The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has announced a reduction in its ex-depot price of premium motor spirit (PMS), also known as petrol, to N970 per litre for oil marketers. This is a cut from the refinery’s N990 ex-depot price announced earlier this month. A statement today, November 24, by Dangote Group’s chief branding and communications officer, Anthony Chiejina, said that the slash in the price would help marketers save about N20 on each litre of petrol bought from the Lekki-based plant. He said that the move is the refinery’s way of appreciating Nigerians “for their unwavering support in making the refinery a dream come true. “In addition, this is to thank the government for its support as this will complement the measures put in place to encourage domestic enterprise for our collective well-being.” The statement reads: “While the refinery would not compromise on the quality of its petroleum products, we assure you of best quality products that are environmentally friendly and sustainable. “We are determined to keep ramping up production to meet and surpass our domestic fuel consumption; thus, dispelling any fear of a shortfall in supply.” On November 11, the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) reached an agreement with the refinery to lift petrol and diesel directly. The national president of IPMAN, Abubakar Garima, said that the partnership would ensure a steady, affordable supply of PMS products nationwide.
The President and Founder of Liberty Foundation Gospel Ministries, Helen Ukpabio, has demanded public apology from singer Emoseh Khamofu, popularly known as Bloody Civilian, over alleged defamation, threatening to sue him and claim N200 billion in damages. In a letter dated November 25, 2024, which Bloody Civilian retweeted yesterday, November 23, the Akwa Ibom-born pastor, through her legal counsel—Victor Ukutt and Co. Legal Practitioners—issued the demand under the title: “Demand for Public Apology and Compensation for the Libel of Imaobong Elijah Ukpabio and Apostle Helen Ukpabio.” The controversy began when an X (formerly Twitter) user identified as #OneJoblessBoy posted the pastor’s photo on Friday with the caption: “Pastor Helen Ukpabio turns 60 today.” The tweet garnered significant attention, amassing 4.6 million views and a flurry of reactions. Bloody Civilian later retweeted the post with the claim: “She literally made people burn their children alive.” This comment sparked a response from the pastor’s daughter, Imaobong Ukpabio, who tweeted under the handle #ima_Elijah, demanding that Bloody Civilian should delete the post within five hours or face legal action. “I give you the next five hours to take this down, or I will educate you in court!” Imaobong warned. The letter, signed on behalf of the firm by its General Counsel, Victor Ukutt, described Bloody Civilian’s tweets as “reckless, satanic, and libellous.” The firm maintained that the allegations were “grossly false and devoid of any iota of truth,” accusing the singer of intending to “ridicule” their clients. The letter read in part: “Our clients’ attention has been drawn to your reckless, satanic, and libellous posts on X (formerly Twitter), one of the world’s largest social media platforms. Using your verified account, #bloody__civ, on 22 November 2024, you wrote: ‘She literally made people burn their children alive’ and ‘See, she’s gotten banned from the UK for her atrocities,’ among other statements.” The letter alleged that Bloody Civilian’s statements implied that Helen Ukpabio promotes the killing of children labelled as witches; uses her teachings to encourage exorcism, leading to child abuse, abandonment, and death, and is unfit to live in a decent society. The legal counsel argued that the accusations had severely damaged the pastor’s reputation and that investigations by the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Security Services had debunked the claims, declaring them “grossly false.” The letter further demanded a written apology from the singer, to be published on her social media platforms and in both local and international media. “Take notice that in consideration of this wicked and libellous publication, we demand from you the sum of two hundred billion naira (N200,000,000,000) as damages for the distress, trauma, pain, and anguish caused to our clients. This sum must be channelled to our chambers within one week of receiving this letter,” the letter said.
Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has constituted a 14-man Assets Verification Committee to probe the administration of his predecessor, Godwin Obaseki. A statement today , November 24, in Benin, the state capital, by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Fred Itua, confirmed the setting up of the committee. He said the committee would be inaugurated on Tuesday. Itua listed the members as Dr. Ernest Umakhihe, Chairman; Anslem Ojezua- Deputy Chairman; Frank Edebor, Secretary with Prince Kassim Afegbua, Patrick Ikhariale and Taiwo Akerele as members. Other members are Patrick Idiake, Rasaq Bello-Osagie, Fredrick Unopah, Abdallah Eugenia, Patrick Obahiagbon, Kenny Okojie, Lyndsey Tes-Sorae and Abass Braimoh. The statement said that the probe is meant to set the state on the path of development and accountable leadership. “Despite repeated calls for a more holistic database of the assets and liabilities of the previous administration, the Godwin Obaseki-led government came up with very scanty and limited assets and liabilities of the state. “In line with the governor’s campaign promise to ensure probity, accountability and transparency in government, and to deepen the governance process, a committee made up of respected persons is to look into the books.”
