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Ondo To Tackle Sea Incursion In Coastal Communities, Adopts Dialogue To Resolve LG Caretaker Committees’ Stalemate

January 18, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

Reprieve may be on the way for the troubled people of Aiyetoro community in Ilaje council area as Ondo state government is set to confront the age long coastal erosion which has almost wiped away the community.

Substantial part of the community including houses and farmlands have been washed away, while efforts to tackle the menace gave defied solution.

At its weekly state executive council meeting in Akure, critical issues of development were discussed and a wide range of actions approved for implementation.

Top among those is the approval of an action plan on finding lasting and sustainable solution to the incessant ocean surge in Aiyetoro community in Ilaje local government area of the State.

This was revealed at a press briefing after the EXCO meeting by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mrs. Bamidele Ademola-Olateju.

Olateju disclosed that the Governor expressed deep concern over the challenges faced by the community over several years, promising government’s commitment to finding lasting solution to the sea-related problems.

The government, she assured, is actively working towards implementing measures that would not only mitigate the immediate impacts, but also provide a permanent and sustainable solution in order to safeguard the affected coastal areas.

Also, the Executive Council approved the immediate assumption of office by the newly appointed Oloje of Igasi in Akoko North West local government and the Ibini/Lebú of Ojuala in Ese-odo local government.

Additionally, two warrant chiefs were appointed to facilitate the selection of a new Olusupare of Supare Akoko, and a new Arogbo of Akotogbo was also approved.

The State government has also taken a significant step towards fostering economic development by approving the State Action Plan on Business Enabling Reforms (SABER) programs.

This includes an initiative to illuminate Akure and major cities in the state through a solar-powered project. The pilot project, having received Council’s approval, is set to commence immediately with sample installations underway at the front of Government House, Alagbaka, Akure.

On the issue of cleanness in the state, the Commissioner for Environment, Sunday Akinwalire, highlighted progress in clearing refuse in the metropolis and the weeding of curbs, as well as plans to improve overall sanitation standards.

Also, the State Commissioner for Justice, Sir Charles Titiloye, said the government, acknowledging pending court cases initiated by opposition parties regarding the appointment of careraker committees for Local Government councils and Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs), is committed to resolving these issues amicably through constructive dialogue with the relevant stakeholders.

Obi Shocked At N3b For The Verification Of The Poor

The Source

January 18, 2024

The Labour Party Presidential Candidate in the 2024 General Election, Peter Obi has expressed shock and indignation at the reported approval of N3b for the verification of the National Register of the poor in the country.

The LP standard bearer writing in his X handle Platform, said such a quantum of waste can only happen in Nigeria

“It is very surprising to hear that the sum of N3 billion was approved for verification by the National Register of the Poor. This can only happen in Nigeria.

“I have maintained that we must decisively deal with the issue of cost of governance in Nigeria now as a matter of urgency.

“Sadly, this very huge amount approved just for verification of the national register of the poor is more than three times the amount of N908,699,435 which was budgeted for our National Library.

“This is happening at a time in our nation when we need all the manpower training to keep our workforce productive. Our national library, a very critical infrastructure in our nation, seemingly abandoned, lacks books and educational materials.

“The same amount would have made a significant impact if prudently and transparently managed.

“Moreso, with more than half of our population battling with absolute and multi-dimensional poverty, one wonders why such a huge sum was approved for just verification of the national register of the poor when the same amount could have been directed towards actual poverty alleviation.

“This approval raises a fundamental question: how come the data for poverty alleviation has not been verified regularly?

“The inability of we the leaders to prioritize our expenditure and focus on the critical areas of national development, and national security, are the challenges weighing down on our nation today.

“Unless we begin to sacrifice our personal comfort for the good of society, and begin to care more for the people, especially the less privileged ones, our nation will continue to grapple with all forms of societal ills caused by high levels of poverty. PO.”

Family Declares Final Year Female Federal Polytechnic Student Missing On A Visit To Boyfriend

The Source

January 18, 2024

By Charles Igbo

A devastated family has declared its daughter missing after she departed Owerri to visit her boyfriend in Edo State.

The missing Lady, Gift Chizoba Ajuruchi is a final year student of the Federal Polytechnic, Nekede, Owerri, Imo State.

According to a release by the family signed by Uche Smart Akandu, a staff of the Federal Road Safety Commission, FRSC, her sister left Owerri on Monday, 8th January, 2024, to visit her boyfriend at Upper Owina Street, Egor, Edo State. Shockingly, he said, nothing has been heard from her since the visit to the unnamed boyfriend.

