English Premier League club Aston Villa have acquired midfielder Amadou Onana from Everton in a £50 million deal.
The 22-year-old, who played every minute of Belgium’s Euro 2024 campaign, will now have the chance to compete in the Champions League with Villa this season.
Onana originally joined Everton from Lille for £33 million in 2022, making 72 appearances and scoring four goals for the Toffees.
Read Also: Emery signs deal to stay with Aston Villa until 2029
“I’ll be playing in the Champions League again and that’s very exciting,” said Onana.
“We also have a manager that’s one of the best in the business and I think he can take my game to the next level.”
Onana added that Villa midfielder and Belgium team-mate Youri Tielemans helped convince him to join the Midlands club.
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Onana moves to Aston Villa in £50m deal
Substandard petroleum products claim: Reps panel places gag order on Dangote, NMDPRA, others, launches probe
The House of Representatives joint committee on petroleum resources (downstream and midstream) has placed a gag order on Alhaji Aliko Dangote, the Chairman of Dangote Refinery and Petrochemical Plant, the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), International Oil Companies (IOCs) and other stakeholders.
The gag order prevents the relevant parties from further commenting on the ongoing accusations and counter accusations flying around regarding the quality of petroleum products from the Dangote Refinery and the allegation of monopoly levelled against the company.
On July 18, Farouk Ahmed, the chief executive officer of NMDPRA had said local refineries, including the Dangote refinery, were producing inferior products compared to the ones imported into the country.
The oil regulator also accused Dangote of monopoly.
Aliko Dangote, CEO of the Dangote Group while conducting the leadership of the House of Representatives around the 650,000bpd refinery over the weekend, denied both claims.
Consequently, on Monday, Ikenga Ugochinyere, chair of petroleum resources downstream committee at the inaugural sitting of the committee said a “thorough and transparent” probe would be carried out on the claims, including detailed laboratory investigations at all local refineries, marketers and importers facilities, and regulatory agencies
He also directed all parties to desist from further commenting on the issue.
He disclosed that the committee resolved that parties in the raging argument — Dangote refinery, other refining companies, NMDPRA, marketers and relevant stakeholders — “should henceforth cease further allegations and counter-allegations pending the conclusion and outcome of the investigation”.
Ugochinyere said the committee would further investigate the “indiscriminate” issuance of licences and importation of refined petroleum products, return of PMS price intervention, allegation of product unavailability to marketers from NNPC retail, and endless shifting of timelines for refinery rehabilitation and the nefarious activities at petrol depots.
“The committee will also conduct a legislative forensic investigation into the presence of middlemen in crude trading, alleged unavailability of international standard laboratories to check adulterated products, influx of contaminated products into the country, the allegation of non-domestication of profits realized from crude marketing sales in local banks, abuse of the PFI regime, importation of products already being produced in Nigeria and use of international trading companies to resell fuel stock to local refineries at high mark up prices,” Ugochinyere said.
“The two committees were also mandated to carry out a legislative forensic investigation into the allegation of importation of substandard products and high-sulphur diesel into Nigeria, the alleged production of substandard diesel and other petroleum products by some domestic producers.”
He said the panels will also probe the alleged anomalies in the importation and distribution of PMS by the state oil company, the economic viability of the alleged sale of petroleum products below fair market value and its impact on downstream and local refineries and revenue generation as well as the source of funds for such price interventions, quantity imported, the amount spent and why the products are still high in the retailing market.
In addition, the lawmaker said the committee will investigate the alleged failure of some of the regulators to enforce compliance on standards, the lack of support to local crude refiners, and the issuance of import licences, despite local production.
“Following the investigative order given to the committee by the 10th people’s house, today we are going to officially commence the comprehensive forensic legislative investigation into several critical issues that threaten the stability and trust in our petroleum industry,” he said.
The lawmaker said the probe will start with addressing allegations concerning the importation of substandard petroleum products and the non-availability of crude oil to domestic refineries, which has raised serious concerns about the quality and safety of fuel in our market.