An Indian Healthcare Group, Padiyath Healthcare has announced its commitment to the Nigeria’s Health Care sector with an investment that is worth $100 million. This is coming under Nigeria-India investment relations. Chairman of the Padiyath Healthcare, Dr. Hazeeb Rahman Padiyath, who made the announcement when the Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, visited Abuja, Nigeria, during the week, said that the investment, when completed, will enable Nigerians access world class hospital at affordable cost. According to him, already the company is set to commission a world-class hospital in Abuja as part of the long term investment drive of the India company, in the country. He said that the first one is the “Padiyath Mayfields Hospitals,” which is a 300-bed tertiary care hospital being constructed in Suncity estates, Galadimawa, Abuja. “When commissioned, it will be Nigeria’s largest private sector hospital.” He told the visiting India PM that the hospital will bring in advanced diagnostic equipments like 3T MRI. 256 Slice CT Scan Machine which will be the first of its kind in western Africa, along with Cardiac cathlab, 24 Super speciality centers of excellence, 25 bedded Intensive care unit, Operation theatre in emergency department itself in addition to the Operation Theater complex in the 3rd floor which can be lifesaving in times of emergency. He said that the project will be ready for unveiling by February 2025.
The India investor disclosed that the second Hospital, Padiyath Cancare Hospitals will also be domiciled in Abuja and will be a 200-bed hospital world class cancer institute. “This center will be a full-fledged cancer hospital with equipments like Pet Scan, Linear accelerator & Gamma knife,” Dr. Padiyath said. The Group Padiyath healthcare is true Indian multinational healthcare provider with operations in India, middle east & Africa, the company boss said.
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, is scheduled to lead members of the legislature in a protest march to the Inspector General of Police over Gender-Based Violence. The protest march, scheduled for Monday, November 25, according to a statement by the spokesperson of the House, Akin Rotimi, Jr., is in commemoration of this year’s International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. He said that the protest march will start from 8:00 a.m, with speaker’s car park in the National Assembly as the starting point and will end at the Nigeria Police Force Headquarters. “The march will bring together over 1,000 participants, including Representatives and members of the public, on a symbolic walk from the National Assembly to the Headquarters of the Nigeria Police Force. “This demonstration of solidarity will culminate in the submission of a petition to the Inspector General of Police, demanding decisive action to safeguard vulnerable populations and ensure accountability for perpetrators of GBV.” The statement quoted Speaker Abbas as saying: “this march and the associated activities are not just symbolic gestures; they reflect our resolve and call to action against gender-based violence head-on. “We stand united in the fight to protect the rights and dignity of all Nigerians, especially the most vulnerable. Together, through collective action and legislative reforms, we can build a society where safety, justice, and equality prevail.” The statement said that apart from the protest march, the Reps, in alignment with its Legislative Agenda (2023–2027), will also carry out other key activities to sustain awareness and action throughout the 16 Days of Activism. Such activities including; Sash Demonstration Ceremony scheduled for November 26, during which time they will “don orange sashes, symbolizing solidarity with the fight against GBV, during plenary sessions throughout the campaign period.” There will be also Convergence of State Assembly Speakers on December 9, with a strategic meeting at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, of Speakers of State Houses of Assembly to discuss legislative strategies for combating GBV nationwide. National Citizens’ Summit and GBV Conference 2024 will come up on December 10 to conclude the 16 Days of Activism, with discussions on constitutional reforms and securing endorsements for gender equality initiatives championed by the House. “The House of Representatives invites all Nigerians to participate in this historic march on Monday, November 25, 2024. Participants will receive orange T-shirts – the official color of the United Nations campaign to end violence against women – symbolizing hope for a future free of violence. “Gender-based violence continues to devastate families and communities across Nigeria. The 10th House of Representatives, however, remains steadfast in driving systemic reforms, fostering collaboration, and championing accountability to address this pervasive issue. “Together, let us take a decisive stand for justice, equality, and the protection of human rights, paving the way for a safer, more equitable Nigeria.”
