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Lagos APC rejects claims of asking LG chairmen seeking re-election to resign

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In Lagos State, the ruling All Progressives Congress has denied giving any orders to reelection-seeking incumbent local government chairmen to step down before the 2025 council election.

In a statement released Monday night, APC Spokesperson Mr. Seye Oladejo said the alleged command was a hoax meant to deceive party members and the general public.

Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, the APC’s Lagos State Chairman, is alleged to have sent incumbent council chairs who want to run for reelection a fictitious order to step down from their positions.

Oladejo stated, “We want to make it very clear that there is not a shred of truth in the publication, as it was twisted to suit the publisher’s interest.”
On the contrary, he claimed, the order was given to APC Local Government party chairmen who were running for elective office in the next elections to step down since they were not allowed to serve as both contestants and umpires.When the guidelines are published, the chairmen of the local government parties—who are also candidates in the next elections—will have to step down from their existing roles.

Read Aso: NELFUND disburses over N20bn for 192,906 students as of January 1, 2025

Oladejo stated, “We want to urge party members and the public to abstain from spreading false information that could inflame the political climate.”

He stated that the party was expecting the newly reorganized Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission’s (LASIEC) electoral rules.

According to the spokesperson, all party members should keep pushing for initiatives that foster unity and understanding inside the party.

NELFUND disburses over N20bn for 192,906 students as of January 1, 2025

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The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFund) has declared that N20,075,050,006.55 has been approved for distribution to 192,906 students enrolled in public postsecondary educational institutions nationwide.

This update was posted on the official X page of the NELFund.

page on Monday, indicating the payment date is January 1, 2025.

With 11,683 students selected to earn a total of N1.3 billion, Bayero University in Kano will receive the greatest part.
8,978 students from Federal University Dutsin-Ma would receive N909 million, while 6,988 students from the University of Jos will receive N941 million.

5,451 students at Federal University Dutse will split N593 million, while 4,907 students at the University of Ibadan will receive N746 million.

N578 million will be given to 6,480 students at Usmanu Danfodiyo University in Sokoto, while N557 million would be given to 3,685 students at the University of Lagos.

Read Also: Ecobank launches sustainable art initiative to support Nigerian artists

Gombe State Polytechnic in Bajoga, where four students will receive N122,000, and Abia State Polytechnic, where two students will receive N106,300, are among the institutes with fewer recipients. Three students will receive N214,116 from Nwafor Orizu College of Education in Nsugbe, and seven students will receive N315,500 from Kenule Benson Saro-Wiwa Polytechnic in Bori.

Eleven students from Federal Polytechnic Ukana, Akwa Ibom, will split N518,500, and three students from the Federal College of Education, Gidan Madi, will earn N330,000.

Twelve students at Alvan Ikoku Federal University of Education, Owerri, would receive N528,500, while nine students at Federal Polytechnic Nekede, Imo State, will earn N368,400.

Ecobank launches sustainable art initiative to support Nigerian artists

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Toyeeb Ajayi’s new art work, “Kong in a Cage,” was unveiled by Ecobank Nigeria.

The installation, which was created completely of recycled materials, is currently on display at the Ecobank Pan African Centre in Lagos, the bank said in a statement on Tuesday.

Through some of its programs, like as the “Get Cash for Plastic Bottles” campaign, which cleared more than four million plastic bottles from Lagos’ streets and drains, Ecobank has been promoting sustainability throughout the nation. Additionally, the bank actively participates in environmental preservation and protection initiatives by planting trees.

Read Also: NUPRC data reveals Nigeria produced 566m barrels of crude oil in 2024

In his remarks, Bolaji Lawal, Managing Director/Regional Executive of Ecobank Nigeria, emphasized that the sustainable art installation is a component of the bank’s continuous dedication to environmental preservation, sustainability, and the advancement of Nigeria’s creative industries.

He went on to say that the bank is still committed to providing a worldwide stage for up-and-coming Nigerian talents, particularly in the arts and sustainability sectors.

Additionally, Lawal noted that “Kong in a Cage” supports Ecobank’s overarching goal of advancing the creative industry throughout Africa.

