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Group Calls On Dangote To Make Petrol Available To Nigerians As Promised, Stop Controversy

September 9, 2024

The Justice Action Alliance, JAA, has called out the Dangote Refinery to be transparent about its dealings, especially on petrol, saying that Nigerians are tired of the confusion trailing the availability and pricing of the product from the private refinery.

Dangote Refinery had, on Tuesday, revealed that the Federal Executive Council would be the one to determine the price for the petrol produced in the refinery. The FEC, it declared, was already working on a new pricing arrangement for petrol produced from the facility.

It equally announced that its 650,000-barrel-per-day installation officially had unveiled its refined petrol, announcing that the product would be in filling stations in the next 48 hours (Thursday).

Asides this, the refinery also, in a statement by its spokesman, Anthony Chiejina, alleged that some marketers were planning to boycott petrol from the facility, maintaining that the private refinery could be forced to export its petrol.

But the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL, dismissed claims suggesting that it was the sole off-taker of petrol from the Dangote refinery.

Puncturing claims that the government would be the one to determine the price for petrol produced by Dangote refinery, the NNPC Ltd. added that prices of petroleum products, including those from Dangote Refinery, are dictated by global market forces.

In its reaction to the development, JAA, in a statement on Sunday, lamented the back-and-forth going on with Dangote’s refinery and its petrol availability for Nigerians.

Consequently, the Group urged Dangote Refinery to stop dilly-dallying and put an end to perennial delays on its petroleum product.

The statement signed by the alliance Executive Secretary, Benjamin Udechukwu, which was made available to journalists, read,

“We, the Justice Action Alliance (JAA) are calling out Dangote Refinery to stop confusing Nigerians at this critical time of hardship in the nation. So, as a matter of urgency, we challenge Dangote Refinery to immediately fulfil its promise on the availability of petrol.

“Initially, Dangote said the Federal Executive Council FEC, would decide the price. Later, it announced that NNPC would be the sole offtaker. But in its reaction, NNPC stated that market forces would determine the price.

“This confusion has sparked frustration among Nigerians, who are eagerly awaiting the introduction of locally refined fuel from Dangote Refinery into the market.

“Truly speaking, we feel it is absurd and unacceptable to claim that NNPCL will determine the price of his product as a private entity or become the distributor for any entity in a free market environment.

“Some believe that this infusion will lead to a crash in fuel prices. It is clear that Nigerians are eager for transparency and consistency in fuel pricing.

“But it appears that the Dangote Refinery is not being sincere and transparent with Nigerians. It’s time for Dangote to provide clear answers. Where is the promised petrol, and what’s the real price? Nigerians deserve transparency and consistency on this matter.

“It is a pity that after numerous delays and missed deadlines, the Dangote Refinery is still deceiving Nigerians despite several assurances that petrol from its refinery would be available in all parts of the country.

“If the Dangote refinery truly cares for Nigerians, it should begin to sell its products even at a lower price, as it and any other domestic refinery are free to sell directly to any marketer.

How 30 Perished In Niger State Tanker Explosion, 50 Cattle Too

Ayodele Oni

September 8, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

It was a bloody Sunday in Niger State as a tanker explosion in the Agaie Local Government Area of the State led to the death of over 30 people and the burning of 50 cattle.

The explosion took place around 12:30 a.m. on Sunday along the Lapai-Agaie road, approximately two kilometers from the Dendo community in Agaie.

It was learnt that the incident occurred when a petrol tanker loaded with PMS collided with a trailer truck loaded with travellers and cattle from Wudil in Kano state heading to Lagos. Two other vehicles, a crane truck and a pickup van traveling on the road were also caught when the PMS loaded tanker exploded

The Director General of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), Alhaji Abdullahi Baba Arah, confirmed the incident, adding that the NSEMA Rapid Response Team responded to the call after the explosion, adding that 30 bodies had been recovered from the truck and confirmed dead.

