Aliko Dangote Announces Increased Investment In Sugar Sub-Sector

November 22, 2022

President of the Dangote Group, Alhaji, Aliko Dangote, has announced that the Dangote Sugar Refinery (DSR) is significantly increasing investment in the sugar sub-sector in line with the requirement of the Nigeria Sugar Master plan (NSMP).

Speaking at the Flag off Ceremony of the 2022/2023 Crushing Season and Outgrower Scheme Awards in Numan, Adamawa State, Aliko Dangote said that the company is making massive investments in Adamawa State through the expansion of DSR Numan sugar refining capacity from 3,000 tons of cane per day (tcd) to 6,000 tcd, 9,800 tcd and to 15,000 tcd.

He said that increasing the sugar refining capacity will require a corresponding increase in sugarcane production capacity, adding that the company has concluded plans to increase its sugar plantation from the current land area under cane production of about 8,700 hectares in 2022 to about 24,200 hectares within the next 7 years.

He assured that the company will double its scholarship and empowerment schemes in its host communities.

“We will continue to introduce more initiatives to support our host communities. Through these initiatives and our numerous Corporate Social Responsibility activities which are numerous to mention, DSR Numan will be able to touch the lives of the people, bringing social, economic, and infrastructural development to our host communities.

“We are thus committing over $700 million to our investment in the Backward Integration Programme (BIP) to enable us to put in place needed infrastructure for the eventual commencement of full-scale production.”

Aliko Dangote also assured that the Sugar will change the trajectory by making Nigeria self-sufficient in the sector, adding that already, the company has spent billions of naira in developing infrastructural facilities for host communities.

Speaking at the event, the Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, Otunba Adeniyi Adebayo described the Dangote Refinery as the biggest contributor to the sugar development stride of the Federal Government.

The Minister commended Aliko Dangote and the Management staff of Dangote Sugar for their massive support through the company’s corporate social responsibility scheme which he said should be highly commended.

He said that Agencies under his ministry will partner with the company to provide the technical know-how that will support the Dangote empowerment schemes in the host communities.

The Governor of Adamawa State, Umaru Fintiri who was represented by his Deputy, Crowther Seth said that he was amazed by the social-economic transformation carried out by the Dangote Group.

He assured the company of the support of the state government and enjoined other corporate bodies to emulate Dangote’s spirit of job creation across the country.

Speaking on behalf of the traditional rulers, Hama Bachama, Dr.. Daniel Shaga Ismail described Dangote as God-sent and pledged that his people would continue to support the company.

Brain Drain Not New To Nigeria – Vice President Osinbajo In Canada

Editorial staff

November 22, 2022

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has said that the current brain drain, especial in medical field, will always be there even in the best of time.

Osinbajo, who spoke to some Nigerians in Ottawa, capital of Canada acknowledged that there’s concern around brain drain but that the reality is that, there will always be that issue “and huge countries like ours will always have it.”
He said that there are other countries with similar experiences, “which is why you have a huge Indian diaspora, huge Chinese diaspora.

“What is important is that we train our people well so that wherever they go, they are able to get good paying jobs, so that they don’t get jobs well below their dignity wherever they find themselves.
“That synergy is bound to happen; a lot of collaboration going on in the tech space, in medicine and science, that is always going to happen.
“We already have a reservoir of talent and experience in the diaspora everywhere and the more training we are able to do, the more collaboration we are able to have and the better for us all.”
this was even as the Nigerian High Commissioner, Ambassador Adeyinka Asekun said that Nigerians living in Canada will soon be able to apply for 10-year passport leaflets, being the 3rd country to roll out the process after the United Kingdom and the United States of America.

Ebonyi Governor, Umahi, Joins Gov Wike’s G5; Solicits Support For Tinubu

Editorial staff

November 22, 2022

The Governor of Ebonyi State, David Umahi, a top member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has joined the G-5 that is made up of governors under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Governor Umahi, who visited the Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike today, November 22 at his residence in Port Harcourt after commissioning a road project on the invitation of Governor Wike, acknowledged that the fight by members of G-5 is a just one.