By giving Nigerian artists the chance to exhibit their work both domestically and abroad, we hope to bring attention to their extraordinary skill.
“Global connection, well-being, and economic progress are all significantly influenced by the creative sector. We at Ecobank are dedicated to making investments in our young people’s futures in order to contribute to the development of a more promising future for Nigeria,” he stated.

“Kong in a Cage” is a remark on environmental sustainability, according to artist Toyeeb Ajayi, whose use of recycled materials reflects this concept.

In addition to providing entertainment, this artwork sparks discussion about the relationship between art and environmental care by utilizing sustainable materials and techniques.

“Kong in a Cage” is more than simply a piece of art; it’s a conversation—a graphic call for responsibility, accountability, and a renewed appreciation of the delicate equilibrium between nature and people.

“I urge everyone to think about how humans affect the environment, think about the possibilities of repurposed materials, and reconsider our relationship with the planet,” Ajayi stated.

On Saturdays and Sundays, the public will be able to view the artwork.

 

NUPRC data reveals Nigeria produced 566m barrels of crude oil in 2024

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According to information gleaned from the Nigeria Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Nigeria produced 566.8 million barrels of crude oil and condensate in 2024.

Nigeria produced 566,794,493 barrels of crude oil and condensate between January and December 2024, according to calculations made using data from the NUPRC’s Crude Oil and Condensate Production Report, 2024.

The report states that Nigeria produced 51,694,357 in crude oil and condensate in December 2024, its greatest oil production to date.

46,022,147 barrels of crude oil, 1,527,549 barrels of blended condensate, and 4,144,661 barrels of unblended condensate are included in the breakdown.

At 50,714,537 barrels, December’s production is somewhat higher than November’s. Crude oil (44,569,683 barrels), unblended condensate (4,750,362 barrels), and blended condensate (1,394,492 barrels) make up the breakdown.

April was the lowest output in the nation, with 43,423,051 barrels of crude oil and condensate produced overall.

Nigeria produced an average oil 1.69 million barrels per day in November, which was its highest daily average production to date. December, with an average of 1.69 million barrels per day, comes next.

The highest production in December was 1.79 million b/d, while the lowest production in a single day was 1.57 million.

The study stated that the average daily production in December was 1,667,560 barrels, which included both crude oil (1,484,585 bpd) and condensate (182,975 bpd).

The following is the average production per day, including condensate:

January: 1.64 mbpd
1.53 mbpd in February
March: 1.44 mbpd
1.45 mbpd in April
1.47 mbpd in May
June: 1.50 mbpd
1.53 mbpd in July
1.57 mbpd in August
1.54 mbpd in September
October: 1.54 mbpd
November: 1.69 mbpd
December: 1.67 mbpd
The nation’s output surpassed its OPEC allotment in the latter half of the year. However, its average daily production of crude oil was 1.4 million barrels per day when condensates were not included.

Additionally, the annual average production plus condensate fell just short of the OPEC quota. According to the NUPRC report, “the average crude oil production was 98.97% of OPEC quota (1.5 mbpd).”

Oil terminals’ and streams’ performance
The NUPRC report lists BONNY as one of the top-performing terminals or streams.

The Forcados Terminal produced 91.3 million barrels of oil between January and December, the most of any terminal. The Bonny terminal, which produced 69.3 million barrels in total, and the Escravos terminal, which produced 49.5 million barrels, come next.

Things you should be aware of
Nigeria did not fulfill the 1.7 mbpd objective established for the 2024 budget, according to the NUPRC data.
By the end of 2025, President Bola Tinubu and Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, the Minister of State for Petroleum, have committed to increasing Nigeria’s crude oil production by more than one million barrels per day.
In the budget for 2025, the federal government set a goal of 2.06 million barrels per day.

2025 Budget is Cooking: Chief (Dr) Philip Agbese in Kitchen for Enone’s Prosperity

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The stage is set for the 2025 budget, and one of the most committed “chefs” in the kitchen is Chief (Dr) Philip Agbese, the esteemed Member Representing Ado/Ogbadibo/Okpokwu Federal Constituency. Known fondly as the Enone Chief Servant and Okanga Agila, Hon. Agbese is working tirelessly to ensure that the good people of Enone reap the rewards of sustainable growth and development.

With his innovative ideas and people-centered vision, the 2025 fiscal year promises to be a turning point for the constituency. Okanga’s leadership is committed to ensuring this budget will pave the way for a more prosperous, united, and resilient Enone.