Arah said that his team were still at the scene of the incident and was still conducting search and response operations as there were more bodies trapped inside the trucks.

FIFA Under-20 World Cup: Falconets Zoom Into Round Of 16 In Style, Demolish Venezuela

Akinwale Kasali

September 8, 2024

By Akinwale Kasali

The Nation’s Female Under-20 Team, the Falconets, have booked a place in the knockout phase of the ongoing Female FIFA Under-20 World Cup in grand style, annihilating their South American opponent, Venezuela 4-0.

Goals from Amina Bello, Chiamaka Okwuchukwu, Flourish Sabastine and substitute Joy Igbokwe was all Nigeria needed to make a smooth passage into the Round of 16 against Venezuela in Cali,Colombia.

The victory ensured that the Falconets came out Second in the Group behind football powerhouse, Germany.

Bello guided home a cut-back by the irrepressible Okwuchukwu for the first goal against the South Americans in the 16th minute, before Okwuchukwu turned goal-scorer in the 28th minute when she met a corner kick with a bullet header to make it 2-0 for Nigeria.

Okwuchukwu, who scored Nigeria’s only goal in their 1-3 loss to Germany on Wednesday night, was at it again in added time of the first half, when she assisted Flourish Sabastine with a pull-out that the latter converted to put daylight between both countries.

Substitute Joy Igbokwe made it four, four minutes into added time, with the result effectively steering the Falconets to the Round of 16 of the competition.

Victory earned the Falconets six points and a plus three goals difference in their group D campaign, with their Round of 16 game to come up in Bogota on Thursday, next week

Aderibigbe Laments State Of The Nation, Says Nigeria Bleeds

Akinwale Kasali

September 8, 2024

By Akinwale Kasali

Ambassador John Adekorede Aderibigbe, the National Chairman, National Agricultural Commodities Projects, NACP, has described Nigeria as a bleeding Country.

He has, therefore, called on the President Bola Tinubu-led Government to rescind policies that are not economically friendly to the citizens.

Aderibigbe, who also doubles as the Country President, Universal Institute of Professional Management, UIPM, stressed that increase in fuel pump price has further worsened the means of livelihood of hundreds of millions of Nigerians, particularly, small households in the rural areas, informal sector of the economy, as well as the Agricultural hub.

He queried that the increase in the minimum wage from N30,000 to N70,000 has become meaningless, puting into consideration the astronomical rise in the price of fuel, which has metamorphosed into hike in food items, household daily groceries, health sector, transportation and every facet of life.

The United Nations ECOSOC Special Consultative Status Member added that it is time for the President to put aside politics and address issues that bothers on the realities of its citizenry as the country sits on a keg of gunpowder.

He added that this may lead to the revolt of the masses against his government. That would spell anarchy.

“If food is no longer at reach of the common man, next is revolution. For the nation not to go the way of Sri Lanka, Greece, Burkina Faso, Mali and the likes, President Tinubu needs to call for National Intervention Schemes, where he would address Government agencies, Ministries and Parastatal Staffs on implementation of policies and how it should be interpreted.

“He needs to put the right peg in the right hole. Policies should not just be made, but needs to see how policies are been implemented. At the moment, nothing is working in the country, and nothing can be identified as his achievements in the last one year.

“The truth needs to be told, the masses are suffering with no hope for a better tomorrow in sight. Interventions are giving to wrong people, it is so bad. This is a time bomb waiting to explode, if President Tinubu doesn’t act fast and retrace his steps and stop this anti people policies, then anarchy looms”.

Proffering a solution, the Peace Ambassador said that no government is run by itself without the support and inclusivitiveness of key stakeholders in major sectors of the economy.

For example, in the Agricultural Sector, Health, Real Estate and the likes, who are critical stakeholders for decades and are familiar with peculiar issues in the industry, the President Tinubu administration ought to carried them along and give them a sense of belonging, but since he came on board, reverse has been the case.

