tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7704615258620558872024-03-19T09:17:41.691+01:00Newsmart NigeriaNewsmarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09947342806510739431noreply@blogger.comBlogger9320125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-770461525862055887.post-57423670153321631572024-03-19T09:16:00.005+01:002024-03-19T09:16:59.882+01:00Undersea Fibre Optic Disruption: Telecom services restored to 90% capacity<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large; text-align: start;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL0sSr5PTc56wV9RCQjRrnZRyVV4JI0UY23IJZ9aEwuvXM0FCwn54_eFvVBnImDlZYIdBGbGXyVrIMUcd8zIx-gab3aW9cZHizZIX1FZIDNzrlmYlirSCnepRnG_fxwvKGYxEuYm_vjnvjs2Vxyo8Plli1-_XpDmVyp7_PXvzpbvpm6yHxWIDxu1lUxx4/s678/IMG_1850.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="452" data-original-width="678" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL0sSr5PTc56wV9RCQjRrnZRyVV4JI0UY23IJZ9aEwuvXM0FCwn54_eFvVBnImDlZYIdBGbGXyVrIMUcd8zIx-gab3aW9cZHizZIX1FZIDNzrlmYlirSCnepRnG_fxwvKGYxEuYm_vjnvjs2Vxyo8Plli1-_XpDmVyp7_PXvzpbvpm6yHxWIDxu1lUxx4/w640-h426/IMG_1850.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br />In the wake of the disruption on March 14, 2024, which severely impacted data and voice services along the coasts of Cote d'Ivoire and Senegal due to cuts in undersea fibre optics, operators have successfully restored services to approximately 90% of their peak utilization capacities. This is according to a press release by</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium; text-align: start;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium; text-align: start;">This significant progress comes as a result of operators leveraging recovery capacity from unaffected submarine cables to mitigate the effects of the cuts, </span><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) said in a press statement</span><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium; text-align: start;">. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium; text-align: start;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium; text-align: start;">The statement signed by NCC’s director of public affairs, Reuben Muoka, conveys assurances of mobile network operators that both data and voice services are now operating optimally, thanks to the activation of alternative connectivities. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium; text-align: start;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium; text-align: start;">While full repairs on the affected undersea cables are pending, the activation of these alternative connections has effectively normalized the situation, the commission said.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium; text-align: start;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium; text-align: start;">The telecom industry therefore, extends its gratitude to consumers for their patience and understanding during the downtime caused by the undersea fibre cuts. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium; text-align: start;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium; text-align: start;">This collaborative effort between operators and regulators highlights the resilience and adaptability of the telecommunications sector in overcoming challenges to ensure uninterrupted services for users</span><span style="caret-color: rgb(232, 232, 230); color: #e8e8e6; font-family: __fkGroteskNeue_a82850, __fkGroteskNeue_Fallback_a82850, ui-sans-serif, system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Segoe UI, Roboto, Helvetica Neue, Arial, Noto Sans, sans-serif, Apple Color Emoji, Segoe UI Emoji, Segoe UI Symbol, Noto Color Emoji; font-size: medium; text-align: start;">.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div>Newsmarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09947342806510739431noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-770461525862055887.post-16216583357628111692024-03-19T00:10:00.001+01:002024-03-19T00:10:10.776+01:00Nike unveils innovative Super Eagles jerseys for the 2024-2025 season<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMxku59sd8m6Mo9FirSEeCAok4VHtSXyXaTgqoakVzNuqSxvmgW4WQkwf9eCEw33-4HeE1qJNsxFutZlUNtFy_VWT2IMih-FViphoQcOTZ_F2Itg2VeVTPXY5jvRpU77LQg_dLiQj1783lVq5gQBKDkXkALQQMPIyEq8Vbn6Ces4TVx3Af20jMO42mt5k/s1080/IMG_1975.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="933" data-original-width="1080" height="552" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMxku59sd8m6Mo9FirSEeCAok4VHtSXyXaTgqoakVzNuqSxvmgW4WQkwf9eCEw33-4HeE1qJNsxFutZlUNtFy_VWT2IMih-FViphoQcOTZ_F2Itg2VeVTPXY5jvRpU77LQg_dLiQj1783lVq5gQBKDkXkALQQMPIyEq8Vbn6Ces4TVx3Af20jMO42mt5k/w640-h552/IMG_1975.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br />The new Super Eagles jerseys for the 2024–2025 football season have been revealed by clothing powerhouse Nike. The unveiling was published on Nike’s Instagram page on Monday, March 18, 2024 with a launch video of the new jerseys showcasing innovative designs that break conventions and cater to modern footballers' needs.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">The home jersey features green hoops on the sleeves and shorts, with "Naija" boldly displayed in green on the chest. The away kit, inspired by Nigeria's national colors, is a pastel version of dark green, according to reports. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">“The 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒 𝑵𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒂𝒍 𝑻𝒆𝒂𝒎 𝒌𝒊𝒕𝒔 disrupt convention with bold twists on icons.</span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9rnMekxZf7QwIYg9ZT0ixerdbN6x6Kk4oGLCwBoy3ZwenN7Wj_fLz6b5CFsiv9NFnjPHEB_Y5RcoD1jvCVrDzBuOkL7ygoFOy294t-OSHGGgN2odH6BsHJvcO9CdER2Z_6S_XofeRR5068pAdN99wTePNNuzsz_I71DXwBTlxWiNpZ6JRhMVCN4CJ9Rg/s300/IMG_1977.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="240" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9rnMekxZf7QwIYg9ZT0ixerdbN6x6Kk4oGLCwBoy3ZwenN7Wj_fLz6b5CFsiv9NFnjPHEB_Y5RcoD1jvCVrDzBuOkL7ygoFOy294t-OSHGGgN2odH6BsHJvcO9CdER2Z_6S_XofeRR5068pAdN99wTePNNuzsz_I71DXwBTlxWiNpZ6JRhMVCN4CJ9Rg/w512-h640/IMG_1977.jpeg" width="512" /></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">“Featuring 𝑫𝒓𝒊-𝑭𝑰𝑻 𝑨𝑫𝑽 innovation, each kit is engineered for the needs of the modern footballer, from kick-off to the final whistle,” the post read.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Green hoops at the ends of the sleeves and shorts adorn the white home jersey. In a striking combination of colours, the word “Naija” is written in green across the kit’s breast.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">In a stylistic nod to Nigeria’s national colours, the away uniform is patterned in a pastel version of the same colour, dark green.</span></div><div><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">These jerseys are expected to be worn by the Super Eagles during their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign, with upcoming matches against South Africa and Benin Republic. Additionally, friendly matches against Ghana and Mali are scheduled in Morocco before the qualifiers.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyZJ0DTO1TDXcflB-QgDa8QPlFfrf4hW8DXme0DPe0MXm2UEEdT5naLZ7rHs9qTQHj1Y_CXEkSORBbRjF1_PfBJBlwm8O73C_VA10cYkjC-fSjG0UNPDkzqnPZGWFwHW14ezJ_PUTqYNFIoQeFXcNGCBQGZIZjV-R47qlX5l5G53n3NhyEdB7oVdC9qFA/s300/IMG_1978.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="240" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyZJ0DTO1TDXcflB-QgDa8QPlFfrf4hW8DXme0DPe0MXm2UEEdT5naLZ7rHs9qTQHj1Y_CXEkSORBbRjF1_PfBJBlwm8O73C_VA10cYkjC-fSjG0UNPDkzqnPZGWFwHW14ezJ_PUTqYNFIoQeFXcNGCBQGZIZjV-R47qlX5l5G53n3NhyEdB7oVdC9qFA/w512-h640/IMG_1978.jpeg" width="512" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div>Newsmarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09947342806510739431noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-770461525862055887.post-10323106859297715732024-03-17T16:49:00.004+01:002024-03-17T16:49:24.194+01:00Glo subscribers to win cash prizes, airtime in ‘Korrect Predict Lottery’ service <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhusrHx0c-IK7SUuxXoCiENXAP6t6K8YyyT6hLadzEXV8A0Pqfs1dbslbhYku20UdTVqquSEJGNIMdRB-ixGYqC-g26kzqmtUj_ccTWT2o2pVk9omeaatlEaVZAvcMK2SZwqfH5dZHbJVCT1W9JyInb-pfmTQesPfqGb18G5f9ea7f4fTAjHEVwx_4ivyI/s650/IMG_1718.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="650" height="394" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhusrHx0c-IK7SUuxXoCiENXAP6t6K8YyyT6hLadzEXV8A0Pqfs1dbslbhYku20UdTVqquSEJGNIMdRB-ixGYqC-g26kzqmtUj_ccTWT2o2pVk9omeaatlEaVZAvcMK2SZwqfH5dZHbJVCT1W9JyInb-pfmTQesPfqGb18G5f9ea7f4fTAjHEVwx_4ivyI/w640-h394/IMG_1718.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>A new product, Glo Korrect Predict Lottery has been unveiled by telecommunications services provider, Globacom. Under the new service, any sports lover on Glo network who successfully predicts the final outcomes of football matches played across the world will be rewarded with fantastic cash prizes and free airtime.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">"Sports Prediction Market has witnessed significant growth over the years, with a projected value of over $155 billion globally by 2024 and that, the growth is driven by the proliferation of smartphones, increase in online betting platforms, as well as increased sports viewership and adoption of technology," Globacom said in a statement in Lagos.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">This trend, the company explained underscored the unveiling of the new service Korrect Predict lottery, which it said, will give subscribers the opportunity to win cash gifts from predicting match results accurately.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">According to Globacom "Subscribers will receive two football matches daily for them to predict the correct scores after which those who accurately predict the outcomes of their preferred matches will win amazing prizes from Glo."</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">To subscribe to Korrect Predict, you will either dial the USSD Command *7023# or send the keyword "KPRD" to the shortcode "7023" to subscribe to the daily plan costing just N50 or send the keyword "KPW" to the shortcode "7023" to subscribe to the weekly plan of N150. Upon successful subscription, you will receive an SMS with a link to access the service."</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">For the first active subscription when they select any of the daily, or weekly auto-renewal plan, Glo said subscribers will enjoy free trial, adding that "This means that a new subscriber can activate the service at no cost for the first 24 hours, after which he or she will then be charged for the next renewal cycle. Subscribers who do not want to be charged after the free trial and buy offer will have to cancel their service renewal before the 24 hours elapse by dialing the USSD command for deactivation."