PEPT:Labour Party Says Verdict Didn’t Reflect Desire Of Nigerians

Mohammed Shosanya

Labour Party has rejected the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal on Wednesday,which affirmed the victory of President Bola Tinubu,as the winner of the last presidential election in the country.

The party said that the verdict of the Justice Haruna Tsammani led panel did not reflect the law and the desire of the people.

It also stated that justice was not served, as it recalled that “Nigerians were witnesses to the electoral robbery that took place on February 25, 2023, which was globally condemned but the Tribunal in its wisdom refused to accept the obvious.”

National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, in a statement said that: “The Labour Party watched with dismay and trepidation the dismissal of petitions by the five-man panel of the Presidential Election Petition Court led by today and we reject the outcome of the judgment in its entirety because justice was not served and it did not reflect the law and the desire of the people.

“Nigerians were witnesses to the electoral robbery that took place on February 25, 2023, which was globally condemned but the Tribunal in its wisdom refused to accept the obvious.”

Insisting that Nigeria’s democracy was at stake,the party also pledged not to relent until the will of the people prevail.

The party commended the doggedness of its team of lawyers who fearlessly exposed the rot in the nation’s system.

It added that whilst it weeps for the country’s democratic journey, it “refuse to give up on Nigeria.”

It assured Nigerians that it will publish details of its position “after consultation with our lawyers after the Certified True Copy of the judgment.

Nigeria Needs New National Shipping Carrier-FG

Mohammed Shosanya

Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola,hasrecommended the establishment of a national carrier through Public- Private Partnership arrangement for freight transport in the country.

He gave the recommendation recently during a facility tour of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency’s Headquarters, her Skill Acquisition Center,
Search and Rescue Base Clinic, Maritime Resource Center and others in Lagos.

A statement signed Henshaw Ogubike, the Ministry’s Director, Press and Public Relations,quoted Oyetola as saying that Nigeria bears the singularity of being the only Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries ( OPEC) member with no national line that bears its country’s flag.

He said the development was unacceptable, noting that establishment of a national carrier will put paid to the 30% freight charge used to charter vessels.

He explained that his call for a national line should not be misrepresented as a call for the re-establishment of the moribund Nigerian National Shipping Line (NNSL).

He admittedly spoke on his interest in NIMASA’s Modular Floating Dock due to the fact that it has the capacity to generate jobs and stem capital flight. He however, called on the agency to explore the buy-in of stakeholders.

On the potentials of the Blue Economy to the nation, the Minister stated that the economy of Barbados is purely dependent on tourism and Nigeria with one of the largest wetland in the world would be ideal for harnessing of coastal tourism.

He assured that fishing and other elements with potential to grow the economy will be explored.

The Director General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, Bashir Jamoh thanked President Bola Tinubu for creating a stand-alone Ministry for the maritime sector, stating that this has always been clamoured by Stakeholders and Nigerians.

Jamoh said that with the creation of the Marine and Blue Economy, Nigeria now joins 7 other countries in the world that have stand-alone Blue Economy Ministry.

He assured that with this development, NIMASA is better positioned to maintain and put Nigeria on the global sphere.

Climate Financing: AfDB Announces $1bn Fund For Africa’s Youth Businesses

Mohammed Shosanya

African Development Bank President, Akinwumi Adesina has announced a new $1 billion fund to accelerate climate financing for Africa’s youth businesses.

The additional financing will boost YouthAdapt, a joint initiative between the Bank and the Global Centre on Adaptation.

The bank invites young entrepreneurs and micro, small, and medium enterprises in Africa to submit innovative solutions and business ideas that have the potential to drive climate change adaptation and resilience across the continent.

Adesina announced the $1 billion fund during a High-Level Intergenerational Dialogue: Africa Driving Climate Adaptation Solutions and Jobs, held at the Wangari Maathai Institute of Peace and Environment on the outskirts of Nairobi.

The institute, funded by the African Development Bank, was officially opened in 2022.

He said African youths didn’t want “little things being doled out to them”. “We have no option but to invest in our youths,” Adesina said.

Over the past two years, YouthAdapt has provided more than $1.5 million to 33 young entrepreneurs across 19 African countries. Some have gone on to raise their profits by 200%.

He added:“Africa’s youth are the present. It is their views and perspectives that are going to change the continent,” Adesina said. “Failing to invest in the youth will hurt Africa, failure is not an option.”

Customs,NCCSALW Strengthen Campaign Against Proliferation Of Small Arms

Mohammed Shosanya

The Acting Comptroller-General of Nigeria Customs Service(NCS),Adewale Adeniyi,has expressed the Service readiness to partner collaborate the National Center for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW) in the fight against the trafficking of Small Arms and Light Weapons in Nigeria.

