The Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) has described Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s discharge and acquittal by Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal as a progress towards Biafra actualization and restoration.
A statement today, October 13 by the Leader of MASSOB, Uchenna Madu, described the Appellate Court’s verdict as “a triumph of light over darkness.”
“His release has opened a new dimension to the Biafra struggle which must continue to be anchored on non-violence, mutual understanding and unity of purpose.
“As Nnamdi Kanu is being discharged from DSS detention, MASSOB will continue with other progressive groups and individuals to press further for the release of other pro-Biafra detainees across Nigeria prisons.
“Though the people of Biafra are celebrating all over the world, our most desired joy is the independence of Biafra sovereignty from the Nigerian State.”
The MASSOB leader warned the DSS to quickly obey the order of the Appellate Court.
This was even as the Ohanaeze Ndigbo has also urged the Federal Government to not hesitate in releasing Kanu in obedience to the order of the court.
A Nigerian tech start-up, ShapShap, has won the award for ‘Mobility and Smart Cities Innovator’ in the final of the Supernova Challenge Pitch Competition at the ongoing ‘Gulf Information Technology Exhibition, GITEX 2022. Shapshap beat Datoms of India in the category and received 8,000 US dollars cash prize. This was even as Melanin Capital of Kenya beat Floews of Nigeria for Africa Fast Category. ShapShap a logistic startup provides the best on-demand delivery service for online ordering and same-day delivery of food, groceries, medicines, and packages with its mobile application. Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Professor Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, speaking after the award ceremony, said that digital entrepreneurship will be the future of ICT. “It is quite encouraging that out of over 800 entries, nine Nigerian Startups emerged semi-finalists, leading to two finalists before ShapShap won the smart city and mobility Category of the awards. “We are delighted that our startup innovation are not only amazing but goes through a lot of critical thinking not superficial approach. That is why with this latest award we hope to continue to improve in our digital startup ranking globally.” This year’s Supernova competition has 13 categories. The winners of different categories are Biosolvit of Brasil for Overall Industry Pioneer; Playbook of Bahrain for Female Founder Award; Carbon Limit of USA for Sustainability & ESG; Allink of South Korea for Fintech Innovator and WAM of Romania for Blockchain Frontier Leader Category. Other winners include Edverse of India for X-Verse Builder; Copymonkey of Latvia for Martech Innovator; Popmii of France for Creative Economy; Earable of Vietnam for AI InnovatorGalactech of Oman for Top MENA Startup Award and Wewer of India for Youth Entrepreneur Award. The GITEX event is currently taking place at the Dubai World Trade Centre, United Arab Emirates, UAE. GITEX is the annual enterprise technology and global digital transformation event taking place at Dubai World Trade Centre. The event underpins the rapid technology-driven transformations, investments and projects shaping the economies of the Middle East, Africa and Asia. Source: PRNigeria.
President Muhammmadu Buhari has warned that unpaid debts by many Member-States are threatening the existence of the Gulf of Guinea Commission (GGC).
At a virtual meeting of the Heads of State and Government of Member States of the Commission, convened today, October 13 to review progress on efforts to deal with the maritime challenges in the region, Buhari appealed to Member-Statesto remit their outstanding Annual Assessed Contributions to the Secretariat,
According to him, continued non-payment by the majority has greatly affected the ability of the Commission to fulfil the mandate for which it was established in 2001.
He emphasized that the inability of member-states to pay their assessment is threatening the continued existence of the Commission.
He also called for urgent collective action against the dangers and threats affecting maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea Region.
President Buhari told the Summit that Nigeria considers the effective functioning of the GGC as strategic to the collective security interest in the Gulf region, particularly in addressing issues such as piracy, proliferation of Small Arms and Light Weapons, protection of marine resources as well as irregular migration to the region.
“As a demonstration of our firm commitment towards the repositioning of the GGC into a more vibrant Organization that will effectively deliver on its mandate, Nigeria hosted the 4th Ordinary Summit of the Assembly of Heads of States and Government of the Gulf of Guinea Commission (GGC) from 21st – 23rd November, 2017 in Abuja.
“In addition, Nigeria hosted the 11th Ordinary session of the Council of Ministers of the Gulf of Guinea in Abuja from 19th to 20th November, 2019 as part of our efforts to revitalize the activities of the Commission.
“These sessions observed, inter alia, that non-payment of Assessed Contribution by majority of the GGC Member-States to support the Commission’s operational budget has seriously affected the effective delivery of the organization’s mandate.
“Meanwhile, Nigeria has championed several efforts towards fighting maritime insecurity in the Gulf of Guinea,’’ the President said, highlighting that in June, 2019, Nigeria’s National Assembly passed the Suppression of Piracy and Other Maritime Offences Act, 2019, (POMO Act) which aims to prevent and suppress Piracy, Armed Robbery and any other unlawful acts against a ship.