</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Glo Korrect Predict provides access to two daily predictions on football matches across Africa, Asian, American and European Leagues including Asian League, English Premiership, Italian Serie A, Spanish La Liga, German Bundesliga, French Ligue 1 and Portugese Primeira Liga and it can be accessed by all Glo subscribers via SMS, USSD, and Web.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">To subscribe to the daily plan costing just N50 subscribers will either dial the USSD Command *7023# or send the keyword "KPRD" to the shortcode "7023" or send the keyword "KPW" to the shortcode "7023" to subscribe to the weekly plan of N150. An SMS with a link to access the service will be sent to the subscribers upon successful subscription.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>Newsmarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09947342806510739431noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-770461525862055887.post-79283207072451596612024-03-17T08:33:00.003+01:002024-03-17T08:33:17.081+01:00Attack on Military Personnel: Oborevwori condemns killings, condoles military, families of victims<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOE2eOynNvAUCYPX_56d3go5BqflqO6ASr88eObaLtUx1IuBRzPZQzkvRLQhDd7c6ktc-ILVlsk9GRBaPYR0SwzirY0zb1yPJ1_11LnYgOVi9TORPGWjJJL1hJvUjf3zpRVO1BSsHB2iwk67E4axHRV7-nV_lhuxIoSjzPW2tbP4l2zrR0l_yDJuCQ14Y/s648/IMG_1901.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="473" data-original-width="648" height="468" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOE2eOynNvAUCYPX_56d3go5BqflqO6ASr88eObaLtUx1IuBRzPZQzkvRLQhDd7c6ktc-ILVlsk9GRBaPYR0SwzirY0zb1yPJ1_11LnYgOVi9TORPGWjJJL1hJvUjf3zpRVO1BSsHB2iwk67E4axHRV7-nV_lhuxIoSjzPW2tbP4l2zrR0l_yDJuCQ14Y/w640-h468/IMG_1901.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large; text-align: justify;">Gov Oborevwori</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br />Delta State Governor, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, Saturday, March 16, 2024, condemned, in very strong terms, the unprovoked killing of officers and soldiers attached to 63 Brigade at Okuama community, Ughelli South Local Government Area of the state. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">He condoled with the military and the families of officers and soldiers who died in the attack.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Governor Oborevwori, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, said: "The Government of Delta State is gravely disturbed by the violence and unprovoked killing of the officers and soldiers, which he described as alien to the culture of Deltans.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">His words: "This incident is despicable and not in sync with the culture and tradition of Deltans. It runs contrary to the values and path of peace that the state government is promoting as I have always emphasized in our MORE agenda to enhance peace and security. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">"On behalf of the government and good people of Delta State, I wish to condole, in particular, the families of the killed gallant officers and soldiers, the Nigerian Army and the Armed Forces of Nigeria in general, over this sad occurrence. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">"The State Government shall take all measures necessary to fish out all those behind this dastardly act and ensure they are made to face the full wrath of the law. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">"Delta State is governed within the tenets of the rule of law and human decency. Acts such as this incident cannot and will not be tolerated. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">"Meanwhile, all citizens and residents of the state are enjoined to remain law-abiding and the State Government shall continue to take all measures to protect lives and property in Delta State."</span></div>Newsmarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09947342806510739431noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-770461525862055887.post-88931124651551016142024-03-16T22:59:00.002+01:002024-03-16T23:00:23.312+01:00Obi criticizes workshop in London by Accountant General's office as insensitive<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWoo7Nl5tCiMe4QXorbHJkLngWX_gLWB1TWymqcw0N5hXF4_ry1e7cqtQ0o2bHh5mfDzzPlmntq2Q-UT7RhuQXjhfB9fvrIGrKz7cnwMQF5grIiOaBwB2Ma98MIwYOvtMgqN2CBS5DbbhKOounU_U_7_U8Bjk8ru9Lr772kpTDgXK0gDlIygtKTnGzIeM/s736/IMG_1900.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="417" data-original-width="736" height="362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWoo7Nl5tCiMe4QXorbHJkLngWX_gLWB1TWymqcw0N5hXF4_ry1e7cqtQ0o2bHh5mfDzzPlmntq2Q-UT7RhuQXjhfB9fvrIGrKz7cnwMQF5grIiOaBwB2Ma98MIwYOvtMgqN2CBS5DbbhKOounU_U_7_U8Bjk8ru9Lr772kpTDgXK0gDlIygtKTnGzIeM/w640-h362/IMG_1900.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large; text-align: justify;">Obi</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br />Mr. Peter Obi, the main opposition voice and standard bearer of the Labour Party, has condemned the decision to hold a workshop in London by the office of the Accountant General of the Federation. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">In a press release signed by Dr. Yunusa Tanko, chief spokesman for his media organization, Obi expressed his disapproval, stating that this action demonstrates the insensitivity of the office to the troubling situation in the country. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">He emphasized the need for Nigerians to reject and condemn such thoughtless behavior, which he described as lacking empathy.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Writing on his X handle on Saturday, March 16, 2024, Obi said "Nigerians must vehemently denounce and condemn the decision of Nigeria's Accountant-General's Office to hold a workshop in London. This decision is not only unacceptable but also deeply troubling on multiple levels.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">"Given the prevailing hardship in the country and the pitiable State of our national currency, any public function abroad amounts to insensitivity on the part of the government and any agency or individuals involved.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">"First and foremost, it represents a blatant disregard for fiscal responsibility and prudent expenditure of public funds. At a time when Nigeria is grappling with economic challenges, including inflation, currency devaluation, and a widening budget deficit, it is utterly irresponsible to squander tax payer money on extravagant overseas workshops. The resources allocated for such purposes should be directed towards addressing pressing domestic needs, such as healthcare, education, infrastructure, and poverty alleviation.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">"Furthermore, holding a workshop in London sends the wrong message to the Nigerian people and the international community. It perpetuates the perception of government officials indulging in luxury and extravagance at the expense of the common citizen. It fosters a culture of elitism and detachment from the realities faced by ordinary Nigerians, who struggle daily to make ends meet amidst rising living costs and limited access to essential services.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">"Moreover, there are serious questions regarding the necessity and effectiveness of conducting a workshop abroad, particularly in a city as expensive as London. Nigeria is home to numerous highly qualified professionals and experts who are more than capable of providing the required training and expertise. By outsourcing such activities to foreign countries the government not only undermines local expertise but also fails to leverage the wealth of knowledge and experience within its borders.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">"Additionally, holding a workshop in London raises concerns about transparency and accountability in government procurement processes. There must be full disclosure and justification for why London was chosen as the venue, as well as how the selection of vendors and contractors was made. Any hint of impropriety or favouritism in awarding contracts for such events must be thoroughly investigated and addressed."</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">A new Nigeria is possible, Obi concluded.</span></div>Newsmarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09947342806510739431noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-770461525862055887.post-65038147170091071152024-03-16T22:02:00.001+01:002024-03-16T22:02:03.226+01:00Glo 1 network operational amidst potential 5-week Internet disruptions <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1q9DssJnm2w/ZfYIgyC69yI/AAAAAAAAi2g/HyqR4CstTgwwOAhf_c_Ko0OAZf-Xs0ByQCNcBGAsYHQ/s678/IMG_1850.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="452" data-original-width="678" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1q9DssJnm2w/ZfYIgyC69yI/AAAAAAAAi2g/HyqR4CstTgwwOAhf_c_Ko0OAZf-Xs0ByQCNcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/IMG_1850.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br />Agony of corporate and individual internet users in Nigeria, which has lasted since Thursday, is not about to end soon as latest reports indicate the service disruption may last for a further five weeks.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">One of the undersea cable companies affected by the service disruptions, MainOne, said in a statement on Friday evening that the situation might persist for two to three weeks for the problem to be fixed.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">It explained that investigations revealed that the fault came from an external incident that resulted in a cut on the submarine cable system in the ocean.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">MainOne said the rectification of the fault, retrieving necessary spares required for repair, "sailing to the fault location for the repair work might take one to two weeks, while about two to three weeks of transit time may be required for the vessel to pick up the spares and travel from Europe to West Africa once the vessel is mobilised.”</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Expectedly, Internet providers in Nigeria have resorted to telecommunications company, Globacom, as massive internet outages crippled other networks. Glo 1, solely owned by Globacom, was not affected by the damage and has continued to operate normally, according to the telecommunications giant.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Data users, internet service providers and financial institutions, which run on Glo 1 have continued to operate seamlessly, the company had said. On the other hand, telecommunications companies and some banks whose operations rely on the affected cables for internet services went down for several hours. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">The damage, according to industry reports, affected major undersea cables near Abidjan in Côte d'Ivoire, culminating to internet downtime across West and South African countries. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">The affected cables are those of the West Africa Cable System (WACS), the Africa Coast to Europe (ACE), MainOne, and SAT3. Industry watchers gave kudos to the resilience of Glo 1 International Submarine Cable, which inoculated it against the reported damage.