The World Bank has announced a 500-million-dollar grant to support Nigerias recovery efforts from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The fund will be utilised through the Nigeria Community Action for Resilience and Economic Stimulus (NG-CARES) programme.

The reports indicated that the programme was launched in 2021 to aid poor and vulnerable households and micro-small enterprises affected by the pandemic.

Dr Lire Ersado, the World Bank Task Team Leader for NG-CARES, revealed these at the end of a two-day Peer Learning and Experience Sharing meeting in Port Harcourt yesterday.

The meeting was organised by the Federal Cares Support Unit, under the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning.

Ersado, represented by Prof. Foluso Okumadewa, an official with NG-CARES, said that the grant would also assist Nigerias broader economic recovery initiatives.

He added that the World Bank will continue to support NG-CARES for the next three years, and this support may extend further with backing from the government.

He reiterated the banks commitment toward institutionalising the programme to ensure its sustainability beyond external funding.

He said the NG-CARES programme aims to promote economic resilience and provide stimulus to communities impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Dr Abdulkareem Obaje, the National Coordinator of NG-CARES, highlighted the programmes successes in offering essential support to vulnerable populations.

He said the programme spent about 750 million dollars to aid those affected by the pandemic.

He explained that the shock response mechanism of the programme has been highly effective, with 625 million dollars already disbursed to states, representing an impressive 88 per cent.

These reimbursements for work completed by various states is a remarkable achievement, considering the programmes scope and timeline.

The national coordinator further stated that an additional 50 million dollars was expected to be disbursed before Dec. 31, with the possibility of extending the programme.

Obaje pointed out that NG-CARES has overachieved its goals by 30 per cent, with 345 million dollars reimbursed to states, resulting in 834 million dollars in verified outcomes.

The programme could reach one billion dollars by the end of the fourth Independent Verification Agent assessments, restructured to support victims of shocks in several states across the country.

Alhaji Abdulateef Shittu, the Director-General of the Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF), emphasised the NGFs mandate to assist states in adopting best practices for developmental programmes like NG-CARES.

He highlighted the forums role in managing peer learning and experience-sharing, ensuring that all states benefit from the programme.

The forum commends the states for their active participation and collaboration in overcoming common challenges to achieve success, Shittu concluded.

The International Press Centre, IPC, has called for the immediate investigation and prosecution of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, officials who stormed Urban Radio Station (94.5FM) in Enugu on the evening of Monday, October 14, 2024.

The demand which came on Tuesday via a statement, was made through its Safety and Protection of Journalists, SPJ, hub.

Signed by the IPC Executive Director, the group described the incident as a despicable assault on the media and a blatant abuse of power.

The recent spate of attacks on journalists suggests that the EFCC and other security agencies have resorted to extra-judicial, jungle tactics to address whatever grievances they may have. Said the statement.

He said, the officials overpowered the staff of the station who they alleged intimidated with arms, forced them to sit on the bare floor, took their phones, and went straight into the live studio of the station and whisked away the anchor of the interactive programme, PRIME TIME, that was going on live at the time of the invasion.

They called on the EFCC Chairman, Olanipekun Olukoye, to launch a thorough investigation into the invasion and to ensure that the officers involved are prosecuted and held accountable for their unprofessional conduct.

The group who stressed that the incident should serve as a warning to other officers, urged the EFCC to provide additional training for its personnel on the constitutional boundaries of their authority.

They also condemned a recent attack on journalists in Bayelsa State, which according to them, occurred during a press briefing organized by the Sagbama Local Government Chapter of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Yenagoa.

In the attack, thugs were reported to have attacked the venue, leaving several journalists injured.

IPC reaffirmed its commitment to advocating for the protection of journalists and holding those responsible for attacks on the press accountable.

By Ezinne Ude…

Imo State Governor Senator Hope Uzodimma has called on the people to go into cultivation of herbal Medicines for improvement of the health system and development of the Country’s GDP.

The Governor made the call when he flagged off, the 15th Edition of HerbFest program, held at Foret Event Center Owerri.

Senator Uzodimma who was represented by the Commissioner for Primary Health, Social Services and Health Insurance Dr Prosper Ohayagha Success, stated that the economic value of herbal medicine cannot be overstated adding that the cultivation and distribution of herbal products has the potential to create jobs, generate revenues and significantly contribute to the growth of GDP.

He said that the theme Herbal Medicine for sustainable development” underscores the critical role the herbal medicine has done in the quest to promote a healthier, more prosperous and sustainable future, emphasising that herbal medicine rooted in ancestral knowledge and practices covers a bunch of natural remedies that can address a lot of health challenges while promoting environmental Sustainability.

“By creating the power of indigenous plants, we can develop a striving herbal industry that benefit both our communities and our economy. To fully realise the potential of herbal medicine, it is imperative that we can invest in research and clinical collaboration among medical practitioners by conducting rigorous studies and sharing knowledge, we can establish evidence based practices that ensure efficacy of herbal remedies.”

He exerted that collaboration between traditional healers and modern health care professionals can bridge the gap between contemporary Medicine leading to effective health care solution.