However, when her mobile number was called, her supposed boyfriend took the call, and said he was not going to release her. The address of her boyfriend’s residence was established when her mobile number was tracked. But when the Police arrived at the address, there was no trace of both of them.

The family is desperately looking for any information to establish her whereabouts. The statement by the family did not indicate if they know who the boyfriend is, or aware of her trip to Edo State.

The statement by the family reads:

“I want to make this message to go to all platforms especially Edo State to help pass this message round.

“Please help me share this update and picture of my sister, GIFT CHIZOBA AJURUCHI, a final year student of FEDERAL POLYTECHNIC NEKEDE, OWERRI, IMO STATE, who went to EDO STATE to visit her boyfriend on Monday 8th January 2024 at Upper Owina Street, Egor in Edo State.

“Since that day up till now we never heard from her and we don’t know the guy.

“When we called her number, the guy said he will not release her. So we tracked the number of my sister, that’s how we got the location of this address. The police went there but could not get any trace of her.

“I want to share this update, so that Nigerians and Edo State government will look into this matter

“Any one with any information should call these numbers or report to the nearest police station

“☎️ 08038857624

☎️ 08151192399

:Hon. Uche Smart Akandu
Admin Officer Police relation FRSC and Accident Matter DOrC”

Governor Uzodimma Establishes Community Economic Development Initiative (CEDI) As A Key 2nd Term Agenda

The Source

January 18, 2024

By Charles Igbo

Away from the unprecedented quality attendance which ushered in Governor Hope Uzodimma’s second term in office, where for the first time in the history of Nigeria’s democracy, both a serving and former Presidents were present, the Governor announced a major agenda for his second term in office.

In his address to the mammoth crowd, Uzodimma told Imo people that he would establish, within 12 months, in each Imo Community, at least, one significant project to enable the people feel the impact of his Government at the grassroots.

The project will be chosen by the Communities as each deems fit.

To achieve this, Uzodimma announced the establishment of the Community Economic Development Initiative (CEDI), through which, “within the first 12 months” of his second tenure, “every community in the State will feel the impact with, at least, one significant project fully executed for them.”

The project, he explained, could be in form of “provision of electricity, potable water, road, a health centre or a market.”

His words, which attracted a loud ovation from the people present:

“I am, therefore, delighted to affirm that my second tenure will be centred on the massive economic development of the state, which will permeate every community or ward. We shall kick start this through our Community Economic Development Initiative (CEDI). Consequently, within the first 12 months of the current tenure, every community in the state will feel the impact with at least one significant project fully executed for them.

“Consequently, in the coming weeks, working with the Local Government Council Leadership, each community will be expected to identify one project that they want the Government to do for them. The chosen project must have a direct and immediate impact on the overall economy of the communities. It could be in the form of provision of electricity, potable water, road, a health centre or a market development project. Further details and modalities for this community economic development initiative will be made available within the next few weeks”.

Governor Uzodimma was sworn-in for a second term in office on January 15, 2024. The ceremony was witnessed by a quality crowd which included President Bola Tinubu, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, his Deputy, Speaker of the House of Representatives, his Deputy, the National Leadership of the All Progressives Congress, APC, several State Governors, 21-State First Ladies, members of the National Assembly and high profile Traditional Rulers amongst others.

NNPC Challenges Varsities On Effective Research To Protect Nigeria’s Oil Wealth

Tosin Olatokunbo

January 18, 2024

The Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited, NNPCL, Mele Kolo Kyari, has challenged universities in the country on the need for effective research to tackle the problem of crude oil theft in the country.

The NNPc boss stated this on Wednesday while delivering a lecture at the Obafemi Awolowo University, OAU, Ile Ife, Osun State.

Kyari however stated that the removal of fuel subsidy has thus far liberated the Nigerian oil markets, preventing significant disruption and eliminating cross-border smuggling of petroleum products to neighboring countries.

Recall that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, during his inauguration last May announced the removal of petrol subsidy, promising to channel savings from the policy to critical areas of the economy.

According to Kyari, “The passage of the long-awaited PIA in 2021, the subsequent NNPC transition to a fully commercial limited liability energy company, and the removal of fuel subsidy, which freed the market and eliminated cross-border smuggling of petroleum products from Nigeria, have created greater opportunities for NNPC to play an active commercial role, sustain profitability, and deliver greater value to our fast-growing population.”

