All Posts in "Day: February 8, 2024"

Glo-MTN Settle Interconnect Debt Dispute

Mohammed Shosanya

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has announced that the interconnect debt dispute between MTN Nigeria Communications Plc. (MTN) and Globacom Limited (Globacom) has been amicably settled.

A statement on Thursday signed by Mr.Reuben Muoka, Director, Public Affairs in NCC, explained that in accordance with this resolution, the disconnection approval granted to MTN for the disconnection of Globacom has now been withdrawn.

Muoka said: “Following its initial Public Notice, the Commission with the aim of mitigating any potential disruptions to subscribers undertook further regulatory intervention, by mediating between the parties and facilitating the reconciliation process.

“The Commission reiterates that strict adherence to the terms and conditions of licenses, particularly those delineated in interconnection agreements, is imperative for all Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) and other licensees within the telecommunications industry.

“In order to proactively address and prevent future instances of interconnect indebtedness within the industry, the Commission will be requesting relevant records and regular updates from MNOs, as well as adopting a transparent approach towards industry indebtedness.

“This statement serves as a reminder of the Commission’s commitment to fostering a stable and compliant telecommunications ecosystem in Nigeria.”

admin by — February 8, 2024 in Business 0
No Plan To Hike Fuel Price -NNPC

Mohammed Shosanya

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Ltd. assures the public that there is no imminent increase in the cost of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol.

The company gave the assurance in a statement by Olufemi Soneye, Chief Corporate Communications Officer of NNPC Ltd.

It implored Nigerians to disregard unfounded rumours and assures them that there are no plans for an upward review of the PMS price.

Motorists nationwide are advised against engaging in panic buying, as there is presently ample availability of PMS across the country.

This is coming on the heels of scarcity of Petroleum Motor Spirit, PMS, reportedly said to have hit Lagos recently.

admin by — February 8, 2024 in Oil&Gas 0
SAfER:Oyo Farmers To Get Additional N340.2m

Mohammed Shosanya

The Oyo state government has said it will commence disbursement of N 340. 270 million to eligible crop farmers across the seven zones of the state as from Friday, February 9, 2024.

This is in addition to a sum of N416.850m recently disbursed to 1,407 farmers across the state in the third batch of the programme.

The state government had provided a sum of N1billion under the
Sustainable Action for Economic Recovery ( SAfER) initiative of the state government to support farmers in the state to cushion the effects of subsidy removal by the federal government.

Addressing newsmen on the progress of the SAfER programme at the Press Centre of the Governor’s Office on Thursday, the Chairman, Agric Credit Corporation of Oyo State,(ACCOS), Sheikh Taofeek Akeugbagold, explained that project has been non-partisan as it is available for the generality of legitimate farmers and would-be farmers of the state including the youths that were trained by the State Government under the YEAP programme.

He said, in view of the present economic hardship being experienced by the citizenry of the state, the Corporation has been given a marching order to better the lots of the peasants most importantly in the area of agriculture.

He gave a breakdown of the how funds were disbursed with reference to the categorization of the state into seven(7) major zones.

According to him, in Ibadan Zone I which is supervised by the Bank of Agriculture, Ibadan, a total number 547 beneficiaries have been disbursed with a sum of N156.75Om, while Ibadan Zone II undertaken by Onibuore Microfinance Bank has disbursed the sum of N118.950m to 401 beneficiaries.

“However, in Oyo Zone undertaken by the Bank of Agriculture, Oyo, a total number of 171 beneficiaries have collected the sum of N50,700m while Ogbomoso Zone handled by Randalpha Microfinance Bank disbursed the sum of N29.250m to 84 beneficiaries.

“Also Oke Ogun Zone 1 handled by Ifedapo Microfinance Bank, Saki, disbursed a total sum of N26.230m to 79 beneficiaries while Oke Ogun Zone 2 supervised by Bank of Agriculture Iseyin disbursed the sum of N30.800m to 110 beneficiaries and Ibarapa Zone undertaken by Igboora Microfinance Bank disbursed the sum of N4.050m to 15 beneficiaries.”

“This makes the total sum of N416.85Om disbursed to 1,407 farmers,” he said.