The Governor used the opportunity to thank Prof Maurice Iwu who is one the pioneers in the field of herbal medicine for his unwavering commitment and tireless efforts in organising HerbFest year after year, adding that his visionary leadership and dedication has inspired countless individuals to explore the potential of herbal remedies.

He equally recognised the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Ministry of Health for their contributions to the promotion of herbal medicines in the state stressing that the support of medical dialogue and the cultivation of medicinal plants has been instrumental in advancing the crux of herbal health care.

Speaking, the Convener of the program, Prof Maurice Iwu thanked the state government for supporting the program advising the people to embrace traditional medicine for the impact it has on health and on their total being.

Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security Chief Cosmas Maduba commended the Managers of Bio Resources group for their ability to sensitise the people about medicinal plants and spices associated with the plants.

Speaking on behalf of Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the Principal Officer, Mr Eze Uchenna Nwabunwanne, in his goodwill message, said that herbal medicine plays pivotal role in ensuring sustainable health care system, adding that this year’s HerbFest underscore the urgent need to protect biodiversity while promoting the responsible use of medical plants.

He maintained that the Ministry supports organisations and groups that promote good health for the citizens, and commended the vision and commitment of HerbFest in bringing together researchers, practitioners and policy makers to discuss and promote the critical issues.

In his goodwill message, representative of Standard Organisation of Nigeria, Engr Olalekan Omoniyi said that his organisation was collaborating with HerbFest for the development of standard products that will ensure the safety and marketability of herbal products.

An Elder Statesman, Nze Ozichukwu Chukwu, as well as the Manager of Bio Resources group, Prof Elijah Sokomba, thanked the government and the people that identified with the group.

The highlights of the program were lectures presented by professionals in the field of herbal.

Former governor of Anambra State and presidential candidate of Labour Party in the 2023 general election, Peter Obi has said nurses and other professionals travelling overseas for greener pastures should not be stopped.

Obi stated this at St Charles Borromeo College of Nursing and Midwifery in Onitsha yesterday.

Obi, who donated money to the institution, noted that education and health are the currencies with which people will transact in the future.

The former Anambra governor, who said Nigeria has over 200 million people, noted that there is no need to restrict people from travelling out of the country for greener pastures.

Rather, he said Nigeria’s leaders should concentrate on training more people as foreign remittances can be a form of revenue for the country

“What we are doing is not charity, we are rather investing in you. We need to invest in knowledge and health because it is the future.

“Investing in you will ensure your greatness. Your profession is lucrative, you are being looked for all over the world.

“I told Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria that they should stop denying anybody from leaving Nigeria for greener pastures.

“We have 200 million people, let us educate them. Let those who want go out to go and let those who want to stay should stay. Diaspora remittance is also a form of revenue generation.

“If you see me going round trying to donate, it is not anything but because we want to make life better for you all. I came here so I can donate to you. My children will not attend that university, and I can sit down and use the money to add more chieftaincy to my name, but that is not be how to develop the future.

“I will be in college of nursing Anyingba tomorrow, they need my assistance to get accreditation and I will be there to support them, so that they can get it”, Obi said.

Mrs Patience Jonathan, wife of former President Goodluck Jonathan, has advised schoolgirls against prostitution and drug abuse.

Jonathan advised in Abuja yesterday, at the National Female Students Conference and launching of the maiden Magazine tagged, The Face of Womens Libbers.

The event was organised by the National Association of Female Students (ANFS) as part of activities to commemorate the 2024 International Day of the Girl Child.

Represented by Mrs Safiya Ogo, Director-General, Women of Change Initiative, the former First Lady noted the involvement of young girls in all kinds of social vices.

She identified some of the ungodly activities as drug abuse, prostitution, girl child trafficking, alcoholism, cultism, cybercrimes, indecent dressing and rituals among others.

Jonathan, adopted as the Grand Matron of ANFS at the event, described the development as worrisome, adding that such absurd actions were taking a toll on young girls, particularly female undergraduate students.

These practices are undoubtedly barriers to the achievement of the goals and aspirations of these girls and women.

We also have had reports of young girls who are victims of yahoo rituals, resulting mostly from the crave for quick wealth.

This craving for quick wealth can be achieved through hard work and selflessness, while maintaining ones dignity as a woman, she said.

Jonathan, therefore, urged the female students to shun prostitution, drug abuse and all manner of vices but instead, be role models with dignity as women, wives and mothers.

She advised the ANFS to embark on a massive campaign to sensitise female students, including the males, to remain focused and law abiding for them to excel in their chosen careers.

You are not only the future mothers and wives of this country, but also future leaders, businesswomen, heads of parastatals and captains of industries.

We live in a competitive world, therefore, in preparation for your future role, you must be well equipped and excel in your various professional callings.

One way to equip our girls ahead of these positions is the girl-child education. This is because education is the key to development, she said.

Also, Dr Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi, Mandate Secretary, Women Affairs Secretariat, Federal Capital Territory Administration, stressed the need to celebrate the potential, resilience, and achievements of girls everywhere.

Benjamins-Laniyi, who was also adopted as the Matron of the association in FCT, described girls education as the cornerstone of societal progress.

According to her, education unlocks opportunities, breaks cycles of poverty, and fosters inclusive growth.

Similarly, Dr Jumai Ahmadu, founder and Executive Director, Helpline for . advised female students to continue to raise their voices for change through positive activism.

