NGA To FG: Gas Is Cheaper, Make It More Affordable For Nigerians

By

-

October 14, 2023

The federal government has been advised by the Nigerian Gas Association, NGA, to make gas more available for Nigerians’ use.

The association said in Lagos on Friday that Nigerian with an abundance of natural gas should be able to invest more in her gas resources to make it affordable for Nigerians in the face of the rising cost of petrol.

Comparatively, the cost of compressed gas that can be used for domestic, industrial and other purposes is cheaper to PMS aka petrol which has continuously experienced price surge lately.

Following the removal of the petrol subsidy in May this year by the federal government, the price of the commodity has shot up to at least N620 per litre, beyond the reach of many Nigerian consumers.

Marketers of the product have again threatened to increase the price further to match the current realities in the sector. Some petrol stations have also shut down in the last few weeks due to what they blamed on the shortage of the product, partly because of the scarcity of foreign exchange to import petrol into the country, according to independent petrol marketers.

But the government-controlled NNPCL denied the claim during the week of any plan to further hike petrol price in the country.

The President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration says it’s making huge investment to make CNG more affordable, saying the effect of the investment will manifest in a few months.

Amidst these challenges, NGA President, Akachukwu Nwokedi told journalists in Lagos yesterday that it’s possible for consumers to shift from petrol to natural gas for their different uses if government can invest more in the area.

According to him, “The Federal Government has to continue to make gas affordable, and we as an association support CNG, Train 7 because Nigeria has enough gas resources to achieve economic growth. Besides CNG is 15 per cent cheaper than petrol.”

Meanwhile, not a few Nigerian consumers have slammed the government for policy summersault in the energy sector. For instance, the government had at a time encouraged Nigerians to shift to gas from kerosene for their domestic use, saying it’s cheaper. Now, the price of cooking gas has risen to N13,500 per 12.5 kilogram with rumour that the price could rise to as much as 20, 0000 before the end of the year.

Senate: NIMASA Act Amendment Bill Passes First Reading

By

James Orji

-

October 14, 2023

0

The bill to amend the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency NIMASA Act has passed the first reading on the Floor of the Nigerian Senate.

Chairman Senate Committee on Marine Transport, Senator Wasiu Sanni Eshinlokun, who announced this during a working visit by the committee to NIMASA operational offices in Lagos noted that the senate of the tenth assembly is committed to formulating policies that will ensure Nigerians enjoy the benefits of the blue economy.

Speaking further, the Committee Chairman averred that a constructive evaluation of the existing maritime legal framework was necessary to ascertain gaps for possible review, pledging that the Senate under the leadership of Senator Godswill Akpabio was committed to supporting the maritime sector, in line with the vision of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.

“Let me inform you that the bill seeking amendment of the NIMASA Act has passed first reading on the floor of the senate.

I have to say on behalf of my colleagues that we are with you on this journey, and we will not hesitate to support your vision, in as much as such is geared towards enhancing the potential of the maritime sector for national growth and development.

With the creation of the Marine and Blue Economy Ministry by Mr. President, a message has been passed to all stakeholders that the maritime industry has a huge role to play in our nation building. We must align with the vision of the President, and we must support the government to achieve a better country for all Nigerians”, Sani said.

The Committee members unanimously acknowledged NIMASA’s investment in the acquisition and building of a strong safety and security architecture, reiterating that such effort was a confirmation that NIMASA was conscious of its mandate and strategic status as one of Nigeria’s major contributors to the country’s sustainable development.

A member of the Committee, Senator Abdul Ningi, commended NIMASA Management stating that much progress has been made over the years. I have visited this Agency over the years and must note that much progress has been made over the years. You have done very well, he said.

In his welcome remarks, the Director General of NIMASA, Bashir Jamoh, noted that the Agency is committed to both human capacity and infrastructural development to grow the Nigerian blue economy.

Speaking further, Jamoh stated that a well-developed marine and blue economy would be strong enough to service Nigeria’s annual budget because it encompasses all economic activities associated with the oceans and seas.

According to Jamoh, “NIMASA is working tirelessly to secure our waters and by extension, the Gulf of Guinea. The time has come for us as a nation to build on the recent gains in the area of safety and security of our waterways. Rest assured that NIMASA is utilizing appropriated funds judiciously, evident in our investment in infrastructure. We will continue in the direction President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has pointed with the creation of the Marine and Blue Economy Ministry.