There is need for this government to engage this stakeholders, certainly, there will be positive wind of change in the economic situation of the country.

NAFDAC Exposes Prophet Fufeyin, Says His Miracle Water, Soap Not Approved, Under Investigation

Akinwale Kasali

September 8, 2024

By Akinwale Kasali

Prophet Jeremiah Fufeyin, the General Overseer of Christ Mercy Land Deliverance Ministries is under investigation by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, for fraudulently misleading and allegedly deceiving Nigerians by using the agency’s name to sell its Miracle Water and Soap.

The Agency lamented the activities of the faith-based organization in a statement released on Sunday. NAFDAC’s Director General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, emphasised that none of the products being advertised and sold by the organization is registered with the Agency.

The statement reads, “NAFDAC wishes to alert the public on the activities of a faith-based organization – Christ Mercy Land Delivery Ministries – that uses NAFDAC name to deceive the unsuspecting public.

“Recently, NAFDAC has been inundated with petitions from concerned citizens about Senior Prophet Jeremiah Omoto Fufeyin of Christ Mercy Land Delivery Ministries, Km 5 Effurun, Sapele Road, Delta State, on a Miracle Water and Miracle Soap being advertised with healing and miracle claims and sold to unsuspecting members of the public by the Spiritual Ministry. The Minister showcased the use of Miracle Water and Miracle Soap on social media to heal barrenness. He claimed that the women would carry twins if they used the soap. He openly told his congregation that the Soap is NAFDAC registered. Thus, the public began to visit the office to confirm the claims.

“The petitioners also submitted the following products from the Spiritual Ministry to NAFDAC to verify the bogus claims. The products are Miracle & Healing Water, River Jordan Water, the Miracle Water from The Pool of Bethsaida, A New Beginning Mount Camel Miracle Water, Water of Life, Miracle Water from The Pool of Bethsaida (1L), A New Beginning Pool of Bethsaida Water, and Father Smelled Perfume.”

The Agency stated that upon receipt of the petitions, it contacted the Delta State Coordinator, through the Director Post Marketing Surveillance of the agency, to ascertain the existence or records of any transaction with the Christ Mercy Land Deliverance Ministries and the products in Delta State Office.

“The Coordinator was also directed to visit the Ministry to establish the veracity of the claims in the petitions and take necessary regulatory action on the production facility in the Ministry where the Miracle water and other products are produced. The State Coordinator covertly bought the Miracle Water (25cl) for 3000 naira from the Ministries and took the pictures.

“On Wednesday, August 14th 2024, the State Coordinator Delta State visited the Mercy Land Ministry and met the Head of Service – Mr. Ogunleye Fufeyin and the Chief Security Officer. The officials denied producing Miracle and Healing Water or Soap even with the evidence of the receipt of purchase. He claimed that only the Logo and address on the label were theirs but not the product. The HOS added that they only have a pool of Bethsaida water, which is spiritual and artificial. The HOS requested time to meet with other staff and returned. He returned after 30 minutes and refused to cooperate, asking them to see the CSO.

“On August 27th 2024, a team of Investigation and Enforcement NAFDAC and Federal Task Force on Counterfeit and Fake Drugs and Unwholesome Processed Foods visited the Ministry to commence investigation on the place of purchase or the manufacturing site for possible sample collection, for laboratory analysis, but the officials did not cooperate with the team. Letters of invitation were issued to the officials to report on August 28th, but it was not honoured. The company instead submitted a Legal document at NAFDAC Headquarters Abuja on August 28th, 2024 and asked to come back on September 3rd, 2024, to organise their document before coming. The Agency then gave the Prophet till the 29th to report to the investigation and Enforcement NAFDAC Office Asaba for further necessary investigation.

“Investigation and Enforcement Asaba waited for the Christ Mercy Land Delivery Ministries officials based on their earlier request to report for commencement of the investigation, but they still refused to show up. On September 3rd, 2024, they forwarded some documents instead of asking for more time to report,” it explained.