Ahmadu, however, stressed the need for the students to be serious with their academics and aspire for greatness.

Earlier, the National President of ANFS, Omoniyi Alice, said that the event was organised to discuss the future of female students across the world.

This, according to Alice, will ensure that female students are given every opportunity to succeed.

We live in a world that is rapidly changing, and it is essential that we adapt our education system to meet these changes.

As the future leaders of our society, it is crucial that our female students are given every opportunity to excel and be able to compete on a level playing field, free from discrimination or unfair barriers.

We must also provide our female students with the resources they need to succeed. These include access to quality education, mentorship programmes, and scholarships.

It is our responsibility as educators and leaders to ensure that our female students have the tools they need to succeed, she added.

Alice equally called on relevant stakeholders to promote a culture of inclusion and respect for women in schools and universities.

This means creating an environment where women feel safe and supported, where they are valued for their contributions and their ideas.

We must also challenge the traditional gender roles that have limited womens opportunities in the past, the president said.

On her part, the founder and pioneer president of the association, Safiya Sarki, said that ANSF was established to give female student a voice.

Sarki explained that the move was in response to the male-dominated National Association of Nigerian Students, where only two seats were reserved for females out of the 15 leadership positions in the association.

The Atum Humanitarian and Charitable Initiative has pleaded with President Bola Tinubu administration to take proactive action to ameliorate the current hardship in the country.

Honourable Ismaila Yusuf Atus, Executive Chairman of the organization, in a statement on Sunday, noted that the rising cost of fuel has further reduced the purchasing-power of the citizens.

He called for urgent governments measures to reduce citizens suffering, acknowledging that existing initiatives were insufficient.

The organization also urged NGOs, business leaders, and wealthy individuals to unite and support communities in need.

The statement reads: The hunger is severe, and the rising fuel prices have only added to the hardships. Many people can no longer afford to feed themselves properly.

I urge those of us with NGOs to unite and support our communities. We also call on the government to take measures to alleviate the suffering in our nation.

While we acknowledge that the government is doing its best and that many initiatives were in place before this administration took over, we still urge them to work towards reducing the hardships faced by citizens.

We appeal to other well-off Nigerians to step forward during this critical time; the people need your support now more than ever. It is essential for the wealthy to share their resources and assist those in need.

Additionally, we call on business leaders and politicians not to hoard their wealth in bank accounts while the populace suffers.

Given the current challenges in the country, the Atum Humanitarian and Charitable Initiative has decided to assist Nigerians who are struggling with poverty by raising N500 million to help two million people.

It was reported reports that the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL, recently increased the price of Premium Motor Spirit(petrol) to N1,030 per litre, further worsening the hardship on Nigerians.

A two-storey building has collapsed on Amusu Street, in the Orile Iganmu area of Lagos State.

The incident happened in the early hours yesterday.

As seen in a video trending online, the building caved in as residents nearby scampered for safety.

The Head, Public Affairs Unit, LASEMA, Mr Nosa Okunbor, who confirmed that there was no casualty in the building collapse,as it was reported.

In a statement, the LASEMA boss said that the building collapsed on its own at about 8.45am.

LASEMA Response Teams in Search and Rescue Operation is at a self-collapsed building on Amusu Street, Baale Bus Stop, Orile Iganmu.

No casualties and updates to follow, he said

Earlier, an official of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency who confirmed the incident anonymously to our reporter said no casualty was recorded.

The official added that the building had been evacuated before the collapse.

I can confirm to you that the incident happened this morning but there were no casualties. An evacuation already took place before the collapse.

The LASEMA source further stated that emergency responders were already at the scene of the incident.

In May, a four-story building collapsed on Lagos Island, trapping an unknown number of people.

The incident occurred at Iga Iduganran, near the Oba of Lagos palace.

In July, family members living in the boys quarters behind a storey building on No 49 Oyinlola Street, Off Adealu Bus Stop, Iyana Ipaja, Lagos State, escaped death by a whisker when the quarters caved in.

The broad-based stakeholders final validation workshop for Nigeria’s draft national blue economy strategy is set to be held in Abuja, the nations capital, from October 14 to 16, 2024.

This was contained in a statement by the African Union Inter-African Bureau for Animal Resources, yesterday.

According to the statement, with funding from the Kingdom of Norway, the workshop brings together important players to verify the plan and promote long-term growth and development in Nigeria by making use of the countrys abundant maritime resources.

It added that among the topics to be discussed would include sustainable energy, governance, blue tourism, fisheries, and shipping.

The statement partly read, Welcome remarks will be provided by Mr Georges Asseko from the African Union on the first day, followed by opening statements by Mr Obinna Anozie and the Hon. Minister in charge of the Blue Economy in Nigeria, Gboyega Oyetola. This session introduces the workshop, its goals, and the significance of the Blue Economy in Nigeria. It sets the stage for the rest of the day.

Proceeding with Dr Patrick Karanis overview of the Africa Blue Economy Strategy, the technical talks will follow. The expert then lays out the next steps for implementing the Blue Economy Strategy that Nigeria has drafted. Participants then divide into smaller groups to focus on certain topics, such as sustainable energy, governance, blue tourism, fisheries, and shipping, following a period of group discussion and photographic opportunities.