Realnews magazine and online publication has induced three Nigerians, one Cameroonian and a Moroccan into its Hall of Fame. The induction was conducted at the 12th anniversary lecture of Realnews in Lagos. The Hall of Fame is exclusively reserved for Realnews guest lecturers and discussants for their services to the organisation. According to the publisher, Maureen Chigbo, the new inductees have made immerse contributions in their fields of endeavor and they joined 46 others who had been inducted since 2015. The new inductees are Professor Ibrahim Agboola Gambari, Ms. Beatrice Eyong, Dr. Karim El Ayanoui, Mrs. Hadiza Bala Usman, and Engr. Shehu Tijjani Professor Gambari, who was the Guest lecturer at the event, is a Nigerian academic and diplomat. He had served as Cchief of Staff to former President of Nigeria from 2020 to 2023. Before the appointment, Prof, Gambari was the longest serving Permanent Representative of Nigeria to the United Nations from 1990 to 1999, under five Heads of State and Presidents, and he was also a Minister of External Affairs from 1984 to 1985. While at the UN, Gambari was the President of UNICEF in 1999 and became Under-Secretary-General and the first Special Adviser on Africa to Secretary- General, Kofi Annan from 1999 to 2005. He was the Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations for Political Affairs from 2005 to 2007 Under Secretary-Generals to Kofi Annan and Ban Ki-moon. His last appointment in the UN was from January 2010 to July 2012, when he was appointed by Ban Ki-moon as the Chairperson of the African Union Commission and the Joint African Union-United Nations Special Representative for Darfur. Ms. Beatrice Eyong, Chairperson of the Lecture, is a Country Representative of the UN WOMEN, Nigeria, a Cameroonian national and an experienced gender specialist with over 39 years of professional working experience in promoting gender equality and women empowerment in different countries in Africa. She has a Master of Science degree in Agricultural Extension from the University of Reading, UK specializing in Gender analysis and planning, Production of media for extension and training, Microfinance for rural development and the management of extension staff. She is the UN Women’s Resident Representative to Nigeria and ECOWAS. Before coming to Nigeria, she was the Resident Representative of UN Women, Mali, and has also worked in countries like Niger and Democratic Republic of Congo. She has over 15 years of experience as an agronomist, microfinance officer, and gender specialist for the Cameroonian government in different development programmes. Dr. Karim El Ayanoui, who was the Keynote speaker at the event, is the Executive President, Policy Center for the New South, Rabat, Morocco. He is also the Executive Vice-President of Mohammed VI Polytechnic University and Dean of its Humanities, Economics and Social Sciences Cluster. El Ayanoui is an economist. From 2005 to 2012, he worked at the Central Bank of Morocco where he held the position of Director of Economics, Statistics, and International Relations. At the Central Bank of Morocco, he was in charge of the Research Department and equally a member of the Governor’s Cabinet. Previously, he worked for eight years at the World Bank as an Economist for its regional units in the Middle East, North Africa, and Africa. El Ayanoui has published books and journal articles on macroeconomic issues in developing countries. His recent research has been focused on growth and the labour market in Morocco, as well as on reforming the international development economy. He holds scientific and advisory positions at various institutions. He is currently a member of the Malabo Montpellier Panel, the Scientific Committee of the Italian Institute for International Political Studies, the Scientific Council of the Moroccan Capital Market. Engr. Tijjani, who was a discussant at the event, is a technologist, innovator, visionary entrepreneur, dedicated to transforming Nigeria’s technological landscape. He is a First-Class graduate in Information Technology and Business Information Systems from Middlesex University. With a background in embedded engineering (hardware & firmware), he founded Amal Technologies Nigeria Ltd an end-to-end electronics manufacturing company in 2018. He is deeply passionate about the semiconductor industry and its transformative potential for Nigeria. He recognizes that semiconductors are the foundation of modern technology and has made it a core focus of Amal Technologies. Under his leadership, Amal Technologies has become a leader in innovation, driving research and development in Nigeria. Beyond entrepreneurship, Tijjani has completed numerous professional courses that enhance his expertise. He is passionate about empowering Nigeria’s next generation, leading training programmes that equip Nigerians with skills in hardware, firmware, material science, and fabrication. His efforts contribute to Nigeria’s growth, ensuring the country becomes a key player in the global technology industry. Through his leadership, Amal Technologies is driving Nigeria toward a more self-reliant and prosperous future. Mrs. Bala Usman, a special guest and a discussant, who joined the event virtually, is the Former managing director of the Nigerian Ports Authority, NPA, (2016-2021) was appointed special adviser on policy coordination to President Bola Tinubu in June 2023. She previously served as the chief of staff to the governor of Kaduna State from 2015 to 2016. She is one of the co-founders of The Bring Back Our Girls campaign in 2014, and she is also a founding member of the ruling All Progressives Congress. Bala Usman grew up on the campus of Ahmadu Bello University in Zaria, where she had her education at the university staff school and went ahead to complete secondary education. In 1996, she rolled at the university and bagged a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration in 2000. She later got a Master’s Degree in Development Studies.