Kyari, who spoke on the topic, “Energy Security, Sustainability, and Profitability in Nigeria: Advances, Challenges, and Opportunities,” noted that “Nigeria’s energy security can be ensured through local adequacy as new refineries come on board and NNPC refineries are fully restreamed. There is an opportunity to further improve Nigeria’s energy security resilience by utilizing our locally abundant natural gas resources to support Compressed Natural Gas, CNG, production as an environmentally friendly and cheaper alternative to petrol.”

He stressed that guaranteeing energy security has been the traditional mandate of NNPC since its creation by decree 18 of 1971, emphasizing that Section 64(m) of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021 has reiterated this mandate, making NNPC the legal supplier of last resort for security reasons, with all associated costs on the account of the Federation.

He said, “In keeping with this mandate, NNPC has built refineries located in Port Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna to refine crude oil into petroleum products. The location of the refineries was informed by the need to reduce product travel distances and achieve a secured and efficient distribution system from refineries to the 21 inland depots in Aba, Enugu, Makurdi, Yola, Benin, Ore, Mosimi, Satellite town-Lagos, Ibadan, Ilorin, Suleja, Minna, Jos, Gombe, Maiduguri, Kano, and Gusau.”

According to him, “These depots have a total storage capacity of over 3.9 billion liters, connected by a network of 5,120 km of pipelines designed to transport crude oil to refineries and evacuate refined products for distribution across the country.”

However, the NNPCL boss said incessant pipeline vandalism and oil theft have continued to pose a damaging threat to the realization of the corporation’s projected revenue by draining the country of millions of dollars yearly, with associated damage to the environment and sustainable business operations.

He said that despite the challenges, NNPCL was still able to make over N3.4 trillion in Profit-After-Tax (PAT) between 2020 and 2022 and that top academic institutions like OAU can consolidate these gains by safeguarding the national energy security through effective research.

In his welcome address at the lecture, the OAU vice-chancellor, Professor Adebayo Simeon Bamire, thanked the NNPCL boss for striving to achieve multiple gains for the corporation despite the consistent sabotages from oil vandals and thieves in the country.

He said the institution has taken some critical decisions towards positioning the University’s research and innovation ecosystem as a hub for research, innovation, and knowledge creation.

“We continue to strengthen our capacity as a regional ICT University across West Africa with innovative outcomes from the African Centre of Excellence in Software Engineering.

“The University is also collaborating with the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) for the training of Data Protection Officers (DPOs) in Nigeria. Recently, the university won two additional Centres of Excellence – (i) TETfund Centre of Excellence in Digital Literacy, and (ii) The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) Centre of Excellence in Telecommunication.

“I am happy to let you know of another Centre of Excellence – Center of Excellence for Combined Energy Smart Innovations and Technologies (COE-CESIT), a joint initiative of Trans-Disciplinary Research Teams in the Faculty of Science, Center for Energy Research and Development (CERD), and researchers from across the globe. The long-term plan of the OAU COE-CESIT is to provide smart solutions for future challenges in the energy sector,” the VC stated.

Lawmaker Blames Stress For Stealing, Resigns

Tosin Olatokunbo

January 18, 2024

A New Zealand MP has resigned following multiple allegations of shoplifting, which police are investigating.

Golriz Ghahraman, of the Green Party, is alleged to have stolen three times from two clothing stores – one in Auckland and the other in Wellington.

The former United Nations, UN, human rights lawyer made history in 2017 as the first refugee in the country’s government. She once held her party’s justice portfolio.

Work-related stress made her behave completely out of character, she said.

“I have let down a lot of people and I am very sorry,” she added.

Ghahraman fled Iran as a child with her family, who were all granted political asylum in New Zealand.

Her resignation on Tuesday comes after CCTV footage emerged showing her allegedly taking a designer handbag from an Auckland boutique.

The 42-year-old, who has not been charged with any crime, said in a statement her actions had “fallen short” of the high standards of behaviour the public expected from elected representatives.

“It’s not a behaviour I can explain because it’s not rational in any way, and after medical evaluation, I understand I’m not well,” she said, adding that she did not want to make excuses for herself.

“The mental health professional I see says my recent behaviour is consistent with recent events giving rise to extreme stress response, and relating to previously unrecognised trauma.”

Responding to her resignation, Green Party co-leader James Shaw said that Ms Ghahraman had been subject to “pretty much continuous threats of sexual violence, physical violence, death threats since the day she was elected to Parliament”.