Building a Great Enone: Hon. Chief Philip Agbese’s Vision

Hon. Agbese’s vision for Enone transcends the immediate challenges. His holistic approach to governance integrates key elements of social, intellectual, and political development. He envisions an Enone where every individual thrives and contributes meaningfully to the collective progress of the community.

Key Ingredients for Enone’s Greatness:

  1. Developing Enone Consciousness: Hon. Agbese seeks to instill a strong sense of identity and commitment to the constituency’s growth.
  2. Inculcating Social Values: Building a society founded on respect, harmony, and active participation in communal life.
  3. Intellectual Development: Equipping constituents with the knowledge and skills to understand and shape their environment.
  4. Rational Thinking: Promoting analytical and logical approaches to addressing social and economic challenges.
  5. Political Literacy: Fostering a culture of democracy and active citizenship.
  6. Problem-Solving: Empowering constituents with tools to address and resolve pressing issues effectively.

Hon. Agbese is determined to transform Enone into a beacon of harmony and progress. His approach recognizes the interconnectedness of education, social stability, and political engagement as the bedrock of sustainable development.

Okanga’s 12 Disciples: Continuity and Progress

Guided by the motto “Continuity and Progress,” Hon. Agbese’s Okanga 12 Disciples mission represents his unwavering commitment to the transformation of Enone. With a clear objective of 4+4=8, this initiative symbolizes a legacy of impactful leadership and enduring progress.

With Hon. Chief Philip Agbese leading the charge, 2025 will undoubtedly be an evergreen year for Enone. His dedication to fostering growth and his strategic planning ensures that the constituency will continue to flourish. The Enone people can rest assured that their future is in capable hands.

 

Key Moments in Obasa’s Impeachment as Lagos Speaker

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On Monday, January 14, 2025, Mudashiru Obasa’s tenure as Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly came to an end when he was impeached by more than two-thirds of the 40-member legislative body for suspected misbehavior and other misdeeds. He had served in that capacity for approximately ten years.

The first woman to lead the South-West state’s legislature was Mojisola Lasbat Meranda, Obasa’s deputy, who was chosen Speaker right away.

Read Also: El-Rufai-Atiku collaboration will be unproductive, says APC

Obasa was elected to the House for the first time in 2007 and was from Agege Constituency I. Ever since, he has remained in the chamber. Before being removed in January 2025, he became speaker in June 2015.

Chief Okanga made significant strides in fulfilling all his campaign promises

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By Vincent otse.
Chief Dr. Philip Agbese has made significant strides in fulfilling his campaign promises to his constituents. In his first year as a member of the House of Representatives, he sponsored nine bills, with three passing second reading, including a critical bill for the establishment of the Federal College of Agriculture, Agila.
He has also been instrumental in moving motions, including one on investigating crude oil theft and loss of revenue, which was named among the best in 2023. Additionally, he has facilitated educational support to students through scholarships and mentorship, engaged with stakeholders to promote community development, and attracted Federal Government grants and palliatives.
Agbese has shown a strong commitment to his constituents, particularly in the areas of youth empowerment and job creation. He has pledged to empower Enone youth to succeed in different endeavors and has already set the ball rolling with a mini-bursary scheme that will benefit over 1,000 young natives.
While it’s difficult to confirm whether he has fulfilled all his campaign promises, the available information suggests that he has made significant progress in various areas, including legislation, oversight, constituency development, and youth empowerment.

El-Rufai-Atiku collaboration will be unproductive, says APC

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The ruling All Progressives Congress has stated that it is not concerned about the recent political romance between the opposition Social Democratic Party, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s camp, and former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai.

On his Facebook page, Showunmi announced the political stakeholders’ meeting.

A former Kano State governor named Ibrahim Shekarau and some elite have said that the political bluster is related to the League of Northern Democrats’ efforts to win over southern leaders to create an alliance in front of the national elections in 2027.

On January 5, Dr. Umar Ardo, the LND’s convener, announced that the organization was prepared to become a political party, stressing the necessity of developing a cohesive and respectable national political platform.

Shehu Gabam, the SDP’s national chairman, has refuted rumors that he has a partnership with Atiku and El-Rufai.

