An Initiative for Good Leadership and Accountability, PRIFGLA, on Saturday, appealed to Nigerian youths and organizers of the proposed nationwide protest to shelve their plans and give President Bola Ahmed Tinubu time to fix the current challenges facing the nation.
A statement by the founder, Pastor Reuben Wilson, made available to TVN, in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State capital, noted that though every citizen of the county has the constitutional right to embark on a peaceful protest, they should rally around the government and proffer laudable solutions and ideas on the best way forward.
Pastor Reuben claimed that President Tinubu has marshalled some life-transforming policies geared towards changing the fortunes of the people which may not be seen now but in no distant time.
He said ” Let us be patient with President Tinubu to enable him chart a positive economic blueprint to turn the socio-economic situation of the country around for good. Tinubu in his one year in office has to a large extent fulfilled most of his campaign promises to Nigerians.
“He campaigned on an eight-point agenda of tackling insecurity, boosting agricultural production for food security, economic reforms, unlocking the energy sector and diversification of the economy which are steadily being tackled.
“Therefore all these policies and programs need time to mature and yield positive dividends. Protest at this time is a distraction so Nigerians should be patient with the Renewed Hope Agenda as Mr. President is determined never to disappoint them.”
Nationwide Protest: Group begs Nigerian youths, others to shelve plans
Nationwide Protest: Group begs Nigerian youths, others to shelve plans
Viva partners with Big Brother Naija for an Unforgettable Season 9
LAGOS, Nigeria – Viva, a flagship brand of Aspira and the leading detergent brand in the country, proudly announces its partnership with Big Brother Naija as the official detergent sponsor for the highly anticipated Season 9 of the reality TV programme.
Big Brother Naija, a show celebrated for its riveting drama and engaging contestants, premieres on July 28, 2024. This year’s edition promises ten weeks of unpredictable twists, explosive drama, and intense competition, making it a perfect platform for Viva to demonstrate its cleaning prowess.
To bring fresh and dynamic energy to the show and ensure that the housemates experience the best cleanliness and hygiene.As the official detergent of Big Brother Naija Season 9, Viva is set
“We are incredibly excited to be partnering with Big Brother Naija for its ninth season,” said Santhosh Kumar Nair, Chief Marketing Officer of Aspira Nigeria Ltd. “Big Brother Naija resonates with millions of viewers across Africa. Aligning our brand with such a widely celebrated platform allows us to showcase the efficacy and excellence of Viva products to a diverse audience”
Aspira’s Head of Advertising, Lynda Aguocha, also shared her enthusiasm: “BBNaija is an engaging reality show that keeps Nigerians glued to their screens, showcasing its contestants’ diverse talents and personalities. We at Aspira Nigeria are thrilled to be part of this exciting journey. We eagerly anticipate the opportunity to demonstrate Viva’s superior cleaning power, helping housemates stay hygienic and fresh throughout their stay in the house”
Throughout the season, Viva will take centre stage in various show facets, from sponsoring tasks to providing game rewards, ensuring the brand remains at the forefront of housemates’ and viewers’ minds. Particular in-show segments will highlight the importance of cleanliness and the benefits of using Viva Detergent for everyday laundry needs.
Season 9 of Big Brother Naija is set to be a thrilling spectacle filled with drama, entertainment, and unforgettable moments. With Viva as the official detergent sponsor, viewers can expect a season that is entertaining and spotlessly clean.
For more information about Viva and its partnership with Big Brother Naija Season 9, follow the conversation on social media via @vivaplusdetergent.
About Aspira Nigeria Limited:
Aspira Nigeria Ltd. is the leading manufacturer and distributor of household cleaning and personal care products, serving Nigerian consumers for over 15 years. It has a diverse range of quality yet affordable products, including various brands such as Viva, Siri, Biotol, Oracare, Fizz, Sabil, Family Care, Baby & Me, Manuka and MP3.
For more information, please visit www.aspiranigeria.com or follow us on social media: @aspiranig
It’s falsehood, Dangote refinery denies reselling crude oil
The Dangote Oil Refinery has denied a report that it was reselling cargoes of crude oil bought from the United States and Nigeria to other traders.
The spokesperson for the Dangote Group, Tony Chiejina, described the report as outright falsehood in an interview with The According.
