March 22, 2024 - PremiumNews

All Posts in "Day: March 22, 2024"

Ondo: Amotekun Foils 3 Bank Robbery Attempts

Mohammed Shosanya

Ondo State Security Network otherwise known as Amotekun Corps with other security agencies in the state has foiled attempt by a 7-man gang of armed robbers to attack and rob three commercial banks in the state.

Corps Commander of Amsterdam Corps, Akogun Adetunji Adeleye told newsmen on Thursday in Akure while parading some crime suspects at the formation’s headquarters at Alagbaka.

He disclosed that a member of the 7-man gang of armed robbers was arrested when they attempted to attack a commercial bank in Irele Local Government Area.

According to him,the armed robbers came from Sapele, Delta State to carry out the operations.

He said: “The 7-man gang of armed robbers came all the way from Sapele, Delta State for the purpose of kidnapping and robbery of a bank in Irele local council.

“Six of them are at large, but we were able to apprehend the mastermind who accommodated the robbers. We were equally able to get to the root of the target that they intended to kidnap to give the officers of Amotekun the feeling that it is mere robbery, whereas it was dual operation.

“The manhunt for the leader, who escaped to Delta State is on. We are liaising with relevant government and security authorities to assist us in apprehending this runaway gang.

“The Intel available to us shows that they intended to rob three banks and kidnap the Managing Director of a supermarket. Investigations showed that they liaised with a staff of the supermarket who declined to join the group.”

Among 36 other suspects paraded by Amotekun are those who specialise in vandalism of critical government assets.

The Corps Commander said: “They actually went with a trailer to load pipes meant for World Bank-financed water project and successfully offloaded it and our operatives followed them and apprehended them where they offloaded at a different location.

“This is in furtherance of the determination to ensure that our citizens live peacefully in Ondo State.

“We appeal to the public to continue to support us with timely and actionable information and we pledge to secure lives and properties in conjunction with other security agencies in Ondo State.”

by admin — March 22, 2024 in Crime/Metro 0

Majestic Grace Embassy Storms Ifo,Sango – Ota For One Week Crusade

Mohammed Shosanya

Majestic Grace Embassy International, Tenidire – Sango Ota, Ogun State will from Monday, March 25, 2024 begin its annual seven days of ‘The God of Performance’ crusade in Ifo and Sango – Ota, Ogun State.

The Ifo crusade with the theme, ‘ End of Afflictions ‘ will commence with a 2 – session programme at 8am and later 4pm on both Monday and Tuesday at Aribidesi Event Hall, Old Bank Bus stop, Ifo, Ogun State.

According to the Presiding Pastor of the Church, Dr. Grace Wisdom, the crusade train will on Wednesday move to the Church Sango – Ota headquarters, where the Wednesday and Thursday programme with the theme, ‘ Result for Result’, have been slated for 8am each day.

He added that as part of the activities lined up for the 7 – day crusade, a special vigil will hold at the Church new ultra – modern auditorium, located down Ajala Close, Sango – Ota, on Friday from 9pm, while the Saturday programme will kick – off from 4pm

” This year edition of our annual 7- day crusade has been specially designed for over 10,000 prophecies and testimonies of the prophetic declarations, miracles, deliverance, anointing, special prayer sessions and counselling”, said Dr. Wisdom

He said that the crusade will be rounded off with a special thanksgiving on Sunday, March 31, 2024 at the Church auditorium, Sango – Ota, Ogun State from 8am.

He assured that the special crusade with the Word of God that would be delivered through the Presiding Pastor, the series of miracles, prophecies and testimonies of the confirmation of the prophetic declarations during the 7 – day programme will, no doubt, impact positively on the spiritual growth and quality of life of the participants.

” This forthcoming crusade is what God has directed Majestic Grace Embassy International to use for the people to build a strong and sustainable spiritual life and also as an occasion to further pray for the family, the Church of God and the country to overcome its ongoing economic recession”, Dr. Wisdom said.

by admin — March 22, 2024 in News 0

Jegede Withdraws From Ondo Guber Race

Mohammed Shosanya

The candidate of Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) in the October 20, 2020 gubernatorial election in Ondo State, Eyitayo Jegede, SAN,says he would not be contesting in the forthcoming November 16, 2024 gubernatorial election in the state.