The Ebonyi State Governor announced that he has joined the G-5, which consists of the Rivers State Governor, Oyo State Governor, Benue State Governor, Abia State Governor and Enugu State Governor.

“Your fight is not personal, you are fighting to put this country together … I want to assure you that I have your back, I have your front, I’m with you, we are united in this.

“You know those governors you removed or wanted to remove before you soft-pedalled. We had formed G-4, that is governor Wike, myself, Cross-River and Zamfara. There is another G-4 and G-5 is hereby expanded to G-6. I am now a member of G-6.”

Governor Umahi said that many other Governors are interested in the integrity group of the aggrieved PDP governors, even as he used the opportunity f his visit to Governor Wike to solicit support for Bola Tinubu in the forthcoming election.

Buhari, In Bauchi, Flags-Off Kolmani Integrated Development Project For Oil Refining, Others

Editorial staff

November 22, 2022

“The successful discovery of the Kolmani Oil and Gas field by NNPC and her partners has finally broken the jinx by the confirmation of huge commercial deposits of hydrocarbons in Kolmani River field.

“This discovery had emanated from our charge to the NNPC to re-strategize and expand its oil and gas exploration footprints to the frontier basins of Anambra, Dahomey, Sokoto, Benue trough, Chad and Bida Basins. Similar activities across the other basins are currently actively on-going.

“We are pleased with the current discovery of over 1 billion barrels of oil reserves and 500 billion Cubic Feet of Gas within the Kolmani area and the huge potentials for more deposits as we intensify exploration efforts.”

These were the words of President Muhammadu Buhari today, November 22, in Bauchi when he Flagged-off the Kolmani Integrated Development Project, a fully integrated in-situ development project comprising upstream production, oil refining, power generation and fertilizer.

The President said: “it is to the credit of this administration that at a time when there is near zero appetite for investment in fossil energy, coupled with the location challenges, we are able to attract investment of over USD 3 billion to this project.”

Buhari commended Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and its partners for the successful discovery of Oil and Gas in the Kolmani River Field.

He said that the huge investment the project had attracted “will surely be a reference subject for discussion in the industry as we pursue the just energy transition programme that will culminate in our country achieving Net- Zero position by the year 2060.”

Buhari stressed the huge benefits the project would bring to the country, which he said, would include “but not limited to Energy Security, Financial Security as well as overall socio- economic development of the country.”

The President said that his administration’s charge to NNPCL to explore other Oil and Gas fields beyond the Niger Delta Basins has finally yielded commendable results.

“This is indeed significant considering that, efforts to find commercial oil and gas outside the established Niger Delta Basin was attempted for many years without the desired outcomes.

The President described the project as “another vital pillar in the Country’s economic architecture,” even as he advised NNPCL and partners to work with all stakeholders for a smooth execution of the project.

“I have engaged the Governors of Bauchi and Gombe States, and both have given me assurances of their unwavering commitment and willingness to ensure support and cooperation in these localities as this activity affects the local populations.

“I urge the NNPC Ltd, NNDC, and their Strategic partners to ensure all lessons learnt from our years of experience as an oil-producing nation are utilized to ensure harmonious relationship with the local communities.”

In his remarks, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, recalled his relationship with the project, expressing his delight to be associated with the project as Minister having worked with a former Minister of Petroleum Resources when NNDC won the oil prospect lease being flagged off.

Also speaking at the event, the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPCL, Mele Kolo Kyari, said that the search for oil and gas in the frontier basins of Chad, Sokoto, Anambra Platform, Calabar Embarkment, Benue Trough, Dahomey, Bida and the Ultra Deepwater Niger Delta had spanned decades without significant outcomes.

“However, the singular determination of Mr. President to ensure optimum exploration and exploitation of our natural resources and Your Excellency’s consequential directives for NNPC Limited to strategize and utilize available human, technological and other material resources to prosecute exploration activities in all Frontier Basins resulted in the discovery of commercial oil and gas deposits in the Kolmani Prospect in April 2019.”

