Ahead of the September 21, 2024 governorship election in Edo State, the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has urged young female voters to vote for a candidate that would brighten their future with people-oriented programmes and policies.
TVN reports that the Resident Electoral Commissioner, REC, in Edo State, Dr Anugbum Onuoha, gave the advise in Benin City at a one-day awareness creation seminar for young female voters.
Onuoha also charged the young female voters not to be intimidated by anybody as they exercise their franchise in voting for candidates of their choice.
He also tasked them to sensitize the electorate on the need to vote for a candidate that can bring development to the state.
“Come out and vote whoever you want to vote for. Don’t be intimidated by anybody. Vote for persons that you think can bring development to Edo State.
“That is the only way, because if you miss it your future will be at stake. But if you want your future to be bright vote for somebody that can bring development to the state.
“It is your fundamental right to vote for the person that you think can deliver so that at the end of the day you will have dividends of democracy,” the REC said.
Edo Guber: Vote candidate who’ll deliver dividends of democracy – INEC tells female voters
Edo Guber: Vote candidate who’ll deliver dividends of democracy – INEC tells female voters
I have no blending plant outside Nigeria, NNPC GCEO replies Dangote
The Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, Mele Kyari, has said he does not own a blending plant outside Nigeria.
Kyari stated this on Tuesday, reacting to claims by the President of the Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, that some officials of the NNPC have blending plants in Malta.
Amid the crisis surrounding his $20bn refinery, Dangote had said: Some of the terminals, some of the NNPC people and some traders have opened blending plants somewhere off Malta. We all know these areas. We know what they are doing,” Dangote said.
Reacting in a post on his X handle, Kyari said he had been inundated with calls from family members and friends, asking if he truly owns a blending plant in Malta.
Kyari stated that he does not own or operate any business directly or by proxy anywhere in the world with the exception of a local mini agric venture.
He also said he is not aware of any employee of the NNPC, that owns or operates a blending plant in Malta or anywhere else in the world.
“I am inundated by enquiries from family members, friends and associates on the public declaration by the President of Dangote Group that some NNPC workers have established a blending plant in Malta thereby impeding procurements from local production of Petroleum products.
“To clarify the allegations regarding the blending plant, I do not own or operate any business directly or by proxy anywhere in the world with the exception of a local mini Agric venture, neither am I aware of any employee of the NNPC, that owns or operates a blending plant in Malta or anywhere else in the world.
“A blending plant in Malta or any part of the world has no influence over NNPC’s business operations and strategic actions.”
The NNPC boss threatened to sanction any official of the NNPC involved in such acts if they truly exist.
“For further assurance, our compliance sanction grid shall apply to any NNPC employee who is established to be involved in doing so if availed and I strongly recommend that such individuals be declared public and be made known to relevant government security agencies for necessary actions in view of the grave implications for national energy security,” he stated.
Dangote has been speaking up following allegations by the Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, Farouk Ahmed, that the diesel produced by the Dangote refinery had higher sulphur content than imported ones; a claim Dangote described as an attempt to demarket his refinery.
Ahmed also said the country would continue to import fuel to stop the Dangote monopoly.
Security beefed up as VP Shettima visits Jigawa
Security has been beefed up in Jigawa State amidst the visit of Vice President Kashim Shettima to the state.
TVN observed that from the early hours of the morning, the streets of Dutse, the state capital, were lined with security personnel, to guarantee the safety of the Vice President and his entourage.
Multiple checkpoints were established across the state capital, and traffic was redirected to ensure a smooth and hitch free visit.
The VP will be in Jigawa State to launch and commission some projects initiated by the administration of Governor Umar Namadi.
They include solar projects, empowerment programs and the Fadama CARES programme, among others.
Details later.
Security beefed up as VP Shettima visits Jigawa
Meet Elon Musk’s 20-year-old transgender daughter
The Chief Executive Officer of Tesla and Space X, Elon Musk, on Monday, said he was “tricked” into granting permission for his child to undergo puberty blockers.
“It’s evil. You’re taking kids who are far below the age of consent. It’s very possible for adults to manipulate children who are having an actual identity crisis into believing that they are the wrong gender,” Musk disclosed in a live interview with psychologist Jordan Peterson on X on Monday.