Besides, Akeugbagold also gave the breakdown of how funds for the 4th batch will be disbursed across the various zones as from tomorrow Friday 9th February, 2024 as follows:

“Ibadan I :To be undertaken by Bank of Agriculture, Ibadan.75.950m for 269 beneficiaries.Ibadan II: Represented by Onibuore
Microfinance Bank ,N132.250m for 474 beneficiaries.”

“Oyo: Bank of Agriculture, Oyo N24.50m for 87 beneficiaries.Oke-Ogun I:Ifedapo beneficiaries
Microfinance ,N 26.270 m for 93 beneficiaries.

“Oke-Ogun II:Bank of Agriculture, Iseyin. N13.450m for 53 beneficiaries.Ogbomoso: Randalpha Microfinance Bank N44.200m for 159 beneficiaries.Ibarapa: lgboora Microfinance Bank N23.650m for 92 beneficiaries.”

Assuring that real farmers that missed out from all the batches that have been previously considered will be taken care of once the payment is coming forth, he also implored fresh graduates who are interested in agricultural practices to approach the corporation to access fund.

He admonished all the beneficiaries to complement the effort of the government by being faithful with the funds they obtained and to reciprocate the kind gesture of the government by paying back the fund by the due date such that others could benefit from it as a revolving fund.

admin by — February 8, 2024 in Agriculture 0
Bauchi: Police Declare Cleric Wanted For Contempt Of Court

Tunde Solanke

The Police in Bauchi State have declared wanted a Renowned Islamic Cleric, Imam Dr Idris Abdulaziz .

The declaration was contained in a Special Police Gazette Bulletin issued by the authorities of the Inspector General of Police made available to Journalists in Bauchi by the State Police Command.

According to the bulletin, Imam Dr Idris Abdulaziz is wanted by the office of the Commissioner of Police, Bauchi State Command for the offence of contempt of court.

The bulletin stated that his last known address was Dutsen Tanshi in Bauchi metropolis and he is 63 years old, slim in stature who normally dresses in Hausa attire.

The Police request that anyone who has any information that will lead to his arrest should contact the Command.

The renowned Islamic Cleric has been having a running legal battle with the Police Command leading to his arraignment before a Bauchi Upper Sharia Court.

He was granted bail but has not been present at the Court for continuation of the case in the last two adjournment forcing the Court to issue a warrant of arrest against him.

admin by — February 8, 2024 in Crime/Metro 0
Recitation Of National Pledge Now Mandatory At Official Engagements-Tinubu

Mohammed Shosanya

President Bola Tinubu has directed that the recitation of the National Pledge after the National Anthem at every official and public engagement be made mandatory.

The decision is to ensure absolute respect for the national symbols, strengthen allegiance and fidelity to country, and to preserve Nigeria’s ethos and defining character.

Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony of the 3,112 housing-unit Renewed Hope City at Karsana, Abuja, on Thursday, the President emphasized the imperativeness of respecting national values, promoting the nation’s ideals, and abiding by its established norms.

“Before I left home this morning, I asked for a printout of the National Pledge, and we have to relaunch it again at this event. The relaunch is about being committed to the values, greatness, and hope of our country. It is our pledge to Nigeria, our country, to be faithful, loyal, and honest. To serve Nigeria with all your strength – we saw it on the field of play yesterday. We were all rejoicing. Everyone one of us loves victory. We love to win. When you are positive and you are hopeful, Nigeria is winning.

“We did not say it will be Eldorado and smooth all the way. But we are confident that this country will excel in all ramifications. We will defend our unity and uphold Nigeria’s glory in every way possible because we are Nigerians, and we have no other country,” President Tinubu said.

admin by — February 8, 2024 in News 0
Illegal Mining:Kwara North,And other Kwarans Must Wake Up

Kwara North, a poverty stricken region, who has done nothing wrong than just lacking the electoral number Kwara Central and South possesses. They are behind in development index, and other critical indices that ensures they are people treated equally along other districts in Kwara.

You don’t need to be told, the moment you step foot into that area, the breeze that blows there is different from the rest of Kwara.