He spoke when the coordinator of the National Center for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons, Maj. Gen. Abba Muhammad Dikko (rtd.), visited the Customs Headquarters in Abuja.

He said,thisnot the first time Nigeria Customs Service has been contributing to eradicating the menace of the proliferation of small arms and light weapons,as the Service,on several occasions, made seizures of such illicit substances often concealed in bags of rice and other legitimate products.

He recalled that the Service had in the second week of August 2023, succeeded in intercepting over 1,000 live ammunition concealed in 203 bags of foreign rice in Abeokuta, the Ogun State Capital.

Appreciated the National Coordinator for leading his team to visit the Service’s Headquarters to partner with him,he emphasized the need to venture more into intelligence and data sharing.

“We will be looking forward to having a deeper collaboration with the centre in terms of your database. First, I wish to inform you that I am happy that your agency is doing well”,he said.

He also assured that the Nigeria Customs Service will do everything possible to synergize with the Agency through the secondment of more Customs Officers to work with the center.

“In terms of intelligence,I believe that you’re ready for it. We also do have a formidable intelligence unit, and most of the seizures that have been credited to Customs are done through gathering credible intelligence.” He added.

In his remarks,Maj. Gen. Dikko, congratulated Adeniyi on his appointment and described the Service as a substantial pillar in pursuing illicit arms in society.

He commended the efforts made by the Nigeria Customs Service in the area of intercepting illicit flow of arms through the Nigerian borders and further emphasized that it helps in securing the Country and the citizens.

“We all know that Nigeria is suffering from a myriad of insecurity-related issues of different sorts, and the key catalyst that has continued to fuel this insecurity is the availability of small arms, and without the help of Customs, we will not have a lovely and safer environment”,he said.

Oando’s Acquisition Of Agip’s Assets Huge Potential For Nigeria’s Energy Sector-African Energy Chamber

Mohammed Shosanya

The African Energy Chamber (AEC),has endorsed the ground-breaking agreement between Oando Plc and Eni for the acquisition of 100% of the shares of Nigerian Agip Oil Company Limited (NAOC Limited).

The chamber said the transaction holds immense potential for Nigeria’s energy sector and the wider African energy landscape.

The AEC recognizes that this deal represents a substantial step towards enhancing indigenous participation and control in the energy industry,it said in a statement on Wednesday .

According to the chamber,Oando’s increased stake in OMLs 60, 61, 62, and 63, along with the additional ownership in NEPL/NAOC/OOL joint venture assets and infrastructure, will not only grow the company but also contribute to the development of Nigeria’s hydrocarbon resources.

It added that the transaction marks a significant step forward for Oando, increasing its ownership and influence across a wide spectrum of energy assets, including production, infrastructure, reserves and exploration.

The chamber said the transaction also positions Oando as a major contributor to Nigeria’s energy sector and underscores its commitment to furthering the country’s energy ambitions.

It emphasized the importance of local content and investment in Africa’s energy sector and calls upon the Nigerian government to swiftly grant Ministerial Consent and any other necessary regulatory approvals to facilitate the completion of this transaction.

It said speedy approval will enable the parties involved to expedite the realization of the deal’s benefits, furthering Nigeria’s energy ambitions and attracting additional investments.

“This landmark agreement demonstrates the continued commitment of industry players like Oando and Eni to the sustainable growth and development of Africa’s energy resources. The AEC remains steadfast in its support of initiatives that drive economic prosperity, strengthen local capacity and promote responsible resource management across the continent.

“The Oando-Eni deal marks a significant milestone for Nigeria’s energy sector and underscores the potential for local participation and growth. By increasing Oando’s stake in vital oil and gas assets and infrastructure, this agreement not only strengthens indigenous control but also contributes to increased economic development within the country. As we strive for energy sovereignty and sustainable growth, it is imperative that the Nigerian Government expedites the necessary approvals to realize the full benefits of this transformative transaction,” states NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the AEC”

Customs Boss Names Two Acting ACGS, Moves Area Controllers

Mohammed Shosanya

The Acting Comptroller General,Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi has approved key appointments and redeployment within the service to ensure operational efficiency.

Comptrollers Florence Nanu Ogar-Modey and Queen Ogbudu have been appointed Acting Assistant Comptroller Generals Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) and Zonal Coordinator Zone B, respectively,according to a statement.