He said the panel will take a closer look at the integrity of the testing processes for petroleum products in the country, particularly focusing on the capacity and credibility of all the testing labs of all stakeholders in the downstream and midstream value chain, local middlemen and the laboratories they employ.
Ugochinyere said to ensure a thorough and transparent investigation, the committee would undertake detailed laboratory investigations at all local refineries, marketers’ and importers’ facilities, regulatory agencies, state oil companies, and other players in the sector.
“We will visit various filling stations, depots, and tank farms to take samples in line with international standards, verify the quality of imported products and asses the testing capacities of all refineries and all refined product handling outfits,” he said.
“The collection of samples will be done transparently and in line with global best practices and would be in four specimens for independent testing in a different standard, accredited Laboratory including that of all stakeholders involved in refining and importation of refined petroleum products.
“The committee will select different locations, including filling stations, depots and even currently discharging ships. Samples shall be taken in the presence of representatives of NMDPRA, refinery representatives, marketers/importers and the committee.
“After collection, the samples will be tested jointly and also independently by the committee and the stakeholders to ascertain the contents. Component to be tested for as listed as follows: sulfur content, density, distillation, flash point, octane number for gasoline and cetane number for diesel.”
Ugochinyere said zonal interaction committees would be set up to ensure “swift movement” to different parts of the country to interact with stakeholders and take samples from stakeholders’ facilities for immediate laboratory analysis.
He said invitations would be dispatched on Monday (today) for submissions of relevant documents and appearances to key stakeholders, regulatory bodies, state oil companies, petroleum products refining companies, IPMAN, PETROAN, independent oil producers, IOCs, importers, marketers, depot owners and other stakeholders too numerous to mention.
“We are committed to transparency, thoroughness, and accountability throughout this process that will help us to identify and resolve the underlying issues plaguing Nigeria’s petroleum sector,” Ugochinyere said.
By: Babajide Okeowo
The post Substandard petroleum products claim: Reps panel places gag order on Dangote, NMDPRA, others, launches probe appeared first on Latest Nigeria News | Top Stories from TVN.
FG pledges judicious use of N6.2tn extra-budgetary expenditure
The Federal Government has assured citizens of its determination to efficiently use the N6.2 trillion 2024 extra-budgetary proposal to turn around the country’s infrastructure.
The Minister of Budget and National Planning, Atiku Bagudu gave the assurance on Monday in Abuja while addressing the House of Representatives Committee on Appropriation chaired by Abubakar Bichi, who represents the Bichi Federal Constituency in Kano State.
President Bola Tinubu, had, last week, transmitted the request for an additional N6.2tn extra budgetary provision to both chambers of parliament — N3.2tn capital expenditure and N3tn recurrent expenditure for the newly proposed national minimum wage for Nigerian workers.
In his opening remarks, Bichi said there is a need for Nigerians to be adequately informed of the details of the proposed N6.2tn budget which is in addition to the N28.7tn Appropriation Act already approved for the 2024 fiscal year.
Speaking on the primary focus of the proposed extra spending, Bagudu pointed out that the security of lives and property is paramount.
He listed some of the projects in the budget, including the Lagos-Calabar 1,000km road project which will cost N150 billion and the Sokoto-Badagry road projects, as well as the rail project for which the Chinese Government had provided 85 per cent funding while the FG expected to provide 15 per cent counterpart funding.
The Minister added that the second project to be funded by the extra budget is the Badagry-Tin Can Port and Lekki Port while the third one is the Lagos-Ibadan standard gauge, adding that the fourth project is the Kano-Maradi standard gauge.
Bagudu also disclosed that the sum of N522bn was earmarked for the provision of water, irrigation and dam projects for farming purposes.
The Minister noted that the proposed N3.2 trillion Renewed Hope Infrastructural Fund was “intended to provide equity contributions of the Federal Government projects designated as priority projects as well as critical projects which needed more appropriation so that they will not suffer neglect.”
He said, “These projects, Mr. Chairman, include rail, the longest among them being the Port Harcourt-Maiduguri corridor which will traverse Rivers, Imo, Abia, Enugu, Ebonyi, Anambra, Benue, Nasarawa, Plateau, Kaduna, Bauch, Gombe, Yobe, and terminating in Borno State.