It added that in a document made available to the NAFDAC Office on the evening of September 3rd, the faith organisation claimed to have entered into a production contract agreement with Globod Table Water Km 4, DSC Expressway, Otokutu, Delta State, without the knowledge of NAFDAC State Office in Delta State.

The agency stated that the act is illegal according to the extant rules and regulations on commercial production.

“In continuation of our investigation, NAFDAC Investigation and Enforcement has sealed the Globod Table Water factory to aid and abet the production, sale, and advertisement of unregistered and unwholesome Miracle Water under the pretext of Fake NAFDAC Registration Number.

“At this point, it is very clear that Christ Mercy Land Delivery Ministries, KM 5, is not ready to present itself for investigation of production and advertisement of suspected falsified, unwholesome, and unregistered miracle products.

NAFDAC wishes to inform the public that none of these products being advertised and sold are registered with NAFDAC. The public is also being advised to stop patronizing any of these Miracle products. NAFDAC is scientific organization that is guided by verifiable scientific facts before registering any product.

“In the meantime, we will continue with our investigation into the activities of this faith organization with regard to products within our mandates that have been reported to be manufactured and sold by them. I want to use this opportunity to warn faith organizations against illegal production of regulated products without requisite regulatory requirements,” it added.

Adeyeye, however, assured Nigerians of the agency’s resolve to continue safeguarding their health.

Paris 2024 Paralympic Games: Team Nigeria Wins Another Gold Medal In Weightlifting

Akinwale Kasali

September 8, 2024

By Akinwale Kasali

Nigeria’s contingent at the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games is hoisting the nation’s flag to glory. The team has claimed another Gold Medal in the Weightlifting Category thanks to Folashade Oluwafemiayo.

She also made history by breaking her own World Record in the Women’s over 86kg Para-Powerlifting, becoming the first Para-athlete in history to lift 166kg.

Oluwafemiayo, Team Nigeria’s Captain, set a world record by becoming the first para-powerlifter to lift 167kg at the Games.

China’s Deng Xuemei secured the silver medal with a 155kg lift, while Egypt’s Nadia Ali earned the bronze after lifting 145kg.

Also, Flora Ugwunwa claimed a silver medal in the Women’s Javelin F54 category with a remarkable throw of 19.26 meters, finishing 2nd in a highly competitive field.

Bose Omolayo in the Women’s 79kg Para Powerlifting category, lifted an impressive 145kg to secure the silver medal for Nigeria.

Isau Ogunkunle earned a bronze medal in the Men’s Singles Class 4 Para Table Tennis event. Ogunkunle became the first Nigerian athlete to win an individual medal in Para Table Tennis since the Sydney 2000 Games.

Reacting to their achievements earlier, Sports Minister, Senator Enoh said, “We are immensely proud of our Team Nigeria Paralympic athletes. Bose Omolayo, Flora Ugwunwa, and Isau Ogunkunle have brought us immense pride and joy with their incredible performances on the global stage. Their dedication, resilience, and passion embody the true spirit of Nigeria, and they continue to inspire millions with their remarkable achievements.”

The Minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting para-sports and ensuring that Nigerian athletes receive the backing they need to succeed on the international stage.

“Our champions have shown once again that disability is not a limitation. As a nation, we remain committed to fostering an inclusive environment where all athletes, regardless of ability, can thrive and make us proud on the global stage.”

Atiku Predicts Unrest Over VAT Hike

Ayodele Oni

September 8, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has advised the President Bola Tinubu’s administration to rethink its economic strategies, cautioning that the Value Added Tax, (VAT) hike and other regressive measures would only fuel further unrest in the country.

The 2023 presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) criticized the federal government’s proposed increase of the Value Added Tax (VAT) rate from 7.5 percent to 10, warning that the move will exacerbate Nigeria’s already dire economic situation.

