Nigeria Perfects Plan To Gain Qatar’s Investment Worth $5 Billion

By

-

April 12, 2021

Nigeria has perfected plan, by sending a competent link man as Ambassador to Qatar for the purpose actualising that country’s promise of bringing investment worth $5 Billion to Nigeria.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama, who dropped this hint today, April 12 at a send-off dinner organised in honour of Nigeria’s Ambassador-designate to the State of Qatar, Ambassador Yakubu Ahmed, said that Quarter is very important country to Nigeria

The minister said that Quarter is reckoned to be one of the richest countries in the world, per capita, and there’s a lot Nigeria will be doing with the State of Qatar.

The Foreign Affairs Minister recalled that President Buhari had visited the State of Qatar in 2016 and the Emir of Qatar, His Highness Tamim Bin Hammad Al-Thani reciprocated with a State visit in 2019.

He recalled that there had been discussions with Qatar on partnership with Nigeria’s Sovereign Wealth Fund, for significant investments in the region of 5 billion dollars in the Nigerian economy.

‘‘It is a weighty and strategic country and very strategic in that part of the world and we are putting our best feet forward to advance the interest of our country economically and in other areas.”

The Foreign Minister said that a trusted hands with a track record of diligence, experience and professionalism in the Foreign Service like the new Ambassador had to be appointed into positions of career ambassadors.

He said the appointment of Ahmed and other career ambassadors were predicated on posting dedicated and keen Foreign Service practitioners to serve as image-makers of the country.

‘‘Ambassador Yakubu Ahmed is a dedicated professional with a penchant for rigour and detail. He is very capable and one of the best in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

“He is personable, affable, extremely friendly, dispassionate and objective.“

This was even as the Deputy Chief of Staff, Adeola Rahman Ipaye, described the Ambassador as a ‘‘perfect gentleman, very even-natured and always well turned out.’’

Ipaye said he had no doubt that the newly appointed ambassador would serve the country well in Qatar, adding that ‘‘we are further encouraged that when he completes this assignment he would return to serve Nigeria in a higher capacity.’’

The Permanent Secretary, State House, Tijjani Umar, while congratulating the outgoing DOP on his appointment, lauded him for excellent service to the State House and the nation.

‘‘He served this institution and the nation with the deepest sense of responsibility and it is very important that we establish a tradition where the system appreciates those who have served it well and those who will continue to serve it well.’’

On behalf of the staff and management of State House, Umar presented a gift to Ambassador Ahmed, who attended the dinner with his wife and children, wishing him a successful tenure in his duty tour.

He urged him to keep very fond memories of his time at the presidential Villa, assuring the outgoing DOP of the prayers and goodwill of all the staff.

Responding, Ahmed thanked President Muhammadu Buhari for the great honour and privilege of making him his principal representative in Doha, Qatar.

The Ambassador-designate pledged to deplore his energy and skill to the promotion of the existing cordial relationship between Nigeria and Qatar, particularly in the areas of economic, political, cultural and consular affairs as well as other key areas.

Ahmed, who joined Nigeria’s Foreign Service in 1993, said during his years in public service he had learnt that ‘‘patriotism, selfless service, diligence, determination and perseverance will always result in the achievement of the desired objective.’’

He said these virtues would be his ‘‘watchword’’ in the pursuit of Nigeria’s foreign policy objectives and the attainment of national interests.

The Ambassador-designate singled out for appreciation the Chief of Staff to the President, Prof Ibrahim Gambari and the State Chief of Protocol, Ambassador Lawal Kazaure, saying he had learnt a lot working under their mentorship.

He expressed gratitude to the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Permanent Secretary, State House for giving him the opportunity of a memorable work experience in the State House.

He also thanked the protocol, media and security departments of the State House for their support and cooperation.

Our Cement Factory Price Is Between N2,450 And N2,510 Per Bag – Dangote

By

Editorial staff

-

April 12, 2021

Management of Dangote Cement Plc has said that the price of a bag of cement from its factories and plants across Nigeria is N2,450 in Obajana and Gboko, and N2,510 in Ibese inclusive of VAT.