According to Gabam, the SDP’s top objective right now is to fortify its organizational framework and provide Nigerians with viable choices.

Dr. Ijeoma Arodiogbu, the National Vice Chairman of the APC (South-East), responded to the development by saying that the ruling party was unconcerned by the actions of the opposition leaders.

According to the Bible, they will undoubtedly assemble and disperse, he stated. They will undoubtedly disperse, so we are not concerned that they are congregating. What El-Rufai does next doesn’t concern us. We already know that his political trajectory is seriously disrupted.

Following our election in 2023, he proved to be an untrustworthy individual throughout the many regions. He has become a leper as a result of his denigration of Christians in Nigeria, a secular society. No one approaches him in any way. I question why the media is focusing so much on El-Rufai, who is now merely thirsty for attention.

Since the unholy alliance will not result in anything, we are not concerned about it. It is really an assembly of irate individuals attempting to lick their wounds. In 2027, Tinubu will still be the president, and no one can stop him.

Arodiogbu went on to say that the contentious reforms that the opposition could be preparing to use as part of their campaign are already producing the outcomes that Nigerians had hoped for.

The leader of the APC added that the populace cannot afford to hand up power to desperate politicians whose only goal is state capture.

Therefore, we are not concerned about El-Rufai and their union,” he stated. What would they utilize to campaign to Nigerians in 2027? Will you inform them that gasoline subsidies will be reinstated? Not feasible. We are already recovering from our heyday. They have seen that the forest has stabilized and that there is hope for the future for the people.

People are starting to grasp the fundamentals of all the reforms that President Bola Tinubu has put in place. Have you read that PMS is probably going to sell for N500 before the middle of this year? As you can see, the advantages and successes of the President’s policy changes are starting to materialize.

This is because we have removed the pressure that gasoline subsidies have on our economy and currency and let market forces set the price. We are currently considering fuel exports outside of Nigeria. For Nigeria, that is a huge win. We have hope for a far better future for Nigeria, I assure you.

Nze Chidi Duru, the APC’s Deputy National Organising Secretary, asserted that unless the former Kaduna governor takes a stand on his political future, the party is powerless to take any action against him at this time.

He asserts that El-Rufai is entitled by the constitution to associate and socialize with anybody he chooses.

“We live in a democracy and a republic,” he stated. The freedom to associate, hold opinions, and express opinions are all protected under our constitution. The Federal Republic of Nigeria’s Constitution guarantees these unalienable rights. Therefore, these meetings are welcome as long as they are conducted in accordance with national legislation.

“Any of this ongoing gossip doesn’t bother me in the slightest. We are not in a position to make assumptions until a decision has been taken. Speculation is not the role of the government. It has to do with objectivity and certainty.

However, the administration and the party in particular will react to the defection in a thorough and appropriate manner when it occurs. The party will continue to concentrate on its platform before, of course, providing the citizens of this nation with the benefits of democracy.

Read Also: Abraham Daniel: Freedom of Speech is Not Freedom to Defame — Lawyer Adama Paul James on Online Attacks on Pastors

“It is still true today that members of political parties make up only a small portion of the population, including all of Nigeria. For this reason, the party now turns to government when the election is complete. At the end of the day, the party will be evaluated based on that governance.

Prominent APC leader El-Rufai met behind closed doors last week with SDP leadership and some of Atiku’s supporters. Atiku was the Peoples Democratic Party’s 2023 presidential candidate.

The political gathering was characterized as a continuation of the covert alliance of key opposition leaders to overthrow President Bola Tinubu in 2027, despite the agenda not being disclosed.

Major Hamza Al-Mustapha, former General Sani Abacha Chief Security Officer, and former Atiku Abubakar spokesman Otunba Segun Showunmi were also present at the meeting, which was held in the SDP’s national secretariat.

Abraham Daniel: Freedom of Speech is Not Freedom to Defame — Lawyer Adama Paul James on Online Attacks on Pastors

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Activist and lawyer, Adama Paul James has expressed deep concern over the increasing wave of online attacks targeting the Christian faith and revered clerics in Nigeria.

Addressing a news conference on Monday, the lawyer condemned the surge of disparaging statements, libelous claims and malicious accusations circulating on social media platforms and blogs.

