The Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has announced that its Port Harcourt Refining Company (PHRC) in Rivers State has commenced crude oil processing. Chief Corporate Communications Officer of NNPCL, Femi Soneye, said in a statement today, November 26: “today marks a monumental achievement for Nigeria as the Port Harcourt Refinery officially commences crude oil processing. “This groundbreaking milestone signifies a new era of energy independence and economic growth for our nation. “Hearty congratulations to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the NNPC Board, and the exceptional leadership of GCEO Mele Kyari for their unwavering commitment to this transformative project. “Together, we are reshaping Nigeria’s energy future!” Information reaching us at Greenbarge Reporters online newspaper said that truck loading is expected to commence immediately.
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has approved the procurement of fertilizers and sprayers for dry-season farming The Administration’s Mandate Secretary for Agriculture and Rural Development, Lawan Geidam, who made this known at the end of the Executive Committee Meeting yesterday, November 25, chaired by the Minister, Nyesom Wike said that the approved fertilizers are 300 metric tons of NPK, 300 metric tons of Urea, 310 NAFSAT sprayers, and 3500 liters of liquid fertilizer that will be used for irrigation. The Mandate Secretary said that the move is aimed at encouraging all-year farming and improving food security in the nation’s capital. “As you know, the rainy season has ended. We are going into dry season farming, that is, irrigation farming. This is the first time such approval was made in the FCT to encourage, instead of annual farming or rainy season farming, let’s go into irrigation and see that we can do farming all year round.”
The Nigerian Chapter of the International Press Institute (IPI Nigeria) has scheduled its annual general congress, election and dinner for December 11 and 12 in Abuja, Nigeria’s federal capital. The secretary of the Institute, Ahmed Shekarau, in a statement, said that the annual congress would be a three-part event comprising a conference on 11 December, an annual general meeting and election of new officials on 12 December, and a dinner on the night of 12 December. Shekarau said that all the events will be held at the Abuja Continental Hotel (formerly Sheraton Hotel). The statement said that the conference, with the theme: “Democracy, Media Freedom and the Imperative of Protecting Nigeria’s Civic Space”, will provide members and other attendees the opportunity to brainstorm on some of the challenges affecting the practice of journalism and how practitioners can survive in challenging environments. “The conference will also help journalists to interact with leaders of key security agencies and seek common solutions to incessant clashes between journalists and security agencies. “The sessions are designed to afford all participants the opportunity to share experiences and learn from one another how to survive as media practitioners in a challenging environment like ours. The deliberations will significantly enrich discussions and contribute to finding solutions for a better media environment in Nigeria.” The statement said that IPI Nigeria will also hold a members-only convening on 12 December, saying that during the meeting, the current executive committee, led by Musikilu Mojeed will render accounts, and members will elect new officials. The three-year tenure of the group’s current executive committee expires on December 16. “To ensure a seamless transition, the Trustees of IPI Nigeria have constituted an electoral committee to oversee elections for executive positions, as stipulated in our constitution,” the statement said. “Further details about the membership of the electoral committee and the guidelines for the election will be provided in the next few days.” The International Press Institute (IPI), with headquarters in Vienna, Austria, is a global network of media executives, editors, and leading journalists. Since its establishment in 1950, it has consistently advocated for journalist rights and media freedom worldwide. IPI Nigeria is the Nigerian branch of IPI Global and is totally committed to credible and independent journalism, media freedom, freedom of speech and the free flow of news and information in Africa’s most populous country and the continent’s biggest economy.
The governor of Kogi State, Ahmed Usman Ododo has directed that a particular traditional ruler be suspended for his role in the killing of a Fulani man at Isanlu, in Yagba East local government of the state. The governor also directed that some traditional rulers in the affected areas be properly interrogated in order to get to the root of the matter. A statement today, November 25 by the State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, said that the governor took the decisions after an emergency security meeting he held with the parties involved in the Isanlu crisis. The governor was said to have cut short his journey to Abuja where he was billed to receive an award, to attend to the emergency situation in Isanlu.The emergency security meeting was held to avert reprisal attacks by Fulani people. The statement said that Governor Ododo frowned at a situation where people would take laws into their hands by killing fellow human, saying that such is not acceptable and that perpetrators will face the full wrath of the law. The governor asked the leaders of the Isanlu community to warn their subjects to desist from actions that constitute insecurity in Yagba East and the entire Yagba Federal Constituency. He also urging them to fish out the criminal elements among them as his administration will go after every criminal in the state, regardless of tribe. “The Governor, without mincing words, also challenged the leadership of the Isanlu community and its environs in Yagba East to sensitize their people on the need to stop constituting security threats in the area by taking the laws into their hands. “He particularly told them to stop harboring criminals and to ensure that criminal elements among them are reported and handed over to law enforcement agencies in order to curb insecurity in the area.” According to the Commissioner, Governor Ododo promised to protect everyone living in the state, but stressed that no criminal would be spared. The Governor commended the Fulanis in the area for resisting the temptation of launching a reprisal attack over the unfortunate incident, thanking them for demonstrating maturity, understanding and commitment to peace and security. He also expressed gratitude to the leadership of the Fulani community in the State for supporting the security initiatives of the administration, saying their efforts at maintaining peace and security are well documented and appreciated. The emergency security meeting was attended by top government officials, security agencies, community leaders and representatives of the Fulanis in the area. The Chairman of the Local Government Area, Dare Joshua, thanked the Governor for his swift action at averting a major security breakdown in the Local Government Area.
The Nigerian Senate has given details of how it mourned late colleague, Senator Ifeanyi Uba before his burial in Nnewi on Friday. A statement today, November 24 debunking news circulating about the failure of the Senate to play a role in the burial of late Ifeanyi Ubah, said that contrary to insinuations in some misinformed quarters, the Senate accorded Senator Ubah all honours and rites. The statement by the chairman, Senate Committee on Media and Publicity, Yemi Adaramodu, said: “for the first time in the history of the National Assembly, a whole Legislative day was dedicated to paying Tributes to our departed colleague. His seat was adorned with the national flag which was huge honor and recognition of his contributions to the Senate and the good people he represented. “The Nigerian Senate did not abandon the late Senator and his family right from the moment the news of his death became public knowledge news. “In fact, the Senate commiserated with the people and government of Anambra State over his death. “The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, it would be recalled, had immediately after the demise of our late colleague was made public, led a high powered delegation of some principal officers and members of the Senate to the Lagos residence of the late Senator to commiserate with his wife and children. “Almost 100 Senators of the 109 members attended a valedictory session held in his honor, where senators including vice president Kashim Shettima paid tribute to his accomplishments as a, philanthropist, businessman and politician. The Senate said that this action was a demonstration of the Senate’s respect and appreciation for Senator Ubah’s contributions. It stressed that substantial members of the Senate were in Nnewi on behalf of the Senate which had earlier reached out to the family before his burial. “Having done all that in his honor and some sections of the media saw that as an abandonment, it shows that the minds behind the ill-informed story were expecting distinguished Senators to storm Nnewi in a show-off, while mourning the untimely demise of their colleague. “It is preposterous that anyone under any guise would suggest that the Senate failed in its role to honor the memory of Senator Ifeanyi Ubah.”
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.”
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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.