The clarification, according to spokesman of Dangote Cement, is coming on the heels of the recent insinuations that the company sells cement in Nigeria at significantly higher prices relative to other countries, particularly Ghana and Zambia.

He quoted Dangote’s Group Executive Director, Strategy, Portfolio Development & Capital Projects, Devakumar Edwin, as saying that, while a bag of Cement sells for an equivalent of $5.1, including VAT in Nigeria, it sells for $7.2 in Ghana and $5.95 in Zambia ex-factory, inclusive of all taxes. He said that though the company has direct control over its ex-factory prices, it cannot control the ultimate price of cement when it gets to the market. He advised that it is important to distinguish Dangote’s ex-factory prices from prices at which retailers sell cement in the market.

He frowned at intentional misinformation or demarketing, allegedly sponsored by some individuals, that Dangote sells its cement at higher prices in Nigeria relative to other African countries at the expense of Nigerians. He described the allegation as false, misleading, and unfounded, while giving the media persons present at the press conference copies of invoices from Nigeria and some other African countries (Cameroun, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Zambia), and urging them to conduct independent investigations on the price of cement across the West African coast.

Edwin explained that while Dangote cement has 60% share of the market, other companies have the remaining 40%. DCP has no control over neither the prices charged by other cement manufacturers nor the prices charged by retailers in the markets.

He further explained that “Demand for cement has risen globally as a fallout of the COVID crisis. Nigeria is no exception as a combination of monetary policy changes and low returns from the capital market has resulted in a significant increase in construction activity. To ensure that we meet local demand, we had to suspend exports from our recently commissioned export terminals, thereby foregoing dollar earnings. We also had to reactivate our 4.5m ton capacity Gboko Plant which was closed 4 years ago and run it at a higher cost all in a bid to guarantee that we meet demand and keep the price of Cement within control in the country.”

“Over the past 15 months, our production costs have gone up significantly. About 50% of our costs are linked to USD so the cost of critical components like: gas, gypsum, bags, and spare parts; has increased significantly due to devaluation of the Naira and VAT increase. Despite this, DCP has not increased ex-factory prices since December 2019 till date while prices of most other building materials have gone up significantly. We have only adjusted our transport rates to account for higher costs of diesel, spare parts, tyres, and truck replacement. Still, we charge our customers only N300 – 350 per bag for deliveries within a 1,200km radius. We have been responsible enough not to even attempt to cash in on the recent rise in demand to increase prices so far.”

Buhari Asks Muslims To Reject Agents Of Division, As Fasting Begins Tomorrow

By

Editorial staff

-

April 12, 2021

Nigeria Muslims listen to sermon by Imam (AP Photo/Sunday Alamba)

President Muhammadu Buhari has asked Muslims in the country to reject agents of division as they get set to start the 30-day fasting tomorrow, April 13.

This was even as the Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar had earlier announced the sighting of the new moon of Ramadan, in live broadcast, signaling the beginning of the Fasting.

Welcoming the Fasting with open arms, President Buhari prayed to Allah to accept our sacrifices and increase the unity, solidarity, peace and prosperity of the nation.

He amphasised on the need for Muslims to exercise patience and tolerance and reject voices that seek to divide the nation.

He advised all citizens to show compassion to the millions of the less endowed and remember those that have been displaced by conflict in their charity and prayers in this important period.

In his announcement, the Sultan called on Muslims to ensure strict adherence to the COVID protocol during the fasting period.

Ex President Jonathan Frowns At Judiciary Awarding Victory To Election Losers

By

Editorial staff

-

April 12, 2021

Former Nigeria President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan raised question over a situation where judiciary would award victory to supposed losers in election in the country and called for the strengthening of the nation’s electoral laws in a such a way that only the ballot paper, and not the courts, is allowed to determine the winners of elections.

