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CCDI partners UN to tackle oil theft, boost energy in Nigeria

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CCDI partners UN to tackle oil theft, boost energy in Nigeria

The Centre for Convention on Democratic Integrity, a non-governmental organisation based in Nigeria and Maryland, United States, has announced a collaborative effort with the United Nations, alongside the University of Washington to curb oil theft and revamp Nigeria’s energy sector.

Together, they will host a session titled “Sustainable Energy Security in Nigeria: Issues, Challenges, and Prospects” during the upcoming spring meetings of the World Bank and IMF Boards of Governors scheduled to take place between April 15 and 20 in Washington DC, United States.

A statement jointly signed by the Permanent Representative of CCDI, Olufemi Aduwo: and a Director of Clean Energy, University of Washington, Prof Dan Schwart, on Tuesday, noted that the session aimed at addressing critical aspects of Nigeria’s energy security landscape.

Aduwo said the objectives were to highlight the challenges of oil theft and the international dimension of how to tackle the menace and also the prospects available to potential investors in Nigeria’s energy sector.

A Nigerian-American and the current Deputy Secretary of Treasury, United States, Wally Adeyemo, will deliver a keynote message at the session.

Aduwo added that the mission of CCDI is to ensure that the world remains an unparalleled community of freedom, peace, security, and shared values, including individual liberty, human rights, democracy, and the rule of law.

“We are united in our commitment to the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations, the three main pillars: peace and security, rights and sustainable development,” he said.

He added, “Since 2012, the organisation has organised sessions during World Bank and IMF Boards of Governors meetings and also at United Nations, New York on global and regional socio-political issues.”

Commenting on the lingering crisis between Russia and Ukraine, the representative of the organisation claimed it submitted letter and met with the Director General, United Nations Office at Geneva on how the war could be curbed, noting that the global economic progress is faltering.

“The uncertainty caused by COVID-19, Russia invasion of Ukraine, dramatic shifts in international trade and political upheaval have left many disillusioned and triggered social tension, worsened inequality across the world and a more urgent need to foster cooperation is urgently needed,” he explained.

Aduwo said that regardless of the global economic situation in Nigeria, all hands must be on the deck to resolve the crisis and the major issues.

“The government must tackle corruption and end stealing with impunity among government officials which include elected officials and top civil servants,” he stated.

Data usage peaks at 721,522 terabytes in January

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Data usage peaks at 721,522 terabytes in January

Data consumption reached 721,522 terabytes in January 2024, the highest monthly consumption ever recorded, according to the Nigerian Communications Commission.

Data obtained on Tuesday from the regulator’s website showed that this record surpassed December 2023, which stood at 713,200 terabytes.

Active Internet subscriptions totalled 161,977,883, reflecting a substantial increase from the 156,244,368 subscriptions recorded in January of the preceding year.

Different service providers make up the number of Internet subscriptions; they include telcos (mobile), Internet Service Providers (ISPs), Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) and Fixed.

Mobile subscriptions accounted for 161,504,390, with Internet service providers—wired or wireless—recording 213,876 subscriptions, fixed wire connections totalling 21,437, and Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) reaching 238,180.

According to the NCC, January 2024 witnessed a decline of 1.9 million Internet users compared to December 2023, dropping from 163.8 million to 161.9 million.

Nonetheless, Internet penetration remained robust at 42.53 per cent, with broadband subscriptions totalling 92,195,937 million.

The data show that 2G connections remain predominant, but the proportion of 4G subscriptions has been steadily rising.

In terms of market share by network generations, 2G accounted for 57.78 per cent in January 2024, 3G was 9.36 per cent in January, and in December 2023, it was 9.80 per cent.

4G subscriptions increased from 31.33 per cent in December 2023 to 31.75 per cent, indicating a growing preference for high-speed connectivity.

5G subscriptions accounted for 1.11 per cent of all connections in Nigeria in January 2024, up from 1.04 per cent recorded in December 2023.

The International Telecommunications Union, a specialised agency of the United Nations, recently revealed that Africa maintains the lowest 5G coverage rate globally, standing at only 6 per cent as of December 2023.