Musk added, “Well, it happened to one of my older boys. I was essentially tricked into signing documents for one of my older boys, Xavier. This was really before I had any understanding of what was going on, and we had COVID going on, so there was a lot of confusion. And I was told Xavier might commit suicide.”
The billionaire business mogul said these while explaining the rationale behind his decision to relocate SpaceX’s headquarters from California, citing the state’s new legislation, Assembly Bill 1955, which enables schools to keep a child’s sexual orientation or gender identity confidential from their parents.
This move came after California Governor, Gavin Newsom, signed the bill into law on Monday, July 15, 2024.
With the revelation, According Online looks at who is Vivian Jenna Wilson, the transgender daughter of one of the world’s richest individuals.
— Named Xavier at birth, Vivian was born a twin with her brother Griffin in 2004 in California.
— She attended Crossroads K-12 school in Santa Monica, alongside her younger siblings, Kai, Saxon, and Damian, where annual tuition costs up to $50,000.
— Vivian reportedly tried to hide her true gender identity from her dad for several years.
— She officially adopted her mother, Justine’s, maiden name at the age of 18 in 2022, according to court filings.
— She filed a petition to change both her name and legal gender, and was quoted as saying she “no longer wishes to be related” to her father “in any way”.
— A Santa Monica judge issued a new birth certificate that reflected her changed name, and gender, while their ruling simply stated: “Xavier Alexander Musk to Vivian Jenna Wilson. The gender of the petitioner is changed from male to female.”
— Vivian filed the petition just three days after her 18th birthday, though the court documents weren’t made public until the day after Father’s Day.
— Vivian and her father reportedly have a strained relationship, with Musk disagreeing with her political views, claiming she believes that all rich people are evil.
— “She went beyond socialism to being a full communist and thinking that anyone rich is evil,” the billionaire said, blaming Vivian’s education at the progressive California school as the reason for her political views.
Police arrest man for raping corps member in A’Ibom
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested a 44 years old, Paul Edu, for allegedly raping a member of the National Youth Service Corps in the state.
The State Commissioner of Police, CP Waheed Ayilara, disclosed this on Tuesday while briefing newsmen at the command’s headquarters, Ikot Akpan-Abia, Uyo Akwa Ibom State
He said that the suspect, a son of the landlord to an NYSC member, was arrested on Saturday, July 20, 2024, at Ukana Iba village, Essien Udim Local Government Area of the state, at about 3:15 pm, after ordering her to his house where he had carnal knowledge of her.
He said, “On 20/7/2024 at about 3:15 pm, a National Youth Service Corps member residing at Ukana Iba village in Essien Udim reported that at about 3:00 am one Paul Samuel Edu 44yrs (her landlord’s son) came knocking at her door.
“That on opening the door, the said Paul brandished her with a machete and directed her to follow him to his room for a talk or else he would harm her.
“On reaching the suspect’s room, he bolted the door, tore her clothes and had carnal knowledge without her consent. The suspect was arrested, and one machete and a slaughter knife were recovered from him. The investigation is ongoing.”
The CP also announced other breakthroughs recorded by the command within the period under review, including the arrest of a suspected kidnapper and recovery of firearms, the arrest of suspects for vandalisation, arrest of an armed robbery syndicate and child trafficking suspects among others.
He said that the command also uncovered an armoury in a private mortuary at Ekeya, in the Okobo local government area of the state, adding that operatives of the command stormed the place (mortuary) after receiving intelligence following the arrest of a kidnapping syndicate.
According to the Commissioner the syndicate led by a wanted kidnapper, one Ubong Effiong Archibong, also known as ‘Condiment’, was allegedly responsible for the kidnapping and killing of several persons in the state.
“Operatives of the Command through credible information and a painstaking investigation recovered firearms and ammunition used by a notorious kidnapping syndicate led by a wanted kidnapper, one Ubong Effiong Archibong, a.k.a Condiment.
“The kidnapping syndicate is responsible for the kidnapping and killing of several persons. The said firearms were recovered at a private mortuary being used as the armoury at Ekeya, Okobo L.G.A.
“The firearms are Two (2) AK-47 Rifles, Two (2) G3 Rifles, One (1) Double Barrel Rifle, One (1) Single Barrel Rifle, Five (5) Magazines and Seven (7) Live Ammunition.”