Group reviews of the proposed strategys implementation plan will carry over into the second day. Sustainable ecosystems, creative funding, and good governance are just a few of the areas that undergo in-depth evaluation by participants. Participation in the strategy and cross-sectoral collaboration is fostered through open dialogue in which rapporteurs from each group present their results.

As the event draws to a close, the National Blue Economy Strategy, its implementation plan, and the governance coordination mechanism are likely to be presented by the Director or Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy. Last but not least, the workshop will end with a communique adoption, strategy validation, and concluding discussions, all of which will lay the groundwork for the future of Nigerias Blue Economy.

The Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria, TRCN has raised an alarm over the shrinking number of teachers available to impart knowledge within Nigeria and by extension the global community.

A high-level panel on the teaching profession, set up by the United Nations revealed this in its report released in 2024.

This development has also been worsened by teachers leaving Nigeria en mass for greener pastures abroad due to dwindling fortunes in the profession.

Acting Registrar/Chief Executive Officer of TRCN, Dr Stella-Maria Nwokeocha confirmed the crisis yesterday, saying the situation is necessitating the 4th Annual Online Conference of Registered Teachers in Nigeria.

Nwokeocha recalled how the United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, underscored this concern when in 2022 he convened the first-ever United Nations Summit on Education, tagged Transforming Education Summit. Teachers, teaching and the teaching profession which was one of the five tracks [sub-themes] of the Summit.

She said the report confirmed a dramatic shortage of teachers worldwide and the existence of millions of teachers who lack the support, skills and continuing training they need to meet the demands of rapidly changing education systems.

Its recommendations, further, call for urgent action to address serious issues in the teaching profession that pertain to pre-service teacher education and continuous professional development.

At an interactive session with the media, she said Nigeria as the Giant of Africa, even in matters of education, has a huge share of the teacher shortage and need for continuous updating of the professional skills and competencies of teachers along the lines identified by these evolving global concerns and recommendations.

This is why the 4th Annual Online Conference of Registered Teachers in Nigeria scheduled for October is a special response to the emerging global continental and national issues of interest to the teaching profession and education in Nigeria.

She listed the theme for this years conference as, Advancing Teacher Professionalization in Nigeria Towards Education 2030: Challenges, Strategies and Prospects

According to the TRCN boss, the conference is directly linked to international concerns which is expected to deal with strategies for quality teaching and lifelong learning; national and international best practices in continuous professional upskilling of teachers especially with respect to knowledge, skills, attitudes, conduct and orientation of teachers.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has launched an investigation into the disturbing scenes at Al Abraq International Airport in Libya, where the Nigerian Super Eagles were detained.

In an official statement released yesterday, October 14, by CAFs communications department, the organization vowed to take appropriate action against those responsible through its disciplinary board.

The statement reads: The Confederation Africaine de Football (CAF) has been in contact with the Libyan and Nigerian authorities after it had been informed that the Nigerian National Football Team (Super Eagles) and their technical team were stranded in disturbing conditions for several hours at an airport that they were allegedly instructed to land by the Libyan authorities.

The matter has been referred to the CAF Disciplinary Board for investigation and appropriate action will be taken against those who violated the CAF Statutes and Regulations.

It would be recalled that the Super Eagles contingents have now been granted passage to exit Libya after being held for over 14 hours at the Al Abraq International Airport.

The director general of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, has dismissed the claims made by aggrieved workers as the basis for their industrial action, describing them as untrue.

She emphasised that while the management has been attentive to the workers welfare, it is limited by its mandate in matters such as promotions and certain remuneration.

In a statement yesterday by the agency’s Resident Media Consultant, Sayo Akintola, the DG however reiterated her commitment to the workers welfare.

As at the time of filing this report, the workers have not called off the one-week-old industrial action, as their demands remain unmet, though, it was gathered that negotiations to end the strike are ongoing.

The workers are protesting the agency’s failure to promote the significant number of staff who participated in the 2024 promotion interviews.

According to the aggrieved workers, despite many of them meeting or surpassing the required pass mark, NAFDAC management cited a lack of vacancies, leaving more than 500 eligible employees without the promotions they had earned.

They are also protesting NAFDAC managements failure to uphold a 2022 agreement that addressed workers welfare and promotion issues.

However, in the statement, the DG refuted the claims made by the striking workers, stating that they are untrue, highlighting several actions taken to reposition the agency and create a conducive working environment for the staff.

According to Akintola, since the assumption of office in February 2022, the DG has spearheaded significant reforms to enhance the agency’s operational capacity.

According to him, the DG inaugurated 73 new operational vehicles, including 43 Hilux vans, 20 Toyota Camry cars, and 10 buses, in key locations like Abuja, Oshodi, and Apapa.

These additions were aimed at improving regulatory inspections, staff welfare, and operational efficiency.

Additionally, under her leadership, a N3.2 billion debt was cleared within a year of her appointment, demonstrating her commitment to cost-saving and effective management.

Whether it is a matter of promotion or estacode, the agency has been following the rules and is committed to promoting the workers welfare.

We are not in charge of the number of people to promote, we are only responsible for conducting exams.