In a post on his official X account on Sunday, Atiku expressed concerns that the proposed tax hike, along with other recent government policies, will deepen the cost-of-living crisis, hurt businesses, and disproportionately impact the poor.

Atiku described the VAT increase as a “blazing inferno” that could further destabilize Nigeria’s fragile economy.

“The increase in VAT is set to become the blazing inferno that will consume the very essence of our people.

“President Bola Tinubu, alongside his coterie of advisers, has resolved to raise the VAT rate from 7.5% to 10%, even as the NNPCL has announced a soaring PMS price increase at the pump.

“This move unveils a new era of regressive and punitive policies, and its impact is destined to deepen the domestic cost-of-living crisis and exacerbate Nigeria’s already fragile economic growth.”

He emphasized that the VAT increase would impose further hardship on Nigerians, particularly the most vulnerable, at a time when inflation and unemployment rates are skyrocketing.

He accused current Tinubu-led administration of being “profoundly insensitive” to the plight of ordinary Nigerians by indulging in unnecessary luxury spending.

In addition to the VAT hike, Atiku criticized a recent government policy allowing duty-free importation of agricultural commodities such as wheat, maize, and paddy.

He argued that this policy, introduced in August 2024, would severely undermine local farmers, who are unable to compete with low-cost imports from Asia, Europe, and America.

“This poses a grave threat to Nigeria’s food security ambitions, as local farmers, facing unfair competition, are compelled to reduce or entirely abandon their production efforts.”

Hard Drugs: NDLEA Makes Haul Of Seizure In Ekiti, Kogi, Others

Tosin Olatokunbo

September 8, 2024

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, has destroyed over 100,000 kilogramme of cannabis spread across 51 hectares of farmland in Ekiti state.

The Gen. Buba Marwa-led NDLEA made this known in a statement on Sunday, the News Agency of Nigeria, NANS reports. .

According to the statement signed by the agency’s spokesman Femi Babafemi the operation, which was carried out by the agency’s operatives also led to the arrest of some suspects.

Babafemi mentioned the area where the raid took place to include Aba Saalaja with 23 hectares, Aba Paanu with 12 hectares, and Aba Arogunmatidi with 16 hectares, all within the Ise-Ekiti forest reserve.

He stated that NDLEA operatives supported by men of the Nigerian Army on Tuesday, 3 September, and Wednesday, 4 September, stormed three camps inside the Ise-Ekiti forest reserve in the Ise/Orun Local Government Area of the state.

He also said two suspects were arrested on Friday, on the Toro-Jos Road, Kaduna, with 305kg cannabis (Indian hemp) concealed in a false compartment of a J5 boxer bus marked YLA 682 XM were also confiscated.

The agency’s spokesman further stated that another suspect was arrested in possession of 18 kilogrammes of the same substance in Makarfi town.

“Two other suspects others: were arrested on the Zaria- Kaduna highway in possession of 1300 tablets of Tramadol, all same day,” he said.

Also, in Jigawa State, a 30-year-old man was nabbed with 32.6kg of cannabis (Indian hemp) on Thursday, 5 September, at Koran Shehu.

Babafemi said that operatives in Kogi State, on Wednesday, intercepted 77,300 pills of Tramadol, Diazepam, and Exol-5 with 1,230 bottles of Codeine in a commercial bus driven by Attai Okolo, 68, along Aloma – Ejule road, Ofu LGA, Kogi State.

“Another was nabbed on the Okene-Lokoja-Abuja Expressway on Tuesday, 3 September, with 42.400kg cannabis (Indian hemp) coming from Lagos en route to Kano.

“NDLEA operatives in Borno arrested a 40-year-old man at Ramat area of Maiduguri on Thursday, Sept. 5 with 13,100 pills of Tramadol.

“Also, operatives in Kano on 4 September, nabbed a man with 25.8kg cannabis and 3,000 pills of Diazepam along Kano – Daura road,” Babafemi said.