“That has added a higher level of stress than is experienced by most members of parliament,” he said.

“There have been police investigations into those threats almost the entire time that she has been a member of parliament, and so obviously if you’re living with that level of threat in what is already quite a stressful situation then there are going to be consequences for that”.

Ghahraman has spoken out in the past about the abuse she has received both online and in person based on her Iranian heritage, her gender and the public stances she has taken on various issues.

“Eventually some of the online threats I faced got to the point where I had to carry a security alarm and have security escorts back and forth from Parliament,” she told national broadcaster TVNZ in 2021.

In 2017, Ghahraman was given an escort following threats by white supremacists.

More recently, she has been criticised for taking part in pro-Palestinian protests and for being critical of Israel’s military actions in its war against Hamas in Gaza in her role as the Green Party’s foreign affairs and human rights spokesperson.

Fellow Green Party co-leader Marama Davidson said it was right that Ms Ghahraman had resigned but that it was clear she was in distress and would continue to receive their support.

“We have seen the conversation over the past years, especially over the particular treatment of women with public profiles, and in addition, the particular treatment of women of colour with public profiles,” said Davidson.

BBC

Forex Backlog: CBN Now Owes $5bn; Settles Commercial Banks

Tosin Olatokunbo

January 18, 2024

The Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, says it has cleared the foreign exchange backlog owed some commercial banks in the country.

A statement released on Wednesday by the apex bank’s spokesperson, Hakama Sidi Ali said the banks’ forex forward has now been fully settled without mentioning specific banks.

But the magazine learned that no fewer than 14 local and foreign commercial banks have now received their Forex settlement in full.

The development comes three months after the CBN Governor Yemi Cardoso said last September that the apex bank has started clearing the $7 billion Forex owed various sectors of the economy.

Analysts insist that the CBN action is likely to repose confidence in the Forex market which has been fluctuating due to Forex shortages, leading to further devaluation of the naira.

The petroleum, aviation, and manufacturing sectors have now received a total of $2 billion from CBN as Forex settlement, according to the figures from the Cardoso-led government bank.

Few weeks ago, Reuters, quoting banking sources, said, the banks were paid varying amounts totalling about $1 billion and that the payments would continue in the next few weeks as more liquidity is received by the apex bank.

Out of the first tranche of $1 billion, some commercial banks were said to have been fully settled while others received as much as 70 percent from the CBN.

Commercial bank’s paid up to $7 billion to foreign credit lines after the CBN failed to pay the debt at maturity due to Forex scarcity.

Meanwhile, the apex has stated that a reputable forensic firm has been hired to investigate serious gross infractions, abuse and non-compliance with market regulation. Those found guilty would be seriously sanction after investigations are concluded, the CBN said.

Recall that the Economic and Financial Commission, EFCC, recently stormed the Lagos office of the Dangote Group, in the quest to get documents to indict the company owned by Africa’s Richest man, Aliko Dangote on alleged forex roundtripping.

The company has denied any wrongdoing.

Explosion: Afenifere Calls For Regulation Of Mining Sector, Flays Casualties In Ibadan

Ayodele Oni

January 17, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

Pan Yoruba socio-cultural organization, Afenifere, has frowned at a situation whereby mining business, which is suppose to boost the economy of the country is destroying lives and properties of innocent Nigerians.

Reacting to the explosion in Ibadan, Oyo state, the group called on the Federal Government to assist victims and families of casualties of the fatal explosion.

The organization also called for arrest and prosecution of those responsible for the blast that destroyed many structures in the city.

Afenifere also advised the Federal Government to ensure the mining sector is controlled appropriately and in line with the constitutional provision, saying that many people were deformed by the blast which has been linked to activities of illegally miners.

In a statement by the National Organizing secretary of the organisation, Kole Omololu, and made in Akure, Ondo State capital, on Wednesday, Afenifere urged government at all levels to take appropriate action to prevent recurrence of the incident.

The group added that “News of the explosion that rocked the ancient city of ibadan, the capital of Oyo State, on Tuesday came to us with shock and sadness. Lives and limbs were lost, properties were destroyed and the day-to-day activities of the people were disrupted.

“The number of injured persons, initially put at 77, has continued to climb while two lives were declared lost so far.

“Our heart goes out also to the families of the injured and to those who have lost property, loved ones, and their means of livelihood.