The office of the Head of Service of the Federation (HOS) is always responsible for allocating available vacancies that the government can pay for.

It is not that there is a vacancy and we are not promoting. It is what the government can pay for that they approve as vacancy every year. It is not different from any other agency.

On the issue of estacode, as raised by the striking workers, the NAFDAC boss said there is nothing wrong with the agency’s estacode policy.

That is just playing to the gallery. Our staff have always been paid their due estacode and so, that is not an issue.

We are not different from any other agency, the estacode will be paid when the evidence of the trip is presented. We have never owed any staff any travel allowance, the DG affirmed.

Akintola noted, however, that there are positive signs on the horizon, suggesting the matter will soon be resolved, saying, The agency, like any other in the country, is not permitted to exceed approval given by the federal government but I can assure you that the matter is being looked into at the highest level of government for a possible resolution without further delay.

The government, the agency, and the unions are not oblivious of the importance of the role being played by NAFDAC in safeguarding the health of the nation.

A common ground would be found in due course, and everyone will go back to their duty posts.

The Directorate of State (DOS) of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) have called on the public to ignore what it described as false claims by the Anambra State Police, saying that they thwarted the kidnapping of foreign nationals by IPOB in Ogbunka Orumba LGA of Anambra State.

The group cited the claim by the Nigerian Police as a fictional story meant to attract readers to think that they are working.

IPOB in a statement by its media and publicity secretary, Emma Powerful on Monday, stressed that the Nigerian police failed to understand that the international community knows that they are unprofessional.

The statement read in part, The unsubstantiated statement credited to the Nigerian Police as published by The Guardian newspapers of October 8, 2024 is a false claim, narrative and a deceptive headline to promote their criminal and unprofessional job actions.

The deceptive headline quoted, The Nigerian Police rescued foreigners from IPOB in Ogbunka Orumba Anambra State. For public records, IPOB has never and will never engage in kidnapping for ransom, talk of kidnapping foreign nationals.

The Nigerian Police claimed in the newspaper that they thwarted kidnapping attempt of foreign nationals by IPOB without providing further and full details about the incident. Instead of providing verifiable evidence of their bogus claims and propaganda, the Nigerian Police using some Nigerian compromised newspapers started promoting their criminal activities.

The Nigerian Police and the compromised Nigerian journalists in the Guardian newspaper used a deceptive headline to attract traffic to promote the fake news from their moronic news. The Nigerian government and her Police working with some compromised media try to demonize IPOB while promoting the Nigerian Security Forces and its agent provocateur. Their plans are dead on arrival.

IPOB stands for the defense and freedom of Biafrans and will not use fake news as the Nigerian Government and its Agents were using to deceive their gullible followers in Nigeria. Only a fool will listen to a man speaking from Nigeria police and their lies, Nigerian police know that IPOB is engaging foreign diplomats for Biafra Liberation. Only a fool will listen to a compromised institution in the world who are just playing an amateur script written by the Nigerian government to destroy the Biafra struggle.

Acting on a poorly written script by the Nigerian Security Agencies to damage the Biafra viability will not work. We cant be involved in violent arm struggle and kidnapping and at the same time be involved in diplomatic engagements to restore Biafra.

The Nigerian police is being used by the Nigerian government to make carricature of the Biafran struggle. IPOB will see the end of the Nigerian government and their criminal activities.

While urging the public to ignore the concocted lies by the Anambra State Police Command that they thwarted the kidnapping attempt of foreign nationals by IPOB, the group insisted, The claim didn’t happen.

It described the claim as part of the fictional series by the Nigerian Police to attract traffic for the unsuspecting public to read the fake news from their criminals masquerading as anti- Biafra agitators.

IPOB added, Nigerian police is just doing the job criminals do to blackmail innocent movement fighting for the liberation of its people. Nigerian government, and their security agencies are relentlessly promoting their fake news to deceive their gullible followers.

IPOB have overcome such infamous activities of Nigeria police. Nigerian Government sponsored agent provocateurs in the past, IPOB will keep matching forward.

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project has urged President Bola Tinubu to direct the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited to immediately reverse the second increase in petrol prices in one month, pending the hearing and determination of the suit before the Federal High Court, Abuja challenging the legality of the powers of the NNPCL to increase petrol prices.

According to a statement yesterday by SERAP Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation had last month filed a lawsuit against the President and NNPCL over the failure to reverse the unlawful increase in the pump price of petrol, and to probe the allegations of corruption and mismanagement in the NNPCL.

The statement read, The latest increase in petrol prices makes a mockery of the case pending before the Federal High Court, and creates a risk that the course of justice will be seriously impeded or prejudiced in this case.

One of the fundamental principles of the rule of law is that it applies to everyone, including presidents and CEOs of public institutions.

It is in the public interest to keep the streams of justice clear and pure, and to maintain the authority and integrity of the court in the case.

SERAP also said allowing the Federal High Court to hear and determine the case would be entirely consistent with the letter and spirit of the Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended], your oath of office and oft-repeated promises to uphold the rule of law.

The letter, read in part, SERAP notes that since assumption of office in May 2023 you have repeatedly promised, including in your inaugural speech, that Nigeria will be impartially governed according to the Constitution and the rule of law.