He disclosed this on Thursday while addressing members of the party in his Ijapo Estate campaign office in Akure, the state capital.

Jegede noted that there’s need to retrace their footsteps and go back to the drawing board to work out how his party, PDP, will wrestle power from the ruling party in the state, All Progressives Congress(APC).

He submitted that he would rather allow other members of the party who are also competent to fly the flag of the party to try their luck.

Jegede appreciated members of the party for their support for him all through the years.

He promised to support any member of the party who comes out victorious at the party’s primaries for success at the gubernatorial poll.

He said: “You would recall that we collectively resolved to work together in the interest of the larger majority of our people, using the platform of our party, the PDP. Your struggles brought the outcome that made me fly the flag of our great party in 2016.

“Your unequivocal decision led again but not without anticipated resistance from some quarters, to our success in the primary election, which we again won in 2020.

“The summary of the general elections in those two cycles is known to all of us, the conscienceless power of the ruling party took the day.

“The results from the above two scenarios distinguished you as courageous, dependable and therefore having the needed capacity to stand firm, strong, and tall in the pursuit of our common dreams and the defense of our popular positions as a people and as a Party.

“In this category, let me, with all sense of respect appreciate your sacrifices and commitment to the course.

“As leaders, we owe it a duty to God Almighty and man to not only seek to give back what the Almighty God had endowed us with but also ensure that the party is meticulously supported, guided, and nourished on fertile grounds to provide a basis to grow a system that could yield good fruit for all and sundry.

“A decision has to be taken whether we need to repeat the same process that we passed through in 2016 and 2020.

“After several intensive and extensive consultations, consolidations, and reconsiderations, it became obvious that we need to reexamine whether to proceed or take a detour that could guarantee an alignment with the preponderance of opinion in terms of the quest for equitable representation, equity, and fair play particularly at the level of governorship.

“It is imperative to state that our party constitution is not receptive to zoning and this has been demonstrated through the election of successive Governors, the elections were not based on zoning but on merit.

“I must also state here, albeit clearly that the succession since the civilian administration had witnessed the emergence of two Governors (Chief Adebayo Adefarati and Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu) from the Northern Senatorial district. Governors Olusegun Agagu and current Governor Lucky Ayedatiwa, from Southern Senatorial District.

“The central produced Governor Olusegun Mimiko. Their respective tenure had been based on both constitutional provisions and/ or providence.

“Today, we have an array of Governorship aspirants who are competent and distinguished in their various callings, we also have those who have shown exceptional qualities including consistency and unalloyed loyalty to the party.

“I feel it is time to allow these men the opportunity to try their luck in the primary and by God’s grace, ultimately win the Governorship election, all the aspirants would be accorded every support that is available at my disposal.

“The time is now to rebuild the party for victory. I am committed to making all necessary sacrifices to provide solutions to the problems of the party rather than join in compounding it.

“I recognize that the success of our party is achievable if we all work together, and I, therefore, request you to join hands with the party leadership in your wards and in our various local government areas to ensure a rancour-free primary and a successful outing in the forthcoming governorship elections.

“I thank you again for your unflinching support and continued partnership now and in the future. Wishing you journey mercies to your various destinations.”

by admin — March 22, 2024 in Politics 0

Power Sector:Underperforming Contractors Will Go,Says REF Boss

Mohammed Shosanya

The Executive Director of the Rural Electrification Fund in Rural Electrification Agency, Hon. Engr. Doris Uboh, has advised contractors involved in power sector projects to improve their performance.

She said that the sector authorities are poised to dismiss any contractor failing to meet expectations.

She spoke during an interactive and familiarization meeting with stakeholders in the power industry,where he also emphasized the importance of stakeholders and contractors only undertaking projects that align with their capabilities and expertise.

She expressed her readiness to collaborate with local stakeholders, highlighting that external interventions have not effectively addressed the longstanding issues in the power sector.

She added:”I am impressed with the presentations I have received and listened to so far, especially knowing that you all share my passion and belief that it will take Nigerians to make Nigeria work.

