ABUJA – Sen. Andy Uba, a former Senator from Anambra South and a member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), has congratulated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on his recent Supreme Court triumph.
The Supreme Court ruled on Thursday that President Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress, APC, was the legitimate victor of the February 25 presidential election.
Sen. Uba, in a letter of congratulations to the President, said Tinubu’s victory was “truly deserved He said the victory was an attestation to President Tinubu’s “doggedness and sacrifice for building and strengthening our nations democracy over the years in our collective interest.”
The APC chieftain said with the legal distractions now behind, he has implicit faith in the President’s “capacity and ability to help us build and steer the nation of our collective dreams and aspirations.” The message read, “Mr President, l wish to congratulate you most sincerely for your hard fought, hard won and truly deserved victory at the supreme Court earlier today. A true attestation to your doggedness and sacrifice for building and strengthening our nations democracy over the years in our collective interest. “With these unwarranted legal distractions behind us, I have implicit faith in your capacity and ability to help us build and steer the nation of our collective dreams and aspirations.Congratulations Mr President on a victory truly well deserved.” “Please sir be assured of my highest consideration always. God bless Mr President and God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
An important project in Nigeria, the Dangote Refinery, is becoming the subject of fresh debate. This time, there is conflict between the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and Aliko Dangote, the richest man in Africa and the proprietor of the Dangote Group, which has raised questions about the refinery’s ethics, quality, and safety.
According to inside sources, Alhaji Aliko Dangote has applied for a licence to operate, which is the final regulatory step before a refinery can begin any type of production. However, the regulatory body, NNPC, has been hesitant to grant this licence because of safety concerns because the refinery is still under construction.
He also approached the NNPC to purchase crude but the NNPC declined saying they cannot sell crude to a refinery that is uncompleted. It is now alleged that Dangote is trying to source Nigeria’s crude through trading houses which he would then import into Nigeria – a move that might be seen as ‘going through the backdoor.’
But even if he gets the crude, there are safety and quality concerns voiced by employees of Dangote, contractors, and some officials at NNPC. Without the completion of the refinery, there are concerns that the quality of jet fuel and diesel produced would be subpar. NNPC is anxious because substandard jet fuel and diesel could endanger lives. The refinery, as it stands, can only carry out the first phase of crude distillation which is similar to what illegal refineries operating in the Niger Delta region have been found to do. However, due to the complex nature of the Dangote Refinery, whose catalytic cracking unit is still uncompleted, the quality of the refined products is in question.
It is alleged that some staff within the Dangote Group have voiced their apprehensions regarding the move to start the refinery without its completion. Despite these valid concerns, Dangote’s response suggests a desperate need for the venture to work, potentially as a ‘matter of survival.’
Financial Strain biting hard?
Dangote is reported to be mired in significant debt, pushing the company to the brink of receivership if they don’t secure additional funds to repay certain loans by December. This financial pressure may explain why Dangote is so eager to secure a license to start operations, even with the refinery not being fully complete.
You will recall that earlier this year, the uncompleted refinery was hurriedly commissioned by the former President Buhari in order for Dangote to access additional equity funding from the Nigerian Government as well as a crude allocation of 300,000barrels per day which insiders say would have been sold to raise cash for creditors and partly fund the completion of the refinery. This crude allocation was however put to a hold when the new Government of President Tinubu was sworn in, and it was discovered that the refinery was far from being complete but was falsely commissioned in order to take the crude allocation and sell outside the country.
The standoff between Dangote and the NNPC underscores a broader issue of safety, quality, and financial security that have bedevilled the Dangote refinery project. With concerns over substandard products potentially jeopardizing lives of workers at the uncompleted refinery and nigerians in general, and a major business figure risking immense financial losses, the resolution of this impasse will have far-reaching implications for Nigeria’s oil industry.
Prince Benjamin.O. Etu might be introduced most simply as the CEO/MD of Bevian Oil And Gas Limited. The business tycoon, who was born in Edo, is more multiplex than this.