“Palace Coup” And Strange Marriage: Outrage As Lady Marries Her Sister’s Husband

By

The Source

-

October 14, 2023

0

By Chidi Levi

“Had I known” is a language of regret. It tugs at hearts after the deed is done.

A young lady from Cross River state who got married to her heartthrob two years ago and is currently nursing a baby must have silently muttered a thousand ” had I known” in the past weeks.

Of course, had she known, she would not have invited her younger sister to Lagos to help out in the rigours of nursing her baby and at the same taking home chores

If she hadn’t invited her sister, a daring “overtaking” that had just taken place wouldn’t have happened and she would have still had her darling husband to herself!

In what could be likened to a palace coup, a young mother of one who goes by the Facebook name, Mary Obeten Peter has taken to the blue app to narrate the abominable story of how her younger sister snatched her husband, Peter Obeten, and went ahead to secretly marry him.

The dramatic personae in the sordid drama hail from Ugep, headquarters of Yakurr local government area of Cross River state.

According to Mary, the ” coup” happened in Lagos where she and her husband reside.

Lamenting the turn of events on her official Facebook wall, Mrs Mary Peter Obeten whose marriage is about two years old condemned her sister’s action, saying God would judge her for her despicable action.

Mary: “My kid sister has finally succeeded in taking my husband as her husband, may God judge you, Amen”

Peter, a plumber, and Mary got married in 2021 and were blessed with a child sometime this year. They were said to have been happily married before the shocking event.

The “overtaking” happened when Mary invited Hannah, her younger sister, to assist with house chores. However, no sooner had Hannah arrived than she abs her sister’s husband started an illicit but secret love affair.

Hannah was said to have allegedly persuaded Peter Obeten last week to divorce Mary so she could take over. He acceded to the request and they eventually wedded on October 11, 2023.

Further expressing her hurt, Mary rued that while her sister and Peter now live together as husband and wife, she is in the village nursing her child.

However, an unperturbed and unrepentant Peter is showing no remorse.

On his Facebook Wall, he defended his action, blaming it on “blind love”. Peter: “Love is blind. I found love before and I found love again. Love can happen to anybody, it could be you. Do not judge. Love is like an ocean, it can carry you away. Love is strong and no one can break it. Please do not judge so that you will not be judged,” he averred, adding that he still loves his former wife.

Gov Oyebanji Presents 2024 Budget To Ekiti Assembly

By

Ayodele Oni

-

October 13, 2023

0

By Ayodele Oni

Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, has presented a budget estimate of N159,572,482,915.61 Billion Naira, to the state House of Assembly for 2024 fiscal year.

Christened “Budget of Sustainable Growth and Development” the estimate is a Zero-Based Budgeting (ZBB) is made up of N71,994,898,233.20 capital expenditure and N87,577,583,682.41 recurrent expenditure.

This represents ratio of 55:45 of recurrent to capital expenditure. The budget, according to the Governor, is a product of wider consultation with Ekiti people.

Governor Oyebanji explained that the overall focus of the budget is to sustain his administration’s quest for shared prosperity through the six pillar agenda of the government.

He highlighted the objectives of the 2024 budget to include creating enabling environment for micro, small and medium enterprises to thrive through friendly policies and provision of infrastructure; achieving shared prosperity through collaboration, compassion, fiscal prudence and quality service delivery.

It will also expand the revenue base in the area of internally generated revenue, and to also ensure timely completion of on-going developmental projects through equitable and effective distribution and allocation of available resources.

The governor also explained that the budget would provide a veritable platform for youths and women empowerment, skill acquisition and entrepreneur development; strengthen the security architecture of the state; cushion the effect of petrol subsidy removal.

According to him, it will guarantee food security and support agro allied industry as well as further promote good governance through budget discipline, probity and accountability in the allocation and utilization of government fund, among others.

On capital projects, Oyebanji, pointed out that his government is not unmindful of the importance of capital project on the socio economic development of the state and that his administration would embark on numbers of projects without compromising the well-being of the people of the state.

Davido And Wife, Chioma Welcome Set Of Twins In US

By

Akinwale Kasali

-

October 13, 2023

0

By Akinwale Kasali

International Musical Sensation, David Adeleke popularly known as Davido and his Wife, Chioma, have welcomed a set of twins babies.

The multiple award-winning Afrobeat singer and his wife were filled with joy as they left an Atlanta United States hospital where their twins, a male and female, were delivered.