“Bringing in external hands has only worsened the situation for obvious reasons. The fact that there are Nigerians like you who are willing, know the terrain, have the experience, and are ready to work to provide solutions to the issues of epileptic and inadequate power supply is commendable”.

She emphasized the widespread issues faced by Nigerians was due to power instability, as well as the Federal Government’s commitment to resolving them in a timely manner.

She said: “The issues affecting the power sector have become a problem that impacts all Nigerians, regardless of their wealth. These issues now manifest in places that were once thought to be immune.”

“Furthermore, the Honorable Minister is deeply concerned and passionate about ensuring successful outcomes. Fortunately, young people currently play a dominant role in the industry, with many of us having exposure to international experiences through academic studies. This has allowed us to witness the success of foreign power sectors, instilling confidence that similar achievements are possible here.

“Highlighting the importance of maintaining good conduct and honoring contractual agreements, Honorable Uboh emphasized, ‘I recently attended a workshop where I reiterated our zero tolerance policy for failed projects.

“As an agency, we are committed to supporting developers facing challenges within our scope. However, stakeholders must avoid taking on more than they can handle. If necessary, we will reassign projects to more capable individuals to ensure successful outcomes. Our primary goal is to achieve results.

“Even if you are a close relative, excessive delays on a project, as mentioned by the Minister, may lead to consequences. I will not hesitate to take action, even if it means parting ways with family members or colleagues before facing dismissal myself.

“Before you tarnish my reputation, I will assign the job to someone who can execute it because I am exhausted, and so is everyone else, from these recurring power complaints. It feels as if something is fundamentally wrong with us as a people, but in reality, there is nothing wrong with us.”

by admin — March 22, 2024 in Power 0

Ogunleye Speaks On NNPC’s Transformation

Mohammed Shosanya

The Executive Vice President, Gas, Power and New Energy, Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd, Mr. Olalekan Ogunleye has identified transparency, accountability, research, technology and innovation as key drivers of the ongoing transformation in the company.

He disclosed this while speaking during a Panel Session hosted by the NNPC Ltd at the ongoing 2024 CERAWeek Conference in Houston, the United States,on Wednesday,a statement said.

Ogunleye,whose session addressed the theme, “Africa’s Energy Future: Access, Investment & Sustainability” said under the current leadership of Mr. Mele Kyari, the company has institutionalized the use of modern technology to drive its operations, a development that has created tremendous value for the company in its quest to compete with its global peers.

Ogunleye,according to the statement, said with the coming of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) in 2021, NNPC Ltd has today transformed into an integrated commercial entity that is focused on transparency and accountability, two core values that are vital towards the company’s quest to float an Initial Public Offer (IPO) at the stock exchange.

“Over the last five years, the NNPC Ltd has been pushing the agenda of transparency, accountability and performance excellence. I am glad to say that we are setting very high standards, and this is a journey that we are all committed to going forward,” Ogunleye added.

He further observed that transparency and accountability have a commercial component to them, because they can make any organisation attractive to its partners and potential investors.

He said currently, the NNPC Ltd is working assiduously to become IPO-ready, stressing that once that is done, the IPO will be phenomenal and successful.

Ogunleye,who described the future as exciting for the NNPC Ltd, said as the biggest energy company in Africa with the biggest resources and largest market, the company remains committed to delivering value to its shareholders by relentlessly improving its processes in line with global best standards.

He said gas will continue to be an important resource for Africa because it is the surest tool for economic development and for delivering better living standards for the teeming population on the continent.

He implored all gas players to sustain the advocacy for gas as a major energy source that will be utilized to develop the economic and industrial fortunes of the continent.

He said gas is a top priority for NNPC Ltd because the company is at the forefront of Nigeria’s gas commercialization efforts and flare elimination.

“Gas has come to stay. It is going to be part of the energy mix for us in the long term. We shall continue to be at the forefront of accelerating gas development and commercialization in Nigeria,” he added.