“As we pray for the sweet repose of the soul of the dead, we also beseech our creator to heal the wounded and restore them to good health in no time. Nigeria and Nigerians have suffered enough misery in the hands of illegal miners.

“Mining activities should be organized under law and the proceeds therefrom should enrich the country and Nigerians in general rather than end up in private pockets.

“Illegal mining activities have reportedly been responsible for much of the insecurity in some parts of the country. We must be careful to see to it that we do not allow such to be exported into our own space.

“We therefore call on our government to expose and bring all illegal miners to book. Governor Makinde has assured that those responsible for this disaster will be brought to book.

“We support every step he takes to ensure that this is done. for only then will justice be served, both to the victims and the culprits.

“And only then can we also prevent a recurrence of the horrendous event that has led to losses valued at billions of naira.

“It is reassuring that governor Makinde is doing his utmost best to assist the victims, we however call for federal government assistance because of the magnitude of the disaster. The burden must not be left to Oyo state government alone to carry.

Perpetrators Of Ibadan Explosion Must Be Fished Out – President Tinubu

Ayodele Oni

January 17, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

President Bola Tinubu has called for sanctions against those behind the explosion which rocked Ibadan, Oyo state capital on Tuesday

.The president expressed sadness over the devastating explosion in the Oyo state capital ordered those victims should be accorded necessary care as the case might be.

The explosion killed two persons and wounded about 80 others. It also destroyed several buildings, vehicles, and other properties.

Presidential spokesman, Ajuri Ngalele in a statement remarked that “It is worrisome that the cause of the blast is being attributed to the activities of illegal miners.

“Those behind the inexcusable and reckless behaviour that has created the conditions for the sad incident to occur must be fished out and punished.”

President Tinubu commiserated with the government and people of Oyo State and called on all concerned agencies of government to unravel the circumstances that led to the tragedy with alacrity.

The President directs the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to work with the Oyo State Government to offer immediate and comprehensive relief to the victims.

Meanwhile, the Federal Government has instituted an investigation into the recent explosion in Ibadan, Oyo State, to unravel the circumstances around it and the perpetrators of it.

The Minister of Defence, Alhaji Muhammad Badaru, stated this in Abuja while briefing newsmen on Federal Executive Council, (FEC’s), discussions on the incident.

Alhaji Badaru said the government has also set up a committee to look into ways to stop illegal mining in the country.

Regional Integration: South South Governors To Meet In Benin

Ayodele Oni

January 17, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

After years of lull in their activities, Governors of the South South geo political zone of the country are set to reconvene on Thursday in Benin City, Edo state.

Governor Godwin Obaseki, will be hosting governors from Delta, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross Rivers, Edo, and Rivers State, popularly called BRACED states, to discuss various developmental issues including regional cooperation.

Reacting to the proposed meeting, Chief Monday Wehere, stated that the revival of the BRACED Commission through the hosting of its 2024 maiden meeting by the Edo State Governor, His Excellency, Godwin Obaseki, is a welcome development towards regional integration of South South States of Nigeria.

Wehere who is President of BRACED Union, in a Press Release on Wednesday in Benin City, welcomes all governors of the South-South region to Edo State, while wishing them fruitful delibrations.

The Statement urged Governors of Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross Rivers, Delta, Edo, and Rivers State, to sustain the tempo as the survival of the region is non-negotiable.

“This maiden meeting of BRACED governors in Edo State on Thursday, January 18th, 2024, after some years of lull, shall resuscitate the ailing commission and give a breath of fresh air to agitations of the region in terms of economic and security challenges.

“The power of togetherness, unity and harmony cannot be over emphasized. We call on the BRACED governors to give bite to their commitment on the concerns of people of the region which, we in the BRACED Union, have been on the fore front to galvanize support and mobilize human and material resources in support of BRACED objectives.”

The BU President urged the governors to carry the members of BU and the BRACED Commission along in the scheme of things in order to better the lot of grassroots followers.

“Issues of regional integration and security should be at the front burner with the need for a regional security outfit to curb rising spate of kidnappings, oil thievery, economic sabotage and all that are germaine to the development of the South-South region as the goose that lays the golden egg.

“The BRACED governors must bring to the fore the need to press on the Federal Government legalize artisanal refineries to enhance economic main stay of the region and empower youths to be self employed and employers of labour.

“These and others, we at BRACED Union, with over ten thousand memberships across the six states of the region, are ready to work with the BRACED Commission which should be resuscitated in earnest to implement the plans and programmes of the Commission.”

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