Five other popular songs by Mike Ejeagha
Legendary folklore musician, Gentleman Mike Ejeagha, is gaining massive recognition with his song ‘Ka Esi Le Onye Isi Oche’ 41 years after its release.
The song, a folklore about the cunningness of the Tortoise and the strength of the Elephant went viral again when comedian, Brain Jotter, recently used it in one of his videos.
The video has since garnered 29.1 million times with over 30,000 comments on Instagram while accumulating 19.6 million views on TikTok and over 23,000 comments.
Up until his newfound fame, Ejeagha now 91, many of the new generation listeners knew little about the musician known for his rich narratives that capture the essence of Igbo folklore and tradition.
Ejeagha first went mainstream post-Civil War when he released the album ‘Omekagu’ with Polygram Records then Phillips Records. He is reported to have 33 albums to his name with several classic records.
Here are other great songs of the singer. Though not widely recognised, offer a fascinating glimpse into the breadth and depth of Ejeagha’s musical journey.
1. Akanchawa
The song captures the essence of hope and resilience. It delves into the personal struggles and triumphs of everyday people, weaving a narrative that is both poignant and uplifting.
2. Uwa Mgbede
“Uwa Mgbede” offers listeners a contemplative journey. The song, which translates to “Evening World,” reflects on the quiet moments of life, drawing on the imagery of the evening to evoke a sense of calm and introspection.
3. Ezi Nwa Mgbeke
Another of Ejeagha’s songs is “Ezi Nwa Mgbeke”. It tells the story of a young village girl and her adventures. The song exemplifies the singer’s storytelling ability, blending traditional Igbo folklore with his creative flair.
4. Enyi Ga Achi
Enyi ga Achi is a blend of idioms, proverbs, and folklore. It tells the story of friendship and what it should be.
5. Onye Uri Utaba
This is a folk song that tells the story of a poor man who steals and blames his actions on poverty. The singer admonishes that one shouldn’t let poverty push him to lose his self of dignity.
FACT-CHECK: Does Nigeria lose $50m to oil theft every week as a Facebook user claimed?
Claim: Nigeria loses $50 million to oil theft every week.
Verdict: There is no reliable data backing the claim.
Full Text:
A Facebook user claimed that Nigeria loses $50m to oil theft every week. The social media user made the claim in reaction to a fresh loan by the Nigerian government.
A screenshot of the claim on Facebook
TVN had reported that in a move to bolster its ongoing power sector reform, the federal government has requested a $50m loan from the World Bank to support state governments for the installation of solar plant pilots and infrastructure updates.
READ ALSO:FACT-CHECK: Did former Head of State Gowon say Nigeria may ‘die if Igbos keep silent’?
Efforts to tackle the menace of pipeline vandalism and oil theft have been foremost before the government bodies concerned. In January 2024, the House of Representative set up a committee to probe the issue and also sought the collaboration of the military and other security agencies to tackle oil theft and vandalism which has caused a significant loss to the country’s oil sector.
Verification:
Nigeria loses a large portion of its oil to vandalism and theft, according to the Nigeria Extractive Industry Transparency Initiative (NEITI).
In June 2024, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) reported that Nigeria recorded 400 cases of oil theft in one week.
Also, at the recent opening ceremony of the 2024 NEITI board retreat/meeting in Lagos, the Executive Secretary, NEITI, Ogbonnaya Orji reportedly said Nigeria lost 619.7 million barrels of oil valued at $46.16 billion over a 12-year period, adding that the country lost $1.84 billion worth of petroleum products from its refineries over nine years.
“Figures contained in our 2009 to 2020 audits have put Nigeria’s losses to crude oil theft over a 12-year period at 619.7 million barrels valued at $46.16bn or N16.25tn. Similarly, between 2009 and 2018, the country also lost 4.2 billion litres of petroleum products from refineries valued at $1.84 billion,” he said.
Conclusion:
Based on the latest data from NEITI, there is no conclusive evidence to suggest that Nigeria loses $50m to oil theft on a weekly basis.
By Quadri Yahya
The post FACT-CHECK: Does Nigeria lose $50m to oil theft every week as a Facebook user claimed? appeared first on Latest Nigeria News | Top Stories from TVN.
