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Oluremi Tinubu sympathises with Plateau over school disaster

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Oluremi Tinubu sympathises with Plateau over school disaster

First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu has expressed sadness over the tragic incident where a school building collapsed, resulting in deaths and injuries in Plateau State.

The unfortunate event occurred at Saint Academy in Jos, Plateau State capital, on Friday, claiming the lives of several school children and leaving others trapped under the rubble.

In a statement on Saturday by her spokesman, Busola Kukoyi, Mrs Tinubu condoled with the Governor of Plateau State, Caleb Muftwang, the bereaved families, and the entire people of Plateau State.

The statement reads, “It is indeed sad to hear the news of the school building collapse in Jos, which claimed the lives of our innocent children and their teachers.

“My heartfelt condolences goes to the Governor of Plateau State, His Excellency, Barr. Caleb Muftwang, the bereaved families, and the entire people of Plateau State.”

The First Lady prayed that God should comfort the families of the victims and grant them the strength to bear the devastating loss.

It added, “It is disheartening to lose these children with a promising future. Words are not enough to console you, but I pray that God comforts you all and grants you the strength to bear the devastating loss.

“May the souls of these, our precious ones rest in perfect peace. Amen.”

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Many trapped as building collapses in Abuja

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Many trapped as building collapses in Abuja

Many are feared trapped as a two-storey residential building located in Phase Two, Site Two in the Kubwa area of the Federal Capital Territory collapsed on Saturday.

The building, it was gathered collapsed around 7 am.

Details about the incident are still sketchy as of the time of filing this report.

The spokesperson for the FCT Emergency Management Agency, Nkechi Isa, said their search and rescue team are at the scene.

Details later ….

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Nigeria seeks to curb oil theft with $21m metering contract

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Nigeria seeks to curb oil theft with $21m metering contract

In a move aimed at tackling the persistent issue of oil theft in the Niger Delta, the Nigerian Federal Government (FG) has awarded a $21 million contract for the metering of 187 crude oil flow stations.
This initiative, approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC), represents a significant step towards increasing transparency and accountability within the nation’s oil and gas sector.
The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Heineken Lokpobiri, who disclosed this at a press briefing in Abuja, stated that the initiatives would further give clarity on the volumes of crude produced in-country as well as the amount exported to other nations.
He said, “Two days ago, the Federal Executive Council meeting was held, presided over by Mr President, where we took some very bold steps to reorganise the oil and gas sector. One of the key approvals by the Federal Executive Council has to do with awarding a contract for the metering of our 187 flow stations across the Niger Delta region of Nigeria by the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission.
“NUPRC is the apex regulatory agency or commission for the Nigerian oil and gas upstream sector. As part of our steps to ensure that we have proper accountability, the Federal Executive Council approved the metering of all our production. We have 187 flow stations in the country, and there was a contract awarded for us to meter all the flow stations so that we’ll be able to properly account for what we produce and what we export.
READ ALSO:Amid declining output, Nigeria records 400 cases of oil theft in one week
“It is a major development that has never happened in this country. And this project is meant to be completed within six months, within 180 days. And it is important that Nigerians know some of the key steps that this government is taking to ensure that we maximise opportunities that other countries are getting by the availability of oil and gas in Nigeria.”
Curbing Losses and Boosting Revenue
Oil theft has long been a drain on Nigeria’s economy, with estimates suggesting billions of dollars lost annually. The installation of meters at flow stations – the points where crude oil is extracted from the ground – aims to provide accurate measurements of oil production. This data will be crucial in identifying discrepancies and preventing theft throughout the oil production process.
Efficiency Concerns and Transparency
However, questions remain regarding the effectiveness and long-term implications of this project. Some analysts point out the relatively low cost of the contract, raising concerns about the quality and durability of the meters to be installed. Additionally, the 180-day timeframe for project completion seems ambitious, and potential delays could hinder the initiative’s impact.
Furthermore, the success of this project hinges on robust enforcement mechanisms. The government must demonstrate a strong commitment to holding all parties accountable, including oil companies and any individuals involved in tampering with the meters.
The post Nigeria seeks to curb oil theft with $21m metering contract appeared first on Latest Nigeria News | Top Stories from TVN.