Increasing petrol prices while the Federal High Court case is pending would prejudice and undermine the ability of the court to do justice in the case, damage public confidence in the court, prejudice the outcome of the case, as well as impede the course of justice.

We would be grateful if the recommended measures are immediately taken following the receipt and/or publication of this letter, failing which SERAP shall consider contempt proceedings and/or other appropriate legal actions to compel your government and NNPCL to comply with our request in the public interest.

SERAP also warned that if not immediately reversed, the latest increase in petrol prices would seriously undermine the integrity of the Nigerian Constitution and have serious consequences for the most vulnerable and disadvantaged Nigerians and the public interest.

Protecting the right to a judicial recourse and due administration of justice is of utmost importance, being the cornerstone of an ordered society.

The only way in which SERAP can have a fair and effective access to justice in this matter is to allow the court to decide, one way or the other, on the merits of the case before it.

Reversing the latest increase in petrol prices would allow the court to render a decision on the central issues in the case, and protect the applicants rights and interests.

The latest increase in petrol prices while the Federal High Court case is pending constitutes an interference with the right of SERAP to fairly and effectively pursue a judicial challenge to the decision by your government and NNPCL regarding the first increase in petrol prices the statement added.

SERAP noted that according to its information, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited recently increased the price of premium motor spirit (PMS), also known as petrol, across its retail outlets, saying that the retail price of petrol was increased from N897 to N1,030 per litre.

This is the second increase in one month, and followed the increase in September from N600 to N855 per litre, and in some instances above N900 per litre.

The two increases followed a scarcity caused by the reported refusal by suppliers to import petroleum products for the NNPCL over a $6 billion debt.

According to the recently published 2020 audited report by the Auditor General of the Federation (AGF), the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) failed to remit over USD$2 billion and N164 billion of oil revenues into the Federation Account. The Auditor-General fears that the money may have been diverted into private pockets.

The NNPCL reportedly failed and/or refused to remit N151,121,999,966. The NNPCL, without any justification, deducted the money from the oil royalties assessed for 2020 by the Department of Petroleum Resources, now Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC).

It added that the NNPCL has failed to account for the missing public funds, pointing out that the Auditor-General wants the money recovered and remitted into the Federation Account.

The NNPCL also failed to remit USD$19,774,488.15 collected as government revenue to the Federation Account. The Auditor-General wants the NNPCL to account for the money, recover and remit it into the Federation Account, and to hand over those suspected to be involved to the ICPC and the EFCC.

The Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NPDC) Ltd also reportedly failed to account for USD$2,021,411,877.47 and N13,313,565,786.49 of royalties collected from crude oil and gas sales and gas flare.

The Auditor-General wants the public funds fully recovered and remitted into the Federation Account and for those suspected to be responsible for the missing public funds to be handed over to the ICPC and the EFCC.

The United States government has charged the founder and Chief Executive Officer, CEO of Air Peace, a Nigerian airline, Allen Onyema with obstruction of justice in a new indictment.

Onyema was accused of submitting false documents to halt an investigation into earlier bank fraud and money laundering charges.

The airlines Chief of Administration and Finance, Ejiroghene Eghagha, is also charged for his role in the obstruction and previous bank fraud schemes.

The US Attorneys Office, Northern District of Georgia in a statement on Friday said on 8 October 2024, they were both charged in a superseding indictment alleging an additional count of obstruction of justice and one count of conspiracy to obstruct justice.

The U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan said the Air Peace CEO allegedly used his airline as a front for fraudulent activities targeting the U.S. banking system.

Buchanan also alleged that when the investigation into the actions intensified, both Onyema and Eghagha reportedly tried to obstruct justice by presenting falsified documents.

After allegedly using his airline company as a cover to commit fraud on the United States banking system, Onyema, along with his co-defendant, allegedly committed additional crimes of fraud in a failed attempt to derail the governments investigation of his conduct,

The diligence of our federal investigative partners revealed the defendants alleged obstruction scheme, making it possible for the defendants to be held accountable for their aggravated conduct of attempting to impede a federal investigation, he said.

Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, DEA, Atlanta Division, Robert J. Murphy, stressed the DEAs commitment to holding individuals accountable for fraud and money laundering.

Internal Revenue Service, IRS, Special Agent Lisa Fontanette added that the superseding indictment reflects the persistent efforts of law enforcement to dismantle criminal threats, especially through task forces like the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF).

The charges stem from Onyemas alleged involvement in a scheme where, between 2010 and 2018, he transferred over $44.9 million from foreign sources into his U.S. bank accounts.

Beginning in May 2016, he and Eghagha reportedly used falsified export letters of credit to transfer more than $20 million into Onyemas U.S. accounts under the guise of purchasing Boeing 737 aircraft for Air Peace.

However, the documents supporting the transactions were allegedly fake and Springfield Aviation, the company involved, was reportedly owned by Onyema and had no real connection to aviation.

In 2019, when Onyema learnt he was under investigation, he and Eghagha allegedly conspired to submit a backdated contract to U.S. authorities to mislead the investigation and unfreeze bank accounts.

Onyema and Eghagha were first indicted in November 2019 on charges including conspiracy to commit bank fraud, multiple counts of bank fraud, credit application fraud, and money laundering.