</span></div>Newsmarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09947342806510739431noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-770461525862055887.post-54036669796863043562024-03-16T21:10:00.001+01:002024-03-16T21:10:07.524+01:00Royal Blessings: Ooni of Ife welcomes twin prince and princess as Queen Tobiloba gives birth<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiibSanlFnNAQosbu_r_04cEDmN_jWgAuyeKH1Xrzf8DuoUGTBAtD_8Qw71YGpEC6QWYCM_2CtheqaxHJ3vffWNt-1BQGnoAxJVV2JGHGf96QN7o1FQNG9hN3P4Ay_zXWKnpJU99ocEV6UFx3lpRXXVkWQG2s0wAUtm4Q14dsB7E7iARDNA0PDdMCxn3gk/s900/IMG_1897.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="716" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiibSanlFnNAQosbu_r_04cEDmN_jWgAuyeKH1Xrzf8DuoUGTBAtD_8Qw71YGpEC6QWYCM_2CtheqaxHJ3vffWNt-1BQGnoAxJVV2JGHGf96QN7o1FQNG9hN3P4Ay_zXWKnpJU99ocEV6UFx3lpRXXVkWQG2s0wAUtm4Q14dsB7E7iARDNA0PDdMCxn3gk/w510-h640/IMG_1897.jpeg" width="510" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large; text-align: justify;">The Ooni and Olori</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br />A momentous occasion unfolded at the Ile Oodua Palace of the Ooni of Ife in the early hours of this morning (Saturday, March 16, 2024), marking the safe delivery of a set of twins - a prince and a princess. Her Majesty, Olori Tobiloba Ogunwusi, along with the newborns, are reported to be in good health.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">A statement trending online said to be signed by </span><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Otunba Moses Olafare, </span><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Director, Media and Public Affairs, O</span><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">oni's Palace, reveals that the palace is now abuzz with well-wishers from near and far, extending their congratulations to the Ife Royal Family. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Part of the trending report reads: “Concurrently, essential spiritual ceremonies, overseen by the Ife Chief Priests, known as The Isoros, are underway in preparation for the formal introduction of the new royal additions to the palace. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">“These rituals align with the rich traditions and customs of the Ife Kingdom, the ancestral home of the Yoruba people and various other cultures worldwide. Further updates on the unfolding events will be shared with the public in due course, the trending statement concluded.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>Newsmarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09947342806510739431noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-770461525862055887.post-34986544720770885562024-03-16T20:36:00.002+01:002024-03-16T20:36:37.354+01:00Senate denies report exposing fraud in refineries rehabilitation; Kyari reassures Nigerians of intact delivery schedule<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkGGs4_JCPuDcT6edT5moNAdaykek03_431UTJJSnn30fTqXtDt8vzLUb1JSrkNMMoO0A38VBnEwrCHWlvAnRb9TTrVdQ0kSs-RIQNYL2yZWzYXET5RuMdd74OhqB7swrY3DCcBPLWm-6g85SyEfLIy0Zx_0a519CvFYjDhcxyaBm5LArNRbvRfHmzVpo/s678/IMG_1853.webp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="381" data-original-width="678" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkGGs4_JCPuDcT6edT5moNAdaykek03_431UTJJSnn30fTqXtDt8vzLUb1JSrkNMMoO0A38VBnEwrCHWlvAnRb9TTrVdQ0kSs-RIQNYL2yZWzYXET5RuMdd74OhqB7swrY3DCcBPLWm-6g85SyEfLIy0Zx_0a519CvFYjDhcxyaBm5LArNRbvRfHmzVpo/w640-h360/IMG_1853.webp" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">…At the session </td></tr></tbody></table><br />The Senate has dismissed media reports claiming that it will expose all “frauds associated with the contracts and management of the Turn Around Maintenance of the nation’s refineries.” </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">A news report last week claimed that the Senate through its Ad-hoc Committee on Investigation of Turn Around Maintenance (TAM) in the nation’s refineries, has vowed to “expose all frauds associated with the contracts and management of the process.”</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Chairman of the Ad-hoc Committee, Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, who expressed displeasure over the “unfortunate reports” at an interactive session on Thursday, said the National Assembly couldn’t have declared verdict on an issue that is still under investigation.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">“I apologise for the reports. I was quoted out of context,” Senator Uba said at the interactive session.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">The Senator further noted that the Committee’s concern was aimed at getting the nation’s refineries fully rehabilitated and returned to their respective optimal refining capacities so as to ensure nationwide petroleum products sufficiency and safeguard Nigeria’s energy security.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Responding, GCEO NNPC Ltd, Mr. Mele Kyari, who drew the attention of the Ad-hoc Committee to the news report, assured Nigerians that the delivery date of the Port Harcourt and other refineries remains sacrosanct.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">“We will make sure that promises that we made about the rehabilitation of these refineries are kept. We did a mechanical completion of PHRC in December. Now, we have crude oil already stocked in it. It is currently undergoing regulatory compliance test before we restream it. I assure you that this refinery will start in next two weeks.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">“For Warri, we have also done mechanical work on it. It is undergoing regulatory compliance processes that we are doing with our regulators. Kaduna will be ready by December this year, but we have not reached that stage. We believe that it will also be ready on schedule,” the GCEO stated.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Kyari explained that currently, Port Harcourt Refinery has received 450,000 barrels of crude for processing following the mechanical completion of the plant in December, last year.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">He called for the cooperation of all stakeholders in the rehabilitation process, stressing that “we are all serving this country dutifully and loyally. Nigerians must understand that gradually, we shall get this task done.”</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Newsmart gathered from a press release signed by </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">Olufemi O. Soneye, </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">Chief Corporate Communications Officer of </span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">NNPC Ltd. that the</span><span style="font-family: verdana;"> Senate Ad-hoc Committee is expected to visit the three refineries in Kaduna, Warri and Port Harcourt soon for an on-the-spot assessment of work progress.</span></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"></div>Newsmarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09947342806510739431noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-770461525862055887.post-86094325367319771212024-03-16T18:08:00.003+01:002024-03-16T20:19:21.709+01:00UTM Offshore seeks NCDMB investment and approvals for FLNG project<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-WaDaxtev0XKzhJsTlJ1sGn9L2cl1faWxFdn22owL22XQGiZx5uVdfgdmkN5MapXKRqmmPaZi1VgkcQKzKBiqQ4kYl1KV15MLgM2Ac0nV39aySC7ryJiH0E2o0nC0TTedAWiMzmbJkw2o7Q4k08aXh49SC3BzhxqrYVNeFNbPEptqPvafjY-zS_7EHOY/s8256/Meeting%20with%20UTM.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5504" data-original-width="8256" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-WaDaxtev0XKzhJsTlJ1sGn9L2cl1faWxFdn22owL22XQGiZx5uVdfgdmkN5MapXKRqmmPaZi1VgkcQKzKBiqQ4kYl1KV15MLgM2Ac0nV39aySC7ryJiH0E2o0nC0TTedAWiMzmbJkw2o7Q4k08aXh49SC3BzhxqrYVNeFNbPEptqPvafjY-zS_7EHOY/w640-h426/Meeting%20with%20UTM.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large; text-align: justify;">Acting Director, Legal Services NCDMB, Mr. Naboth Onyesoh, Esq; Director, Monitoring and & Evaluation, Mr. Abdulmalik Halilu; Director, Projects Certification and Authorization, Engr. Abayomi Bamidele; Executive Secretary, NCDMB, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe; Group Managing Director, UTM Offshore Limited, Mr. Julius Rone; Technical Manager of the FLNG, Engr. George Amara; Management staff of UTM Offshore and Acting Director, Finance and Personnel Management, NCDMB, Mr. Ifeanyi Ukoha after the meeting </span></td></tr></tbody></table><br />UTM Offshore Limited, the driving force behind Nigeria's pioneering Floating Liquefied Natural Gas (FLNG) venture, has formally approached the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) with a dual request. </span></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">The company is seeking equity investment from NCDMB for the project and urging expedited approvals to propel the project's advancement.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">This appeal was presented on Wednesday, March 13, 224, at the Nigerian Content Tower in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State. The occasion saw the Executive Secretary of NCDMB, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, playing host to the leadership of UTM Offshore Limited, headed by the Group Managing Director, Mr. Julius Rone.</span></div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">The target completion date of the FLNG project is 2028 and it hopes to contribute about 450,000 tonnes of liquified petroleum gas (LPG), otherwise known as cooking gas per annum to the domestic market. This will assuage Nigeria’s average demand of about 1.5 million tonnes of LPG per annum and reduce the dependence on the importation of LPG. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Giving a brief on the company, the Group Managing Director stated that UTM is a 100 percent indigenous company, and the floating LNG project will optimise Nigeria’s stranded gas offshore, enhance energy transition, promote domestic consumption of cooking gas, and aid technology transfer, among other benefits. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">He invited the NCDMB to take equity in the project, hinting that the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and the Delta State Government were already partners on the project given its importance to Nigeria’s energy security. He described the FLNG as another confirmation of the capability of Nigerians to develop projects of world-class standards.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">He announced that roadshows were being planned for Uyo and Abuja in April 2024, to showcase the Nigerian Content opportunities in the project and to engender increased participation of Nigerian oil and gas services companies.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">The UTM Offshore boss thanked the Board’s Management for facilitating the project’s progress, just as he solicited greater synergy with his company on all aspects of Nigerian Content implementation and overall development of the project.