Chairman Of Governors’ Forum Says He’s Not Aware Of Printing Of Of Naira

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April 22, 2021

Chairman of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF), who is also Governor of Ekiti State, Dr. Kayode Fayemi has said that he is not aware of the printing of N60 billion naira to back up federation account allocation to states in March, as claimed by Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki.

The leader of the Governors of the 36 States in the country, who made this position known at the National Economic Council (NEC) meeting today, April 22, at the Presidential villa, Abuja, insisted that he knew no such thing happened at all.

This was even as the Minister of Finance, Hajiya Zainab Ahmed insisted that no naira was printed to augment the federation allocation, even as the Governor of the Central Bank, Godwin Emefiele fully supported the position of the minister.

The Council described the claim as reported in the press as outrightly false, affirming that no money was printed to shore up allocation for the month of March.

The Council received the recommendations of a national townhall meeting on Enhanced Security and National Unity recently held in Kaduna and affirmed the unity of the country, emphasizing that staying as one country remains the best option for Nigeria.
The meeting which was chaired by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, emphasized the need to address the problems of agitation in parts of the country.

It noted that the agitations are common with countries with huge and diverse populations like ours and it is important not to allow the minority to hijack the mainstream of opinion.”
The Council directed States to hold consultations and dialogues on the issues and report back by the next meeting of Council so that a firm position would be taken on the recommendations of the Townhall many of which it already welcomed.
NEC advised all States,even those that have no agitations, to hold wider consultations to have diverse opinions on the burning issues, taking into consideration local peculiarities and report back to NEC the outcome of the consultations.
The Council resolved that after the planned State-wide consultations a national consensus would be reached on the recommendations of the national town hall meeting held in Kaduna which included the adoption of State Police among other matters.

Businesses In Nigerian Lose $29 Billion Annually To Poor Electricity – World Bank

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Editorial staff

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April 22, 2021

The World Bank has said that businesses in Nigeria are losing about $29 billion annually as a result of the country’s unreliable electricity.

It also observed that Nigeria had the largest number of people without access to electricity in the world, as every one in 10 people without access to electricity now reside in Nigeria.

The bank’s positions were contained in the Power Sector Recovery Programme fact sheet which was presented during the World Bank virtual dialogue with energy reporters.The presentation was done by the bank’s Practice Manager, West and Central Africa Energy, Ashish Khanna.

It said: “Businesses in Nigeria lose about $29bn annually because of unreliable electricity. Nigerian utilities get paid for only a half of electricity they receive.

“For every N10 worth of electricity received by Discos (distribution companies), about N2.60 is lost in poor distribution infrastructure and through power theft and another N3.40 is not being paid for by customers.

“Six in 10 of registered customers are not metered, and their electricity bills are not transparent and clear. This contributes to resistance to pay electricity bills.”

The PSRP document presented by the bank stated that only 51 per cent of installed capacity was available for generation, as an average Nigerian consumed four times less energy than her counterpart in a typical lower middle-income country.”

It, however, noted that every Nigerian paid less for electricity than what it costs to supply electricity to them.

It stated that the government for years was paying the difference because the government wanted to help poor Nigerian families to pay their bills.

“But richer families use more electricity; so a big chunk of government support ends up going to those who do not really need help with paying bills,” it stated.

On the PSRP, the bank described it as a comprehensive response to Nigeria’s power challenges with the aim to renew the country’s economy by rebuilding a functioning and fair power sector.

It also stated that between June 2020 and February 2021, the World Bank Board approved $1.25bn financing to support the government in its efforts to reset the power sector.

Source: Punch

OML 143: NNPC, SEEPCO Sign Gas Development Agreement to Unlock 1.2TCF

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Editorial staff

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April 22, 2021

The Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Malam Mele Kyari (R) and Chairman of Energy and Exploration Production Limited (SEEPCO), Mr Tony Chukwueke, sign a Gas Development Agreement (GDA), as partners in the Oil Mining Lease (OML) 143, at the NNPC Towers in Abuja on Thursday (22/4/21)-NAN

The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has signed the Oil Mining Lease (OML) 143 Gas Development Agreement (GDA) with Sterling Oil Exploration and Production Company (SEEPCO) to boost the gas development and commercialization programme of the Corporation.