This disparity is attributed in part to the ongoing significance of older mobile technologies, particularly 2G and 3G networks, across the continent.

The ITU report highlighted the persistence of 2G and 3G networks in many African countries, contrasting with their phase-out in developed nations.

These legacy technologies remain integral to the telecommunications landscape in African nations, particularly those with lower-income economies.

In its report, the ITU underscored the continued predominance of 2G and 3G networks in countries like Nigeria.

These technologies offer a cost-effective means of delivering essential mobile services, such as voice calls and text messages, particularly in regions lacking access to 4G and 5G networks.

I won’t govern Rivers like a dictator

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I won't govern Rivers like a dictator

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has assured the people of the state that his administration will collaborate and continue to consult widely in delivering a liberated state experiencing enduring peace.

The governor said in doing so, he would not operate as a dictator, but as a member of a team that has the best interest of the state at heart and is determined to leave a lasting legacy that can be celebrated.

The governor spoke during the presentation of the Certificate of Recognition and Staff of Office to the Amanyanabo of Okochiri Kingdom, Ateke Michael Tom, as first-class tradition ruler, at the Government House in Port Harcourt on Tuesday.

This was contained in a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Tuesday by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Nelson Chukwudi.

Fubara stated that during the sixth State Executive Council meeting, N80.8 bn was approved with 50 per cent contract value paid already as the government awarded the construction of the Elele-Egbeda-Omoku Road.

He said the project will be funded from the savings from Internally Generated Revenue to underscore his administration’s prudence without also borrowing to complete the project.

Fubara said, “We are at a crossroads in our state where we all need to stand for what is right. It happens once in a lifetime. So, for now, be one of those people who will be on the course to liberate and free our dear state.

“And I know strongly that having the support of a peace-loving Amanyanabo of Okochiri Kingdom, having the support of the wonderful Council of Chiefs, having the support of the great people of Rivers State, we will bring peace in our state.

“We will do those things that are right to develop our state. We will continue to consult. We will not act as dictators. We will act as people who know that one day, we will leave, and when we leave, the way we have acted will speak for us.”

Continuing, he said, ” We will not force people to talk good about us. Our legacy will be a signature for how we led.”

Fubara explained that he acted within the ambit of the law to upgrade the traditional stool upon which King Ateke Tom sits in recognition of his efforts in promoting peace in Okrika, and indeed, the state, and urged him to continue to do justice to everyone.

In his speech, the Commissioner for Chieftaincy and Community Affairs, Charles Amadi, congratulated King Ateke Tom.

Also speaking, former Minister of Transportation, Chief Abiye Sekibo, thanked Fubara for fulfilling his promise of upgrading the traditional stool of Okochiri Kingdom, and pledged the support of Kirike people for his administration.

Tuberculosis killed 300 in Ogun in 2023

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Tuberculosis killed 300 in Ogun in 2023

No fewer than 300 patients died of tuberculosis, out of over 6,000 cases recorded in Ogun State in 2023.

This is just as the state is said to have recorded a 100% rise in tuberculosis cases in recent times

The Senior Programme Officer of the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria, Ms Florinda Olawusi, disclosed this in Abeokuta, the state capital while speaking with journalists at the 2024 World Tuberculosis Day.

Olawusi expressed concern over a 100% rise from 2019, adding that according to data from the IHVN and USAID TB-LON 3 project for Ogun State, 3,000 cases were recorded in 2019.

She noted that 95% of the patients were already placed on treatment.

“Since the inception of the TB long 3 project in Ogun State which started in 2019, Ogun State was diagnosing a little over 3,000 cases annually but presently from 2019 till now for example last year in 12 months, they were able to diagnose over 6,000 cases which is a huge increment. It’s over a 100% increase in the number of cases diagnosed.

“The treatment lasts for six months. So, what that means is that after six months, once the duration of the treatment is complete, the patient leaves the programme As of last year, we were able to identify 6,000 cases and 95% of them were placed on treatment,” she said.

Responding to questions on the number of deaths, she said “There have been some TB-related deaths in the past year. A little over 300 patients died from TB-related causes last year in Ogun State.”