The recent indictment adds charges of obstruction of justice and conspiracy to obstruct justice. The case remains under investigation, and both defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has demanded the immediate reversal of the latest increase in the cost of petroleum products to N1,030.

In a statement by the NBA President, Mazi Afam Osigwe (SAN) on Saturday, the association expressed concern that such decisions continue to be made without transparent consultation or dialogue with relevant stakeholders, including civil society and the private sector.

He said, We therefore call on the government to immediately take steps to reverse this increase and urgently implement measures that cushion the effect of rising fuel prices.

This should include investment in local refining capacity, public transportation, reduced taxation of the income of low-income earners, repair of public roads, improved security so farmers can farm and evacuate their farm products, transparent fuel pricing mechanisms, and broader economic policies aimed at reducing poverty and providing sustainable solutions to Nigerias energy challenges.

Similarly, the Forum of South-East Academic Doctors (FOSAD) has condemned increase in petrol prices, saying it was worsening the economc hardship in the country.

In a statement signed by its President, Dr Stephen Nwala, the forum demanded a reversal to the former price, maintaining that the sudden and steep hike in the cost of petrol had triggered widespread hardship, pushing many citizens further into poverty and creating additional strain on businesses and households across the country.

The timing of this price increase could not be more detrimental as Nigerians are still grappling with the economic fallout from fuel subsidy removal, rising inflation, and the ongoing challenges posed by unemployment and underemployment.

The decision to raise fuel prices at this critical juncture is not only insensitive but also counterproductive to the governments stated goals of economic recovery and poverty alleviation even when the national minimum wage increase is yet to be implemented by both state and federal government.

FOSAD urges the Federal Government to take immediate steps to reverse the fuel price hike and explore alternative measures to address the economic challenges facing the nation.

It is imperative that the government prioritizes the welfare of its citizens, particularly the most vulnerable, who are disproportionately affected by such policies, he said.

Dangote Refinery plans to commence crude oil production, according to S & P Global Commodity Insights.

This is coming amid the persistent feedstock challenges the Nigerian oil firm is facing.

The crude production is expected to start at its two Niger Delta upstream projects in Oil Mining Leases 71 and 72, starting with about 20,000 barrels per day before ramping up further in the first quarter of 2025.

The company source said production at the companys two Niger Delta upstream projects in Oil Mining Leases 71 and 72 would start at around 20,000 b/d, before ramping up further in the first quarter of 2025, the report said.

The Nigerian Government recently confirmed that it has commenced a Naira-for-crude deal with Dangote Refinery.

In line with the deal, the Nigerian Government, through the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL, will supply crude oil to Dangote Refinery in Naira.

Recall that President Bola Tinubu had directed NNPCL to supply crude in Naira to Dangote Refinery.

The development comes as NNPCL recently increased fuel pump prices to N1030 per liter in Abuja.

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Osun State, Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, has appealed to politicians to guard against utterances that could incite Nigerians into violent protest against the government.

Oyintiloye said that any politician who might be hiding under the current ongoing hardship in the country to incite the masses against the constituted authorities should be regarded as an enemy of the state.

The APC chieftain made the remarks while speaking with journalists yesterday in Osogbo.

Oyintiloye said that what President Bola Tinubu needed at this period is prayers and the support of all Nigerians to enable him stabilise the economy for the benefit of the masses.

He said that the economic challenges the country is passing through required the understanding and collaborative approach towards finding lasting solutions to them and not inciting comment that could lead to public unrest.

Oyintiloye, a former lawmaker, who noted that the president was doing everything humanly possible to turn the economy around, said it would amount to being unpatriotic for anyone, no matter how highly placed to incite the masses into a protest.

He called on the security agencies to be alert and ensure that anyone who is attempting to incite the masses to cause havoc in the country is made to face the law.

There is no doubt that the economy is not in its best shape, but this is just temporary.

The president is working assiduously to ensure that the economy is brought back to shape for Nigerians to enjoy.

While we are waiting for that, I do not think inciting the masses against the government is the best way to go.

I will strongly advise those politicians who are calling people to protest against the government to desist or be ready to face the law, he said.

The attention of the Imo State Ministry of Transport has been drawn to a Federal High Court judgment in Abuja barring the Directorate of Vehicle Inspection Services (VIO) in the FCT from further stopping vehicles on the road, impounding or confiscating vehicles, and imposing fines on traffic violators.

The Ministry has been inundated with calls and inquiries on whether the VIO in Imo State is affected by the judgment and its implication for the operations of the VIO in the State.

It is therefore imperative to state as follows:

1. The judgement in question was delivered in Abuja and therefore lacks jurisdictional effect in Imo State.

2. The motif of the judgment of FHC/ABJ/CS/1695/2023 was the lack of an operational law on which basis the VIO operated in the Federal Capital Territory.

3) The Vehicle Inspection Unit in Imo State operates under the statutory mandate of the Ministry of Transport and the Imo State Transport Administration Law No.14 2011 as a Unit in the Ministry of Transport Imo State.

The law defined what constitutes Traffic Violations and Offences. It also stipulates penalties and fines payable in the case of violations as a deterrent to ensure the safety of our roads and road users.