“We have the National Highway Construction Projects which require additional funding because this is already in the 2024 budget.
“The Sokoto-Badagry highway has been on the National Development Plan of Nigeria since 1970. It was awarded in 1975, but not much progress was made because of the visionary and bold endeavour of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu; he has brought it back to life.”
“It is going to traverse Lagos again, Ogun, Oyo, Kwara, Niger, Kebbi and terminating in Sokoto State, as well as the Africa-Sahara Highway which will traverse Benue, Kogi, Nasarawa, and Abuja,” Bagudu added.
The minister also emphasised the importance of revamping agriculture saying, “We need to take bold measures on our water, irrigation and dam infrastructure. We have met with several investors, including the International Finance Corporation, who are saying, that if we put some money to do your dams, they will provide money to provide infrastructure,” among others,
The Minister also highlighted the importance of Compressed Natural Gas, stating that the Ministry of Science and Innovation “tested two vehicles from Abuja to Ibadan, one on Petroleum Motor Spirit, which consumed N42,000 worth of oil, and one on CNG which consumed N14,000.
“So, to help Nigerian citizens with this, we need more finance. The other investments in agriculture and food security, as well as the additional water resources, are to support ongoing projects for which the funding commitments are not adequate. But they are critical to the delivery of our agriculture and food security objectives.”
Bichi, who presided over the session, promised a continuous collaboration of the committee in any effort to revamp the nation’s economy.
Enugu security forces issue stern warning to sit-at-home promoters
The Enugu State Security Council, comprising the heads of security agencies in the state, rose from their meeting at the Government House, Enugu, on Monday with a stern warning to those planning to enforce any form of sit-at-home in the state to desist or meet their waterloo.
The Security Council meeting, which was presided over by the Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, said sit-at-home remained an aberration in all the nooks and crannies of Enugu State, saying no one had the right to stop anyone else from going about his or her lawful business.
The warning came against the backdrop of a purported threat issued by Simon Ekpa, the leader of the Autopilot militia group calling for a one-week sit-at-home.
Briefing newsmen after the meeting, the Commissioner of Police, Enugu State Command, Kanayo Uzuegbu, said, “We are just coming out of the Security Council meeting with His Excellency the Governor and with all the security chiefs in attendance.
“We took some strategic and critical decisions to ensure that security architecture in the state is further strengthened. We have to give the good people of Enugu State security guarantee.
“We also resolved that sit-at-home remains an aberration in Enugu State. People should go about their lawful businesses.
“Any activities or actions by any person or persons that are inimical to the peace of the state, we assure you, they will be ruthlessly dealt with. Any person that disturbs their peace and business, oh my God, sorry is his name.
“The morale of all the security forces is very high. There is confidence building. Our men are ready to crush any criminal that dares the peace of the state.
“We are further positioning the security forces in every corner of Enugu State. We will appear to the criminal elements like a ghost and deal with them like a ghost.
“I can assure you that His Excellency has motivated us. We have built the confidence of our men. We have drawn our operational order in line with security needs. We are not relenting on our efforts. People should go about their lawful businesses,” he said.
Recall that the governor of Enugu State, who banned all forms of sit-at-home on assumption of office in 2023, had, while receiving members of the House of Representatives Committee on National Security and Intelligence at the weekend, urged the people of the region, especially the people of Enugu State to disregard every form of threats or orders by the Finland-based Ekpa.
He described the leader of the Autopilot militia group as a businessman, scammer, and common criminal, who had no interest of Ndigbo at heart, but rather fed on their emotions and sufferings by creating a siege atmosphere.
Mbah had charged the people to go about their lawful businesses, as the state, under him, had demonstrated the capacity to protect lives and property.
He had also charged the security forces to deal with any criminal that tests his administration’s resolve to ensure security and order in the state.
Enugu security forces issue stern warning to sit-at-home promoters
Ebonyi Govt distributes N2bn to 100 communities for rural development
The Ebonyi State Government has disbursed N2.055 billion to 100 communities.