The State Programme Manager for TB and Leprosy Control, Olusola Taiwo, said, “One of the predisposing factors for TB infection is staying in an overcrowded environment, so people should stay where there is good ventilation, indiscriminate pit, they should try put on their coughing etiquette to prevent the spreading of TB germs.”

The World Health Organisation representative, Omotunde Ogunlaja, advised residents to speak out and contact the nearest health facility if symptoms are suspected

“We just like to tell the residents that TB is curable and we can end it so anybody that shows the signs, coughing for two weeks or more should go to the health facilities and get themselves accessed.

“The assessment is free, and treatment is free, and also, those on the treatment should not be set aside. They should use their drugs” she added.

Edo gets 40 new solid minerals licences

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Edo gets 40 new solid minerals licences

The Edo State Government has secured 40 new licences for solid mineral deposits in the state through Associates Mining and Investment Company, a special-purpose vehicle promoted by the state government.

The state Commissioner for Mining and Energy, Enaholo Ojiefoh, who disclosed this on Tuesday in Benin, said the state took the bold step to acquire the licences so that it is not shortchanged in the drive for industrialisation.

He noted that the state will rent the licences to interested private investors to exploit the mineral deposits in the state.

He said, “Upon getting the licences, we went back to the drawing board. We engaged with the Community Development Associations in the communities where these solid minerals are found. Between December and January this year, we have received not less than 14 visitors who are all interested in bringing their money in.

“The governor has asked that this has to be transformed into money. So, we are looking at industrialisation. A Commodities Trading and Mineral Analysis Centre is being completed in Dangbala in Akoko Edo. We have had to train our staff working with a research team from the universities.

“We have professors in Geology, Geophysics, Industrial Chemistry, and Biochemistry working with us on the project. We have staff across the state working on identifying more minerals also.

“We have deposits of kaolin in Ubiaja, in Edo Central Senatorial district of the state. We have gypsum in Warrake as well. The state is blessed, and we are looking to drive investment with these deposits.”

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Kano gov moves to create four new ministries

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Kano gov moves to create four new ministries

Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, on Tuesday, wrote to the state House of Assembly seeking the creation of four new ministries.

According to the letter read on the floor of the Assembly on Tuesday by the Speaker, Jibrin Ismail Falgore, the creation of the new ministries is to, among others, enhance the development of the state and its growing needs.

The new ministries include Humanitarian Affairs, Power and Renewable Energy, Internal Security, and Solid Minerals Ministry.

Other letters received by the assembly from the governor include the approval for the dissolution of the Assembly commission, with the names of new members, four names as Commissioner nominees and members of the state executive council and replacement of the name of a member of the Kano State Independent Electoral Commission.

Falgore subsequently adjourned the plenary till April 2, 2024.

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Deputy senate president, Osun monarch preach unity

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Deputy senate president, Osun monarch preach unity

The Deputy President of the Senate, Jibrin Barau, and the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi, have harped on unity, saying the beauty and strength of the country are in her diversity.

Barau on Tuesday hosted the Oluwo of Iwo, a first-class traditional ruler in Osun State, in his office at the National Assembly, Abuja.

While interacting, the duo said Nigerians, irrespective of their places of origin, should promote unity and work for the development of the country.

Barau described the role of traditional rulers in promoting unity as paramount to the peaceful coexistence and development of the country.

He said, “Traditional rulers have key roles to play in national unity and development. As such, we implore them to always use every opportunity to promote unity and peaceful coexistence among all in the country. In and out of their domains, traditional rulers should continue to propagate the messages of unity, peace, and tolerance.”

Earlier in his remarks, the traditional ruler said diversity is the beauty of Nigeria.

Oluwo said, “Diversity is the beauty of Nigeria. This is why we can boast of over 200m population. Only Yoruba, Igbo, or Hausa cannot boast of this number. Unity is our pride. We will live together forever.

“That is why I married my wife from Kano, the Northern part of the country to promote national unity. We still need that unity and we will stay together forever and ever.”

Commending the Deputy Senate President for his various intervention and empowerment programmes, he said he was endeared to Barau by his leadership style.