A statement today, April 22, by the Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division, Dr. Kennie Obateru, disclosed that the project would boost the nation’s gas production by 1.2trillion cubic feet (tcf).

Speaking at the GDA signing ceremony which held at the NNPC Towers, Abuja, the Group Managing Director of the NNPC, Mallam Mele Kyari, said the gas commercialization strategy of the Corporation was in sync with the Federal Government’s National Gas Expansion Programme (NGEP), adding that the gas from the project would be processed at the Ashtavinayak Hydrocarbon Limited (AHL) 125million standard cubic feet (mmscf) of gas per day gas plant located in Kwale, Delta State.

“This opens a gateway for other opportunities in the Oil and Gas Industry, not just SEEPCO Group but for other companies too. We are happy that this will unlock significant volumes of gas which will deliver 125mmscfd to the Midstream plant that you have built. Of course, this is a great milestone for us and we are happy to do business with you. You are a very reliable partner because when you say things, you get them done,” Mallam Kyari stated.

He said the development of OML 143 would bring value for the Federal Government, NNPC and SEEPCO Group which would in turn boost the nation’s economy.

On his part, the Group Managing Director of SEEPCO, Mr. Tony Chukwueke, said the OML 143 GDA is a major milestone for the country because it was the first Agreement in Nigeria that fully separates gas development from oil production, noting that the arrangement would enable wholistic development of the gas potential in the block.

He further explained that the GDA was a significant step as it was the first of its kind to expressly include terms that encourage the contractor to be effective in its cost management thereby passing on significant revenue to the Federal Government, NNPC and other stakeholders.

“I will like to take this opportunity to thank the GMD, NNPC for his contribution to Nigeria and also recommit that SEEPCO is determined to play its role in the energy industry in Nigeria,” Tony Chukwueke reassured.

The Gas Development Agreement is required, pursuant to the Production Sharing Contract obligations, to set out the terms for the development of the 1.2tcf Non-Associated Gas oil block by SEEPCO which is the Contractor with the NNPC is the Concessionaire.

The additional gas supply from the project would raise the nation’s gas production profile, make dry gas available for the proposed 650 megawatts NNPC/SEEPCO Independent Power Plant, boost in-country supply of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) and general domestic gas utilization, increase energy security, and create job opportunities for Nigerians.

Presidency Threatens To Prosecute Those Behind “Pull Pantami Down” Campaign

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Editorial staff

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April 22, 2021

The Presidency has threatened to arrest and prosecute those who have recently launched campaign to “pull down” the federal minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami

The Presidency noted that there is now well-reported information that alleges newspaper editors rebuffed an attempt to financially induce them to run a smear campaign against the minister by some ICT companies, many of which do indeed stand to lose financially through lower prices and greater consumer protections.

“The government is now investigating the veracity behind these claims of attempted inducement, and – should they be found to hold credence – police and judicial action must be expected.”

In a statement today, April 22 by the senior special assistant to President Muhammadu Buhari on media and publicity, Malam Garba Shehu, the Presidency said that it stood behind Minister Pantami and all Nigerian citizens to ensure that they receive fair treatment, fair prices, and fair protection in ICT services.

It further noted that in putting people first, the Minister and this administration have made enemies, adding that there are those in the opposition who see success and want it halted by any means.

It recalled that the Minister has been leading the charge against illegal data deductions and pricing and has revolutionized the government’s virtual public engagement to respond to COVID-19 and save taxpayers’ money.

“He has established ICT start-up centres to boost youth entrepreneurship and create jobs; he has changed policy to ensure locally produced ICT content is used by ministries, starting with his own; and he has deregistered some 9.2 million SIMs – ending the ability for criminals and terrorists to flagrantly use mobile networks undetected.

“In two short years, Minister Pantami has driven the contribution of the ICT sector to the GDP to more than 18 percent, making it one of the top two playing a critical role in the emergence of the economy from the COVID 19-induced recession.”