His multi-faceted personality needs to be panned in order to appropriately depict all of his various facets in order to capture his essence. Let’s begin: Fugar Etsako Land’s prince. Bevian Real Estates’ CEO. energy pioneer. Vehicle Titan. Titan of business and philanthropist. No amount of rhetoric will do him justice, so we won’t stop here.
Prince Etu is several things at once and has many different meanings to various people. He is a generous donor and a wealth producer to the underprivileged. To the voiceless, he is a dodged human rights activist. To the youth, he is a job creator, educator, and mentor. To the women, he is a gender-friendly empowerer. To the sick, he is a succor giver.
Well academically accomplished, Prince Etu is based abroad, although hails from a royal family in Fugar, Etsako Central local government area of Edo State.
To the people of the Fugar community, he is a bridge builder, an astute philanthropist, a community builder, and a beacon of hope.
To his Etsako tribesmen, he is one of the brightest stars from Etsakoland. To other Edo people, he is an illustrious example of a detribalized Edo son. To other Nigerians, he is a patriot and a nationalist per excellence. To other Africans, he is a pan-Africanist. And to other people of the world, he is cosmopolitan and humanist.
Despite his towering profile, Etu’s magnanimity is second to none. His milk of human kindness is unfathomable from the bridges of friendship he has built across cultures, races, and religions.
Prince Etu’s business cut across the oil and gas, real estate, and hospitality sectors as well as automobile business.
Bevian Oil And Gas was registered and incorporated in Lagos, on November 17, 2006, and the company has since then been consistently servicing oil and gas and related industries. The company has a wide array of clientele.
Bevian Oil And Gas engages in installation of pipelines, fabrication, flow lines, wellhead platforms, construction, production of manifold, facilities, equipment supply services, supply installation and maintenance of oil field equipment and devices, emergency leak repairs, sectional replacement of vandalized and corroded lines, pipeline and production support services and maintenance, calibration services, relief valve certification, Supply of chemicals, pipes fittings hot tapping, logistics transport and marine services.
Prince Etu has other chains of businesses as highlighted earlier. He is married and blessed with children.
The Honourable Minister of Defence His Excellency Mohammed Badaru Abubakar CON mni received in audience the High Commissioner of India to Nigeria H.E G. Balasubramanian at SHIP HOUSE Abuja today .
In order to improve operations in the Niger Delta region, the Nigeria Custom Service (NCS) and the Office of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) have decided to collaborate.
When the PAP Interim Administrator, Major General Barry Ndiomu (Rtd), was recently hosted by the Acting Comptroller-General of the NCS, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, at the Customs Headquarters in Abuja, a strategic cooperation was sought.
The NCS stands to gain from the PAP’s creativity in terms of information sharing, according to Adeniyi, who described Ndiomu’s visit as timely and said that it will further strengthen the peace building efforts of the two institutions in the Niger Delta region.
While commending Ndiomu on his massive achievements since he took up the PAP top job, the Custom boss equally expressed optimism that both agencies of government will work more closely to actualize the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.
In his remarks, Ndiomu stated that the visit was part of his ongoing strategic and far-reaching efforts to create linkages between the PAP and other relevant institutions to create windows of opportunities for ex-agitators to secure viable and sustainable means of livelihoods.
Ndiomu further restated his commitment aimed at making the PAP more successful, and appealed to the Customs Chief to enroll ex-agitators with top degrees into the Service.
The PAP Interim Administrator lauded Adeniyi for his strides in the NCS, and assured that his administration will continue to work with relevant stakeholders to sustain peace in the Niger Delta region.
As the globe commemorates the International Day for the Abolition of Poverty in 2023, the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) has stated that its actions are aimed at eradicating poverty in the Niger Delta Region, notably in the lives of ex-agitators.
Speaking to journalists on the International Day for the Abolition of Poverty on Tuesday in Abuja, the Interim Administrator, Major General Barry Ndiomu (Rtd), said the PAP under his leadership is creatively setting up opportunities to impact the lives of ex-agitators beyond reliance on N65,000 monthly stipends. To Resurrect Abandoned Rural Social Services
Harping on this year’s theme of the Poverty Eradication Day – ‘Decent Work And Social Protection: Putting Dignity In Practice For All’, Ndiomu said the initiatives that the PAP has so far introduced, will create windows of opportunities for ex-agitators to escape the prediction of the World Bank which estimates that over the next decade, “one billion young people will try to enter the job market, but less than half of them will actually find formal jobs.”
