

Disturbed by this ugly incident, youths in the community staged a peaceful protest to demand for more security presence in their community to carry out their constitutional responsibility of protecting lives and property.

Buhari Renews Appointments of PTDF, PEF, NCDMB Bosses

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Muhammadu_Buhari,_President_of_the_Federal_Republic_of_Nigeria
Muhammadu_Buhari,_President_of_the_Federal_Republic_of_Nigeria

President Muhammadu Buhari has renewed the appointments of Chief Executive Officers of Agencies under the Ministry of Petroleum Resources.

This was following recommendations to the President by Chief Timipre Sylva, Minister of State Petroleum Resources, Dr Bello Aliyu Gusau gets another nod as the Executive Secretary of Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF); Ahmed Bobboi as Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer of Petroleum Equalization Fund (PEF), while Engineer Simbi Wabote is reappointed Executive Secretary, Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB).

Dr Gusau is credited to have run the PTDF successfully in the past four years, keeping faith with the Seven Strategic Priorities he had introduced in January 2017. These are: Domestication, Cost cutting, Sustainable funding, Efficient internal processes, Linkages with the industry, Utilization of centers of excellence, and Pursuit of home-grown research.

Mr Ahmed Bobboi gets his reappointment for having run PEF in a way that made it a key and strategic player in the administration’s oil and gas reforms, especially in stabilizing the supply and distribution of petroleum products across the country, among others.

Engineer Wabote won his pips for managing the Nigerian Content Development Fund prudently, completing the headquarters building of NCDMB, and also initiating many landmark projects that are widely commended by industry players.

All the appointments take immediate effect.

Boko Haram Attacks Gov. Zulum’s Convoy, 15 soldiers, policemen, others Killed – AFP

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Jihadist fighters linked to the Islamic State group on Friday killed several security personnel in an ambush on the convoy of the Borno State governor, the Agence France Presse (AFP) reported Friday night quoting sources.

Sources told AFP that eight policemen, three soldiers, and four members of a government-backed militia were killed in the attack on vehicles carrying Borno state governor,  Babagana Umara Zulum near the town of Baga on the shores of Lake Chad.

The insurgents opened fire with machine guns and rocket-propelled grenades as the convoy was passing through a village close to the headquarters of the Multinational Joint Task Force, a military coalition of troops from Nigeria, Niger, Chad and Cameron

“The governor escaped unhurt but 15 security men on the convoy were killed in a fierce battle with the terrorists”, one source said.

Zulum was on an assessment tour of Baga in preparation for the return of thousands of residents displaced from the town by the jihadists in 2014, the sources said.

The governor flew on a helicopter into the garrison town of Monguno, 60 kilometres (40 miles) away, and headed to Baga in a convoy under tight security, one of the sources said.

All three sources were talking on condition of anonyonimity.

The IS-affiliated Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) group maintains most of its camps on islands in Lake Chad and the region is known as a bastion for the jihadists.

The militant group has recently intensified attacks on military and civilian targets in the region.

In July Zulum’s convoy came under gun attack from ISWAP outside Baga, forcing him to cancel his trip to the town