Davido flashed a huge smile and made a gesture to replicate that his wife delivered twins while Chioma, who could not hide her joy, sat in a wheelchair with the babies held closely to her chest.

In a viral video, the Musician was seen smiling with the wife holding closely to her chest her bundle of joy.

It was gathered that the Adeleke family welcomed the set of twins on Monday, but kept it off the social media.

However, Evangelist Gospel Agochukwu on Tuesday morning made that disclosure, but Davido didn’t respond to the news.

The delivery came barely 11 months after the couple’s first child, Ifeanyi, drowned inside the family’s pool in the Banana Island Area of Lagos.

Full List Of 43 Items On Which CBN Lifted Forex Restrictions

By

The Source

-

October 13, 2023

0

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) on Wednesday lifted foreign exchange restrictions it placed on importers of 43 items eight years ago.

The restriction was placed under the watch of Godwin Emefiele as CBN Governor.

Emefiele was suspended indefinitely in June 2023 by President Bola Tinubu. A couple of weeks ago, Tinubu finally sacked the CBN Management, including Emefiele, who had, reportedly, earlier resigned from office.

In Emefiele’s place, President Tinubu appointed Yemi Cardoso as the new CBN Governor, and appointed four new Deputy Governors to replace the four he sacked.

Following the 43 items on which forex restriction was lifted.

Rice
Cement
Margarine
Palm kernel
Palm oil products
Vegetable oils
Meat and processed meat products
Vegetables and processed vegetable products
Poultry and processed poultry products
Tinned fish in sauce (Geisha)/sardine
Cold rolled steel sheets
Galvanized steel sheets
Roofing sheets
Wheelbarrows
Head pans
Metal boxes and containers
Enamelware
Steel drums
Steel pipes
Wire rods (deformed and not deformed)
Iron rods
Reinforcing bars
Wire mesh
Steel nails
Security and razor fencing and poles
Wood particle boards and panels
Wood fiberboards and panels
Plywood boards and panels
Wooden doors
Toothpicks
Glass and glassware
Kitchen utensils
Tableware
Tiles-vitrified and ceramic
Gas cylinders
Woven fabrics
Clothes
Plastic and rubber products
Polypropylene granules
Cellophane wrappers and bags
Soap and cosmetics
Tomatoes/tomato pastes
Eurobond/foreign currency bond/ share purchases

Why Tinubu Should Listen To Obi – Group

By

The Source

-

October 13, 2023

0

Worried by the controversy over President Bola Tinubu’s identity crisis as well as the furore over the authenticity or otherwise of his Chicago State University certificate, the Neo Africana Centre has asked Tinubu to look beyond partisanship and embrace the counsel offered him by Peter Obi on how to resolve the issues in contention.

Tinubu has been embroiled in controversy over his claim to have attended and obtained a certificate from Chicago State University in the United States. There is also a haze of uncertainty over his true identity following the inconsistencies in his name and gender as revealed by the Chicago papers.

To put paid to these controversies, Peter Obi, the Presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the February 2023 presidential election, has asked Tinubu to mount the rostrum and address Nigerians on these vexed issues in order to save himself and Nigeria the embarrassment arising from them.

In a statement by its Director of Public Affairs, Jenkins Udu, the Centre said it agrees entirely with Obi that Tinubu should speak up on the issue as his silence is deepening suspicion and distrust over the matter. According to the public policy think tank, Tinubu will be doing himself a world of good if he does not bring partisan considerations to bear on Obi’s counsel. If anything , he should see Obi’s interest in the matter as a friendly intervention by a patriot who is concerned about the sanctity of the office of the president as well as the image of his country.

Part of the statement reads:

“We have observed with concern the furore over President Bola Tinubu’s Chicago papers especially as they relate to the certificate he claimed to have acquired from Chicago State University. The Chicago papers have also raised questions over Tinubu’s true identity, including his gender. These ugly developments are not only embarrassing to Nigerians, they cast a slur on the image of the president and the office he occupies. In fact, they have the potentialities to bring the Nigerian presidency to disrepute if not properly handled.

“We were therefore deeply relieved when Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the February 2023 presidential election, brushed politics aside and offered Tinubu a well-intentioned and genuine counsel which, if embraced by Mr President, will put paid to the ongoing controversy. Rather than harangue and brow-beat Obi for his patriotic intervention as some Tinubu’s lackeys are doing, he should be applauded for prescribing the right antidote to a festering sore.