Ndiomu noted that the already floated PAP Cooperative Scheme for ex-agitators, Empowerment/Vocational Trainings and many more initiatives that are still in the pipeline, will solve poverty and change the negative narratives of the region. He added that over 700 ex-agitators have so far received funding in loans to undertake Agribusiness and other lucrative ventures, while 2500 applications are waiting to be processed.
He highlighted the 75 pilots and aircraft engineers sponsored by the Presidential Amnesty Programme to various Aviation Training Organizations (ATO’s) in Lagos (Nigeria), Johannesburg (South Africa) and Toulouse, (France) for type-rating courses as part of its aviation training scheme.
General Ndiomu recalled that when late President Umar Musa Yar’Adua instituted the Presidential Amnesty Programme in 2009, the age range of ex-agitators who laid down their arms, was between 25 to 30. 14 years later, he noted that they have now hit an unemployable age range of between 50 to 55 years.
With this reality in mind, Ndiomu downplayed PAP’s drive to channel the mindsets of ex-agitators away from formal employment and entiltlement mentality, towards more viable and sustainable means of livelihood.
The PAP Interim Administrator commended President Bola Tinubu for his determination to give further support and sustain the process, and give the PAP more life. “The President has the interest of the Niger Delta at heart. We will work in line with his Renewed Hope Agenda to change the negative narratives of the region,” Ndiomu said.
***Sustains Momentum in Fight Against Terrorists, Criminals
The armed forces remain vigilant, adapting their strategies to counter evolving tactics employed by criminal elements nationwide.
They are also determined to eliminate safe havens that fund, equip, and support these criminals.
The military’s commitment is unwavering, as they intensify efforts across various operations to root out criminals and terrorists, ultimately restoring peace to the nation.
This was made known in a report made available to newsmen today 12 October 2023, signed by Major General Edward Buba, Director of Defence media operations. The report highlighted progress made across Troops in different Theatre of operations.
In the North East, troops of Operation HADIN KAI have been actively engaged in securing the region. Notable successes include the ambush of BH/ISWAP terrorists in Gwoza LGA of Borno State, resulting in the neutralization of five terrorists and the recovery of 5 AK47 rifles and 40 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo. Furthermore, BH/ISWAP fighters surrendered in Bama LGA, and two terrorists turned themselves in, providing valuable information. Stop and search operations led to the arrest of terrorists and their collaborators in Mobbar and Gujba LGAs of Borno and Yobe States. Overall, the operation saw the recovery of 17 AK47 rifles, one AK47 rifle loaded with 21 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, one 36 hand grenade, and 137 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo. While Troops neutralized 12 terrorists, arrested 26 individuals, and successfully rescued six kidnapped hostages.
In same vein in the North Central region, troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN have been conducting patrols and cordon-and-search operations to counter criminal activities. Notable successes included the arrest of suspected kidnappers in Kanam LGA of Plateau State and in Sanga LGA of Kaduna State. The suspects were in the process of collecting ransom for kidnapped hostages. The troops recovered 2 mobile phones, local charms, and 15 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo.Troops also neutralized 2 terrorists, arrested 12 and rescued 3 kidnapped hostages.
Operation WHIRL STROKE in the North Central region reported raid operations, fighting patrols, and the rescue of victims. Troops neutralized terrorists and arrested suspected bunkerers. Additionally, a gunrunner was arrested, and arms and ammunition were recovered, including 4 terrorists neutralized and 28 arrested.