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Providing further details, the Technical Manager of the FLNG, Engr. George Amara, stated that the project's target total production is 2.72 million tonnes per annum (MTPA), with LNG accounting for 1.81 MTPA, LPG taking up 0.45 MTPA, and condensate making up 0.25 MTPA.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">He commended NCDMB for approving key stages of the development, including Pre-Front-End Engineering Design (Pre-FEED), the Pre-FEED Nigerian Content Development (NCD) Plan, and the Front-End-Engineering Design (FEED) NCD Plan. Other accomplishments include the Engineering Procurement Construction NCD Plan, the training of three indigenous engineers for Pre-FEED Nigerian Content Development, and the engagement of 13 Nigerian engineers for the FEED NCD scope as well the engagement of Nigerian engineering firms for different aspects of the project.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">He affirmed that UTM FLNG would utilise Nigerian fabrication yards for in-country activities, adding that an inspection of prospective yards in Lagos and Calabar had been completed.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">He hinted that the project was going into the Engineering, Procurement, Construction, Installation & Commissioning(EPCIC) stage, which is very critical, hence the need to update the NCDMB and request speedy approval for the EPC NCD Plan.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">In his response, the Executive Secretary, NCDMB, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, expressed delight with the progress recorded on the UTM FLNG and assured that the Board will provide all the required approvals. He urged the company’s Management to “be proactive. Let us know whatever challenge or obstacles that you encounter” assuring that the Board would do all that is within its powers to assist the company and others showing resourcefulness.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">On the request for equity investment, the Executive Secretary promised to consider the application with the Board’s management and to escalate the proposal to the Board’s Governing Council for further consideration.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">He also promised that the Board would participate in the Nigerian Content roadshow, to explore opportunities for other Nigerian firms on the FLNG project. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div> </div>Newsmarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09947342806510739431noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-770461525862055887.post-52142880055900126432024-03-15T13:47:00.002+01:002024-03-15T13:47:29.315+01:00Undersea Cables Damage: Glo 1 unaffected by massive internet disruption<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_wgX_T_hZvKgmvWKd6YkDMPvfd1TLqNXREy7t6YbzOpm8nmmF0zmHogdkAs-wJENNtFaCHX7-qb9-9g5nf4I5MnfQDud1SpxJAtR2L48feZghHDWGR8Wy8W35Zer0OcAqVQS4AXFoSHmPVExeK0XHiHzosqAn7nONR1_w0fGZhcaXNp4GDukAJEDpk-c/s650/IMG_1718.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="650" height="394" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_wgX_T_hZvKgmvWKd6YkDMPvfd1TLqNXREy7t6YbzOpm8nmmF0zmHogdkAs-wJENNtFaCHX7-qb9-9g5nf4I5MnfQDud1SpxJAtR2L48feZghHDWGR8Wy8W35Zer0OcAqVQS4AXFoSHmPVExeK0XHiHzosqAn7nONR1_w0fGZhcaXNp4GDukAJEDpk-c/w640-h394/IMG_1718.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br />Despite the massive internet outages that have been reported in Nigeria following damage to international undersea cables supplying the country with connectivity, the </span><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">The GLO-1 (Globacom-1) submarine communications cable, is said to be up and running and not affected by the disruption.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Telecommunications companies and a number of banks, which rely on the affected cables for internet services have been affected by the outage, since yesterday, March 14, 2024.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">According to reports, the damage affected major undersea cables near Abidjan in Côte d’Ivoire and has led to internet downtime across West and South African countries. </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">The undersea cables affected are the West Africa Cable System (WACS), the Africa Coast to Europe (ACE), MainOne, and SAT3. </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">However, a press release by its corporate affairs reveals that Glo 1, owned by Nigeria’s leading digital services company, Globacom, was not affected by the damage and has continued to operate normally. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">“Data users, internet service providers and financial institutions, which run on Glo 1 have continued to operate normally,” the press release explained. </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Industry analysts believe the sturdy nature and resilience of Glo 1 International Submarine Cable is the reason why the damage did not affect the cable.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>Newsmarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09947342806510739431noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-770461525862055887.post-10269836818554901802024-03-15T08:37:00.002+01:002024-03-15T08:54:08.777+01:00Undersea cable cuts cause disruption to telecom services in West Africa <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: x-large; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNfgm47E2wsPUUXGOn6hkyjrQ42Zodr2Hgc9sTkqe8cB5z_3cxxrfmdx0XIfVbWDk32ebtQAi-aJwMDaHhy3iKXUytVfX2uLGNiOTGWuT-4_9EgFM_ula-y87LZ-Zr3N5p3AolBsjnukJNu2G16UgQmYm2ssdv8InqrdKpKWuXrQ0l5MrZQjLXmNAXKj8/s678/IMG_1850.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="452" data-original-width="678" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNfgm47E2wsPUUXGOn6hkyjrQ42Zodr2Hgc9sTkqe8cB5z_3cxxrfmdx0XIfVbWDk32ebtQAi-aJwMDaHhy3iKXUytVfX2uLGNiOTGWuT-4_9EgFM_ula-y87LZ-Zr3N5p3AolBsjnukJNu2G16UgQmYm2ssdv8InqrdKpKWuXrQ0l5MrZQjLXmNAXKj8/w640-h426/IMG_1850.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">A series of cable cuts along the major undersea cables on the West African Coast have led to equipment faults, affecting data and fixed telecom services in various countries in West Africa such as Nigeria, Ghana, Senegal, and Cote d'Ivoire. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">The incidents, which took place in Cote d'Ivoire and Senegal, have also caused disruptions in Portugal, as reported in a press release by Reuben Muoka, the Director of Public Affairs at the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Cable companies – West African Cable System (WACS) and African Coast to Europe (ACE) in the West Coast route from Europe have experienced faults while SAT3 and MainOne have downtime, the press release added.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Similar undersea cables providing traffic from Europe to the East Coast of Africa, like Seacom, Europe India Gateway (EIG), Asia-Africa-Europe 1 (AAE1), are said to have been cut at some point around the Red Sea, resulting in degradation of services across on these routes.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">“In Nigeria and other West African countries, Internet access and speed have experienced disruptions in the networks of service providers in the affected countries,” Muoka explained in the statement.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">He however disclosed that operators of these cables have commenced repairs already, and services are gradually being restored.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">“They have promised to work round the clock to ensure that services are restored to the affected countries within the shortest possible time,” Muoka assured, stressing that “it is important to bring this information to the knowledge of corporate and individual consumers on these services.”</span></div>Newsmarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09947342806510739431noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-770461525862055887.post-23885592557516881322024-03-14T21:10:00.002+01:002024-03-15T09:26:10.775+01:00Budget Padding: The can of worms I’ve opened is uncontrollable —Sen Ningi<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXSCh-rnmLCtA6AM4YVXz_qaCGcH3x2X6i-KkFUfndseAaGFeDCqPtSgrL1xHgg5wZ8OW0X4aFfkwYmuR7JxkwH_pceEWdovvQtldn6VsRne2LkLyd5wf_LLuXzvrwwLmQRPrRldBa2Cfm0Plln8n2kgLfm6STqgKdJtMKzfaQi_GNqgyrngxdbXW29B0/s780/IMG_1847.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="470" data-original-width="780" height="386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXSCh-rnmLCtA6AM4YVXz_qaCGcH3x2X6i-KkFUfndseAaGFeDCqPtSgrL1xHgg5wZ8OW0X4aFfkwYmuR7JxkwH_pceEWdovvQtldn6VsRne2LkLyd5wf_LLuXzvrwwLmQRPrRldBa2Cfm0Plln8n2kgLfm6STqgKdJtMKzfaQi_GNqgyrngxdbXW29B0/w640-h386/IMG_1847.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium; text-align: justify;">Senator Ningi</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">Senator Abdul Ningi from Bauchi Central has stirred controversy in the Senate by revealing that the Pandora's box he opened cannot be contained. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">The former Majority Leader of the upper chamber shocked many by alleging that a staggering N3.7 trillion from the 2024 budget remains unaccounted for with no ties to any project.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">In an exclusive interview with BBC Hausa, Ningi exposed this financial discrepancy, prompting swift action from the Senate. Subsequently, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) senator faced a three-month suspension during the Senate session on Tuesday, March 12, 2024. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Following his suspension, Senator Ningi expressed concerns on Arise TV, suggesting that there were concerted efforts within the Senate to silence or even have him arrested.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">His words: “That is why I said I know this parliament very well; I have come a long way. And that is why we are speaking. Let’s speak.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">“Have they ever asked me since the beginning of this so-called crisis, where are your findings? Where are the documents? I’m not using my head to come up with figures.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">“Nobody has talked to me about evidence. Nobody has suggested even listening to me. All they are trying to do is to ensure that ‘how do we make sure that Ningi is silenced or arrested so that he doesn’t do anything?’.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">“I have opened this can of worms. Neither they nor I will be able to control it.”</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">This unfolding saga has captivated the nation's attention, shedding light on potential irregularities within the corridors of power.