Reuters had reported that three of the four trade sources familiar with the matter said the reoffer was linked to technical problems at the refinery.
But Chiejina said the refinery is still sourcing for crude from Angola and Libya and the crude distillation unit is in good condition.
“Outright falsehood. We are sourcing more crude from Angola and Libya. Also, our crude distillation unit is functioning perfectly well. You may wish to visit the refinery even today or tomorrow,” he told our correspondent on Saturday.
In a follow-up statement on Saturday, Chiejina also urged the public to disregard such news as it only intends to scuttle the refinery.
“Our attention has been drawn to a misleading report suggesting that our refinery’s crude distillation unit (CDU) is experiencing issues and that we are reselling crude oil.
“We categorically deny these claims. The Dangote refinery is not authorized to sell crude oil purchased from Nigeria, and our CDU is fully operational and functioning optimally.
“We advise the public to disregard these false narratives, which are likely driven by interests opposed to the local refining of fuels,” he said.
The 650,000 barrel-per-day refinery started operations earlier this year, with complaints about crude shortage.
Sources had said cargoes of Nigerian Escravos and Forcados were among the crude grades offered as well as US WTI Midland.
Recall that the Vice President, Oil & Gas, Dangote Industries Limited, Mr DVG Edwin recently alleged that the IOCs operating in Nigeria had consistently frustrated the company’s requests for locally produced crude as feedstock for its refining process.
He said the IOCs were deliberately and willfully frustrating the refinery’s efforts to buy local crude by hiking the cost above the market price by $6, thereby forcing the refinery to import crude from countries as far as the US, with its attendant high costs.
Edwin said, “It seems that the IOCs’ objective is to ensure that our petroleum refinery fails. It is either they are deliberately asking for a ridiculous and humongous premium or they simply state that crude is not available.
“At some point, we paid $6 over and above the market price. This has forced us to reduce our output as well as import crude from countries as far as the US, increasing our cost of production.
“It appears that the objective of the IOCs is to ensure that Nigeria remains a country, which exports crude oil and imports refined petroleum products. They are keen on exporting the raw materials to their home countries, creating employment and wealth for their countries, adding to their Gross Domestic Product, and dumping the expensive refined products into Nigeria, thus making us dependent on imported products.
Abia Assembly passes N56.7 billion local govt appropriation bill into law
The Abia State House of Assembly has passed into law, the State Local Council’s 2024 Appropriation Bill into law.
The Bill which is known as H.A.B 18, is for a bye-law to appropriate over fifty-six billion naira, N56, 732,136,110.00 for the services of the 17 local government councils of the state for the year ending 31st December 2024 and for other related purposes.
The Speaker of Abia State House of Assembly, Emmanuel Emeruwa who announced the passage of the law, said the bill when signed into law by the executive, would be deemed to have come into force on the first day of January 2024 and appreciated his colleagues for their contributions towards the passage.
The House also passed into law the H.A.B 19: The Abia State Tax Codification and Consolidation Amendment number 2 Bill 2024.
The Speaker, Emmanuel Emeruwa while announcing the passage of the Bill which is for a law to amend the Abia State Tax Codification and Consolidation Law number 7 of 2020 and other matters connected therewith, said when assented to, the law would be deemed to have come into force on the 17th of July, 2024.
Abia Assembly passes N56.7 billion local govt appropriation bill into law
Accusing opposition of planned protest, insult to Nigerians
The Christian Association of Nigeria in the 19 Northern states and Abuja has said the planned nationwide hunger protests was an indication that things have gone really bad in the Country.
The body maintained that the masses have been “suffering and smiling” for too long with the government showing no concern.
CAN asked the President Bola Tinubu-led Federal Government to take concrete steps to address the economic hardship and insecurity plaguing the country, rather than allegedly inducing religious and traditional leaders in order to halt the planned protests.
The Christian organisation admonished Nigerian politicians to be mindful of their actions and inactions, recalling the “Occupy Nigeria” protest in 2012 led by President Tinubu forced former President Goodluck Jonathan to retrace his steps over the planned removal of petrol subsidy during his administration.
In a statement through its, Secretary, Elder Sunday Oibe in Kaduna on Saturday, Northern CAN expressed deep concern over the planned nationwide protest against hunger and economic hardship, citing the unbearable living conditions in the country at the moment.