There were also goodwill messages from the Governors of Bauchi and Gombe States, Bala Mohammed and Mohammed Inuwa Yahaya respectively, Chairman Northern Governors’ Forum and Governor of Plateau State, Simon Lalong, Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, as well as the APC Presidential Flag bearer, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

NCC Warns Users Not To Download Unknown Advanced IP Scanner On Telegram Account

Editorial staff

November 22, 2022

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) Computer Security Incident Response Team (CSIRT) has cautioned users to adopt two-factor authentication to protect their Telegram accounts and to not download unknown Advanced IP Scanner Software.

This came as a result of the discovery by the body, of a new attack that compromises victims’ VPN (Virtual Private Network) accounts to compromise messaging app, Telegram.

A statement today, November 22 by the Director of public affairs in the NCC, Reuben Muoka, said that Ukrainian cyber experts discovered the attack, which uses Vidar Malware (Vidar Stealer) to steal Telegram session data, which in the absence of configured two-factor authentication and a passcode, allows unauthorized access to the victim’s telegram account and corporate account or network.

He said that the malware, which exploits unauthorized access to users’ Telegram accounts and corporate accounts to steal data, targets platforms across iOS, Android, Linux, Mac and Windows Operating Systems.

“The Ukrainian CERT alleged that a Somnia Ransomware was created to be used on Telegram that tricks users to download an installer that mimics ‘Advanced IP Scanner’ software, which contains Vidar Malware. The installer infects the system with the Vidar stealer, which steals the victim’s Telegram session data to take control of their account.

“The threat actors abuse the victim’s Telegram account in some unspecified manner to steal VPN connection data (authentication and certificates). If the VPN account is not protected by two-factor authentication passcode, the hackers use it to gain unauthorized access to the victim’s employer’s corporate network”, the alert and advisory states.

“Once inside, the intruders conduct reconnaissance work using tools like Netscan, Rclone, Anydesk, and Ngrok, to perform various surveillance and remote access activities, and then deploy a Cobalt Strike beacon, exfiltrating data using the Rclone program.”

The Director said that the NCC’s CSIRT is the telecom sector’s cyber security incidence centre, set up by the NCC to focus on incidents in the telecom sector and as they may affect telecom consumers and citizens at large.

“The CSIRT also works collaboratively with ngCERT, established by the Federal Government to reduce the volume of future computer risk incidents by preparing, protecting, and securing Nigerian cyberspace to forestall attacks, and problems or related events.”

Nollywood Actress, Nkechi Blessing Visits Ooni, Begs Him To Marry Her As 7th Wife

Greenbarge Reporters

November 22, 2022

Nollywood Actress, Nkechi Blessing Sunday, visited the Ooni of Ile-fe, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwunsi, Ojaja II in his palace yesterday, November 21 virtually to beg the monarch to marry her as his seventh wife.

Last month, October, the actress had made her intention public that she would like to be the paramount traditional ruler’s next wife.

She said: “Ooni of ife Sir, I am patiently waiting for my turn. thank you in advance sir.”

Recall that the monarch had married six women within the last two months.

The actress took to her Instagram handle, to share a picture of her and the monarch with the caption: “ever met a jovial king?

“Well this picture says it all. I have never laughed this hard in a long time. Thank you so much for the warm reception his Imperial Majesty Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi Ojaja II. God bless your existence.”

The 33-year-old Nkechi Blessing, made this known on her Instagram page where she posted a photo image of her kneeling before the monarch.

World Cup In Qatar: Saudi Arabia Shocks Argentina With 2-1 In Group C

Greenbarge Reporters

November 22, 2022

Saudi Arabia produced one of the stunning upsets in World Cup history today, November 22, by beating Argentina 2-1 in their Group C encounter at world cup competition taking place in Qatar.

At the Lusail Iconic Stadium today, Lionel Messi opened the scoring for Argentina from the penalty spot after 10 minutes play following a controversial VAR decision.
Saleh Al-Shehri levelled for Saudi Arabia just three minutes after the break.
The goal encouraged the Saudis to pour forward and they netted winning goal through Salem Al-Dawsari in the 53rd minute.
Al-Dawsari plucked the ball out from the sky and turned inside two Argentina defenders before curling his finish beyond the reach of Aston Villa defender Emiliano Martinez.
The result ended Argentina’s 36-game unbeaten run.
Source: Promptnews online.