3. In view of the above, the judgement of the Federal High Court Abuja on VIO operations is not applicable in Imo State and of no effect.

Imolites and indeed all road users in the State are advised to continue to abide by the extant State laws governing Traffic Management in the State to ensure safety on our roads as we strive to improve the experience of road users in our dear State, Imo.

E-Signed:

Hon. Dr. (Sir) Chika Benson Abazu

Commissioner for Transport

Imo State

October 10, 2024.

As Nigeria’s oil sector continues to experience volatility in both production and prices, the government and the citizens have been advised to look elsewhere for the country’s economic future.

Specifically, they have been encouraged to focus more on human capital development, especially those with the requisite skills as an alternative to oil in the economic evolution of Nigeria.

That was the submission of Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State who insisted that in the post oil era, it is only skilled manpower that will come to the rescue and growth of the economy.

Speaking at Ilorin, Kwara State at the maiden Convocation Lecture of OJAJA University, weekend, Uzodimma said the time has come for the nation to invest in human capital development, particularly the growing of skills so as not to be caught unawares in its developmental initiatives.

Senator Uzodimma in his Convocation Lecture titled: THE ROLE OF PRIVATE UNIVERSITIES IN GROWING SKILLED LABOUR FOR A RESILIENT ECONOMY, noted that universities are the change agents to achieve the purpose, and canvassed support for them in terms of investments.

According to him, as “the nation strives for economic resilience in this era of globalisation, the role of education, particularly higher education, becomes crucial.”

He singled out private universities as the potential drivers of the new economic order, saying that they “have emerged as vital contributors to the production of a skilled workforce that can adapt to the evolving demands of the economy.”

The Governor argued that given the structure of the country’s economy, with services contributing half of the GDP, private universities have a unique opportunity and responsibility to lead the growing of skills in Nigeria.

“Private universities which are not usually encumbered by some of the constraints faced by public institutions, have the opportunity to be bold and pragmatic in their approach. They can experiment with new teaching methodology, integrate inter disciplinary studies and create learning experiences that transcend traditional academic boundaries, ” he submitted.

He was confident that the private universities, apart from emerging leaders in the growing of skills for the economy, will become the base upon which the future will be built.

Uzodimma declared: “Looking to the future , I see immense potentials in private universities. I see them producing graduates who are not just employees but innovators and entrepreneurs. I see them contributing to a knowledge economy that can compete on the global stage. I see them playing a major role in making Nigeria a hub for skilled talent in Africa and beyond.”

He said for that envisaged future to emerge from the private universities, it required strategic planning and unwavering commitment from diverse stakeholders, including the government.

Governor Uzodimma canvassed collaboration among the stakeholders for the support of private universities to enable them to play the intercessory role in the growing of skills and enhanced economy.

He added: “The future of our great nation lies not in the oil beneath our soil but in the potent skills and knowledge up our skills. Private universities have a pivotal role to play in incubating these potentials.”

Turning to the graduates of OJAJA University, he described them as pacesetters who have the potential of emerging presidents, governors, and Senators in the future. He congratulated them for their academic accomplishments.

He also commended the Visitor, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi Adeyeye, Ojaja II whom he described as a nationalist and foremost traditional ruler, whose contributions to the education sector and the economy in general remain unprecedented.

The Poultry Association of Nigeria has warned that if urgent steps are not taken to support poultry farmers, prices of eggs may increase from the current N5,500 to N10,000 per crate.

The association attributed the rising cost of the protein to the high cost of transportation as a result of fuel subsidy removal as well as indiscriminate increase in prices of feed by the millers.

The Secretary of PAN, FCT Chapter Musa Hakeem said this at a press briefing to commemorate World Egg Day on Saturday in Abuja.

Hakeem said the Federal Government must as a matter of urgency declare a State of emergency on Egg production in the country, given the serious decline in protein intake, saying Nigerians can not afford to depend on the importation of eggs.

He pointed out, If we should go by the proportional increase in the prices of these factors mentioned earlier, we will be buying eggs at N10,000 per create, but because we wanted to be compassionate, coupled with the important of eggs for health, we left the price at the current price of N5,500.

Hakeem warned that the prices of the protein may change soon to N6000 going by the increasing prices of poultry feed.

He said, To the best of my knowledge, the last time we received any grains intervention from the government was three years ago saying other respite by the government to cushion the high prices of food are only read on the pages of the newspaper.

He called on the government to ensure that they carry PAN along in their intervention activities as they have the data of all the poultry farmers in the FCT.

He lamented that the government is not paying the required attention to the poultry subsector as it has been neglected over time, saying business owners have been operating in their own volition and hoped that the industry does not crash.

The Chief Executive Officer of Pest Agro Dealers, Jude Arikogu, lamented the indiscriminate increase in prices of feed by millers and also the low measurement of the feeds saying, a 25kg bag of feed is hardly up to 23kg when put on our scale.

Arikogu also lamented that poultry farmers are unable to raise finance from the banks as banks are not willing to finance them.

The Ex officio officer of the association at the national level, Ibrahim Lamidi, said the business environment is not favourable to them as they are only trying to ensure Nigerians have eggs on the table.

He encouraged Nigeria to always eat eggs in place of meat, saying eggs are more proteinous and cheaper.