“Furthermore, the President pledged that Nigeria would continue to deploy significant resources towards tackling piracy in the Gulf of Guinea.
“Through the Deep Blue Project in June 2021, the Government of Nigeria unveiled $195m worth of boats, vehicles and aircraft to spearhead the country’s fight against piracy in the Gulf of Guinea.
“The operational mechanisms in the Gulf of Guinea Region as you know are similar to those in some other regional organisations.
“For instance ECOWAS and ECCAS have adopted protocols on the security of their Maritime domains and also set up Regional Centers for Maritime Security respectfully.
“It is therefore imperative that the GGC adopts a collaborative strategy to engage partners and donors in creating awareness on the objectives of the organization, with a view to synergizing for more effective results towards fighting maritime insecurity in the GGC region.
“As Your Excellencies are aware, another challenge which confronted the organization in its fight against maritime insecurity in the region is the COVID – 19 Global Pandemic and its attendant negative impact on the activities of the Gulf of Guinea Commission, in 2020 and early 2021.
“What we need now is to work more than ever towards the revitalization of the organization by holding regular meetings and Summits of the Commission.”
The President used the occasion to express his profound gratitude to fellow Heads of State for the support from all Member States during his tenure as Chair of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the GGC.
“This Summit marks the end of my chairmanship and will also be my last Summit in the Gulf of Guinea as Head of State. As we decide on the next Chairmanship, I am confident that I am bequeathing a revitalized Commission.
“I therefore urge you to extend the same support and solidarity I enjoyed during my tenure to my successor to ensure continuity in our efforts and commitment to address the challenges of our organization.”
The Nigerian leader congratulated Ambassador Florentina Ukonga, the Executive Secretary of the GGC, and her team for their hard work and commitment not only towards the organisation of this Summit, but in running the organization effectively.
Acknowledging the great work done by the outgoing Executive Committee led by Ambassador Ukonga in spite of the paucity of funds the Committee has been grappling with, the Nigerian leader expressed hope that the virtual Summit would yield fruitful results that would move the organisation forward.
President Nana Akuffo-Ado of Ghana emerged the new President at the end of the Summit.
The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) has confirmed that the Dangote Petroleum Refinery, upon which the hope of the nation rests for fuel sufficiency is now 97 per cent completed.
The Agency assured that the refinery, with 650,000 barrels per-day installed capacity, will double the total output of Nigeria’s existing ailing refining infrastructure and meet 100 per cent of the Nigerian requirement of all refined products.
The NMDPRA made this known today, October 13 in Abuja when representatives of the Dangote Petroleum Refinery visited to present the work plan for the facility for 2022/2023, as the regulatory agency for the sector.
It noted that thresuccessful completion of Africa’s biggest petroleum refinery and the world’s largest single-train facility will have a significant impact on Nigeria’s foreign exchange through import substitution and substantial savings in earnings.
“It is expected, that once the refinery commences production, the pressure on the nation’s currency will reduce and significant inflow of forex, is expected to come in through sales from the refinery.
The Agency said that when completed, Dangote refinery will return Nigeria to import zero petroleum oil products – down from approximately $50 billion current oil product imports per year.
“Today, representatives of the Dangote Refinery and Petrochemicals presented their 2022/2023 work plan to the Authority which showed that the refinery project is estimated to be at 97 per cent completion.
“Dangote Oil Refinery is a 650,000 barrels per day integrated refinery project under construction in the Lekki Free Trade Zone, Lagos. It is expected to be Africa’s biggest oil refinery and the world’s biggest single-train facility,” the NMDPRA said during the visit.
NMDPRA’s Chief Executive, Farouk Ahmed, reiterated the importance of the Dangote petroleum Refinery to the country while assuring that the Authority will give all necessary support to ensure timely completion and kick-start operations.
Speaking on the refinery project, Group Executive Director, Strategy, Portfolio Development & Capital Projects, Dangote Industries Limited, Devakumar Edwin said that the refinery would stimulate economic development in Nigeria, adding that it can meet 100 per cent of the Nigerian requirement of all liquid products (Gasoline, Diesel, Kerosene and Aviation jet), and also have surplus of each of these products for export.
“The high volume of petrol output from the refinery would transform Nigeria from a petrol import-dependent country to an exporter of refined petroleum products,” he stated, adding that the refinery would produce Euro-V quality gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, kerosene and poly-propylene for local consumption and also have surplus of each of the products for export.