</span></div>Newsmarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09947342806510739431noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-770461525862055887.post-6667576276082079472024-03-14T16:37:00.000+01:002024-03-14T16:37:04.952+01:00Abdulaziz Musa Yar’Adua emerges as new chairman of Northern Senators’ Forum after Abdul Ningi’s suspension<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHmM-xgZkfghl4VrGVF67793L2Ex_VYhGW48ILieeLlGFdKaDh5uuj1eN7eliT_P7r11mkdNhc_5WARrvrLC6g0FC5m-goEzvtoge0lf5YKv-fFgL-DsLdC5NDSGLIZiBX0eoASEuqot7b-yomDFAyaTObbA4BSyTz1QdI7Yut4PWNOaIMVKTuy6iuP8c/s650/IMG_1845.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="350" data-original-width="650" height="344" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHmM-xgZkfghl4VrGVF67793L2Ex_VYhGW48ILieeLlGFdKaDh5uuj1eN7eliT_P7r11mkdNhc_5WARrvrLC6g0FC5m-goEzvtoge0lf5YKv-fFgL-DsLdC5NDSGLIZiBX0eoASEuqot7b-yomDFAyaTObbA4BSyTz1QdI7Yut4PWNOaIMVKTuy6iuP8c/w640-h344/IMG_1845.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large; text-align: justify;">Senator Abdulaziz Musa Yar’Adua</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br />The Northern Senators’ Forum has appointed Abdulaziz Musa Yar’Adua, the senator representing Katsina Central, as its new chairman following the suspension of Senator Abdul Ningi representing Bauchi Central, from the Senate. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Yar’Adua, a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), assumed the role after Ningi accused the Senate of padding the 2024 budget with N3.7 trillion. This accusation, although not uncommon in Nigeria, marks the first time a sitting senator involved in budget passage has made such a claim. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Senator Ningi cited ongoing issues within the National Assembly and the country as reasons for his resignation. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Additionally, Senator Tahir Mungono from Borno North was appointed as the forum’s new spokesperson, replacing Senator Sumaila Kawu, who had been cautioned by the Senate for sharing potentially disruptive content.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div>Newsmarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09947342806510739431noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-770461525862055887.post-12724088442358921242024-03-14T13:00:00.005+01:002024-03-14T13:08:56.688+01:00Tragic End: Woman who chose money over free surgery for goiter passes away<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-size: x-large; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTsw7mT8ktw9H0D2xVwAsa9d8eKTxJSj3cg3DGwpvU6vOra6X7-O3AiYpTiL7_caFvULCYhWMNYlhOfqoB7h2BWRsQd3xj8PUFWRiEWTNE2DefahDE_hvQfiHBHQq_sD6oXhgWolT8eZir1vTvUI3qUAQB1XkcrgNXqs8HUogtWnd2KZHRhdOFhyGjql4/s619/IMG_1841.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="619" data-original-width="495" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTsw7mT8ktw9H0D2xVwAsa9d8eKTxJSj3cg3DGwpvU6vOra6X7-O3AiYpTiL7_caFvULCYhWMNYlhOfqoB7h2BWRsQd3xj8PUFWRiEWTNE2DefahDE_hvQfiHBHQq_sD6oXhgWolT8eZir1vTvUI3qUAQB1XkcrgNXqs8HUogtWnd2KZHRhdOFhyGjql4/w512-h640/IMG_1841.jpeg" width="512" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large; text-align: justify;">Mrs. Folakemi</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">One Mrs. Folakemi, a resident of Ede local government in Osun state, who had been battling with goiter, recently passed away after declining free surgery and opting for a monetary contribution instead.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Despite her prolonged struggle with goiter, when a team of doctors offered her complimentary medical assistance, she made the decision to forego the treatment and requested the funds that had been raised on her behalf. </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">Despite efforts by the NGO to persuade her to reconsider, Mrs. Folakemi remained steadfast in her choice to receive the N300,000 donation. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Following her decision, she accepted the money and returned to her village.Tragically, reports making the round confirm that Mrs. Folakemi passed away six months after receiving the monetary contribution. </span></div>Newsmarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09947342806510739431noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-770461525862055887.post-5783851630530948082024-03-14T10:46:00.003+01:002024-03-14T10:46:25.599+01:00JTI Nigeria GM , Thomas Adams, appointed vice chairman of LCCI Industrial Group<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx785QE6yOpDJFxTt7Bhvadu1fVKsEB0pL-FGJjp-W3PZ42PbfB5qLNmDupnDONUd2r5DJnK_IAVawxL16hiv4qbDzJooEtROPV4wMpIiWNBYl9k__63nwjdlwPXaiZvBUJJFXVQJQ3CcUBEHv-jMZcJn_yhGqwsfhUwX9N5hLXGRn338ehTKC0YZWzAU/s813/1f5b3cac-51d7-4ccc-a443-88f4247f5cf6.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="813" data-original-width="801" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx785QE6yOpDJFxTt7Bhvadu1fVKsEB0pL-FGJjp-W3PZ42PbfB5qLNmDupnDONUd2r5DJnK_IAVawxL16hiv4qbDzJooEtROPV4wMpIiWNBYl9k__63nwjdlwPXaiZvBUJJFXVQJQ3CcUBEHv-jMZcJn_yhGqwsfhUwX9N5hLXGRn338ehTKC0YZWzAU/w630-h640/1f5b3cac-51d7-4ccc-a443-88f4247f5cf6.jpeg" width="630" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large; text-align: justify;">Mr. Adams</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br />Mr. Thomas Adams, the General Manager of Habanera Limited, a subsidiary of Japan Tobacco International (JTI), has been appointed as the vice chairman of the Industrial Group of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI). </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">This prestigious appointment recognizes Mr. Adams' leadership and expertise in the industry, further solidifying his position as a key figure in the business community. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">His new role as vice chairman will undoubtedly bring valuable insights and contributions to the LCCI's Industrial Group, enhancing collaboration and driving growth within the sector.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">According to the LCCI, Mr Adams’ appointment is in "appreciation of his active role in the Nigerian economy and the recognition of JTI as a major stakeholder in the industrial sector." </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">The Industrial Group of LCCI draws its membership from reputable </span><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">organizations in Nigeria and focuses its activities on matters affecting stakeholders in the sector.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Responding, Mr Adams said, “I am extremely pleased to accept the nomination to serve as the Vice-Chairman of the Industrial Group of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, LCCI. At JTI, we recognize the value industry associations bring and we will continue to lend our support to strengthen their capacities to lead conversations that drive business growth.”</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Mr Adams is a seasoned leader with over two decades of experience in the tobacco industry. He has been GM, JTI Nigeria since 2021. Prior to this, he was GM JTI Israel and Market Manager, JTI Cyprus, among other strategic positions, where he has demonstrated exceptional expertise in steering business units through the complexities of competitive international markets.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Last year, Mr Adams was appointed a member of the Governing Board of the Nigeria Employers Consultative Association, NECA.</span></div>Newsmarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09947342806510739431noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-770461525862055887.post-76507337026204799342024-03-14T08:10:00.007+01:002024-03-14T08:10:57.956+01:00Mercy Chinwo to grace Lagos with debut live concert on Good Friday<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRWOI4AeXkfewLWPOwBRTIxsPs7n5e_n6ze2gXDjkNfgktLO3mP7Of9E71DJePQlA1FAS15WUCnbThh1A2XnHggdCVfwaMlg-4LifuJhX2XmpdlsZ9cMPMmjuKE0DMnhRJcF7i8RyblExHbW9cuOkl_udkiaSHnbsRIJplGKWFE3QfcrpnWPRs8WXAvec/s1600/c383b7b1-3ef6-47fb-af72-3849da1cf876.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRWOI4AeXkfewLWPOwBRTIxsPs7n5e_n6ze2gXDjkNfgktLO3mP7Of9E71DJePQlA1FAS15WUCnbThh1A2XnHggdCVfwaMlg-4LifuJhX2XmpdlsZ9cMPMmjuKE0DMnhRJcF7i8RyblExHbW9cuOkl_udkiaSHnbsRIJplGKWFE3QfcrpnWPRs8WXAvec/w426-h640/c383b7b1-3ef6-47fb-af72-3849da1cf876.jpeg" width="426" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large; text-align: justify;">Mercy Chinwo</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br />Talented and dynamic gospel sensation, Mercy Chinwo, is set to captivate audiences in Lagos with her inaugural live concert on March 29, 2024. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">This special event coincides with Good Friday, adding a spiritual dimension to the Easter festivities for the year. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">The concert, themed 'Overwhelming Victory', will be hosted at the prestigious Eko Hotels and Suites, commencing at 5pm. This free event is open to the public, promising an evening of soul-stirring music and inspiration.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">A statement on Wednesday night (March 13, 2024) by GNT Music, which is under the umbrella of Grace and Truth Nation (GNT), co-founded by Pastor Blessed Uzochikwa, said during the ‘Mercy Chinwo Live In Concert’, the anointed gospel singer will unveil her 12-track album, ‘Overwhelming Victory’, which she recorded while she was pregnant. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">“It’s a journey wrapped up in tunes of faith, hope and victory. Beyond entertainment, Mercy Chinwo’s music is a spiritual experience that uplifts, empowers and rejuvenates the soul,” the statement partly read.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Also, Chinwo said the new album was inspired by Romans 8:37. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">She said, “Overwhelming Victory embodies the spiritual victory which we possess through Christ’s love. The album, through songs like ‘Father Eh’, and ‘My Lover’, showcases various aspects of this victory – faithfulness, might, joy, and reassurance in our faith journey. It’s created to uplift, inspire, and affirm the listeners’ faith, offering spiritual insight and encouragement. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">“Overwhelming Victory marks a new chapter in my personal and artistic journey. The creational process involved international focus, late nights and a deeper commitment to sharing my faith journey,” the statement emphasized.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">The Overwhelming Victory album features enriching collaborations between Chioma Jesus and Pastor Jerry Eze.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Before ‘Overwhelming Victory’, Chinwo has recorded success in projects like ‘Elevated’, 'Wonder' and 'Confidence', amongst others.