His comment came amid the arrest and detenion of a former paster turned atheist, Abraham Daniel and two others for defamation.

According to Adama, “These individuals have consistently used their platforms to launch baseless allegations against the Church and its leaders, seeking to demean and drag the Christian faith into disrepute.”

Adama specifically named one of the prominent individuals involved, Abraham Daniel, who claims to be a humanist.

He said Daniel has repeatedly insulted men of God, made defamatory statements about the Church, and described Christianity as a scam.

“Such actions are not only reckless but are also capable of inciting religious tensions in an already fragile nation. This blatant abuse of social media poses a grave threat to religious harmony and national peace,” he warned.

In response to these online attacks, Adama confirmed that he has taken legal steps by petitioning the relevant authorities.

His efforts have led to the arrest and detention of some of the suspects involved in the campaign of calumny.

He commended the Nigerian Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), and other security agencies for their prompt actions in addressing the issue.

Adama reminded the public of the constitutional provisions guaranteeing freedom of religion and belief. He emphasized that Sections 38 and 40 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as well as international human rights standards to which Nigeria is a signatory, protect the peaceful practice of faith.

“The targeted attacks on Christianity and its clerics constitute a gross violation of these provisions. I am fully committed to ensuring that such attacks do not go unchecked,” he affirmed.

Adama vowed not to remain silent while a few disgruntled elements seek to drag the Christian faith into disrepute and sow seeds of discord in the nation.

He pledged to pursue the matter to its logical conclusion, ensuring that perpetrators are held accountable for their actions.

He further highlighted the global issue of social media misuse, particularly cyberbullying.

According to Adama, this problem is worsened in Nigeria by the targeted attacks on Christianity and its revered leaders, which have become fodder for content creators, resulting in widespread mockery and defamation of the faith.

“Such blasphemous acts are not only insulting to Christians but also pose a grave danger to societal harmony and tolerance,” he noted.

Adama expressed personal concern about the impact of these attacks on the future of the faith and the spiritual upbringing of younger generations. He described the experience of witnessing deeply held beliefs come under attack as harrowing and unbearable.

He called on all relevant authorities, including the Police, DSS, and other security agencies, to intensify efforts in identifying and prosecuting those who misuse social media to incite religious tension and propagate lies against the Church and its clerics.

“To be clear, this is not a battle against free speech but against the abuse of free speech to promote hatred, falsehood, and religious intolerance. The law is unambiguous: anyone making defamatory or inciting statements must be prepared to substantiate them,” he clarified.

Adama reaffirmed his vision of fostering a society where all faiths are respected, religious harmony is upheld, and the sanctity of belief is protected.

“To be forewarned is to be forearmed. Let this serve as a notice to all those who seek to malign the Christian faith: I will not rest until justice is served and peace is preserved,” he declared.

Tax Reform Bills: Senate Collaborates with FG for Nigerians’ Benefit – Moro

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Nigerians have been reassured by Senator Abba Moro (Benue South), the minority leader, that the parliament will keep debating Tax Reform Bills until it finds a stance that best serves their interests.

Following a closed-door meeting of the Senate Adhoc Committee on Tax Reform Bills and a Federal Government delegation on Monday, he made this statement while speaking to reporters at the National Assembly.

Zach Adedeji, the Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service, and Dr. Mohammed Bello Shehu, the Chairman of the Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission, were also part of the government delegation headed by Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice.

Read Also: Chief Philip Agbese: A Modern-Day Moses Leading Enone to Prosperity

He described the session as productive and said he was hopeful they would conclude discussions at their upcoming interactive parley.

“We just had a meeting, an interface with the government officials, the Attorney General of the Federation, and the Chairman of RMAFC, and we are in the process of evaluating the contending tendencies regarding the tax bill. We are in the process, and we have agreed among ourselves that we must synthesise the whole process to ensure that at the end of the day, we give Nigerians what Nigerians want, which is a law that serves the purpose of all Nigerians,” he said.

“So that’s where we are right now, and hopefully we’ll be done and have a better story to tell you when we meet again.”

At the conclusion of their meetings, the FIRS chief stated his confidence that the National Assembly would approve the proposed legislation.

“We are in the right direction, and everything is going as planned,” he added, adding that the conference had identified and discussed grey areas.