Governor Francis Nwifuru officially flagged off the Ebonyi State Community and Social Development Agency, EB-CSDA programme in collaboration with the Ministry of Human Capital Development and Monitoring at Re Meritona Hotel Abakaliki.
Nwifuru stated that 2,040 citizens would be empowered under the World Bank-assisted NG-CARES.
The governor, who was represented by the Speaker of the Ebonyi State House of Assembly, Moses Ije-Odunwa, said that the state-wide micro-project and fund disbursement would be beneficial to 100 qualified communities to the tune of N12.5 million for each community for the development of rural projects.
The Speaker noted that 2,040 labour-intensive public workforce beneficiaries would receive the sum of N180,000 per individual and said that the decision was in line with the governor’s people’s charter of needs mantra.
The General Manager of EB-CSDA, James Egwu, said beneficiaries of the empowerment would receive N360,000 within the two tranches of the disbursement and appreciated the state governor for his strong support of human capital development.
The programme was attended by the Commissioner for Finance, Dr Leonard Uguru; Special Assistant to the Governor on Inter-Party Affairs, Sunday Nwambam; and former state chairman of EBCSDA and current chairman of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Peter Mbam.
Ebonyi Govt distributes N2bn to 100 communities for rural development
Ethiopia landslide kills at least 55
At least 55 people were killed in a landslide in a remote area of southern Ethiopia on Monday, local authorities said, warning that the death toll could rise.
“More than 55 bodies have been found from the landslide,” a statement from the Gofa zone Communications Affairs Department said, quoting local chief Dagmawi Zerihun, who warned “the death toll could yet increase”.
The landslide occurred around 10:00 am (0700 GMT) following heavy rains in the mountainous area of South Ethiopia regional state, Dagmawi said.
Women and children were among the casualties, he said, adding the search for survivors was “continuing vigorously”.
Images shared on Facebook by the state-affiliated media outlet Fana Broadcasting Corporate showed hundreds of people near a devastating scene of tumbled red soil.
The photographs showed people using their bare hands to dig through the dirt in search of survivors. Gofa zone is roughly 450 kilometres (270 miles) from the capital Addis Ababa, a drive of about 10 hours, and located north of the Maze National Park.
The South Ethiopia regional state has been battered by the short seasonal rains between April and early May that have caused flooding and mass displacement, according to the UN’s humanitarian response agency OCHA.
It said in May that “floods impacted over 19,000 people in several zones, displacing over a thousand and causing damage to livelihoods and infrastructure”.
The southern region area has experienced tragic landslides previously, with at least 32 people killed in 2018 after two separate landslides within a week of each other.
AFP
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PSG’s Osimhen pursuit stalls as negotiations with Napoli hit deadlock
The much-anticipated transfer of Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen from Napoli to Paris Saint-Germain has hit a roadblock, according to renowned football journalist Fabrizio Romano.
Despite earlier reports of progress, Romano on Monday via X stated, “Negotiations between PSG and Napoli for Osimhen, not advancing after recent talks.”
The French champions have reportedly baulked at Napoli’s demands, with Romano stating that “PSG rejected to include Kang-in Lee in the deal and will not trigger release clause as Napoli wanted. Deal NOT happening under these conditions.”
This development comes as a surprise, given earlier reports from Tuttosport that Osimhen had agreed personal terms with PSG.
The Italian outlet claimed the 25-year-old had “shaken hands with the French giants on a five-year deal worth €14 million per season,” representing a significant increase from his current €10 million annual salary at Napoli.
Osimhen’s agent, Roberto Calenda, was reportedly in Paris earlier this week to negotiate terms. However, the stumbling block appears to be the transfer fee, with Napoli holding firm on the player’s €130 million release clause. PSG had reportedly considered offering €100 million plus a player to seal the deal.
Sky Sport Italia had earlier suggested that PSG proposed including players like Carlos Soler, Nordi Mukiele, or Lee Kang-in as part of the transfer package. However, Romano’s latest update indicates that PSG is unwilling to part with Lee Kang-in.