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>Newsmarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09947342806510739431noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-770461525862055887.post-67568265798674003152024-03-14T07:52:00.004+01:002024-03-14T07:52:30.042+01:00Unlocking Africa's Trade Potential: Opportunities for growth and development, by Okonjo-Iweala<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8kID7jfVOTtKTJANt55APbambLYNKHhj7Hb0Usl47j28vvv0e7vA4StPwv8fk2c5qn0RUr5Pgw_uN7lzYtcoz6r5M5TQX8Ny-_jgaUHhKQ_uJZ-sK-Fi4a4f1Q5kXKFLpe2RhViVFF_6wgtFP2CmfKDCWQCUd0H9NvYavwhqz_el1sW3ZSEyy470RW28/s2048/IMG_1835.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8kID7jfVOTtKTJANt55APbambLYNKHhj7Hb0Usl47j28vvv0e7vA4StPwv8fk2c5qn0RUr5Pgw_uN7lzYtcoz6r5M5TQX8Ny-_jgaUHhKQ_uJZ-sK-Fi4a4f1Q5kXKFLpe2RhViVFF_6wgtFP2CmfKDCWQCUd0H9NvYavwhqz_el1sW3ZSEyy470RW28/w640-h426/IMG_1835.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large; text-align: justify;">Okonjo-Iweala</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br />During an interview with Channels Television, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), highlighted the persistent stagnation of Africa's global trade share at approximately 3% or lower. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Despite this challenge, she pointed out promising opportunities for growth and development within the continent. Okonjo-Iweala specifically underscored Nigeria's potential to elevate the quality of its agricultural exports, focusing on products like cowpea and sesame. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">By enhancing these sectors, Nigeria could potentially unlock billions of dollars in revenue, thereby significantly bolstering the country's economic prospects. Furthermore, the WTO chief reiterated the organization's unwavering commitment to collaborating with Nigeria and other African nations to capitalize on these opportunities for mutual benefit and sustainable growth.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">She said, “Africa’s share of world trade has stagnated at about 3% or less for many years but there are opportunities to improve that including in Nigeria. Let me start with Nigeria. Nigeria does have many opportunities to diversify its economy and its revenue source.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">“And we are here at the WTO because there is an opportunity to help the country increase its export of agriculture exports. And the honourable Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment asked for help; how can we improve the quality of agriculture product like cowpeas and sesame, where we stand to gain not millions but billions of dollars if we can meet the quality and certification standards by those who demand them from us?”</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Okonjo-Iweala said the WTO is able to train Nigerian farmers to triple the nation’s income on these farm produce.</span></div>Newsmarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09947342806510739431noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-770461525862055887.post-83358335662015901922024-03-14T07:17:00.005+01:002024-03-14T20:51:07.830+01:00President Tinubu declares no ransom for Kuriga abduction rescue<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-size: x-large; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZd7jftMHWjqp-YC3S8hxoezl7dLWqKnXHyQv0aNIStJl4QzaG2laNI2XvJz5FEzqdeiEvAZUhF0X58hsNGrt02RGxSuMquWAfrTSKYRmM5-VtR1BF2ipMUt3H5lqW3KQoGTRvta66kNR0nvR1EIuPr1uLUkY4oLeEKbG5wgNxL1j9OgRFPazqM-V9ahk/s650/IMG_1832.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="350" data-original-width="650" height="344" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZd7jftMHWjqp-YC3S8hxoezl7dLWqKnXHyQv0aNIStJl4QzaG2laNI2XvJz5FEzqdeiEvAZUhF0X58hsNGrt02RGxSuMquWAfrTSKYRmM5-VtR1BF2ipMUt3H5lqW3KQoGTRvta66kNR0nvR1EIuPr1uLUkY4oLeEKbG5wgNxL1j9OgRFPazqM-V9ahk/w640-h344/IMG_1832.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium; text-align: justify;">Tinubu</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">President Bola Tinubu made a firm declaration Wednesday, March 13, 2024, during the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, stating that no ransom will be paid for the rescue of the abducted children from Kuriga in Kaduna State.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Briefing State House Correspondents after the FEC meeting, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Muhammad Idris, said President Tinubu also reiterated his directive to the defence to ensure that the children are rescued and brought back safely to their homes.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">He also said the President made his stance against payment of ransom to kidnappers and that the current administration is determined to tackle kidnapping and other criminal activities in the country.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">According to him, under the current government, kidnapping, especially mass abduction will not be tolerated.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">At least 60 persons were kidnapped by bandits at Buba village in the Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State on Tuesday.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">The fresh Kajuru attack occurred barely five days after bandits invaded the Kuriga community in the Chikun Local Government Area of the state and kidnapped 287 students of LEA Primary School and Government Secondary School located in the community.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>Newsmarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09947342806510739431noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-770461525862055887.post-3068072469284077092024-03-14T06:54:00.002+01:002024-03-14T06:54:18.312+01:00Wigwe’s Death: Aig-Imoukhuede returns as non-executive chairman of Access Holdings Plc<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBWdguc5QWOwrWyJmVO7E8cJRTOZSfSKesM2sa-OGdwmGd_UM4M7MqR0hYmK3TbPhj4Uy-7YMonUUiJD5X_iuzBkMYXx6NLY8JOnrVbnZp0Du8oGFLR-y1j4D_I4OW9tbgjo-CQ0Y9Cp9lzKFJUjhrCrKUK3CAeXp8VPUAARHsLR8_ZPCxKoB4FBaTQUM/s704/IMG_1831.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="401" data-original-width="704" height="364" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBWdguc5QWOwrWyJmVO7E8cJRTOZSfSKesM2sa-OGdwmGd_UM4M7MqR0hYmK3TbPhj4Uy-7YMonUUiJD5X_iuzBkMYXx6NLY8JOnrVbnZp0Du8oGFLR-y1j4D_I4OW9tbgjo-CQ0Y9Cp9lzKFJUjhrCrKUK3CAeXp8VPUAARHsLR8_ZPCxKoB4FBaTQUM/w640-h364/IMG_1831.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large; text-align: justify;">Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br />Access Holdings Plc has announced a significant shift in its leadership, with the return of Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, CFR, as the non-executive chairman, replacing Mr. Abubakar Jimoh. </span><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">The change comes in the wake of the untimely passing of Dr. Herbert Wigwe, CFR, the immediate past Group Chief Executive Officer of Access Holdings.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Aig-Imoukhuede, a distinguished figure in Nigeria's banking and finance sector, brings a wealth of expertise and leadership acumen to the role. His return to Access Holdings Plc is a testament to the organization's commitment to excellence and its ability to attract top talent.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Abubakar Jimoh, the erstwhile chairman, will continue to serve on the Board as an independent non-executive director. Jimoh's continued presence on the Board ensures a smooth transition and continuity in the organization's leadership.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">The Holdco Board made the decision to invite Aig-Imoukhuede to lead the organization following extensive consultations with key stakeholders.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Aig-Imoukhuede's return to Access Holdings Plc is a significant development in the organization's leadership. His expertise and leadership acumen are expected to bring about positive changes and drive the organization towards greater success.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">During his tenure as Group Chief Executive Officer of Access Bank from 2002 to 2013, Mr. Imoukhuede, alongside his late partner and deputy, Dr. Herbert Wigwe, CFR, played a pivotal role in shaping Access Bank’s trajectory. Under their stewardship, Access Bank transformed into one of Nigeria’s top 5 banks, expanded its footprint across 9 other African countries and the United Kingdom, and grew its customer base from ten thousand to over six million. The bank’s asset base surged to USD $12 billion, establishing itself as a globally recognized financial institution.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Since retiring as CEO in 2013, Aig-Imoukhuede has been actively involved in various ventures, including co-founding the Tengen Family Office Limited, which oversees a diverse portfolio of investments spanning banking, finance, insurance, technology, real estate, and energy. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Additionally, through the Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation, he has been dedicated to nurturing Nigeria’s next generation of leaders and improving access to quality healthcare.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Aig-Imoukhuede’s return to Access Holdings as Non-Executive Chairman underscores the Board’s commitment to building upon the foundation laid by him and Dr. Wigwe. In his new role, Aig-Imoukhuede will collaborate with the Board to provide strategic guidance to the executive management team, leveraging his extensive experience and industry knowledge.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Expressing his excitement about Aig-Imoukhuede’s appointment, Mr. Abubakar Jimoh, past Chairman of Access Holdings, said, “Mr. Aig-Imoukhuede’s appointment to the Board and subsequent election as Chairman is a landmark development for Access Holdings. All our board members are excited about our future.”</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">In his remarks, Aig-Imoukhuede said, “I am thrilled to be back in active service to the Access Group ecosystem. I am confident that working with our directors, our exceptional team of executives, and our best-in-class banking and finance professionals, we will deliver outstanding value to our esteemed stakeholders. I am determined that our shared vision, which Dr. Wigwe gave everything for, will be realized.”</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">The Access Group community, including employees, customers, and stakeholders, eagerly anticipates Aig-Imoukhuede’s return, envisioning a promising future under his leadership. With his expertise and unwavering commitment, the Access Group is poised to embark on a new chapter of impact and sustainable success, a report of Arise Television concluded.</span></div>Newsmarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09947342806510739431noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-770461525862055887.post-89581074405837176412024-03-14T00:23:00.004+01:002024-03-14T00:27:55.764+01:00Peter Obi urges Senate to address allegations of N3trn budget padding<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTrdEKRJPQCMOrAAZsnebQdoHZecN-vxKEAwfQzgvxzT4i5b74oERphyOKfEac2qlLCgB69ARFjr92HfARub0CLqkUVL9yvgl125-b0yEX06OJBrVlWEQd7aMkyJFa_Amox_Wc6U7n06affWCtSS_aLdfemLpSh5fDg394lbKzN9oAilRBMDiOJzxaUJI/s700/IMG_0042.