The Presidency described as unfortunate, the new fashion in which leaders in politics, religion, and civil society are made liable in the present for every statement they have ever made in the past – no matter how long ago, and even after they have later rejected them.

“This insidious phenomenon seeks to cancel the careers of others on the basis of a thing they have said, regardless of when they said it.

“The Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami is, currently, subject to a “cancel campaign” instigated by those who seek his removal. They do not really care what he may or may not have said some 20 years ago: that is merely the instrument they are using to attempt to “cancel” him. But they will profit should he be stopped from making decisions that improve the lives of everyday Nigerians.

“The Minister has, rightly, apologized for what he said in the early 2000s. The views were absolutely unacceptable then, and would be equally unacceptable today, were he to repeat them. But he will not repeat them – for he has publicly and permanently condemned his earlier utterances as wrong.

“In the 2000s, the Minister was a man in his twenties; next year he will be 50. Time has passed, and people and their opinions – often rightly – change.

“But all discerning Nigerians know this manufactured dispute is nothing to do with the Minister’s prior words, but solely concern his actions in the present.

“This Administration is committed to improving the lives of all Nigerians, and that includes ensuring they are not over-charged or under-protected for those services on which modern life depends.

Ebira Translated Qur’an For Public Presentation In Ohinoyi’s Palace Okene, April 25

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Greenbarge Reporters

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April 22, 2021

The event is scheduled to hold in Okene, Kogi State on April 25, 2021

The Ohinoyi of Ebira land in Kogi State of Nigeria, Dr. Ado Ibrahim will host prominent personalities, traditional rulers and high profile religious leaders on Sunday, April 25 when the first ever Ebira translated Holy Qur’an is publicly presented.
The public presentation will climax over 15 years painstaking works the Arabic and Ebira languages scholars have put in to actualise.
Information reaching us at Greenbarge Reporters online newspaper said that the State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello will lead his colleague governors to the event, scheduled to kick off by 9 am.
Speaking on the event, chairman of the production and public presentation committee, Alhaji Abdulganiyu Ahmed, said that being the first of its kind in Ebira land, he expected to see prominent indigenes of the land to grace the occasion.
He said that representative of the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in Nigeria is likely to attend the occasion, even as he recalled that the late Saudi Arabian Ambassador to Nigeria, Adnan Bostaji had attended the launching of a section of the translated Qur’an in Ebira language at the National Mosque, Abuja in 2019 during which he promised to get his country to publish the full version whenever it was ready. He died in early 2020.
The committee chairman thanked God for making it possible for the committee to finally complete the book that is now ready for public presentation.
Authors of the translated Qur’an in Ebira language are Sheikh Moosa Yoosoof Onogu, a retired Arabic lecturer at Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Zaria; Sheikh Musa Ogaminana, a renowned public preacher; Ustaz Ismail Nuhu Abarigi (an Arabic lecturer at the University of Abuja) and Yusuf Ozi Usman, a veteran journalist and author of the first published Ebira-English Dictionary, while Ustaz Abd-Al Rahman Murtala, a scholar and Amir of Islamic Family Forum in Abuja is committee secretary as Malam Mohammed Kabir Isah Ademo, who represents his late father and foundation chairman of the committee, Alhaji Isa Ovurevu Ademoh serves as a member of the committee.

Retired Federal Director Receives N15,000 Monthly Pension, Osinbajo Told

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Editorial staff

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April 22, 2021

Chairman of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) branch of the Alumni Association of the University of Lagos, Aliu Akoshile has drew the attention of Vice President Yemi Osinbajo to a situation where as retired director in the federal service is receiving N15,000 as monthly Pension.

He therefore begged the government to ensure parity or judicious harmonization of pensions payable to retired civil servants.

Aliu Akoshile, who led members of the Association on a courtesy visit to the Vice President today, April 21, said the pioneer Chairman of FCT Branch of the Alumni, 76-year-old Engr. James Bassey, is being paid N15,000 monthly pension as a retired federal Director.

The Chairman lamented the huge recurrent expenditure being incurred by universities in the country, adding that University of Lagos in particular, is spending about N85 million monthly on electricity alone whereas the fund could have been used to provide other basic infrastructures on campus.