The body noted that those in government must acknowledge the fact that in a democracy, citizens have the right to embark on peaceful protest over issues affecting their welfare.
The association criticised the government’s efforts as cosmetic and urged pragmatic solutions to produce tangible and lasting relief, noting that “such efforts have not brought the desired succour to the people as the cost of living keeps rising amid security challenges.”
Northern CAN called on the government to stop bandits and terrorists, who have destroyed socio-economic activities in communities, and to address the slide in the value of the Naira and skyrocketing inflation.
Consequently, they asked the government to apologise for its ineptitude and failure to address challenges threatening the country’s foundation while calling on Christians to continue to pray fervently for the country.
The statement reads, “Hunger has now become a unifying factor for the masses. Government officials must be mindful of their utterances and actions to avoid provocating people groaning under hardship.
“The insinuation by some people that the protest is being promoted by some opposition elements is an insult to the psyche of Nigerians who are going through pain.
“The government must be sympathetic and apologetic in its approach to handling the situation. Nigerians are resilient people.
“They have been ‘suffering and smiling’ for too long while those in power behave as if the people don’t matter. The continued slide in the value of the naira has completely weakened the purchasing power of Nigerians amid skyrocketing inflation. The naira exchanges for about N1,600 to the dollar. The government must do something about this.”
The statement continued “Northern CAN is also worried about subtle attempts by some unscrupulous elements to introduce religious, ethnic and regional sentiments in the planned protest.
“The issues at stake are not about tribe, religion, or region as hunger is not a respecter of any of those sentiment.
Those behind this dangerous path must desist from their evil plots.”
It added, “In January 2012, President Bola Tinubu and many of those who are in power today, mobilised Nigerians to a protest tagged “Occupy Nigeria” to resist plans by former President Goodluck Jonathan to remove subsidy on petrol. Jonathan was forced to stop it.
“The economic situation in Nigeria today is worse than Jonathan’s era. We advised politicians to be mindful of their actions and inactions as “what goes around, comes around.”
CAN called on “Christians to continue to pray fervently for the country”‘ saying in the past eight years, “corruption became an acceptable norm with thieving political officeholders flaunting their ill-gotten wealth in a flamboyant style amid mass poverty and deprivation.
“The masses have lost confidence in government because Nigeria seems to be moving backwards instead of moving forward.
“Rather than trying to induce and influence some religious and traditional leaders to stop the protest, as it is being speculated in certain quarters, the government should apologise for its ineptitude and failure to address challenges threatening the very foundation of the country and improve the living condition of the people.
“We call for prayers for peace, unity, and stability of our country. Pray for God’s intervention in our country.”
Northern CAN continued, “The planned mass protest against hunger and economic hardship by some young people in the country has generated so much reaction by various groups and individuals across Nigeria. It has also generated fear and apprehension among Nigerians.
“Those planning the protest hinged their reasons on hunger, poverty insecurity, and the prevailing harsh economic environment in the country, among several other problems. There is no denying the fact that life in Nigeria has become unbearable as a result of these problems.
“Nigerians are indeed hungry, angry, and as resilient as they had always been, they are becoming hopeless about the state of the Nigerian nation. Northern CAN is deeply worried about the situation of things in the country.”
It added that “The planned protest is an indication that things have gone really bad. Those in government must acknowledge the fact that in a democracy, citizens have the right to embark on peaceful protest over issues affecting their welfare.
“Northern CAN notes the efforts of the government in addressing the myriads of problems facing the country. However, such efforts have not brought about the desired succour to the people as the cost of living keeps rising amid security challenges.
“The government should stop cosmetic or temporary approaches to tackling the issues. It should provide pragmatic solutions that produce tangible and lasting relief.
“Since the removal of subsidy on petrol by President Bola Tinubu over a year ago, Nigerians have yet to enjoy its benefits; insecurity continues to remain undermined by the Nigerian state.”
Ifeanyi Ubah will be deeply missed, say Akpabio, Barau, others
The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, the Deputy Senate President, Jibrin Barau, and the Southern Senators Forum have mourned the passing of the late Anambra South Senator, Ifeanyi Ubah.
Ubah died at the age of 52 on Saturday in London, United Kingdom.