“I have said this before and I will always repeat it: I am not saying the judiciary is not doing well. But my point is that our laws should suppress the issue of the judiciary returning candidates.

“If a candidate is declared winner after a flawed electoral process, what the courts can do is to annul the election and order a fresh one, where a winner will finally emerge through the ballot. The ballot paper should decide who holds any elective office from the councillorship to the presidency.”

Dr. Jonathan, who spoke today, April 13, in an interaction with newsmen in Abuja, said that the standard practice is that the electoral management bodies exercise the sole responsibility of returning candidates and declaring winners while the judiciary complements by either upholding declared results or nullifying flawed elections and ordering a rerun.

“I had already made a public statement on that to the effect that the ballot paper and not the judiciary should determine who wins elections or select political leaders. The ballot paper should be the only basis for selecting political leaders.”

Dr. Jonathan said that countries that conduct free and fair elections experience less election-related litigations while numerous court cases following elections are the hallmark of fragile democracies.

The former President who also admitted that some funds might be needed in elections, especially in the area of logistics during campaigns, however frowned at the negative way money is deployed in inducing electorates, officials and security operatives.

Dr. Jonathan pointed out the weakness of governance at local Government level which is the third tier of government, particularly in the exercise of its autonomy and its capacity to manage development issues.

He highlighted the need to review the local government system to enable the tier of government perform better in delivering democracy dividends to the people.

Aviation Ministry Raises Alarm Over Planned Attacks On Lagos, Abuja, Other Airports

By

Editorial staff

-

April 12, 2021

Minister of state for aviation, Hadi Sirika

The Federal Ministry of Aviation has alerted the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria of planned attacks on airports across the country.

The airports, according to a memo addressed to airport security chiefs, are those in Lagos, Abuja, Kano, Kaduna, Maiduguri and Sokoto.

The memo, dated April 9, 2021, directed the security chiefs to submit a list of counter-measures, and also convene an urgent emergency meeting to “recommend appropriate measures.”

Ogun Farmers Await Dangote Fertiliser Plant With Excitement

By

Greenbarge Reporters

-

April 12, 2021

Farmers in Ogun state are waiting with excitement, the commencement of operations of the Dangote Fertiliser plant which is expected to roll out its first bag anytime from now.

The farmers, at an interaction with the Dangote Fertiliser team at the on-going 10^th Gateway International Trade Fair holding in Abeokuta, said that the arrival of Dangote fertiliser plant would ease the pressure on them, against the backdrop of the existing manufacturers.

Secretary of All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Ogun State Chapter, Prince Abiodun Ogunjimi, said that the farmers have heard a lot about Dangote Fertiliser and that given the uniqueness of Dangote products, they are waiting patiently to see the fertiliser in the market.

According to him, the expectations of the farmers are high, especially for special packages for the farmers to encourage them to patronize the products.

“We are anxiously waiting for the Dangote fertiliser to come to the market. We have heard so much about Dangote fertiliser and with the uniqueness of Dangote products in other sectors, we are of the believe that the fertiliser would not be an exception.

“We heard he already mapped out various strategies to roll out in grand style and that he would carry us the farmers along by giving us training as to how to apply the product appropriately to maximize yield and productivity and give farmers more profit for their produce.”

The head of the fertiliser team to the Trade Fair, Miss Mary Uche had assured the farmers that Dangote fertiliser has packaged a programme of activities for them that would be unveiled at the start of roll out of fertiliser from its plant at Ibeju Lekki in Lagos and that the farmers being critical stakeholders in the fertiliser value chain, would form the bedrock of operation of the Dangote Fertiliser.

She thanked the farmers for being enthusiasm shown towards imminent roll out of Dangote fertiliser and that they would not be disappointed but rather would be treated to a big deal that they have never witnessed before.

Miss Uche said the farmers would be given training on the rigjt uses of fertiliser and appropriate application of Dangote fertiliser for maximum yield and profitability.