“You are so shameless” – Charly Boy, others knock Tinubu’s aide for dragging Peter Obi

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“You are so shameless” – Charly Boy, others knock Tinubu’s aide for dragging Peter Obi

Veteran Nigerian singer and social activist, Charles Oputa, known by his stage name, Charly Boy, has chided President Bola Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, for dragging the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi.
TVN reports that Onanuga had in a post on his verified X handle, called out Peter Obi for keeping mum on the Supreme Court’s judgement granting financial full autonomy to local governments.
Onanuga, in his post on Friday, wondered why the former Anambra governor is yet to tweet about the Supreme Court’s decision even after 36 hours.
He wrote: “Why is Peter Obi silent?
“More than 36 hours after the Supreme Court gave a landmark ruling, granting financial autonomy to Nigeria’s 774 local councils, Mr. Peter Obi, the defeated Labour Party candidate, has yet to utter a word on the epochal judgment.
“His silence confirms the belief that he is always quick to tweet unverified news about the Tinubu administration or our country.”
His post, however, didn’t go down well, as some supporters of Peter Obi stormed the comment section to lambast the presidential aide.
Commenting on the post, Charly Boy wrote, “Why are you so shameless”?
Similarly, a popular Nigerian journalist, David Hundeyin wrote, “Go drunk Bayo, you’re home”.
Also commenting, an X user and influencer, FS Yusuf wrote, “Sugar dey him mouth? Why are you looking for what he will say? If your policies will work, you will hear it from the masses and not Peter Obi. Shebi una say una win election”?
“You are so shameless” – Charly Boy, others knock Tinubu’s aide for dragging Peter Obi

Delta LG poll: DSIEC begins distribution of electoral materials to polling units, wards

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Delta LG poll: DSIEC begins distribution of electoral materials to polling units, wards

The Delta State Independent Electoral Commission (DSIEC) has commenced the distribution of sensitive electoral materials to the various wards and polling units in Warri South Local Government Area of Delta State.
DSIEC Chief Electoral Officer, Sunday Emiakpo, confirmed this in a chat with newsmen at the legislative chamber of Warri South Council.
He said they began the distribution as early as 5 am this morning.
He mentioned that youths in the area attempted to force their way into the location where the electoral materials were kept.
Emiakpo said, “The youths attempted to force their way in up to three times. We had to invite the soldiers to clear them before we came in.”
“One of them said he wanted to come and inspect the materials, but I told them the DSS has taken records of everything. I told them, if you want to inspect anything, other party officials have to be here. If I do that, they will say I have done something funny with you. I said I was not going to allow that if they’re not complete.”
According to Emiakpo, “WRO in Warri South have their materials separate. We don’t want anybody to hijack them. The rule is that all candidates contesting the election will be together; they come with their own electoral officers.”
“At the end of the day, after an argument, they were boasting, but they were boasting for themselves. The man who came claiming to be a member of APC does not have a tag to identify himself.”
“I told the DPO that this man does not have a tag to identify himself. That was the only issue we had. Apart from that, we don’t have any challenges. Everything is going on peacefully.”
Delta LG poll: DSIEC begins distribution of electoral materials to polling units, wards

LG autonomy: Afenifere frowns at Supreme Court judgment

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LG autonomy: Afenifere frowns at Supreme Court judgment

The Pan Yoruba Socio-Political Group, Afenifere, has berated the Supreme Court judgment that granted financial autonomy to local government areas.
A statement signed by the leader of the group, Pa Ayo Adebanjo and its National Publicity Secretary, Prince Justice Faloye, said the ruling has done incalculable injury to the Nigerian state.
The statement is entitled: “Tinubu and the Grand Conspiracy Against Democracy and True Federalism in Nigeria.”
According to the statement, “Afenifere views the judgment of the Supreme Court in the case filed by the Federal Government on the so-called local government autonomy as a sheer judicial conspiracy in cahoots with the Tinubu administration against the Nigerian state and its foundational principles of federalism.
“Rather than interpret the constitution to uphold its elementary but overriding federal principle, which recognizes only a two-tier federal structure of the central government and federating states, the Supreme Court played to the gallery and wittingly allowed itself a most retrogressive declaration that the power of the government is portioned into three arms of government, the federal, the state and the local government.
“For the avoidance of any doubt, Afenifere makes bold to say that in line with its negotiated basis of existence, Nigeria is a “Federation consisting of states and a Federal Capital Territory”. as affirmed by Section 2 (2) of the 1999 constitution.
“While Afenifere frowns at corruption and misuse of public funds at levels of government, it condemns in most unmistaken terms the subjugation of the states and their constitutional roles, including the local government system, to the whims and caprices of the federal government by any means including obvious manipulation of the federation account as in the present case.”
The group said that the 1999 constitution, which, in spite of its flaws, gives life and power to the Supreme Court, provides in Section 162 and particularly subsection (6) that each state shall maintain a special account to be called “State Joint Local Government Account” into which shall be paid all allocations to the local government councils of the state from the Federation Account and from the government of the state.
LG autonomy: Afenifere frowns at Supreme Court judgment