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is the pride of Lagos and the South, I pray Almighty God to make you the pride of Kano and the entire North,” he said.

Delta police rescue three kidnapped sisters

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Delta police rescue three kidnapped sisters

The Delta State Police Command, on Monday, rescued three sisters who were said to have been kidnapped in Egbudu-Akah, Aniocha South Local Government Area of the state.

The command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, disclosed this in a post on his X handle on Tuesday.

His caption read, “The command yesterday, March 24, 2024, rescued three sisters who were allegedly kidnapped in Egbudu-Akah, in Aniocha South LGA, and arrested one of the suspected kidnappers.

“The sisters have since been reunited with their families. This feat was achieved when a concerned resident of the community sighted the kidnappers dragging the girls to the bush.”

He added that in a stop-and-search duty on the same day, the operatives of the command also apprehended a suspected cultist and recovered a locally made cut-to-size double barrel gun.

He wrote, “On the same date in Agbor, a suspected cultist was intercepted during w stop-and-search duty. When searching, a locally made cut-to-size double barrel gun was recovered.

“CP Abaniwonda Olufemi has directed that the suspects be transferred to SCID for further investigation.”

According Online reports how policemen in Benue State rescued a 50-year-old kidnap victim at Tine Nine, Zaki Biam, in the Ukum Local Government Area of the state.

The victim was said to have been discovered in a coma after his abductors abandoned him. He was later taken to the General Hospital, Zaki-Biam, where he was relieved.

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Ekiti gov pays N1.2bn gratuities to ex-LG workers, teachers

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Ekiti monarch got permission to travel for medicals

 

Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, said on Tuesday that his administration had released N1.2bn gratuity arrears to retired local government workers and primary school teachers in the last 15 months.

Oyebanji, who bemoaned the plight of the categories of pensioners waiting for their gratuities for years, said his administration would correct all such by ensuring speedy payment of their gratuities.

The governor, who spoke in Ado Ekiti, the state capital, while presenting gratuity cheques to retired local government workers and primary school teachers, assured the pensioners that more of them would soon get their dues following his increase of the money for monthly gratuity from N50m to N100m.

He said, “It is important to place on record that we have paid N1.214bn as gratuities to 377 retired local government and primary school teachers since the beginning of this administration. Our target is to get everyone covered; and with God on our side, we will not rest on our oars until it is achieved. Rest should, indeed sweet after labour.

 

“As regards the March to September 2018 arrears of your pensions, we are closing in on settling them. We have so far cleared three out of seven months. I am assuring you that the remaining four will soon be cleared.”

Oyebanji said the government was making efforts on peace and security to boost the attraction of the state to investors for sustainable economic development in the areas of industrialization, employment generation and wealth creation.

He advised beneficiaries to expend the gratuities on things that would add value to their welfare and well-being to compensate for the long period of waiting.

The Commissioner for Local Government Affairs, Chief Folorunso Olabode, who said that the Oyebanji administration had been paying N580m as pension monthly since 2022, lauded the governor for increasing the monthly gratuity payment to LG and primary school retirees from N50m to N100m.

The Chairman, Nigeria Union of Pensioners, Ekiti State Chapter, Mr Joel Akinola, who lauded Oyebanji for his love for pensioners, expressed confidence that the backlog of arrears of retired LG and primary school teachers would soon be cleared.

Akinola appealed to retirees to embrace the free health services specially designed for pensioners by the current administration, saying this is a way of elongating their life expectancy and putting their health in proper shape.

The NUP chairman said, “Our members have passed through the valley of the shadow of death. I have never seen any state where governor released cheques to pensioners every month for gratuity payment. This gives us a lot of hope. We especially thank the governor for his concern about us”

Brutality: Nigerian Man Demands Court-Granted Compensation From Togolese Navy

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Brutality: Nigerian Man Demands Court-Granted Compensation From Togolese Navy

A Nigerian businessman has called on the Togolese Navy to obey a court order after compensation was granted for brutalizing him.

Narrating his ordeal, he stated that some officers of the Togolese Navy stopped them while on a business trip and shot passengers on the bus he was on.

In this documentary, he shared with The According his ordeal and his fight for justice.

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