Ubah until his death, was the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Petroleum (Downstream).
Akpabio, in a condolence message by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Eseme Eyiboh, expressed deep sadness over the death of the Senator, saying he has left a void in the National Assembly.
He described the late Ubah as one of the shining lights of our democracy and a young democrat with vibrant and resourceful ideas.
Akpabio said, “He was a hardworking and dependable legislator, who believed in equity, fairness, and justice and was committed to serving his constituents and the nation at large.
“Distinguished Senator Ifeanyi Ubah will be deeply missed by the Senate and the nation. His passing leaves a void in our midst.
“On behalf of the Senate and the entire National Assembly, I extend my heartfelt condolences to his wife, family, loved ones, and constituents over this untimely death.”
He added, “May his legacy and contributions to our nation be a source of comfort and inspiration to the family, his constituents, political associates and the people of Anambra state during this difficult time. And may the God Almighty rest his gentle soul rest in peace.”
Similarly, Barau, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ismail Mudashir, said the late Anambra politician was a patriotic Nigerian par excellence, who worked hard to enhance the standard of living of the people of his senatorial district and beyond.
He said the late lawmaker would be remembered for his commitment to the Nigerian project through his various contributions to the Senate, sport, and the business community.
He said, “Our thoughts and prayers are with the immediate family of my friend, Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, the people of the Anambra South Senatorial District, and the entire people of Anambra State over his demise today.
“May God grant them the strength to bear this irreparable loss. He was an excellent lawmaker, business tycoon, and football administrator, who contributed immensely to addressing the challenges facing our country.”
Also, the Nigerian Southern Senators Forum mourned the demise of Ubah, who, according to them, was an “active member of the forum.”
They praised his significant contributions to business, the legislature, Anambra State, and the nation.
In their statement signed by the chairman, Senator Adetokunbo Abiru, the forum highlighted Ubah’s remarkable achievements in the business sector, noting how his entrepreneurial ventures positively impacted the economy.
He said, “His efforts were instrumental in shaping policies and advancing the interests of his constituency and the nation at large.
“We recognise his unwavering commitment to the development of his beloved Anambra State.”
The forum further extended their deepest condolences to his family, friends, the people of Anambra State, the South East, and indeed Nigeria.
The forum noted that “Senator Ubah’s legacy would continue to inspire future generations.”
‘He will be sorely missed’ – Senate reacts to Ifeanyi Ubah’s death
The Senate on Saturday expressed sadness over the sudden death of its member, Senator Ifeanyi Ubah.
TVN reported that the lawmaker, who represented the Anambra South Senatorial District, died in London after a brief illness.
Reacting in a statement by its spokesperson Yemi Adaramodu, the upper legislative chamber described the deceased as an exemplary leader, a committed public servant, and an unyielding advocate for his constituents.
According to the Senate, Ubah’s death marks a significant loss for the chamber, Anambra State and the entire nation.
“Before entering public service, Senator Ubah was a distinguished businessman and philanthropist whose contributions will be sorely missed,” the Senate noted.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio, in the statement, conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the deceased’s family.
Akpabio noted that Ubah would be deeply missed by everyone who had the privilege of knowing and working with him.
“Senator Ifeanyi Ubah was a devoted and passionate legislator who left an indelible mark on our country. His commitment to his constituents and his contributions in the Senate were exemplary.
“The Nigerian Senate extends its deepest sympathies to Senator Ubah’s family, friends, constituents, and the Government and people of Anambra State.
“His memory will forever remain in our hearts, and his contributions to the nation’s progress will continue to inspire us all,” Akpabio said.
‘He will be sorely missed’ – Senate reacts to Ifeanyi Ubah’s death
Niger NANS disowns nationwide hunger protest
The Niger State chapter of the National Association of Nigerian Students has disassociated itself from the planned nationwide hunger protest, claiming that hoodlums and other miscreants will hijack the event.
The student body said hoodlums would take advantage of the protest to engage in criminal activities, including looting of shops, vandalism and robbery.
Making reference to the 2012 subsidy removal protest in which President Bola Tinubu and other prominent Nigerians were involved, the students alleged that the protest was also hijacked while innocent people were clamped into detention.
An official of the Students Joint Campus Council, Abdulsemiu Abdulganiu, who spoke with our correspondent on Friday, said they did not know the persons behind the planned protest and what they sought from the government.