NSCDC parades man for allegedly vandalising transformer, siphoning oil
The Adamawa State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, has paraded one Auwal Sale, a 24-year-old man, for alleged involvement in the vandalization of a public transformer and siphoning of insulation oil.
Auwal, an indigene of Gombi Local Government Area, who resides in Sangere in FUTY, Girei LGA, was apprehended by the NSCDC special anti-vandal squad during a surveillance operation targeting critical national assets and infrastructure.
According to a statement signed by the NSCDC Adamawa State Command Public Relations Officer, DSC Nyako Amidu Baba, the suspect was at the time of arrest found in possession of ten 25-litre jerry cans, with four already filled with insulation oil, commonly known as transformer oil, at the crime scene in Sangere FUTY.
The NSCDC PRO stated, “Investigations have revealed that the principal suspect, known as Daddy, managed to escape and is currently at large.
“Further inquiries have indicated that an individual referred to as Alhaji, a resident of Song LGA, is involved in purchasing the stolen product. Efforts are underway to apprehend the remaining suspects and bring them to justice.”
Nako Baba stated that the state commandant, Ibrahim Mainasara, is appealing to the general public to support the Command by providing valuable information to help the fight against vandalization of public infrastructure.
NSCDC parades man for allegedly vandalising transformer, siphoning oil
Drug abuse: NDLEA issues warning to youths
Retired Brig-Gen. Buba Marwa, the Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA ) has cautioned youths against illicit drugs consumption and trafficking.
Marwa gave the advice during the inauguration of the agency’s new Zonal Office in Ayingba, Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi on Tuesday.
Marwa, who was represented by the Zonal Commander Zone C, Mr Hassan Sakaba, said that the establishment of the zonal office at Ayingba was to help the agency in its activities to checkmate the prevalent drug abuses and trafficking in Kogi and other parts of the North Central.
He called on the residents of Kogi to join the agency in its fight against illicit drugs consumption and trafficking to save the youths from destruction.
“As patriots and concerned citizens of our dear country, we should rise to the occasion to ensure that we fight against the menace to keep our youths safe and sound.
“Illicit drugs are cutting short lives of our children, very promising children, who are our future leaders. We must therefore not allow that to happen,” he said.
Drug abuse: NDLEA issues warning to youths
I’ve daughters too – Akpabio apologizes to Natasha Akpoti for ‘night club’ comment
Senate President Natasha Apoti-Uduaghan has apologized to the Chairman of Senate Committee on Local Content, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, for rebuking her.
Last week Thursday, Akpabio had cautioned Akpoti-Uduaghan on the floor of the Senate, saying she was not in the night club.
The Senate was in session when Akpabio said those in favour of the second reading of a bill to say ‘Aye’, while those against should say ‘Nay’.
The ‘Nay’ response came the loudest and as the Senate President contemplated his next action, Akpoti-Uduaghan rose to explain why she and some others were against the second reading of the proposal.
“Mr President, we don’t want it to be killed. We just want a bit of modification. We don’t want the bill killed but there should be slight modification.”
Responding to her, Akpabio said, “You see Senator Natasha, in the chamber, you have to be recognized before you speak. We’re not in a nightclub.”
However, Akpabio has said his “night club” remark was reported out of context.
Speaking on the floor of the Senate on Tuesday, the Senate President said: “We are still learning, even those of us who have been in the Senate for 16 years, we are still learning.
“But in the cause of speaking with one of my distinguished sisters on not speaking when not recognized, I made reference to the fact that we are not in a night club where people have to shout above the noise of the music.
“The social media went agog, my wife called me that they published her number and she received around 2,000 to 3,000 calls per day.
“I’m happy with the interest generated by Nigerians with what goes on in this chambers because we are here for their interest.
“The communication was totally misunderstood, instead of making meaning with what we said, they went into private abuses; I don’t want to say what they did to me.
“I will not intentionally denigrate any woman, I have a wife and four daughters and I always pray that God will lift a girl to the highest zenith in Nigeria politically and in business. So Senator Natasha I want to apologize to you if you felt offended.
“There is nothing I will say that would not be misrepresented, I felt I should tender a public apology to you.”
I’ve daughters too – Akpabio apologizes to Natasha Akpoti for ‘night club’ comment