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="700" height="366" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTrdEKRJPQCMOrAAZsnebQdoHZecN-vxKEAwfQzgvxzT4i5b74oERphyOKfEac2qlLCgB69ARFjr92HfARub0CLqkUVL9yvgl125-b0yEX06OJBrVlWEQd7aMkyJFa_Amox_Wc6U7n06affWCtSS_aLdfemLpSh5fDg394lbKzN9oAilRBMDiOJzxaUJI/w640-h366/IMG_0042.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large; text-align: justify;">Peter Obi</span></td></tr></tbody></table></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Obi emphasized the importance of transparency and accountability in government spending, urging the Senate to provide clarity on the budget discrepancies. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">His admonition highlights the need for thorough investigation and resolution of the concerns raised regarding the integrity of the budget process.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span face="__fkGroteskNeue_a82850, __fkGroteskNeue_Fallback_a82850, ui-sans-serif, system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Noto Color Emoji"" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; border: 0px solid rgb(229, 231, 235); box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(232, 232, 230); color: #e8e8e6; font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0px; text-align: start;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Obi writing in his X handle on Wednesday, March 13, 2024, told the upper chamber that the public deserves to know the truth about the allegations, especially as the Senate and the Executive are having discordant tunes on the matter and fresh allegations cropping up on the sharing of constituency funds in the budget.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">According to the former Anambra State Governor, </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">"The fuss over the alleged N3 trillion padded into the 2024 budget raised by a Senator still rages as the Senate reaction of suspending the whistle-blower has not addressed vital issues emanating from the allegation.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">"The Senator is insisting on his allegation and the Executive agreed that there was only N1.2trillion padded not N3trillion as alleged by the Senate.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">"Fresh allegations have also cropped up over indiscriminate and unbalanced allocation of constituency projects by the Senate leadership.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">"A civic group, Budgit, through their official, have also added their voice to agree with the Senator. They allege that there was no detailed project allocations for about N3.7trn in the 2024 Appropriation Act.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">"As the Senate suspension of the senator involved has not addressed the issue, they still owe the Nigerian public a clear clarification over the various claims and counterclaims, including that of the executive arm, to be able to know exactly what is happening, and also disclose to the public, the amounts allocated for constituency projects for appropriate monitoring of implementation by the public.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">"I had particularly elucidated in my earlier comment on what we can use the N3 trillion to achieve, by showing that it is more than the national budget of the two most critical components of the human development index, health and education, combined.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">"Now that the executive arm has accepted that the padded amount is only N1.2 trillion, it is still a very significant amount, when you consider that it is almost 5 times the N251.47 billion proposed for Universal Basic Education, which is the foundation of education, in the country.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">"Today in Nigeria, the greatest challenge to human resource development is education, which has been identified as most critical at the basic level. Nigeria has about 20 million out-of-school children today because of the poor investment in education. These are resources that would have been utilised to ensure that our children are taken off the streets and returned to schools.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">"The N1.2 trillion as the executives claimed to have been padded, if channeled in the critical areas of development, could have positively impacted the nation and uplifted the people.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">"And if indeed the report from the Budget is true, that there is about N3.7 trillion without any detailed project allocations, I strongly urge the Senate to do more detailed work of channelling these funds into the critical areas of development - education, health and pulling people out of poverty, which will in turn, minimise the criminality we are facing today.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">"We must, as a matter of urgency, put a stop to all the wastage of our scarce resources, amid the excruciating hardship in the country. Let every penny of our public fund be used for public good. That is the only way to achieve the New Nigeria we are working towards.”</span></div>Newsmarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09947342806510739431noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-770461525862055887.post-71246988603542760452024-03-13T23:09:00.004+01:002024-03-13T23:12:39.478+01:00NCDMB hosts Q1 2024 staff town hall meeting to foster team spirit and drive Nigerian content development<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-size: x-large; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLDChD8jl-eGrOBsFUIsKguEeU-BMYSpk5AXWNTznXKhU4sxnc8Bcw3Tear95Bml8ILnEmnAoqQVuB65BBrYiFUwMO-gf47RrWE3wqCuZxrRJEJ4UbCAMtR1Zvs_csQRpEYxw0E3NBuupwGVNY-VXUAOQ28QB9wkqen7cUAQeN5pEHirZF0kPsS8Pkd3w/s8256/E7073EA4-5D4F-4EB3-BE1B-D5913D7866D0.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2432" data-original-width="8256" height="188" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLDChD8jl-eGrOBsFUIsKguEeU-BMYSpk5AXWNTznXKhU4sxnc8Bcw3Tear95Bml8ILnEmnAoqQVuB65BBrYiFUwMO-gf47RrWE3wqCuZxrRJEJ4UbCAMtR1Zvs_csQRpEYxw0E3NBuupwGVNY-VXUAOQ28QB9wkqen7cUAQeN5pEHirZF0kPsS8Pkd3w/w640-h188/E7073EA4-5D4F-4EB3-BE1B-D5913D7866D0.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: verdana; text-align: justify;">NCDMB, One Family….</span><span style="text-align: justify;">Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, Executive Secretary, NCDMB with management and staff of the Board after the Q1, 2024 Staff Town Hall Meeting held at the NCDMB Conference Center on Tuesday, March 12, 2024</span></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) convened its Q1 2024 Staff TownHall Meeting at the 1000-seater NCDMB Conference Centre in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">This quarterly gathering serves as a platform for the Management and Staff of NCDMB to engage in effective communication and interaction. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">During this session, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, the Executive Secretary, emphasized the importance of fostering team spirit among staff to achieve the objectives outlined in the Nigerian Content 10-year Strategic Roadmap. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">In addition to Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe's address, Directors of the Board also shared insights at the meeting. They encouraged staff to steer clear of divisive behaviors, uphold their responsibilities diligently, and sustain the Board's reputation as the leading MDA in the country. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">The event aimed to reinforce unity, commitment, and excellence within the NCDMB team as they work towards advancing Nigerian content development goals.</span></div><br />Newsmarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09947342806510739431noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-770461525862055887.post-42245977327599439392024-03-13T22:23:00.005+01:002024-03-13T22:23:44.216+01:00NCDMB Executive Secretary commends President Tinubu's Executive Orders to boost Nigeria’s oil and gas Industry<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2kSceqEQF2FBHc_6HuxG4y_9T2wi2u897iXc0-LWp69gd0mdnj7WWGnxYPKxA4TgqZOSVBDovlZjfkEjdqVhPxQLKDu3gIC9L41-aTbfqTSX9QAR-zLzT4Ipqc6RS08pKj2q-b9kUPRG2cXJO7XIzyj2E2EWQX6sZBC1amX5VixFGkwC6HFAatw2y5_c/s651/IMG_1826.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="471" data-original-width="651" height="464" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2kSceqEQF2FBHc_6HuxG4y_9T2wi2u897iXc0-LWp69gd0mdnj7WWGnxYPKxA4TgqZOSVBDovlZjfkEjdqVhPxQLKDu3gIC9L41-aTbfqTSX9QAR-zLzT4Ipqc6RS08pKj2q-b9kUPRG2cXJO7XIzyj2E2EWQX6sZBC1amX5VixFGkwC6HFAatw2y5_c/w640-h464/IMG_1826.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large; text-align: justify;">President Bola Ahmed Tinubu</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br />The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, expressed his appreciation on Monday, March 11, 2024, for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for unveiling three Presidential Executive Orders aimed at stimulating growth in the Nigerian oil and gas sector. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">These directives are designed to foster new investments, streamline contracting processes, and enhance cost efficiency while promoting local content requirements.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">The Executive Orders are the Oil and Gas Companies (Tax Incentives, Exemption, Remission, ETC) Order 2024; Presidential Directive on Local Content Compliance Requirements, 2024 (EO 41); and Presidential Directive on Reduction of Petroleum Sector Contracting Costs and Timelines, 2024 (EO 42). </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Speaking at the Nigerian Content Tower in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, the </span><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">NCDMB’s </span><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Executive Secretary stated that the policy directives had reinforced the implementation of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGICD) Act and codified the Service Level Agreements (SLA), which the NCDMB first introduced in May 2017 to fast-track approvals for the Nigeria LNG Limited Train 7 project, before expanding it to the entire industry after signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) and five international oil-producing companies in September 2023.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Engr. Ogbe clarified that the Presidential Executive Orders did not whittle down the powers of the NCDMB or abrogate the schedule of the NOGICD Act. Instead, and according to him, the Executive Order 41 mandates the Board to ensure the patronage of local companies with domiciled proven capacities and capabilities to achieve cost competitiveness and project delivery within schedule.