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) said it is engaging with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) over the Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) debt issue between the telecom operators and the commercial banks in the country. USSD, also known as quick or feature codes, is a global system for mobile communications (GSM) protocol that is used to send text messages and initiate financial transactions, such as cash transfers, balance inquiries, payments for services and others. Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of MTN Nigeria, Karl Toriola, had said in October this year that banks might be disconnected from the USSD platform due to debt, arising from the use of the quick codes by their customers. The executive secretary of the Association of Licensed Telecommunication Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), Gbolahan Awonuga said that the debt had increased to N250 billion. In 2019, telcos said they could no longer provide the services for free and proposed to take a cut of N4.50k per 20 seconds from the charges paid by customers to the banks. However, banks kicked against it, alleging that it would raise costs by 450 percent. Toriola had said that mobile network operators (MNOs) might, subject to regulatory approval, suspend supporting the use of the service on the network for banking operations, as the debt had continued to pile up and was becoming unsustainable to the operators. However, the NCC said it is engaging with the CBN to amicably settle the issue. NCC’s Director of Consumer Affairs Bureau, Dr. Ikechukwu Adinde, who disclosed this during a training programme for journalists on emerging trends in the telecom sector, said it was hopeful that the issue would soon be settled.
In a landmark decision, the International Criminal Court (ICC) has finally issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu and his former Defense Minister, Yoav Gallant.
The warrants which was pronounced yesterday, November 21, 2024, alleged that the two leaders committed a war crimes during recent military operations in Gaza, including orchestrating attacks on civilians and using hunger as a weapon.
ICC Prosecutor Karim A.A. Khan KC said that his office submitted that the war crimes alleged in these cases were committed by Netanyahu and Gallant.
According to the ICC, there are “reasonable grounds” to believe that Netanyahu and Gallant were directly responsible for these crimes, which have exacerbated the humanitarian crisis in the region.
The use of starvation as a tactic is considered a grave violation of international law and has drawn widespread condemnation.
The ICC’s decision has been met with support from some nations, including the Netherlands, which has expressed its readiness to cooperate with the ICC in enforcing the warrants. This move marks a significant escalation in international scrutiny of Israel’s actions in Gaza.
As of 2024, there are 124 countries including France, United Kingdom, Germany, Spain, South Africa, Portugal, Australia, Nigeria who are members of ICC and they are expected to enforce the court’s decision.
Though, Israel and some notable countries like the United States, China, Russia are not members and do not recognise the court’s jurisdiction. However, the decision would have wide range implications for the Israel including diplomatic hurdles and world recognition of war crime among others
As the case progresses, further developments are expected, potentially reshaping the geopolitical landscape and testing the limits of international justice. The ICC’s investigation is ongoing, and it remains to be seen how Israel and other nations will respond to the warrants in days to come.