LG autonomy will tackle poverty, insecurity – Ex-NULGE official

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LG autonomy will tackle poverty, insecurity – Ex-NULGE official

Former National Publicity Secretary, Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees, NULGE, Abdulrahman Maina-Yaji, has said the Supreme Court judgment that granted autonomy to local governments will address poverty and insecurity in Nigeria.
He made this statement in Maiduguri while reacting to the landmark judgment.
He said all those who worked toward it deserved commendation in promoting good governance and enhancing democracy.
Maina-Yaji, who is now the Mutawalli of Michika and Kakaki of Mubi Emirate of Adamawa, said “the judgement is a big relief to majority of Nigerians.
“President Bola Tinubu as an experienced administrator who understands the vital position of local governments as third tier of government closer to the people, deserves commendation for actualising this dream.
“In fact, to us as stakeholders in the local government, it is the judgment of the millennium, it signifies the return of life to the third tier of government.”
He recalled that NULGE had been pointing out that the growing poverty and insecurity at the grassroots was aggravated by lack of autonomy to local governments, as chairmen remained helpless due to poor funding.
He urged stakeholders to sit up and ensure that the judgement was enforced to the latter, by thwarting any move by any governor to compel his cronies who emerge as council chairmen to continue to open council purses for such governors to exploit.
“I want to draw the attention of elected chairmen not to be tempted by any governor to use another means to siphon money.
“As veterans of local governments, we will mobilize council workers and other stakeholders to ensure that apart from statutory deductions, any chairman that gives out money to the state will be petitioned to EFCC.
“We will not just allow this judgment to be frustrated by anyone by putting all necessary mechanisms to ensure its implementation to the fullest for maximum results,” he said.
LG autonomy will tackle poverty, insecurity – Ex-NULGE official

Dapo Abiodun celebrates Wole Soyinka @90

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Dapo Abiodun celebrates Wole Soyinka @90

Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has described Nobel Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka, as a literary icon and a voice for social justice and human rights, whose legacies straddle the entire world.

Abiodun, in a statement issued on Saturday by his Chief Press Secretary, Lekan Adeniran, to mark Soyinka’s 90th birthday today, described the first African Nobel Laureate winner in Literature as “An icon, a literary giant, and a global ambassador of Nigeria.”

He added, “Congratulations to Professor Soyinka on reaching the incredible milestone of 90 years! Throughout his lifetime, he has not only become a literary icon but also a voice for social justice and human rights.

 

“His contributions to literature, theatre, and activism have left an indelible mark on the sand of history. Here’s to celebrate his remarkable achievements and wish him many more years of inspiration and impact,” the governor said.

The governor noted that Soyinka has made immense contributions to the development of literature, culture, and democracy in Nigeria and across the world through his gifted art of writing and activism.

Abiodun commended the legendary playwright, poet, and essayist for his unwavering commitment to the fight for social justice, human rights, and good governance over the past six decades.

He said Soyinka’s legacy as a fearless, principled, and cerebral public intellectual will continue to inspire generations of both born and yet unborn Nigerians and Africans.

Abiodun wished the revered scholar many more years of good health, wisdom, and fulfilment ahead as he celebrates his landmark 90th birthday.