I’ll Make Soludo My Special Consultant For Solutions To Nigeria’s Challenges – Peter Obi

Editorial staff

November 21, 2022

Presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi, has said that if he is elected President next year, he will make consultations with the governor of Anambra, Chukwuma Soludo, for solutions to Nigeria’s challenges.

At a meeting today, November 21 with the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), held at Protea Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos state, Peter Obi admitted that Soludo has the solution, “so, I need to consult him to help me.”

Exodus Of Doctors, Nurses, Others Hit UCH Ibadan

Editorial staff

November 21, 2022

Nigeria’s foremost tertiary health institution, the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan is witnessing an exodus of doctors, nurses and other health workers from the Hospital.

The Chief Medical Director (CMD) of UCH, Professor Abiodun Otegbayo, who confirmed this today, November 21, said that at least 15 Nurses, Doctors and Pharmacists, among others are leaving the Hospital on a weekly basis.

“Every week, I sign resignation letters of 15 health workers at the institution, who are mostly clinicians, that is, Nurses, Doctors and Pharmacists, among others.”

The CMD called for removal of bottlenecks in to enable the management replace workforce due to mass exodus of health workers.

Professor Otegbayo, at a news conference marking the 65th Founder’s Day celebration of UCH, said that from 2020 to October 15, 2022, no fewer than 600 clinical staff had left the hospital, and that bureaucracy bottlenecks had been hindering their replacement.

He said that there is an acute shortage of manpower due to push and pull factors, such as poor welfare of workers and insecurity, among others.

Professor Otegbayo said that UCH has been committed to effective healthcare delivery in Nigeria and West African Sub-region.

The chief medical director said the institution would continue in its strides as infrastructure and facilities were being overhauled in addition to human capital development.

He commended the staff members of the institution for their dedication and commitment to uplifting the institution by giving in their best and according respect to the patients.

Professor Otegbayo said the institution had acquired two sets of Auto Clave, 64-Slice CT machines and two Mammography machines to improve clinical services.

“Just as the physical infrastructure is being developed, so also is the administration bringing in state-of-the-art equipment to enhance service delivery. We have not rested on our oars as we keep acquiring new equipment.

“It is our style to keep on acquiring equipment that position the hospital at the forefront of demands for best clinical practices.

“Perhaps one of our most significant achievements in the last 65 years of our existence has been a truly indigenous elaboration and facelift of the University College Hospital. However, like I said, we keep improving, between the times we produced the scorecards and now, we have continued with our projects, acquired new equipment, got more help and upgraded our services.

“In the area of physical infrastructure, we have made the following milestones: Completion of the Molecular Laboratory, completion of the rehabilitation of the burnt Tailoring and Laundry building.

“Completion of renovation works on the Radiology Block VI, painting of the exterior of the Mortuary Block and continuation of the interior of the Mortuary Block.”

Professor Otegbayo said that the institution yearly attended to documented 14,000 out-patients and 10,000 in-patients and it’s committed to quality service delivery and leverage on technology.

Source: NAN.

Over 40 Buried Alive In Deadly Indonesian Earthquake

Editorial staff

November 21, 2022

A deadly 5.6 magnitude earthquake, rocked the Island of Java, Indonesia today, November 21, burying alive over 40 people and many others injured.

According to the United States Geological Survey, the quake centered in the Cianjur region of West Java but felt as far away as the Indonesian capital, Jakarta, leaving thousands of buildings destroyed by the landslide.

A spokesman for the local administration in Cianjur town, Adam confirmed that dozens of people have been killed in the tragic incident.

He said: “There have been dozens of people killed. So far, 44 people have died”

A government official from Cianjur, Herman Suherman, told newsmen that about 20 people were killed and 300 more injured.

He added that most of the victims had fractures from being trapped by the ruins of buildings and there are families in the village that have not been evacuated.

He said: “The information I got for now, in this hospital alone, nearly 20 died and at least 300 people are being treated.

“Most of them had fractures from being trapped by the ruins of buildings.

“We are currently handling people who are in an emergency state in this hospital. The ambulances keep on coming from the villages to the hospital.

“There are many families in villages that have not been evacuated.”

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