On employment generation, he disclosed that over 30,000 people are currently working at petroleum Refinery project sites through various contractors noting that when operational, the refinery will generate over 100,000 direct and indirect jobs for the youths.
On local content development, Edwin said the company had trained over 600 artisans selected from the host communities in the areas of masonry, AC electricians, plumbing, welding, iron bending and auto mechanics.
The refinery design, according to the company, conforms to World Bank, United States (US), United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the European Union (EU), and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) standards.
The refinery has its own dedicated steam and power generation system with adequate standby units of reliable/uninterrupted utility supply to operating plants.435 Power plant in refinery.
“It also has self-sufficient marine facility with the ability for freight optimisation; the largest single order of 5 SPMs anywhere in the world; Crude SPM for unloading ships up to ULCCs; 3 product SPM for product exports up to Suez Max vessels and 2 X 48” subsea crude pipelines with interconnection.
“Dangote industries has developed a port and constructed quays with a loading bearing capacity of 25 tonnes/sq meters to bring Over Dimensional Cargoes close to the site directly to handle liquid cargoes. The jetty is situated at a distance of 12.3 km from the refinery thereby effectively reducing the travel time.
“Dangote Petroleum Refinery maintains high standards for all its business practices, valuing health, safety, environment and rights for its employees, compliances with all applicable local and international laws, and being a committed partner to communities, governments and the environment,” Edwin added.
One of the Nigeria’s political parties listed to contest the 2023 elections, African Democratic Congress (ADC), has expelled its presidential candidate, Dumebi Kachikwu and his running mate, Ahmed Rufai.
Also expelled from the party are the Board of Trustees’ Chairman, Senator Patricia Akwashiki, National Vice Chairman, North-East, other State Chairmen and party executives.
Their expulsion was ratified at a Special National Convention of the party, held at the Ahmadu Bello University Conference Hotel in Zaria, Kaduna State.
Ralph Nwosu, who was returned as National Chairman of the ADC said that Kachikwu was expelled because he had not developed his manifesto since he was elected as a presidential candidate.
“The only thing he (Kachikwu) has done is to work against the interest of the party with the aim to sell the ticket to one of the ‘big’ political parties with impunity.”
Earlier, the Chairman of the Special National Convention and Director-General of the Campaign Global of the African Democratic Congress, Abdul-Azeez Suleiman, said: “it is my pleasure to welcome you all to this round of periodic National Convention of the African Democratic Congress following the lapse of the statutory tenure of national executives of the party.
“We call this convention special because it marks the flagged-off of a genuine movement for the people to reclaim their natural and legitimate right to reshape the destiny of the Nigerian society.
“We will reach the mountaintop together. Here, I think it is pertinent to underline the fact that the formal purpose of today’s convention is to dissolve the National Working Committee and confirm a new one, adopt the party’s amended constitution, as well as to adopt a statement of discipline to some party members and ratify party principles and goals and adopt the rules for the party’s activities, including the process for the next election cycle.”
China has concluded arrangement to establish a demonstration farm in the Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.
The Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Cui Jianchun, who made this known when he led a delegation of the International Headquarters of the China Civil Engineering and Construction Corporation (CCECC) on a visit to the FCT Minister, Malam Muhammad Musa Bello, said that the demonstration farm would be part of China’s collaboration with Nigeria towards ensuring food security in the country.
According to the Ambassador, China is already developing a new strategy of cooperation between the two countries with more focus on Communication, Security and International co-operations.
He said that the new strategy is aimed at building harmonious societies through more economic collaborations for mutual development of individual economies.
The Ambassador thanked the Minister for the warm reception accorded to his delegation and also expressed his appreciation to the FCTA for providing an enabling environment for CCECC to work in the FCT.
He gave assurance that China is desirous to carry out more projects in the Federal Capital Territory.
Responding, the minister highlighted potential areas of investment that China should look into towards adding value to the nation’s capital and ensure adequate returns for investors.
He said that such areas include road, rail and power infrastructure as well as agriculture and municipal waste management.
Musa Bello also advised that the company should consider focusing more on long term investment in the FCT rather than on its current business strategy of serving as contractors.
The Minister expressed the appreciation of the FCT Administration to the CCECC for its Corporate Social Responsibility activities, including the construction of about three kilometers of barrier along the Kubwa Expressway at Dei-Dei to encourage pedestrians to use the pedestrian bridges.
He also thanked the Chinese Government for the establishment of the China Assisted Primary School in Nyanya and commended the cordial relationship that exists between China and Nigeria.
Chairman of CCECC, Liu Weimin commended the Minister for the great work he has done in changing the face of the FCT for the better and implored for the CCECC to be a part of the Abuja success story of becoming a world class city.