Aliu Akoshile described Professor Osinbajo as one of the alumnus of the University of Lagos holding the highest political office as Vice President of Nigeria.

He said that members of the FCT Branch are being inspired by his sense of loyalty and impeccable record of public service, promising that they will continue to offer support where necessary to ensure that he succeeds in the onerous task of governance.

He expressed appreciation to the Vice President for granting the audience despite his very tight schedule.

Akoshile said FCT Branch is blessed with high profile members including the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, five Honourable Ministers and many heads of parastatals and agencies as well as accomplished entrepreneurs in the private sector.

Responding, Professor Osinbajo asked alumni associations in the country to play significant roles in supporting the federal government in its drive for socio-economic development of the country.

The Vice President said that the government is planning independent power plants for some universities in Nigeria to mitigate their recurrent expenses on power consumption and free the funds for other infrastructures.

H reiterated the commitment of the federal government to reviewing the disparity in the pension being paid civil servants who retired decades ago and the recent retirees.

He said the review may lead to some forms of harmonisation that will ensure justice and equity for all retirees who have given their best services to the nation.

The Vice President congratulated the new executive committee of the branch on their election, saying that he is said he proud to be a member of the FCT Branch.

Present at the meeting were the deputy chief of staff to the President, office of Vice President, Rahman Ade Ipaye and Senior Special Adviser to the President, VP’s Office, Senator Femi Ojudu, both of who are alumni members, as well as

Senior Special Assistant Media, Dr. Laolu Akande.

Aliu Akoshile was accompanied on the visit by Dupe Nelson, Vice Chairman, Jaiyeola ‘Wale-Balogun, General Secretary, and Wole Abraham, Financial Secretary.

Others were Ifewunmi Ajiboye, Treasurer, Phyllis Nweke, Welfare Secretary, Julia Davids, Publicity Secretary, and Oluwafemi Ayodeji, Assistant Secretary.

The new Exco whose tenure runs from 2021 to 2023 includes Enitan Oguntola, Social Secretary, and two ex-officio members, Tijani Mohammed, immediate past Chairman and Bola Saliu, immediate past Vice Chairman.

Saudi Donates $1Million Medical Equipment To Nigeria To Battle Covid19

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Greenbarge Reporters

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April 21, 2021

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has donated medical equipment worth $1million (about N450 million) to Nigeria to battle Covid19.

The Deputy Ambassador of the Kingdom to Nigeria, Ibrahim H. Alghamedi, in a statement today, April 20, said that the donation is part of the Saudi’s effort, at international level, to combat Covid19 epidemic

The medical equipment for Nigeria, according to the Deputy Ambassador, comprised surgical sterile gown, non sterile surgical gown, masks, surgical masks,ventilators and Nitrile.

Newly Elected Chadian President Killed In Battled Ground With Rebels

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Editorial staff

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April 20, 2021

TOPSHOT – Chadian President Idriss Deby Itno (C) casts his ballot at a polling station in N’djamena, on April 11, 2021. – AFP via Getty Images)

The newly re-elected President of the Republic of Chad, Idriss Déby has died of wounds he received while commanding his army in battles against rebels in the north.

In a swift change of fate, after news had come in that Chad’s veteran president, Idriss Déby had won a sixth term in the latest provisional results on Monday by 79.3%, an announcement broadcast on national radio today, April 20, announced his death.

According to the army spokesperson of the army, General Azem Bemrandoua Agouna, the military had been pushed back by a column of insurgents who were advancing on the capital, N’Djamena.

Déby, was expected to give a victory speech after receiving the provisional results, but opted instead to visit Chadian soliders on the front lines, said his campaign director Mahamat Zen Bada.

Implementation Of Judicial, Legislature Financial Autonomy Begins May – Governors

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Editorial staff

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April 20, 2021

Chairman of the Nigeria Government Forum, Dr. Kayode Fayemi has given assurance that full implementation of financial autonomy for the Judiciary and State legislatures will commence, latest May this year.

speaking to newsmen today, April 19 after a meeting of stakeholders on financial autonomy for the judiciary and legislature, Dr. Kayode, who is Governor of Ekiti State said “not later than May, you will start seeing the implementation of the agreement that we have reached.”