APC Women Leader, Alile, Urges Governors To Be Gender Sensitive

Ayodele Oni

September 8, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

The National Women Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mary Idele Alile, has urged governors to be gender sensitive while making appointments.

Alile commended the Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s commitment to promoting women’s empowerment and inclusion in governance.

The women leader, who commended the governor for creating political opportunities for women, noted the significant increase in female participation in governance under his leadership.

A statement on Sunday by Ebenezer Adeniyan, Chief Press Secretary to the governor stated that Alile spoke while addressing journalists after a visit to Governor Aiyedatiwa in Akure at the weekend.

She stated that the Governor has actively involved women in decision-making processes, ensuring they are integral to the state’s alignment with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda.

“Governor Aiyedatiwa has made significant strides in ensuring that women have a voice in governance.

“His administration has seen a marked increase in female participation, creating a political space where women can contribute meaningfully to decision-making processes.

“This is a bold step toward achieving the gender balance we need in Nigerian politics. The leadership of the party is happy with Mr. Governor on this remarkable achievement.”

Alile called on other governors across the country to follow Aiyedatiwa’s example by including more women in their administration.

“It is crucial that more governors across Nigeria follow in his footsteps by including more women in their cabinets.

“Doing so will not only strengthen governance but also empower women to play their rightful roles in building our nation.”

Alile urged women in Ondo State to rally behind Governor Aiyedatiwa ahead of the November 16 gubernatorial election, emphasizing the importance of continuing his efforts to empower women.

Ondo: Gov Aiyedatiwa’s Newly Appointed 344 Aides Are Election Riggers – PDP Campaign Group

Ayodele Oni

September 8, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

The governorship candidate of People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo state, Agboola Ajayi has observed that the last minute appointment of over 300 aides by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has shown his confused state of mind.

Aiyedatiwa is Saturday released names of 344 Senior Special Assistants and Special Assistants less than three months to the governorship election.

Spokesman of PDP’s Ajayi Campaign Group, Ayo Fadaka, in a statement on Sunday, pointed out that appointing such high number of aides without work schedule was criminal.

The statement states “Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa continues to remain a pitiable sight as the helmsman of our State, his acclaimed rudderless and incompetence is consistently impressed on our psyche as he misses no such opportunity to prove it.

“The appointment on Friday of three hundred and forty-four aides is a ridiculous action of a Governor who is at sea over choices to make for the advancement of our State, confused largely over what should extend the frontiers of our development.

“He, but chose to prosecute petty partisanship desires at the expense of good governance, thus again confirming his unsuitability for the Governorship seat he currently occupies, which he consistently uses to retard our quest for economic and societal growth.

“To appoint three hundred and forty-four aides, with no specific governmental responsibilities and defined functions is criminal, particularly when due cognisance is taken of the fact that their renumeration per month is going to cost government about N1.2billion.

“In fact, their number and resources to be expended on them is enough to begin a new Ministry!

“We declare that it is ridiculous and wrong for Lucky Aiyedatiwa to appoint APC Ward Canvasers as Senior Special Assistants and Special Assistants, Ondo State has never been this unlucky!

“We however assure him and his Party that this trick will not work, the people of Ondo State have since rejected him and his Party of hardship, pains and hunger, APC.

“They are merely waiting for Nov 16th to firmly stamp it at the polls, therefore will bear with equanimity and strength everyone of their misdeeds and punish them accordingly at the polls.

“We remain at alert, and advise Aiyedatiwa to abandon his desire to implement the Kogi rigging model here, as it will be firmly resisted, and backfire on him and his accomplices with deep consequences.

“The PDP, and in fact, the people of Ondo State are keenly watching every step they are taking.

“Conclusively, we state that if an assemblage of massive SSAs and SAs didn’t work in the past, it is not going to work now.

“Our only regret however is that Ondo State is currently in the grip of the incompetents who cannot decipher the limits to which officialdom cannot pushed.”

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