“We therefore agree with Obi that Tinubu should address Nigerians on this subject matter. As the president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Tinubu’s identity should not be a matter of speculation. If Nigerians did not have full knowledge of who he was before he was declared president, questions arising from the Chicago papers have compelled them to seek to know who their president is. This, for us, is a simple and straightforward matter. Tinubu as Nigeria’s first citizen should gladly step forward to clear the air on areas of doubt about his identity and background. Making himself an object of gossip and unedifying banters is tantamount to debasing the Nigerian presidency.

“It is unconscionable for a president who claims to hold the people’s mandate to leave the same people to speculate about who he is. Public office is a trust. In other words, Tinubu occupies his present office on behalf of the people. The people should therefore, at all times, be in a position to talk freely and confidently about their president. But this can only be possible if his background is not cloaked in secrecy. The ongoing attempt at shielding the identity and background of Mr President from the public is therefore patently distasteful. It will only create the impression that the president has something to hide.

“It is regrettable that elements around the president are polluting the political space with divisiveness and bad blood just because the people who, ostensibly, voted the president into office are insisting on their right to know. Honour and integrity demand that the president should make full disclosures about his identity and background. Silence cannot be golden in this circumstance.”

Senate: More Trouble For Akpabio, Accused Of Running One-man Show

By

James Orji

-

October 13, 2023

0

Trouble seems to be courting Senate President, Godswill Akpabio like his own shadow.

Two months after his colleagues threatened to impeach him after he openly said in the chamber that money has been sent to senators’ accounts to enjoy themselves, he has been accused of running a one-man show.

“In order to enable all of us to enjoy our holidays, a token has been sent to our various accounts by the Clerk of the National Assembly,” Akpabio said on August 9, while presiding over the chamber.

The gaffe had angered some senators who warned him to be careful next time.

The former governor of Akwa Ibom state who rode on the wings of President Bola Tinubu to his current position, some senators now say has been making decisions unilaterally without consulting them.

According to the aggrieved Senators, bills sent to the Senate by the Executive arm of the government no longer get the input of senators before they are hurriedly passed.

Akpabio who faced stiff opposition from some of his colleagues during the contest for the Senate Presidency in June this year, however, denied the allegation, saying he’s running the senate with public interest in mind.

On Wednesday, Senator Ali Ndume, the Senate Chief Whip from Borno State, warned Akpabio to stop passing certain bills without formal reading and members’ contributions.

Also, Senator Ogoshi Onawo of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, criticized the Senate President for running the Senate without consulting his colleagues on critical issues, the senator warned him that power is transient.

Onawo said, “Very sensitive bills are brought and are expected to be passed with the speed of light, which is not good for the country.

“Every senator here is supposed to be adequately informed; he does his research and makes a positive contribution, but in a situation where even money bills are brought and expected to be passed within two hours, it wouldn’t be better for the country.

“Sir, you are on the seat today; history will judge you that things like this are not good for this country.”

Responding Akpabio stated, “If the bills we pass are good for the country, history will judge me right. I don’t think we would come here to pass a bill that’s not good for the interest of Nigerians. So, your point of order is noted.”

The Senate under Akpabio recently passed a rule that barred fresh senators from vying for leadership positions in Nigeria’s upper legislative chamber, the action, his critics said was taken to counter those plotting to remove him from the top job.

Uzodimma: African Ecosystem Endowed With Rich Medicinal Plants, Herbs

By

The Source

-

October 13, 2023

0

Hope Uzodimma - Imo Civil Servant Promotion

The Governor of Imo State, Sen. Hope Uzodimma has stressed the need for harnessing and development of herbs and plants with medicinal value for both domestic and commercial applications out of the rich ecosystem Africa is endowed with.

The Governor spoke when he declared open the HerbFest Conference organised by Bioresources Development Group in collaboration with the Government of Imo State and other federal government agencies at Sam Mbakwe Hall, Concord Hotel Owerri, Thursday.

Governor Uzodimma said that the “African Ecosystem is greatly endowed with rich plants and herbs that possess therapeutic properties that are good for modern medicine” and expressed government’s readiness to support research that would improve the life and health of Imo people.

The Governor stressed that “the originality and availability of herb products were expected to eliminate counterfeit or fake products as well as protect users from unwarranted side effects.” He assured that government would ensure proper regulations through its agencies.