Some of the Comptrollers redeployed to various Customs formations include Compt. Jaiyeoba Jide from Oyo/Osun Area Command to Apapa Area Command, Compt. Dera Nnadi from Seme to Tin-Can Island Port, Compt. Timi Bomodi from KLT to Seme, Compt. Ahmed Abe from PCA Zone ‘C’ to Kaduna Area Command and Compt. Babandede Mohammad from Lilypond Export Command to Lagos Free Trade Zone Command.

Others are; Compt. Dauda Ibrahim Chana from Investigation Headquarters to Kano/Jigawa Area Command, Compt. Martina Tilleygyado from Non-Intrusive Inspection to KLT Area Command, Compt. Oloyode Adekunle from Tin-Can Island Port to Import & Export Headquarters while Compt. Zanna Chiroma will be leaving Import & Export for PCA Zone ‘C, among many others.

The Acting Comptroller-General quoted in the statement as congratulating the new appointed/redeployed officers and imploring them to put more effort into achieving the service’s core mandates of revenue generation,suppression of smuggling, and trade facilitation.

FG Hikes Price Of Electricity Meters By 40%

Mohammed Shosanya

The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC),Tuesday approved an upwards price increase in the price of pre paid electricity meters in Nigeria.

The commission’s Chairman and Commissioner Legal, Licencing and compliance, Sanusi Garba and Dafe Akpeneye,conveyed the increment in a circular dated September 5,2023.

According to the circular, a single phase pre paid meter would now cost N81,975.16k from the N58,661.69k while three phase pre paid meters is increased to N143,836.10k from N109,684.36k.

It said the new price was to ensure a fair and reasonable pricing of meters to both MAPs and end-use customers.

It added:“Ensure MAP’s ability to recover reasonable costs associated with meter procurement and maintenance while ensuring that their pricing structure allows for a viable return on investment. Evaluate the affordability of meter services for consumers, aiming to prevent excessive pricing that could burden end-users. Ensure that MAPs are able to provide meters to end-use customers in the prevailing economic realities.

Save Arik Air From Extinction,NAAPE Begs AMCON

Mohammed Shosanya

The National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE),has implored the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) to continue the execution of its interventionist strategy that would ensure the survival of Arik Air.

Its chairman,Engineer Mudi Muhammad,gave the charge during a courtesy visit to AMCON office in Abuja.

NAAPE recognizes the activities of AMCON in Arik,regardless of the negative narratives that are clearly designed to mislead the public who do not understand the enormity of the challenges of Arik before the agency’s intervention,he said.

A release by Jude Nwauzor, Head, Corporate Communications Department of AMCON,quoted the NAAPE Chairman as saying that: “We are here (AMCON) today as an association to demonstrate our support to AMCON because as insiders, we understand the big contribution AMCON made to ensure that Arik did not die. If AMCON had not stepped in at the time they did, Arik would have ceased to exist a long time ago to join the growing list of airlines in the burial ground of Nigeria’s aviation industry.

“As NAAPE, we know AMCON’s intervention in Arik about seven years ago was to protect the airline and save hundreds of us from losing our job. We can tell you categorically that in the last seven years of AMCON’s takeover of Arik, the airline has stood the test of time. So, we totally understand that Arik survived because of AMCON unlike what some people wanted us to believe at the time. Before AMCON stepped into Arik, pensions, allowances, staff salaries, were not forthcoming and the airline was on the verge of total collapse because of its huge debt burden.

“Indeed, AMCON has tried but Arik still has several challenges, which we want the Management of AMCON led by Mr Ahmed Lawan Kuru OFR to address through the Mr Kamilu Omokide, the Receiver/Manager who is also doing his best based on the support he gets from AMCON. We are here to plead that AMCON should support Arik to get more aircraft into its fleet, and as professionals who are passionate with our job, we want you to watch Arik dominate the aviation industry once again. We are making this appeal because apart from providing and sustaining jobs in the country, Arik is a great training ground for the aviation sector, which is critical to the growth of the Nigerian economy.

“As an airline, we are always careful in following the rules of engagement, and global best practices. For that professionalism, we are proud to tell the public that for over 16 years of our operational existence as Arik Air, we have zero accident record, which is a great feat, and the reason why most former presidents of Nigeria always preferred to be flown by pilots from the Arik fold. So, with AMCON investing more into the affairs of the airline by procuring additional aircraft for its operation, Arik will help both the federal government and the economy because of its strategic importance.”

He added that the way things are going presently at the airline, if further investments are not quickly made by AMCON, Arik may begin to lose some of its highly experienced pilots and engineers to some foreign airlines who are desperate to poach them.

He maintained that this will defeat the purpose of the federal government’s intervention in Arik, which would ultimately bring bad name to AMCON after such a well-intended intervention.