Other energy experts on Mr. Ogunleye’s panel are Daniel Berkove, Senior Advisor, S&P Global; Emmanuel Mugagga, Chief Financial Officer, Uganda National Oil Company and Benjamin Kweku Acolatse, Deputy Chief Executive Officer (Finance and Administration), Ghana National Petroleum Corporation.

by admin — March 22, 2024 in Oil&Gas 0

Nigeria’s Food Crisis Needs Immediate Humanitarian,Social Protection, NESG Says

Mohammed Shosanya

The Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG),says the current food crisis in Nigeria requires immediate humanitarian, social protection, and food systems responses to address.

The NESG has recently issued a policy brief entitled “Status of Food Security: Dimensioning the Crisis, Policy Options, and Strategic Responses.”

The brief outlines urgent measures to address the current food crisis in Nigeria, aiming to develop a comprehensive approach to alleviate hunger and offer practical solutions.

The NESG quoted the statistics from the National Bureau of Statistics(NBS) which reveals that “In January 2024, Nigeria’s food inflation surged to 35.41% from 33.9% in December 2023.

“The number of food-insecure Nigerians increased significantly, from 66.2 million in Q1 2023 to 100 million in Q1 2024 (World Food Programme, 2024), with 18.6 million facing acute hunger and 43.7 million Nigerians showing crisis-level or above crisis-level hunger coping strategies as of March 2024.”

A statement issued on Thursday by Ayanyinka Ayanlowo, Acting Head, Strategic Communications and Advocacy, NESG, explained that the unprecedented food crisis demands immediate humanitarian, social protection, and food systems responses.

It noted that:”Despite a contraction in the Nigerian Agriculture Sector in 2023, resulting in reduced productivity, the nation is fortunate to face no climatic risks of famine or drought, as no part of Nigeria is categorised as High Risk or Moderate Risk and Deteriorating.”

It stated that the National Food Systems Profile reveals critical institutional, policy and industrial coordination and governance gaps.

“This reflects a fundamental and systemic challenge with National Food Systems vulnerabilities, which is not a new insight.

“NESG and other national stakeholders under the then Federal Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning supported the National Food Systems Assessment with the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations, the French Agricultural Research Centre for International Development, and the European Union in 2022.”

“In the final report, “Food Systems Profile-Nigeria: Catalysing the Sustainable and Inclusive Transformation of Food Systems,” the key findings showed that Nigeria needed to apply urgency, tenacity, and a national state of emergency in dealing with the following: Persistent Structural Vulnerabilities and Continuing socio-economic vulnerabilities persist, with 133 million people experiencing extreme multidimensional poverty, characterised by significant regional disparities.”

by admin — March 22, 2024 in Agriculture 0

Terrorism: Kaduna,Niger,5 Others To Benefit From FG’s N50bn Pulako Initiative

Mohammed Shosanya

The Federal Government is accelerating the Kinetic Approach to the fight against terrorism and banditry with the establishment of the 50 Billion Naira Pulako Initiative.

The Minister of Information, and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris told a consortium of Media Representatives during Iftar (breaking of Fast) in Kano on Wednesday evening.

He explained that the initiative is targeting seven frontline states in the battle against banditry and cattle-rustling.

Mohammed listed Katsina, Zamfara, Sokoto, Niger, Kaduna, Benue, and Kebbi States as beneficiaries.

He added that,under the initiative, the Federal Government of Nigeria will build houses, clinics, schools, veterinary hospitals, empowerment initiatives, solar energy, and other infrastructure needs in the communities worst affected by banditry.

According to him,in February 2024, Armed Forces neutralized 974 terrorists, apprehended 621 suspects, rescued 466 hostages, and recovered 1,573 weapons.

He also said,the Nigerian government is dedicated to ensuring the safety and well-being of all Nigerians and visitors to the country.

He said:”Our security agencies have been very busy, doing their best to keep us all safe.Military has been taking delivery of new weapons and equipment, to strengthen the fight against banditry and terrorism. For example, the Nigerian Air Force this month inducted 4 new aircraft into service. “

“The Nigerian Military (supported by the Police and Intelligence agencies) has been taking the war to bandits’ and terrorists’ camps and hideouts, especially in the North-West and the FCT, and we are seeing the results.”