“We have a lot of things in stock for you. Just we have been dping for our distributors in cement and other products, we will place you above every other consideration because your success is our success. We are mindful of the fact that government is shifting all focus to agriculture and this is the reason your role is very crucial in this direction.

Earlier during the Dangote Group Special Day at the trade fair, Mr. Adeyemi Fajobi, National Sales Director, Dangote Cement Plc had said that Dangote group is actively involved in the efforts at diversifying the nation’s economy with agriculture occupying a very important place.

He said the Group has been a regular sponsor of the Gateway trade fair by Ogun State Chamber of Commerce Industries, Mines & Agriculture (OGUNCCIMA) as a means of demonstrating its belief that the Chamber occupies a unique position in driving economic development through their activities.

“Ogun state has one of the largest concentration of industries in Nigeria and serve as a corridor for transportation of goods, services and people between the nation’s commercial center of Lagos and the rest of Nigeria and even our neighbouring countries of Benin Republic, Togo and Ghana.

“Gateway International Trade Fair therefore remains an avenue for us to connect with our customers in South West and other parts of the country. It is a home coming as the region is known for their innovation and industry. We at Dangote Group and people of South West share the trait of ever pushing beyond the limits and discovering new levels of success.

“Despite our progressive position, we are innovative and always thinking of strategies that will drive business and create value for our customers. Our continuous efforts to innovate, create value and invest in Nigeria are borne out of our firm belief in the vast economic potential of Nigeria.

“This has also informed our desire to invest massively in some states across the country. Our target is to ensure that Nigeria becomes self-sufficient in all the sectors where we play, cement, agriculture, mining and petroleum etc. As announced by our Group President, the Dangote Fertilizer will commence operations very soon with preparation having reached an advanced stage.

President of OGUNCCIMA, Alhaji Wasiu Olaleye commended the Group for being a leading light in the efforts at diversifying the nation’s economy from being an import dependent to export one pointing that should Nigeria be blessed with two Dangotes, most of Nigeria’s problem would have been solved.

He described the company as a big brother to OGUNCCIMA, pointing out that the Chamber was lucky to be a host to one of the Dangote Group’s massive investments in Cement in Ibese, Ogun state.

Havoc Of Storm To Retired DSP House In Abuja

By

Greenbarge Reporters

-

April 12, 2021

Tempest storm yesterday, April 11, ravaged the house of a retired Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Ahmed in Chibiri, the suburbs of Kuje Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory ( FCT). The entire roof of the house was practically brought down completely.

However, no one in the edifice was injured.

Reacting to the incidence in a phone conversation, retired DSP Ahmed, who traveled outside Abuja a day before, lamented the damage.

He said that he poured all his financial benefits from his 35 years in the service of the nation into erecting the house, wondering where would he begin from again after such colossal loss.

Meanwhile, his two wives, children and other dependants who escaped unhurt in the devastation are now taking refuge in neighbours’ houses.

Ahmadu Bello University Zaria Has Student Population Of 60,000 – VC

By

Editorial staff

-

April 12, 2021

Vice Chancellor of the Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, in Kaduna State, Professor Kabir Bala has said that the student population of the institution is about 60,000.

Speaking yesterday, April 11, when he visited the minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Malam Muhammad Musa Bello, Professor Kabir said that the institution needs to provide more facilities such as hostels, laboratories, classrooms and theaters to adequately cater for the large student population.

The Vice Chancellor said that the university has capacities that can be exploited through its Consultancy Services Company to generate the much needed revenue and that the institution had done a lot in the Federal Capital Territory, including its work on its master plan, development of some of districts, town planning and engineering services.

He blamed self the management of the institution has not kept close contacts and with the minister who is its alumni, and whom he described as major stakeholders in the university.

“We are lucky to have distinguished members of Alumni in this country and in Diaspora, and they are major stakeholders. Alumni anywhere in the world are major stakeholders of universities and the Hon. Minister happens to be one of those distinguished members of alumni of the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.”