He said that the implementation of the financial autonomy had never be an issue because governors, speakers and judges are on the same page, as far as this issue is concerned.

“We just emerged from a meeting with the Solicitor-General of the Federation, the representatives of the judiciary, the representatives of the Conference of Speakers, and House of Representatives and we are on all fours. An agreement has been reached.

“First, the issue is about implementation. There has been no objection from governors on judicial and legislative autonomies, as a matter of fact, it would not have passed if governors were not in support in the first instance, in the state Assemblies.

“So that issue has been fully and holistically addressed, but we don’t just want to agree to something on paper without working out the modalities for implementation. Thankfully, the meeting we have just emerged from, with the Chief of Staff to the President chairing, has worked out the modalities to the satisfaction of all parties.

The NGF stressed that implementation will commence as soon as the final document that is being cleaned up emerges, “that is preparatory to implementation.

“We are not going to put a timeframe in the air, but it will be implemented as soon as possible, definitely not later than the end of May 2021.”

The governor then called on the judicial workers to call off the strike and return to work in the interest of the nation.

He said that all the parties, from the President, through the Chief of Staff, are at a position “where whether you speak to the Conference of Speakers’ chairperson or you speak to me or you speak to the representative of the judiciary or you speak to the Solicitor-General of the Federation, you will hear that we’re speaking with one voice on the implementation.”

8 Kidnappers, Militants Turn Pastors In Niger Delta Church

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Editorial staff

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April 19, 2021

No fewer than eight Niger Delta militants and kidnappers have now become pastors in the Omega Power Ministries (OPM) where they are undergoing rehabilitation after they repented.

The General Overseer of the church, Apostle Chibuzor Chinyere, in an interview with News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) today, April 19, said that the repentant militants and kidnappers turned over a new leaf after a divine encounter through evangelism organised for some of them in their various camps.

“I preached to them and many of them hearkened to salvation call and gave their lives to Jesus Christ.

“Before I embarked on this move, I bought some estates to relocate them.

“Initially, when I preached to them, because I could not relocate them out of their place, it was easy for them to go back to their old ways.

“So, I decided that the best way to approach them is to change their environment and that became the first step of their healing process.”

He said that he took them to the estate, got them baptized and began to teach them the words of God form complete liberation from crime.

“These kidnappers have wives and children, so what we did was to put their children in the free school operated by the church and at the same time established businesses for their wives.

“We started teaching them different skills and by the grace of God, after they acquired the skills, some said they wanted to be pastors.

“And, currently we have eight of them that are full time pastors in OPM branches.

“Others are into different skills like carpentry, pipeline wielding, scaffolding, mechanic and so on.”

According to him, about 10,000 youths have been rehabilitated and reintegrated into the society under the OPM rehabilitation programme for youths especially for repentant militants and commercial sex workers.

The OPM General Overseer said that some of the repentant militants had been gainfully employed in different oil companies in the country, while some got jobs abroad.

“The Nigerian Police have been cooperating with us; some of these youths have been in crime for many years and they were not caught, but they came with their arms to surrender.

“The police decided not to go after them since they surrendered willingly as long as they don’t go back to crime again; there is somebody that submitted three AK-47 riffles.

“We took them to police headquarters in Rivers, located at Moscow Road and they took their biometrics, pictures and fingerprints as well as record of guns submitted and the crimes they committed.

“With this, the police have their full data in case they go back to crime. However, I know they won’t go back to crime.” .

The cleric also said that the programme had recorded 95 per cent success as the repentant militants and kidnappers had not returned to crime since they surrendered.

Chinyere said that efforts were on to ensure that children of the less privileged, who were not in school, get the desired education through the church’s 15 free schools located in Rivers, Bayelsa, Abia, Akwa Ibom, and Lagos states.

“My target is to have this rehabilitation centres in every state of the federation to help people who roam about, because the school is free,” he said.

We’re living by the grace of God – Ex-militant