The troops of Operation HADARIN DAJI conducted fighting patrol and neutralize terrorists in Faskari LGA of Katsina State. Troops also rescued kidnapped hostages in Faskari LGA of the same. Additionally, troops conducted offensive operations in Zurmi LGA of Zamfara State while arresting terrorist’s collaborators and informants in Zaria LGA of Kaduna State. The operation led to the neutralization of terrorists in Faskari LGA of Katsina State and the rescue of 22 kidnapped hostages. Offensive operations in Zurmi LGA of Zamfara State led to the arrest of terrorists’ collaborators and informants. Troops also recovered 10 AK47 rifles, one locally fabricated gun, 155 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, one magazine, and one vehicle.Air interdiction missions disrupted terrorists’ activities, and the recovery of weapons and ammunition, including 5 AK47 rifles, was a significant achievement.
Troops of Operation WHIRL PUNCH conducted offensive operations and neutralized terrorists in Birnin Gwari LGA of Kaduna State. Troops also arrested terrorist’s collaborators and informants in Chikun and Mariga LGAs of Kaduna and Kogi State respectively. Additionally, troops arrested a gunrunner and recovered arms and ammunitions in Chikun LGA of Kaduna State, while foiling a kidnapped incident in Ankpa LGA of Kogi State. Troops also arrested armed robbers in Dekina LGA of Kogi State. On 3 October 2023, following credible intelligence of terrorists’ activities, the air component of Operation WHIRL PUNCH conducted air interdiction at Palele. Overhead the location, the targets were acquired and attacked with rockets neutralizing several terrorists. Overall, troops of Operation WHIRL PUNCH recovered 5 AK47 rifles, one fabricated rifle, 2 pump action guns, 94 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 8 empty cases of 9 mm ammo, 6 empty cases of 7.62 mm NATO ammo (blank ammo), 10 empty cases of 7.62 mm Special ammo among others. Troops also eliminated 4 terrorists, arrested 31 suspected terrorists and rescued 7 kidnapped hostages.
In the South South region, troops of Operation DELTA SAFE continued their fight against crude oil theft and criminal activities. Several illegal refining sites were destroyed, and stolen products were recovered. Troops foiled robbery activities and rescued 3 kidnapped victims in Okpe LGA of Delta State. Additionally, a criminal was neutralized, and 19 suspected oil thefts were arrested. Overall, troops of Operation DELTA SAFE destroyed 54 dugout pits, 66 boats, 138 storage tanks, 253 cooking ovens, 2 pumping machines, 8 speedboat, 17 hoses, 18 drums, 2 cylinders, and 53 illegal refining sites. Troops recovered 983,350 litres of stolen crude oil, 144,980 litres of illegally refined AGO and 71,650 litres of DPK. Troops also neutralized one criminal, rescued 3 hostages and arrested 19 suspected oil thefts and recovered one fabricated rifle, 18 vehicles and one torch light.
Troops of operation UDO KA conducted snap operation and arrested suspected IPOB/ESN in Ikwo and Okigwe LGAs of Ebonyi and Imo States respectively. Troops conducted fighting patrols in Orsu and Okigwe LGAs of Imo State. Additionally, the operations led to the arrest of terrorists and the recovery of arms and ammunition. On 5 October 2023, troops in conjunction with hybrid force conducted fighting patrols in Orsu and Okigwe LGAs of Imo State. Troops made contact with criminals. Following a firefight, troops arrested 2 criminals and recovered 2 locally made guns, 4 rounds of 7.62 mm Special ammo, one FN rifle barrel, one Ogbunigwe, several IED materials, 2 motorcycles, 3 CCTV cameras, one HP laptop and 8 mobile phones among other items. In the conduct of operations, troops of Operation UDO KA neutralized 5 terrorists, arrested 12 suspected criminals and rescued 7 kidnapped hostages. Troops recovered 2 locally made guns, 4 rounds of 7.62 mm Special ammo, one FN rifle barrel, IED materials, 10 water gel explosives, 3 detonators, one detonating cord among others.
In the conduct of these operations, troops have neutralized terrorists, arrested suspects, and rescued hostages. Their efforts reflect the unwavering commitment of Nigeria’s Armed Forces to ensure peace and security for all Nigerians.
Major General Edward Buba, emphasized that the military remains dedicated to its mission of safeguarding the nation. While stating that all recovered items, arrested suspects, and rescued hostages have been handed over to the relevant authorities for further action.