Despite the setback, Osimhen has maintained a professional attitude during Napoli’s pre-season training, impressing new coach Antonio Conte. However, the Nigerian striker is not believed to be in Conte’s plans for the upcoming season.
Romano further noted that PSG seems content with their current striking options, stating, “PSG also happy with Ramos & Kolo Muani.”
BREAKING: ASUP suspends planned strike
The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics announced on Monday the decision to suspend its planned strike over the newly released scheme of service for polytechnics.
ASUP said its decision to suspend the planned industrial action followed engagements with the Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman.
Recall that the NBTE unveiled new schemes of service on 19 June 2024, as approved by the Federal Government for Nigerian Polytechnics, with effect from 7 June 2024.
However, the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics opposed it, alleging that the new schemes of service lacked inclusive stakeholder input, particularly from their union and stakeholders in the polytechnic sector.
Against this backdrop, the aggrieved lecturers gave a 15-day ultimatum to the Federal Government, effective 8 July 2024, to suspend the implementation of the new scheme of work or face diverse forms of industrial action by the union.
In a statement released at the end of its National Executive Council meeting, the union said the 15-day ultimatum was to provide the government ample time to address our grievance or face diverse forms of industrial action by our aggrieved members.
“Within the 15-day period, however, our union’s leadership was invited to a tripartite meeting with the leadership of the NBTE and the Federal Ministry of Education on 19 July, where it was resolved that the implementation of the flawed document be suspended and a review process be initiated in line with the demands of our Union.
“The document was immediately suspended by the NBTE through a circular addressed to Chairmen, Governing Councils, Rectors, and Provosts of our institutions on the same day. Following this development, our Union’s NEC reconvened on an emergency note on 22 July to review our earlier position.
“The NEC therefore resolved to suspend the earlier scheduled industrial action in recognition of the fact that the demands of the Union have been met substantially. We appreciate our members’ steadfastness in the face of the unearned provocation; the intervention and inputs of different stakeholders, including Rectors of Polytechnics, sister staff Unions, and the students through the National Association of Polytechnic Students.
“Our union shall therefore dedicate energy and time in the coming days to preparations for the review exercise to finally produce a document that will reflect the aspirations of the sector,” the union said.
APC woos Mutfwang, begins consultations
Stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress in the North Central have begun consultations to woo Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State from the Peoples Democratic Party.
According to the zonal members, the move to win over people of like minds as the governor was necessary if the APC hoped to reclaim Plateau State.
This was disclosed in a letter addressed to the APC National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Bashiru, a copy of which was made available to The According on Monday.
The letter, signed by the Chairman of North Central APC Forum, Salleh Zazzaga, was submitted at the national secretariat by the Nasarawa State Chairman, Sani Jigas.
The letter read, “It is pertinent to formally notify you of our invitation to Governor Caleb Mutfwang to join the APC. A formal letter to this effect will also be delivered to him, Plateau State APC, and his ward in the Mangu local government area.
“We have had several consultations and met with many chieftains of our party from Plateau State and the North Central region, in general, to work out modalities on reaching out to the governor. Mutfwang is the only governor from the North Central who is not of the APC, and it is necessary to bring him on board so that he can be on the same page with his other counterparts in the North Central
“Mr Secretary, the call for Mutfwang to join the APC has become necessary after reviewing the state of our party in the North Central region, the position of Plateau State governor, which is vital in the political equation and calculation of the APC in the region, and the nation by extension.
“This will also enable the APC to reclaim Plateau State, which we lost to the PDP in the 2023 election after being in charge since 2015. Otherwise, the PDP could take undue advantage of its success over our party and spread its tentacles to other states. Again, Mutfwang has been having a tremendous working relationship with our leader, President Bola Tinubu, and it is vital to capitalize on this to bring him to the party.”
Continuing, Zazzaga raised a concern that the APC leaders in Plateau are no longer proactive and have since recoiled into their shells following the Supreme Court judgment that reaffirmed Mutfwang’s election victory.