Yet, the recent arrests made by the EFCC, seizing four trucks of lithium, one of the most expensive natural resources in the world, if not more than gold puts the region in a more difficult spot and makes them vulnerable to banditry crisis as evident in Zamfara. Four trucks of lithium worths over $65,000, and it was illegally farmed. If illegal people are farming close to ₦100 million naira worth of lithium, how much would it cost to buy arms and distort the peace in Kwara North, a problem we are not and will never be prepared for.

This discovery also brings to the public eye, how those who have been digging and mining legally have not given back to the community where they dig this resources, which is in contradiction of an essential element and agreement that makes one eligible for license. Kwara Northerners and other Kwarans must know that, that area can’t be particularly suffering from unfair political machinations and still not get our sympathy and support in ensuring that resources found under their land is not beneficial to them. Yes, it is state resources, it is Nigeria resources.

However, we need to search the hands of traditional rulers and government officials who may be culpable in compromising our future, by gaining undue wealth from unsuspecting public. A new generation of billionaires who may escape scrutiny, and profit from chaos and instability.

This is a call to action for the future. If four tucks load of lithium has been mined from Kwara North illegally, one can only imagine how many trucks had successfully evaded security checks or discovery. Before they destabilise this state, and before Kwara North becomes a hot region for occupants and visitors, we must increase advocacy, bearing in mind the natural disasters unethical mining can do to even climate change.

This is a call to local community, traditional leaders, officials of government who can still afford something good and possess conscience. Let us pay attention today to save the future.

Ishowo Olanrewaju

Public Affairs Analyst and an Advocate of Good Governance

admin by — February 8, 2024 in Opinion 0
Tinubu,Abiodun Congratulate Eagles For Reaching AFCON Final

Mohammed Shosanya

President Tinubu has congratulated the Super Eagles on their victory over South Africa in the semifinals of the African Cup of Nations.

The Eagles defeated South Africa on penalties with striker Kelechi Iheanacho scoring the goal that sent them to the final.

Tinubu’s congratulatory message was posted on his official X page.

He wrote: “From the Southernmost cape of Africa to the Plains of Mauritania and the coast of West Africa…. You have made us all Proud to be Nigerians! Go… Soar in the AFCON Finals Well done, boys!”

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun,described the victory of the Super Eagles over their South African counterparts as well deserved.

In a congratulatory message to the national football team and the entire country,Abiodun praised the players for their outstanding performance against the South Africans.

The governor,who expressed delight and pride in the team’s remarkable victory commended the players, coaching staff, and the entire Nigerian football fraternity for their dedication and hard work.

“The Super Eagles have once again proven their mettle on the international stage, showcasing their exceptional skills and determination. I am incredibly proud of their achievement in securing a well-deserved spot in the African Cup of Nations finals.

“This victory is a testament to the strength and unity of our beloved country, Nigeria. The Super Eagles have shown the world what it means to be a team, fighting together to achieve a common goal,” the governor added.

admin by — February 8, 2024 in Sports 0
TotalEnergies Commences Production At Akpo West Field

Mohammed Shosanya

TotalEnergies and its partner,Wednesday commenced production from the Akpo West field on the PML2 license in Nigeria.

Akpo West,which is located 135 kilometers off the coast,is tied back to the existing Akpo Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) facility, which started-up in 2009 and produced 124,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day in 2023.

By mid-2024, Akpo West will add 14,000 barrels of condensate production per day, to be followed by up to 4 million cubic meters of gas per day by 2028,a statement said on Wednesday.

The Akpo West development leverages the existing Akpo facilities to keep costs low and minimize greenhouse gas emissions.

The project’s carbon intensity is expected to be below 5 kg CO2e/boe and will contribute to reducing the average carbon intensity of TotalEnergies’ portfolio.

“After Ikike in 2022, TotalEnergies is pleased to start production of another tie-back project in Nigeria, Akpo West, which will contribute to maintaining the production of the existing Akpo facilities by developing additional nearby resources. This project fits the Company’s strategy of developing low-cost and low-emission projects”, said Mike Sangster, Senior Vice President Africa, Exploration and Production at TotalEnergies.

“This project leverages TotalEnergies’ solid footprint in Nigeria and will quickly bring value to the country, TotalEnergies and its partners”, the company’s statement added

admin by — February 8, 2024 in Oil&Gas 0