In pursuit of a prosperous and united Nigeria, Hon. (Dr.) Joshua Audu Gana, member representing Lavun, Mokwa and Edati Constituency, Niger State, has urged the President to constitute an economic team that would advance effective strategies that will reshape, strengthen and elevate the purchasing power of the naira.
This was the highlight of the Representative speech at plenary to celebrate Nigeria’s Independence in a statement made available by his Media office (JAG Media).
Dr. Joshua Gana who stated this recently during plenary to mark the 63rd Independence Day celebration of the country noted that it has become germane for the President to announce an economic team that can effectively manage fiscal decisions.
According to him, constituting this team will enable appropriate management to make good decisions following the removal of fuel subsidy and enactment of a unified exchange rate by the President.
Speaking further, the Lavun, Mokwa/Edati Representative advocated for the constitution of an efficient team for the Central Bank by President Bola Tinubu. He however appealed that the role of the Central Bank of Nigeria be narrowed down to managing the Monetary policy of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
He added that the Federal Ministry of Finance should be allowed to superintend over fiscal policies of the country while also stating that the country’s policy of stabilizing the naira should be changed to a policy of *“Revaluation of the naira”*.
Furthermore, a statement from his media office stated that he called on Nigerians to keep faith with the Country.
Glamodi Women and Girls Development Initiative (GLAMODI), an NGO committed to the comprehensive development of women and girls, has unveiled plans for the annual ‘Benue Girls Soar Summit’ in celebration of the 2023 International Day of the Girl Child.
Executive Director of GLAMODI, Mrs. Stephanie Apel, announced these plans at a pre-event press conference held on Friday in Abuja.
According to her, this year’s summit, with the theme “Girls Activism, Accountability & Resourcing,” is scheduled to take place from October 10 to 11 at the Benue Center for Enterprise and Innovation (BENCEDI) in Makurdi, Benue State.
She said, the event, which also mark the 10th edition of the annual event, will be held in collaboration with the Benue State Ministry of Women Affairs, with the support of other relevant stakeholders.
“Glamodi, in collaboration with esteemed partners, is delighted to announce the 2023 Benue Girls Soar Summit, an annual mentoring summit for final year secondary school girls in Benue State in commemoration of the International Day of the Girl.
“The event will kick off with a ‘Girls In Digitalization Quiz’ on the first day, aimed at empowering girls with essential digital skills, promoting gender diversity in the tech industry, nurturing a passion for technology and creative problem-solving, and facilitating networking opportunities for those dedicated to advancing girls’ empowerment in technology.
“On October 11, coinciding with the 2023 United Nations International Day of the Girl, the Benue Girls Soar Summit and Prize Ceremony will celebrate and inspire the next generation of leaders and change-makers.
“ The summit also focuses on providing mentorship opportunities for young girls, fostering thought leadership and dialogues on girls’ empowerment, and recognizing excellence in education and mentorship.
“The summit will feature speakers and mentors from diverse backgrounds, including Hon. Anna Itodo, the Commissioner of Women Affairs and social welfare in Benue State, as the Guest Speaker, along with other distinguished speakers and mentors”
Apel therefore called on well-meaning Nigerians, especially prominent individuals from Benue State and leaders at all levels, to support this initiative in their pursuit of a brighter future for the girl child.
“By supporting the Benue Girls Soar Summit, you will actively contribute to the empowerment and education of young girls, equipping them to excel in the digital age. Your partnership will boost our decade-long commitment to transforming lives and nurturing potential,” she added.
The International Day of the Girl Child, declared by the United Nations on October 11, 2012, aims to provide more opportunities for girls and raise awareness about the gender inequality faced by girls worldwide.
This inequality encompasses areas such as access to education, nutrition, legal rights, medical care, and protection from discrimination, violence against women, and forced child marriage.
As Nigeria marks its 63rd Independence, Glamodi Women and Girls Development Initiative (GLAMODI), an NGO dedicated to empowerment and the comprehensive development of women and girls, has lauded President Bola Tinubu for giving women appointments in his government.