“It is bad enough that APC leaders from Plateau State had to go and meet in Lafia, Nasarawa State, for a reconciliatory engagement and planning to reposition the party for greater successes ahead of the 2027 general election. That is an absolute sign that the party is not on the ground in Plateau.
“By and large, our quest to push for the success of our party in the North Central region and in the nation at large cannot be overemphasized, and we are often poised to double our untiring efforts at all times. Do accept the assurances of our highest esteemed regards,” he stated.
The move to woo Muftwang from the PDP is coming three months after the same chieftains of the ruling party from North Central backed the suspension of the National Chairman of the party, Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, and demanded that the seat of the leadership, which Abdullahi Adamu previously occupied, be returned to their zone.
Their agitation came in the wake of a fresh suspension slammed on the embattled national chairman by a faction of the Ganduje Ward in Dawakin Tofa Local Government Area of Kano State.
‘Dialogue with them’ – Ajaero advises Tinubu on how to avert proposed protest
President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Joe Ajaero, has advised President Bola Tinubu to dialogue with the leadership of the groups planning to stage protests over the prevailing hardship in the country for talks, as it is their right to protest if they so wish.
Ajaero, in a statement he crafted personally and sent to the media in Abuja on Monday, said the truth is that millions of Nigerians are angry about the state of the national economy.
According to the NLC boss, a situation where most Nigerian families are forced to eat one miserable meal a day, whereby eating from the dustbin is now seen as a luxury, calls for a serious intervention by government.
While corroborating a recent country living standards index assessment by the National Bureau of Statistics, NBS, which established that about 133 million Nigerians live below extreme poverty lines, Ajaero said the International Rescue Committee, IRC, posits that in the first three quarters of 2024, about 32 million Nigerians have been exposed to acute hunger.
In his words, when these statistics are added to the millions that are being recruited into the armies of the unemployed and underemployed Nigerians, one can easily situate the hardship, pain, frustrations and despair that many Nigerians are going through right now.
He said: “The truth is that Nigerians have been hard pushed and super pressed right against the walls of deep deprivation and acute want.
It is, therefore, condescending and dismissive to describe the daily brutish ordeal that Nigerians are going through as sponsored political dissent. Even if it is so, it is still within the confines of citizens’ rights to protest on political grounds.
“Just that the current unease in the country does not need political motivation to spark and splurge. All that the hurting citizens demand from their government is a listening ear and an empathetic heart. Maybe that is what the organisers of the protest are looking for, given their continued notices on different social media platforms.
“It is very difficult to tell a Nigerian who has lost his or her job due to the current economic downturn to maintain their cool. It is very tough to advise a nursing mother who is unsure of the next meal for her suckling child to be at ease. It is a herculean task to demand patience from a youth who has been out of school for the past six years without a job and is burdened with aged parents to cater for.”
The NLC President said that during these very difficult times, the right of Nigerians to complain must be fully respected. The organised labour movement, led by the Nigeria Labour Congress, has had cause in recent times to protest against the crushing suffering in the land brought about by the harsh economic policies of government including the astronomical hike in the price of refined petroleum products, the increase in the cost of electricity and the unavailability of the same, the unconscientious raise and duplication of user access charges to most public utilities, including hospital treatment, water, waste disposal and a general spike in the cost of living.
Sounding a note of warning to the Federal Government, he said it is the well-considered position of the Congress that bellicosity and hostility towards the protesters and other aggrieved Nigerians do not offer any tangible remedy either to the pain endured by the populace or the frustrations of having so little in a country where a few privileged persons are living in obscene luxury, especially at the expense of the majority.
His words: “As the date for the widely reported national protest looms, the Nigeria Labour Congress urges President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to invite the leadership of the protest movement for discussions on their grievances.
“These are dire times. Nigerians are angry. The times require government to “jaw-jaw” and not “war war” with Nigerians. The truth is that you cannot smack a child and, at the same time, ask the child not to cry. A stitch in time might still save nine. Solidarity forever.”
‘Dialogue with them’ – Ajaero advises Tinubu on how to avert proposed protest