Permanent Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources, Ambassador Nicholas Agbo Ella, has emphasized the commitment of the Federal Government to fully utilize the Public Private Partnership (PPP) to drive the economy faster. Speaking at a workshop on Public-Private Partnerships in the Nigerian Oil and Gas Sector in Abuja, Nicholas Ella said that the Public-Private Migration Policy launched in 2012, has been crucial in addressing critical infrastructure deficits in the country. The workshop with the theme: “Sustainable Future for Nigeria’s Oil and Gas Industry: Concepts, Opportunities, and Challenges of PPP Initiatives,” provided a platform for exploring ways to leverage PPPs for national development. Nicholas Ella noted that the 2012 policy initiative was introduced to utilize private sector expertise, financial resources, and technical capabilities in delivering infrastructure projects critical to Nigeria’s growth. “The Public-Private Migration Policy emerged when the Federal Government of Nigeria recognized that it could no longer bear the full financial burden of providing the infrastructure necessary for the country’s economic growth. To sustain progress, the collaboration between the private sector and government through PPPs was deemed critical.” The Permanent Secretary said that the policy is aimed at creating a framework where private sector investments and expertise are applied to sectors such as energy and health to enable projects that enhance economic productivity and improve the quality of life for Nigerians. According to him, PPP framework remained the cornerstone of sustainable development in Nigeria, even as he called for increased stakeholders engagement to optimise private sector contributions in addressing infrastructure challenges. “The administration of private sector finances and expertise, in collaboration with government efforts, ensures the efficient delivery of critical projects. This synergy has been instrumental in enabling the development of vital sectors, including oil, gas, and health.”
Former Undersecretary General of the United Nations (UN), Professor Ibrahim Gambari, has raised an alarm on the gradual return of the world to a new Cold War in which the big powers are directly joined and the Middle Powers are implicated either directly or by proxy. Delivering the 12th Annual Lecture of Realnews Magazine in Lagos, Gambari, who was a former Nigerian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Chief of Staff to former President Muhammadu Buhari, noted the ongoing geopolitical resurgence and realignment being witnessed in these trying times around the world. Speaking on the theme: ”Africa in World Shifting Geopolitics: Matters Arising on Demography, Technology, Artificial Intelligence, Natural Resources,” Gambari urged Africans generally and Nigerians in particular ”to take a step back and reflect on the contours of change taking place around us, as the invitation it provides us to begin to think about their implications for our immediate future and long-term interest.” The changes, according to him, are unfolding before our eyes, promise a profound transformation the workings of the international system, and nations, big and small, North and South, are preparing themselves to ensure that they are neither left behind nor reduced to victims of the new order. He observed that the expenditures on new generations of weapons of mass destruction are skyrocketing and across the world, from the Atlantic to the Pacific, the Arctic to the Antarctic, on land, in the air, on the seas, and in the outer space, saying: “a relentless militarisation is taking place. “Taking advantage of the possibilities opened up by new digital technologies and artificial intelligence, various options for electronic warfare are being developed. “In all of this, prime locations around the world that offer one form or the other of strategic advantage are being sought,” he said, adding that Africa, with an abundance of such strategic sites is, not surprisingly, the target of competitive bid from the Big and Middle Powers setting up military bases. “We know that the entire seaboard of Africa is already dotted with military bases operated by various powers; the continent is once again at the centre of a scramble as the new Cold War intensifies. In addition to geo-strategic considerations in the event of conflicts and war, there are strong interests in securing access to and control of strategic and critical minerals and arable land and forests.” Gambari also noted that competitive investments are also being made in building stable and durable political alliances with the governments of various countries and that the age of zero sum geopolitics is back with all its destabilising consequences for African countries. Looking at the options open for Africa, Gambari stated that with well over a billion people and with an overwhelmingly youthful population, the African continent is destined for a significant role in the demographics of the world in a context in which populations are both declining and ageing rapidly in many other parts of the world. He believes that taking advantage of the African demographic dividend in a renewed season of new global geopolitics effectively means that the countries of the continent “must build national and regional strategies to leverage the energy, innovative acumen, and futuristic vision of its young people in order to ensure that as a new world order takes shape, we are positioned to be joint rule makers.” According to him, the import of all the foregoing is simple. “Although there is no doubt that up we are in the throes of rapid, complex, multidimensional change in global affairs, it is equally important to know that the outcome of the ongoing geopolitical shifts are not necessarily destined to be at the expense of or to the detriment of our people and continent. That means that we must be ready to harness our abundant human and natural resources to leapfrog our development in order to achieve the structural transformation that has eluded us for too long. “It also means that we cannot afford to sit on the sidelines while the rules of a new world order are being written; we have the opportunity to insist on being joint rule makers so that the new global order that is being forged reflects our values and aspirations for a fairer, more inclusive, and equitable world. “In this, we must ensure that our youth bulge is turned into an advantage that puts us at the forefront of the digital economy and the innovations underpinning it.”
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 India investor disclosed that the second Hospital, Padiyath Cancare Hospitals will also be domiciled in Abuja and will be a 200-bed hospital world class cancer institute.