He commended the organisers of the event led by Prof Maurice Iwu for their dedication to research on medicinal products with potentials for use in the treatment and management of diseases and promised a conducive environment for growers of medicinal plants in Imo State.

The Governor thanked the organisers for choosing Imo State for this year’s Conference, reiterating that some of the participants who have not been in Imo State for a long time will have the opportunity of discovering the hospitality that Imo State is known for.

He noted that the Conference was coming at the right time.

Governor Uzodimma further assured of the support of the State government in the area of monitoring and evaluation of the output of medicinal research.

He reassured that Imo State is ready for business and will welcome any proposal to deepen the research of those connected with Herbfest.

Speaking on the gains of the Conference, the President Bioresources Development Group, Prof. Maurice Iwu explained that Herbfest is an annual event and that this year’s edition happens to be the 14th in the series of the programme.

Iwu explained that the 2023 event is apt with the theme: “Medicinal Plants for Economic Development”, noting that scientists and herbalists access themselves.

The keynote speaker, Prof Kasim Musa Waziri of the University of Abuja said that herbal medicine has value chain that makes it a source of income, a source of raw materials for orthordox medicine, among others.

He noted that the prospects in herbal medicine requires taking steps to foster planning, recognising that it is a source of income and that it can be used as an effective cure for cancer and other ailments.

Waziri suggested that for herbal sources to be sustained there is need to continue to cultivate the various plants.

The Conference was attended by the secretary to the Imo State Government, Chief Cosmos Iwu, the Chief of Staff, Barr Nnamdi Anyaehie, some members of the Expanded Executive Council, among other dignitaries.

We Are Grateful to Peter Obi for Revolutionalising Education – Bishop Okoye

By

The Source

-

October 13, 2023

0

The achievement of the Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi in the education sector during his Governorship reign in Anambra state continues to elicit commendation from prominent citizens of the state.

A week after Governor Charles Soludo praised the former Governor’s records in education promising to continue, the Catholic Bishop of Nnewi, Most Rev Jonas Benson Okoye on Friday commended Obi for revolutionizing education in the state.

Bishop Okoye, the Catholic Bishop of Nnewi Diocese, has commended the former governor for his decision to return schools to the church, considering it a pivotal step in the educational transformation of Anambra. He noted that this legacy, maintained by subsequent governors has reinstated the state as a leader in educational progress within the nation.

Bishop Okoye made these comments during the 69th birthday celebration of Chief J. J. Ezeokafor, a prominent business leader and the founder of Jezco Industries, in Ekwulobia, Anambra State. Bishop Okoye emphasized that the church, as a moral guide within society, serves as the collective conscience of the people. He further contended that the church is better positioned to shape the values and character of individuals in society through its mission schools.

Bishop Okoye stated that in 1970, following the conclusion of the Nigerian civil war, the former East Central State Government assumed control of mission schools previously managed by the Church. He noted that this change has contributed to a significant decline in moral values, evident in the widespread increase in criminal activities and a lack of moral integrity, particularly among the youth, over the years.

The clergyman disclosed that Mr. Peter Obi’s decision to return mission schools to the Church has resulted in increased productivity, discipline, and the instillation of strong moral values alongside academic excellence in Anambra’s educational institutions. He noted that these mission schools have enabled the Church to continue imparting essential moral values to the youth in various learning establishments.

Bishop Okoye expressed his gratitude to Peter Obi not only for initiating this significant move but also for generously funding these schools, which has led to a remarkable transformation in the state’s education sector.

“We are thankful to Mr. Peter Obi for his initiative in returning mission schools to the Church, and to his successors for embracing and preserving this remarkable educational legacy. Recently, Governor Soludo allocated over N1.5 billion to mission schools to enhance education in the state. Such actions are highly commendable and in line with Obi’s legacy,” remarked Bishop Okoye.

Expanding on the progress of education in the state, Bishop Okoye commended Chief Joseph Ezeokafor, the celebrant, for his investments in education, both within and outside the state. He highlighted Chief Ezeokafor’s scholarship program, which offers underprivileged students access to free education, and his consistent financial support to various schools, contributing to the delivery of quality education to students.

“He also extends his support to numerous schools within and beyond the state, providing financial assistance to ensure the provision of quality education to students,” concluded Bishop Okoye.

Michael Jude Nwolisa
Media Aide.