Director of Strategic Communication, All Progressives Congress (APC) Tinubu-Shettima Presidential Campaign Council (PCC), Dr. Danladi Bako has disassociated himself from Peter Obi’s Labour Party Presidential Campaign Council.
In a statement today, October 13, in Abuja, Danladi Bako said that he remained a loyal and committed APC member, registered in his native ward: Sarkin Zamfara “A” Sokoto South Local Government of Sokoto State.
“My attention has been drawn to a list circulating, containing names of coordinators for Labour Party Campaign Council. The list includes one Mr. Danladi Bako as co-ordinator Gombe State.
“I, Dr. Nasir Danladi Bako wish to state categorically that I recognise that there are other persons with such an identical name with mine.
“Therefore, this statement is to clarify that I, Dr. Nasir Danladi Bako PhD OON, is not the one referred to on the list.”
He assured APC of remaining a loyal and committed member and at the moment, the Director of Strategic Communication of its PCC.
The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami has made it clear that the Court of Appeal in Abuja only discharged the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu but not acquitted him.
Reacting to the decision of the Court of Appeal on Kanu, which trended earlier in the day, October 13, the minister stressed:”for the avoidance of doubt and by the verdict of the Court, Kanu was only discharged and not acquitted.
“Consequently, the appropriate legal options before the authorities will be exploited and communicated accordingly to the public.”
In a statement by his spokesman, Dr. Umar Jibrilu Gwandu, the minister said that the
decision handed down by the court of appeal was on a single issues that borders on rendition.
“Let it be made clear to the general public that other issues that predates rendition on the basis of which Kanu jumped bail remain valid issues for judicial determination.
“The Federal Government will consider all available options open to us on the judgment on rendition while pursuing determination of pre-rendition issues.”
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has postponed its Presidential Campaign scheduled to hold in Kebbi and Zamfara states indefinitely as talks with Rivers state Governor, Nyesom Wike and his group are set to resume.
It was learnt that Atiku has recruited some party chieftains such as former President of the Senate, David Mark, and former Delta State governor, James Ibori, to talk to the Rivers State Governor on their rift and resolve issues, considering his importance to the party.
Wike has however, remained adamant in his demand for the resignation of the party chairman, Iyorchia Ayu before further negotiations can commence.
The Rivers State Governor has continuously mounted pressure on Ayu to resign, for balance, equity and fairness claiming that the party leadership is heavily dominated by the north. According to him, the national chairman had before the Presidential primary that threw up Atiku Abubakar as flag bearer, promised to step aside once the party’s standard bearer emerges from the north.
He said that for him to be part of the party’s affairs, the national chairman has to resign which is the bone of contention.
The Board of Trustees of the party, led by former Senate President, Senator Adolphus Wabara, has been making placation moves between the disputing parties to find a common ground.
The National Publicity secretary of the Labour Party (LP), Comrade Arambabi Abayomi has disowned the constituted Peter Obi’s Presidential Campaign Council, saying that the party was not involved in the campaign council composition.
“We are not involved in Dr. Okupe’s mischievous political shenanigans. That is not the party’s programme.”
Arambabi Abayomi was reacting to the constitution of the party’s Presidential Campaign Council which was announced early today, October 12, by Dr. Doyin Okupe, who declared himself the Campaign Director General.
But the party’s publicity secretary said that Dr. Okupe cannot be talking “about our party, our party all the time. Which party?
“Is he the leader of the Labour Party now to announce himself as the DG? It’s an anomaly.
“Who announced the DG of Atiku? Atiku did it. When Tinubu announced his DG, the party did it.
“Where is Peter Obi? Okupe doesn’t know what he is doing. I want to be quoted.
“The DG ought to go to the North East or North Central.
“We are not a sectional political party. Our presidential candidate is Pan Nigerian.
“How can we have a presidential candidate from the South and the Campaign DG coming from the same South.” 2023 election:”
Okupe had announced himself as the Director General out of the 1,234-member campaign council.
Clement Ojukwu and Yunusa Tanko were named the secretary and chief spokesperson of the council, respectively.
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
The Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) has described Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s discharge and acquittal by Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal as a progress towards Biafra actualization and restoration.
A Nigerian tech start-up, ShapShap, has won the award for ‘Mobility and Smart Cities Innovator’ in the final of the Supernova Challenge Pitch Competition at the ongoing ‘Gulf Information Technology Exhibition, GITEX 2022.
President Muhammmadu Buhari has warned that unpaid debts by many Member-States are threatening the existence of the Gulf of Guinea Commission (GGC).
One of the Nigeria’s political parties listed to contest the 2023 elections, African Democratic Congress (ADC), has expelled its presidential candidate, Dumebi Kachikwu and his running mate, Ahmed Rufai.