Nigeria scores legal victory as P&ID to pay judgement costs in Pounds Sterling

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Nigeria scores legal victory as P&ID to pay judgement costs in Pounds Sterling

In a significant legal victory for Nigeria, the United Kingdom Court of Appeal has ruled that Process and Industrial Developments Limited (P&ID) must pay the country’s legal costs associated with their failed gas processing contract dispute, and crucially, those costs must be paid in British Pounds Sterling (GBP).
This was contained in a statement by the Special Assistant to the President on Communications and Publicity, Office of the AGF, Kamarudeen Ogundele, on Friday.
Ogundele stated that the AGF lauded the U.K Appellate Court’s decision that rejected P&ID’s request to pay the judgment cost in Naira which would have reduced the legal cost by a wide margin.
He described the request to pay the fees in naira as another desperate attempt to defraud Nigeria, saying the court’s refusal is another victory won against corruption.
“The Hon. Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef O. Fagbemi, (SAN) is delighted at a report just received from our UK solicitors on the latest victory recorded by Nigeria in its fight against corruption and extortion by litigation hawks. Consequent to our success in defeating the fraudulent USD 11 billion claim by P&ID last year, Nigeria is continuing its efforts to recover its substantial costs from P&ID and its vulture fund backers.
READ ALSO:Reps summon Umahi, Edun, Fagbemi to explain procurement process on Lagos-Calabar Highway
“Today (being the 12th day of July 2024), the United Kingdom Court of Appeal validated Nigeria’s claim for the post-judgment costs to be paid in Pound Sterling (GBP), which P&ID tried to reduce drastically by claiming that Nigeria should only be entitled to recover its costs in Naira, which evidently will produce a much lower cost.
“This was another misconceived and desperate attempt by fraudsters to deprive the Nigerian people of hard-earned public revenue. As a government, we are very determined to recover these costs and make P&ID and its US funders pay for their scam so as to serve as a deterrence to others of their ilk. We commend the dedication and tenacity of our legal team for this accomplishment,” the statement read.
This decision comes after a tumultuous legal battle. P&ID, a British Virgin Islands-registered company, initially secured a $11 billion judgement against Nigeria in 2019 at an arbitration tribunal in London. Nigeria vehemently contested the award, arguing the contract was a sham and P&ID had no real investment in the project.
A Win on Two Fronts
The latest ruling holds a double win for Nigeria. Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, hailed the decision, highlighting the importance of the currency used for payment. By demanding the costs be paid in Pounds Sterling, Nigeria avoids significant devaluation due to exchange rate fluctuations.
A Blow to P&ID’s Finances
The ruling is a substantial financial blow to P&ID. The exact amount of legal costs is unknown, but it is likely to be a significant sum. This decision, coupled with the ongoing legal challenges to the original $11 billion judgement, puts P&ID’s financial viability further in question
The post Nigeria scores legal victory as P&ID to pay judgement costs in Pounds Sterling appeared first on Latest Nigeria News | Top Stories from TVN.

LASTMA denies involvement in man’s death by suicide

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LASTMA denies involvement in man’s death by suicide

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has distanced itself from the discovery of a man’s body hanging from a tree not far from its offices on the Lagos-Sagamu Expressway.
In a statement issued on Friday, LASTMA’s Director of Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department, Taofiq Adebayo, addressed rumors circulating online suggesting the agency was involved in the man’s death.
“Several speculations were made by sympathisers present at the scene,” Adebayo said. “Some said he was dressed like a motorcyclist (okada rider), while some speculated he was a tricyclist (Marwa rider).
He also debunked the rumours circulating on social media, insinuating that the deceased’s vehicle was impounded by officers of the agency.
The statement further clarified that the body was discovered early Thursday morning by passersby who immediately reported it to the Shagamu Road Police Station.
READ ALSO:Bus driver jailed 12 years for killing LASTMA officer
LASTMA General Manager, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, emphasized, “Our operatives are not responsible for the dead body found hanging by the gate of the estate.
“Some even believed he was brought to the scene by his killers during the wee hours of midnight, and stage managed it, to give it the semblance of suicide because the victim’s leg was touching ground.
“For brevity, no one could really identify him as either an okada or Marwa rider from amongst several operators of okada and Marwa who visited the scene.”
The cause of death and the man’s identity remain under investigation by the police.
The post LASTMA denies involvement in man’s death by suicide appeared first on Latest Nigeria News | Top Stories from TVN.

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