The organisation gave the commendation in an open letter captioned “A Heartfelt Applause for Your Commitment to Gender Inclusivity,” signed by its Executive Director, Stephanie Apel, FIMC, CMC, expressing its goodwill messages and felicitation to President Tinubu for the 2023 Independence Day Commemoration.
GLAMODI described the inclusion of women in Tinubu’s cabinent as unprecedented, adding that it was a committed fulfillment of his campaign promises to carry women along.
According to Apel,women were good managers of the home and family by nature, and the quest for a prosperous and developed nation can only be possible through their involvement in all strata of leadership .
The letter reads in parts : “ Dear President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on the occasion of Nigeria’s 63rd Independence anniversary celebration, We, the entire team at Glamodi – a dedicated Women and Girls Development Organization, are writing to extend our profound appreciation for your remarkable leadership and the path-breaking choices you have made in forming your executive cabinet.
“Your commitment to inclusivity and gender equity has not gone unnoticed. We applaud your graciousness in appointing a substantial number of women to key positions within your administration.
“This decision is a testament to your vision for a more equitable Nigeria, where the talents and potential of all citizens, regardless of gender, are fully recognized and harnessed.
“Your actions resonate deeply with our mission to empower and uplift women and girls, and they inspire us to continue our tireless efforts in this noble endeavor. By placing women in influential roles, you are setting a powerful example for the entire nation and paving the way for future generations of female leaders.”
The letter eulogizes the president further that “It is leaders like you who catalyze positive change and inspire us all to strive for a more just and equal world. Your administration’s commitment to this cause is not just commendable; it is a beacon of hope and a source of inspiration for women and girls across Nigeria.
“As we, at glamodi, work tirelessly to empower women and girls, we look up to your leadership as a source of motivation. Your actions reinforce our belief that together, we can create a society where every woman and girl can realize her full potential and contribute meaningfully to the progress of our nation.
The group expressed gratitude to the Tinubu’s administration for what it described as “progressive advancing of gender equity.”
“Your legacy as a champion of inclusivity will undoubtedly leave an indelible mark on Nigeria’s history”, it added.
The current female ministers in President Tinubu’s administration include Lola Ade-John, Minister of Tourism, Doris Anite,Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Nkiruka Onyejeocha, Minister of State, Labour and Employment, Uju Kennedy ,Minister of Women Affairs, Betta Edu,Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation and Hannatu Musawa ,Minister of Art, Culture and the Creative Economy.
See FULL TEXT the letter below:
A Heartfelt Applause for Your Commitment to Gender Inclusivity
Dear President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,
I hope this letter finds you in excellent health and high spirits. On the occasion of Nigeria’s 63rd Independence anniversary celebration, We, the entire team at Glamodi – a dedicated Women and Girls Development Organization, are writing to extend our profound appreciation for your remarkable leadership and the path-breaking choices you have made in forming your executive cabinet.
Your commitment to inclusivity and gender equity has not gone unnoticed. We applaud your graciousness in appointing a substantial number of women to key positions within your administration. This decision is a testament to your vision for a more equitable Nigeria, where the talents and potential of all citizens, regardless of gender, are fully recognized and harnessed.
Your actions resonate deeply with our mission to empower and uplift women and girls, and they inspire us to continue our tireless efforts in this noble endeavor. By placing women in influential roles, you are setting a powerful example for the entire nation and paving the way for future generations of female leaders.
Your dedication to creating a more gender-balanced and inclusive society mirrors our aspirations. It is leaders like you who catalyze positive change and inspire us all to strive for a more just and equal world. Your administration’s commitment to this cause is not just commendable; it is a beacon of hope and a source of inspiration for women and girls across Nigeria.
As we, at glamodi, work tirelessly to empower women and girls, we look up to your leadership as a source of motivation. Your actions reinforce our belief that together, we can create a society where every woman and girl can realize her full potential and contribute meaningfully to the progress of our nation.
In closing, we want to express our deepest gratitude for your leadership and the progressive steps you have taken to advance gender equity. Your legacy as a champion of inclusivity will undoubtedly leave an indelible mark on Nigeria’s history.
With the utmost appreciation and admiration,
Stephanie Apel Executive Director Glamodi Women and Girls Development Initiative.