He added: “Arik has a strong Nigeria brand name. We therefore as members of NAATE are pleading with AMCON not to let Arik to die because of the number of unemployment the death of Arik will add to the stressed economy, and the negative ripple effect that it would create in the country.”

Two Nigerians Unveil Search Engine That Removes Carbon Dioxide From Environment

Mohammed Shosanya

Two Nigerians, Yewande and Fela Akinse, have developed a technology driven search engine called pap.earth that removes carbon fioxide (CO2).

It is a revolutionary concept that enables users to be part of the solution to climate change with every single search conducted online.

The search engine works just like Google or any other search engine,but the key differentiator is that pap.earth is an eco search engine which removes CO2 by investing its profits into funding unknown and underfunded climate impact projects around the world.

Pap. earth is a ground breaking technological solution to environmental challenges that have become the world’s most pressing problem. The app is a search engine that removes C02 from the atmosphere with every search conducted by users.

Pap.earth is a cutting-edge technology with environmental consciousness at the center of its innovation. It enables users globally to make tangible impact in the fight against the negative consequences of climate change.

When users conduct online searches on the app, they positively participate in the removal of carbon dioxide with a single click and take a step towards a cleaner and healthier planet.

Yewande, a co-founder at pap.earth,who explained how the app works,said: “Each search on pap.earth generates a coin. When users accumulate these coins, they can be donated to featured climate impact projects on pap.earth for possible funding or such coins can be redeemed at our partner stores to earn rewards in form of discounts.”

She sad,pap.earth as an eco search engine removes CO2 by investing directly in climate impact projects which have the potential to remove at least 1 ton of CO2 per year.

Shedding light on the gamification aspect of pap.earth, she stated that “every user gets a reward while using the search engine through gamification which is a reward system where users earn rewards from our partner stores where they can receive gift cards or discounts.

Yewande saud that even though, she studied Law at the university, her profound concern and interest in creating innovative solutions to combat the challenges of climate change has been the driving force for her unwavering dedication, advocacy and leading the way to a sustainable environment awareness.

“My educational background in law could have made me tow a traditional legal career path but my passion for the environment and innovative solutions to the global challenges of climate change and environmental sustainability, have transformed me to an environmental advocate and social entrepreneur, who always thinks proactively on how to solve our planet’s challenges.

“Therefore, as the planet grapples with the devastating impacts of climate change, Pap.earth leads the battle to combat these negative impacts. The app tackles the urgent need to reduce carbon dioxide emissions and transforms every search query into a potent act of carbon removal” Yewande said.

Fela Akinse, Cofounder and Chief Scientist of pap.earth added that he developed the Pap.earth search engine with a noble mission – to remove CO2 from the planet. As someone with a solid academic background in Environmental Toxicology and Pollution Management, up to masters level, an inventive genius, award winning entrepreneur and environmental advocate.

He stated that “we have to use our unique ability to bridge the gap between scientific expertise and public understanding, to empower countless individuals to take meaningful actions towards a greener and sustainable environment for humanity. This is exactly what the AI-driven Pap.earth is all about”

Edo:Obaseki,Shaibu Settle Rift

Rt. Philip Shaibu, Deputy Governor of Edo State, has retraced his steps over the crisis between him and his principal, Governor Godwin Obaseki and others as he has written a letter withdrawing the suit he instituted against them.

In a statement he personally signed, the deputy governor said, his decision was to respect the intervention of several individuals including religious, prominent Edo people and the traditional institution and also appreciated the governor for agreeing on the peace initiatives.

The statement reads: “Re: SUIT NO. FHC/ABJ/CS/1027/2023 Between: – Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu and Inspector General of Police, State Security Service, The Governor of Edo State and The Chief Judge of Edo State.

“Arising from the series of meetings held with me and also with Mr. Governor by well-meaning Edolites and indeed Nigerians including Party Leaders, Traditional Rulers, and my Archbishop, His Grace Most Rev’d Dr. Augustine Akubeze, the Archbishop of Benin Archdiocese on the issues that led to my going to Court on the above-named suit and with due respect to these eminent personalities and leaders whose persuasions and persons | cannot ignore, |, Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu have authorized and instructed my Solicitors to withdraw the Suit forthwith.

“I wish to sincerely thank and appreciate these well-meaning Nigerians, Party Leaders, Traditional Rulers, and my Archbishop, His Grace Most Rev. Dr. Augustine Akubeze for their kind words, advise and encouragement thus far in ensuring peace and unity in our dear State Edo.

“I also wish to place on record my special thanks to Mr. Governor, my boss and Senior brother for this path of peace” he declared.