He maintained that “The situation in Abuja has been brought under control, every week there is a news report about bandits routed and camps destroyed

“Through the collaborative endeavours of the Armed Forces, the state government, and communities, we have made substantial progress in containing the security situation in Niger State.

” The gory tale of bandits raiding villages and taxing farmers in the state has abated in recent times.While we continue to make strides in combating violent crimes, I must acknowledge that there are still isolated attacks by bandits and criminal elements in certain areas”.

According to him, “it is important to stress that these sporadic attacks do not diminish the progress made so far in ensuring the security of lives in our communities.”

The Minister,however,cautioned that “as media leaders, we must be very careful to not play into their hands, through reporting that might be misleading or sensational or that undermines the morale of our security personnel.”

On fight against oil theft,Idris disclosed that:”over 6,000 illegal refineries have been deactivated and over 4,000 illegal pipelines disconnected – and recording success.

He further revealed that “Oil production has grown steadily since Q2 2023, rising from 1.22m barrels per day to 1.55 million barrels per day in Q4 2023”.

by admin — March 22, 2024 in News 0

Tinubu To Immortalize Slain Military Personnel In Okuoma Community

Mohammed Shosanya

President Bola Tinubu has vowed to immortalise all the military personnel killed in Okuoma Community in Delta State.

He also said the fallen officers will be given a befitting burial and national honours.

Expressing his condolences to the families of the bereaved, he pledged that the sacrifices of the fallen heroes would never be in vain.

It will be recalled that about 17 military personnel were killed in Delta state while on a peace keeping mission, a development that has drawn widespread condemnation from several quarters.

“‘In responding to distress calls, they met the end of their lives in a savage manner. Let us work to sympathize and symbolize the fact that they are worth the sacrifices they have made for Nigeria.

”We salute all our men and women in uniform, and we sympathize with them. I will soon make further pronouncements, but they must have a befitting burial and national honours,” the President said.

Meanwhile, the President has appealed to members of the National Assembly to exercise restraint in summoning heads of ministries, departments, and agencies before parliamentary committees.

Speaking at the breaking of Ramadan fast on Wednesday in Abuja with the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, and the leadership of the House, the President said while oversight is essential for maintaining transparency and accountability in governance, excessive summoning of officials can disrupt operations and hinder service delivery to citizens.

He,therefore,urged lawmakers to show discretion in the exercise of their oversight functions.

”I have been watching various committees summoning ministers and heads of agencies. I have complained to the Speaker to let the poor breathe. Let these people do the job. We are not saying that you are not influential. We are not saying you cannot do your oversight. But consider the primary duty of each agency, its personnel, or the responsibilities of the Governor of the Central Bank or the Coordinating Minister of the Economy and Minister of Finance to you and the entire nation.

”If they are distracted or disturbed, maybe we will shift parliamentary sitting all through the night. We must find a way to accommodate one another. This is an appeal to you. See if you can accept representatives in some instances or even documentations,” the President said.

Expressing confidence in the ability of the National Assembly to uphold good governance, President Tinubu lauded the existing cordial relationship between the executive and the legislature.

He said the harmonious working relationship had resulted in the expeditious passage of several bills to improve the welfare of Nigerians.

He urged the legislators not to forget their constituencies and to take advantage of the holy month of Ramadan to show compassion and support the less privileged in society.

”We are making sacrifices for the country, and we are assuring citizens that there is a very bright light at the end of the tunnel.

”We must have faith, and please do not forget your constituencies and remember what they are going through.

”I cannot thank you enough for what you are doing, but it is for our country. There is nothing personal about this. It is for Nigeria, and we have no other country but Nigeria,” the President stated.

In his remarks, the Speaker emphasized the importance of forgiveness, generosity, and prayers during Ramadan and called for unity in the nation and support for President Tinubu.

”I want to urge us to use this month to increase our good deeds and minimize our bad deeds,” he said.

Reflecting on the 10 months of this administration, the Speaker noted that the executive and the legislature have continued to work in synergy for the progress of the country.

”So far, so good, the House has been very supportive of the President and his policies, and we shall continue to ensure that we work together,” the Speaker said.

by admin — March 22, 2024 in News 0