Responding, the minister advised the university to embark on endowments as a means of enhancing funding for the institution, adding that endowment is an option that had not been fully implemented and encouraged the Vice Chancellor to fully exploit its possibilities and potentials.

“The issue of university funding came up at a forum and alumni support was very prominent. This included endowments by people who are well to do and endowments by companies.

“I think it’s not something that has been well implemented and I’m sure that during your tenure, if you continue the way you are doing, you will encourage more people through the way of endowment for educational institutions to give back, as part of giving back to the society.”

The Minister said that the FCT Administration will also explore the option of working closely with the Consultancy Services arm of the University for the provision of needed professional expertise.

“There are lots of areas where we need expertise and I’m sure you will have it, whether it’s in survey, town planning, urban renewal and so on.

“We are trying to encourage and improve on our enforcement activities. For instance, our testing capacities for materials, so that we will be able to test what people are using either in constructing the roads of the FCT or the public buildings and even private buildings. I assure you that we will continue to provide you the needed support by consulting you.”

Obasanjo Attributes Annulment Of June 12 Presidential Election To “Bad Belle”

By

Greenbarge Reporters

-

April 11, 2021

Former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo

Former Nigeria President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo has attributed the annulment of the June 12, 1993 Presidential election, widely believed to have been won by late Moshood Kashimawo (MKO) Abiola to what he called “bad belle.” In metaphorical sense of Nigerian pidgin English, ‘bad belle’ means jealousy.

The election was annulled by the then reining military President, General Ibrahim Babangida.

Obasanjo said that the annulment robbed Egbaland and Ogun state the rare privilege of having three of its prominent sons occupying the number one seat at different times. Apart from Obasanjo, Chief Ernest Shonekan, a former Head of Interim National Government is another ex-Nigerian leader from Ogun state.

Speaking today, April 11 in Abeokuta, the Ogun state capital, Obasanjo said: “I want to thank the club for this honour being bestowed on me and the honour being bestowed on my school mate MKO Abiola which he richly deserved.

“If not for bad belle, Abeokuta would have produced President of Nigeria three times, in which case we should have kept it permanently.

“But be that as it may, we have a great heritage. And we should be proud of our heritage.”

Obasanjo was honoured with an investiture as a trustee of the Abeokuta Club, a socio-cultural organization of the Egba people. He was honoured alongside MKO Abiola who was awarded a posthumous vice-patron of the club.

73 Years Old Djibouti President, Omar, Wins Fifth Term Election Amidst Boycotts

By

Editorial staff

-

April 10, 2021

Djibouti veteran leader, Ismail Omar Guelleh has been re-elected as President for the fifth term after being declared the winner in Friday April 9 presidential election in Djibouti amidst boycott by some opposition parties.

Guelleh, who has been in power since 1999, was re-elected with 98.58 percent of the votes, defeating Zakaria Ismail Farah, an independent and a newcomer candidate, who had just 5000 votes.

Interior Minister Moumin Ahmed Cheick told public broadcaster RTD early today, April 10, that President Omar Guelleh obtained 167,535 votes, which is 98.58 percent, adding that confirmed results would be released soon by the Constitutional Council.

Farah, a 56-year-old cleaning products importer, ended up with under 5,000 votes, according to the provisional results. He cast doubt on the transparency of the voting process, saying his delegates were not present at polling stations.

“My vote is of no use, nor are the votes of 80 percent of the Djiboutian people,” the opposition candidate told AFP in a text message.

Ahmed Tidiane Souare, the head of an African Union (AU) observer mission, said all candidates were free to send their officials to any polling station.

It was also reported that an estimated 215,000 voters cast ballots in the country with a population of more than 1 million residents.

Before the election, other candidates from main opposition parties reportedly boycotted the polls after expressing concern about the fairness of the vote.

Guelleh will now lead Djibouti for a fifth term staying in power for more than two decades, becoming one of the longest-serving heads of state on the African continent.

Source: FP.