Abdulganiu said, “Why we are not going to join the protest because we don’t know the organisers of the protest, we don’t know the motive behind organising this protest, and we don’t know what will be the outcome of the protest.
“You cannot be doing anything that you don’t have information about because a lot of things can happen under this protest. When you know the organisers of a protest, they will be able to highlight what they need from the protest, and they will be able to state what they want the government to do, but when there is no organiser, anybody can come under the guise of the protest and carry out any action.
“This protest will be hijacked because we know the hardship everybody is going through, and there are those who just want to use the protest to rob innocent people of their property. They will go and loot shops and vandalise property. We have been part of protests in the past and we saw what happened.
“When we were doing protest during the 2012 fuel subsidy removal. We went on a protest to the National Assembly, and on our way back, hoodlums hijacked it and started looting people’s property, collecting people’s phones, collected cars and laptops from people and at the end of the day, it was innocent people that were arrested and made to pay for them”.
Chairman of the state NANS, Salihu Yusuf, who addressed newsmen on Friday, said the students were distancing themselves from the protest because they believed that dialogue was the only reasonable way to resolve any issues.
He said, “The National Association of Nigerian Students Joint Campus Council Niger State chapter wishes to categorically and unequivocally distance the entire students’ community in Niger State from the planned protest as it is not the best way to resolve whatever situation we find ourselves in. Dialogue is the best.
“We refuse to be hoodwinked into the belief that protest is the only way of getting out of any problem faced by the human race; therefore, we are using this medium to inform Nigerian students to shun this call to protest.”
Niger State Governor, Mohammed Bago, had announced that Niger youths were not going to be a part of any hunger protest, saying they were peace-loving.
Sanwo-Olu mourns Ifeanyi Ubah
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has described the death of Senator Ifeanyi Ubah as shocking and a great loss to Nigeria, Anambra and Lagos, where the deceased established most of his businesses.
This was contained in a statement on Saturday, by the Special Adviser to Sanwo-Olu on Media and Publicity, Gboyega Akosile.
The governor described Ubah as an astute businessman and politician, who contributed his quota towards nation-building as a representative of his people in the Senate.
The statement partly reads, “Governor Sanwo-Olu expresses his heartfelt condolences to the immediate family of the deceased, his friends, colleagues and associates, especially the good people of Anambra South on the loss of their illustrious son.
“The governor also commiserates with the President of the Senate, Dr. Godswill Akpabio, all the distinguished Senators and the entire National Assembly and the Governor of Anambra State, Professor Charles Soludo, over the unfortunate demise of Senator Ubah.
“He prays for the repose of the soul of the dead and for God to grant the family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.”
According Online earlier reported that Ubah, who represented Anambra South in the National Assembly, died in a hotel in London, the United Kingdom, on Saturday.
The Senate spokesperson, Yemi Adaramodu, confirmed Ubah’s death to our correspondent on Saturday.
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EndBadGovernance: Kogi cleric urges Nigerian youths to suspend protest
A Kogi State cleric, Rev. Kayode Ojuola, has warned Nigerians to shun the proposed #EndBadGovernace protest, noting that the outcome will be devastating.
Ojuola gave the warning on Saturday at the fourth year anniversary celebration of Aids for Orphans, Widows and Vulnerable People Initiative, AFOWVPI, and the graduation ceremony of students of graphics design program, held in Lokoja.
According to him, Nigerians are currently living below poverty level hence the need for quick intervention.
He admonished government to listen to the complaints of the people, adding that the hardship in Nigeria is becoming unbearable.
“My advice is that government should listen to the complaints of people and amend some of their policies to make live easy. Is not only the youths or the poor that are suffering, the rich are also crying in Nigeria.
“As for the people planning for the protest, I will say let them cancel it because we want peace. We are all aware of what is going on in Uganda, Sudan, and Kenya. If they protest, it will make life worse.
“We are pleading to the youths to suspend the protest and see what the government is willing to do to ameliorate the current suffering in our land.”
He recalled the #EndSARS protest, noting that it was hijacked by hoodlums which led to the destruction of properties and loss of innocent lives.
EndBadGovernance: Kogi cleric urges Nigerian youths to suspend protest