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">He equally pointed out that Executive Order 42 reemphasized NCDMB’s obligation to fast-track approval processes as required by the SLA and section 23 of the NOGICD Act, which mandates the Board to review projects’ documentation within 10 days and advise the concerned operating company.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">He assured that the Board would comply with the terms of the Presidential Executive Orders, insisting that the Board had always been pragmatic with its implementation of the NOGICD Act and mindful of the cost competitiveness of projects and schedules.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">He maintained that the objectives of the Executive Orders and the SLAs were directed to shorten the oil industry’s contracting cycle to six months or less, engender speedy development of new projects, contribute to increased oil production, and improve the national economy, expressing delight that President Tinubu had put his stamp of authority on the noble objectives of the SLAs. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">He commended Mr. President for acknowledging the giant strides recorded in Nigerian content development, particularly the impressive capacities built by local oil and gas service companies in key areas of the industry and the substantial benefits that had accrued to the Nigerian economy and her citizens through local content implementation.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">The NCDMB boss assured that the agency would continue to serve as a business enabler and maintain the recognition conferred by the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC), which awarded the Board the most efficient agency amongst all Federal Government’s MDAs in 2022 and the PLATINUM rating by the Bureau for Public Service Reforms in recognition of the self-imposed reforms of Board’s processes.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><br /> Newsmarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09947342806510739431noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-770461525862055887.post-18255261829249848062024-03-12T18:30:00.003+01:002024-03-12T18:30:11.726+01:00Oborevwori urges Nigerian universities to boost research and innovation efforts<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEiNMgjOFpnUoBoW8wyFKlp501zpzoB_vzP92r9VsbNXcs_FlK7hD-XXhUIa_EP5YZZHhIAVFmMBPAiYaoFAGlteh8Huj2U0uuFTABjQz_bh_V3VcbK84PjxMHFU2hp0AgrFWqLrnvCKaYrIclg7QaJM5GkaYiORj153dgedmDjfG1EKpjdU_Sa-qXNsg/s1600/875e2737-3609-4480-b89a-88b02c7e09c9.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEiNMgjOFpnUoBoW8wyFKlp501zpzoB_vzP92r9VsbNXcs_FlK7hD-XXhUIa_EP5YZZHhIAVFmMBPAiYaoFAGlteh8Huj2U0uuFTABjQz_bh_V3VcbK84PjxMHFU2hp0AgrFWqLrnvCKaYrIclg7QaJM5GkaYiORj153dgedmDjfG1EKpjdU_Sa-qXNsg/w640-h426/875e2737-3609-4480-b89a-88b02c7e09c9.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large; text-align: justify;">Gov Oborevwori and </span><span style="font-size: large; text-align: justify;">Prof. Akpofure Rim-Rukeh</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br />Delta State Governor, the Rt Honourable Sheriff Oborevwori, has emphasized the importance of Nigerian universities enhancing their research and innovation endeavors to address the numerous challenges facing the country. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">The governor delivered this message during a courtesy visit from the Management of the Federal University of Petroleum Resources (FUPRE), Ugbomro, headed by Vice-Chancellor Prof. Akpofure Rim-Rukeh at the Government House in Asaba on Tuesday, March 12, 2024.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">The governor, who commended FUPRE for their ingenuity, said his administration would continue to support education in the state as a cardinal point of his MORE Agenda. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">He added that it was only when universities embark on more relevant research that they would be able to solve the peculiar challenges facing the nation, especially in their host states. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">He said: "As a university, you are doing very well, but one thing I must tell you today, is to encourage the university to continue to do more relevant research. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">"You find out that universities these days don't do enough research. When you research, you will be able to do more things, just like you said that you people helped to clean up a polluted village. This was done because you are doing relevant research. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">"As a specialised institution, there is a lot to gain from the university. So, I encourage you to go into more relevant research." </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Governor Oborevwori said that with the number of functional universities in the state, Delta was fast becoming a hub for education in the country, assuring that his administration would continue to support the growth and development of education in the state. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">"I believe in education, and, like I said few days ago, you may acquire everything on this earth, those things may go but education will remain with you till death. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">"The best legacy you can give to your children is education. We want to encourage our children to focus on education. You can see that a lot of our children are always enrolling to go into these universities. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">"What I have promised Deltans is that I will continue to support anything that will impact the state and education is one of them.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">"You have made some requests about the road leading to the main gate of the university. The Commissioner for Works ( Rural and Riverine) would go and see how they can scope that road immediately." </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Earlier, Professor Rim-Rukeh had, on behalf of the university, congratulated Governor Oborevwori on his electoral victory and subsequent affirmation by the judiciary.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">He said the university was established in 2007 with its first set of students admitted in 2008, adding that the student population of the University had since grown to over 10,000. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">The Vice-Chancellor also said the university had established several centres of excellence and contributed immensely to environmental reclaimation and sustainability, especially in the oil pollution- affected community of Obi-Ayagha in Ughelli South Local Government Area of the state. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">He assured the Governor of the university’s commitment to excellence in research and innovation for national development and training of Niger Delta Youths on various skills that would make them employable.</span></div>Newsmarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09947342806510739431noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-770461525862055887.post-91674750765933802092024-03-12T18:05:00.004+01:002024-03-12T18:05:38.357+01:00Nigerian Athletics Federation announces stellar lineup for 13th African games in Ghana, Amusan, Brume on the list<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi09025Zue01XrGremZIRVi0kzqdh7_Iix5_rZhT3roNZDr57zVD2kO4973ZP6AuW31_05rj0EwdjV_XHjhZDUpz3VewBRMPG07_hOSc9983C51uoD-ZIZ1iiwfl1XxEyNgZTH5W7_Z43ltIr-gdZYhkvcLKmRu37A0iTaZpBeaXevStqDnaBeGgsCpCYw/s1286/IMG_0341.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1286" data-original-width="1286" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi09025Zue01XrGremZIRVi0kzqdh7_Iix5_rZhT3roNZDr57zVD2kO4973ZP6AuW31_05rj0EwdjV_XHjhZDUpz3VewBRMPG07_hOSc9983C51uoD-ZIZ1iiwfl1XxEyNgZTH5W7_Z43ltIr-gdZYhkvcLKmRu37A0iTaZpBeaXevStqDnaBeGgsCpCYw/w640-h640/IMG_0341.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large; text-align: justify;">Tobi Amusan</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br />The Athletics Federation of Nigeria has unveiled its final selection of 50 athletes to compete at the ongoing 13th African Games in Ghana, showcasing a formidable lineup of talent. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Among the notable names included in the roster are world 100m hurdles record holder Tobi Amusan, along with Ese Brume and Ruth Usoro, who are set to represent Nigeria on the international stage.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">The selection also features reigning national champions in the men's 100m and 200m events, Okon Israel and Consider Ekanem, demonstrating Nigeria's depth in sprinting disciplines. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Additionally, Enoch Adegoke, a standout from the Tokyo 2020 Olympics as a 100m finalist, adds further star power to the Nigerian contingent.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">With a blend of seasoned champions and rising stars, Nigeria's representation at the African Games promises to be a showcase of athletic prowess and competitive spirit.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">In the 100m, 400m, 800m and 4x400m events for men, Itshekiri Usheoritse, Seye Ogunlewe, Alaba Akintola and Adekalu Fakorede will represent Nigeria, while in the women’s 200m and 4x100m, Olajide Olayinka, Blessing Ogundiran, Justina Eyakpobeyan, Abinusawa Moforehan, Onyebuchi Chisom and Amusan will fly the country’s flag.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">For the women’s 400m and 4x400m, Patience Okon-George, Esther Joseph, Brittany Ogunmokun, Okon Esther, Yetunde Saibu, Omolara Ogunmakinju were listed by the AFN.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">The 100m hurdles will also see Faith Osamuyi and Stella Ayanleke vie for honours along with Amusan. In the 800m and 1500m, Comfort Anietie and Ronke Akanbi were listed, while in the 3,000m steeplechase and high jump events Akanbi and Ewa Peace will represent Nigeria. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">For the long jump, Brume, Ruth Usoro and Pristina Ochonogor were named, with Usoro also competing in the triple jump event.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Sade Olatoye competes in the shot put and hammer events, while in the discus throw, Chioma Onyekwere, Ashley Anumba and Obiageri Pamela will aim to win medals there.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Victoria Kparika will try to win in the javelin event while Kemi Petersen will compete in the heptathlon event.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">In the men’s 400m and 4x400m, Dubem Nwachukwu, Ojeli Ifeanyi, Nathaniel Ezekiel, Chidi Okezie, Sikiru Adeyemi, Nathaniel Samson and Daniel Atinaya will vie for honours.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Ibadan Ebose will compete in the 800m as Hamid Sambo and Musa Wisdom file out in the 1,500m and 110m hurdles respectively.</span></div><br />Newsmarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09947342806510739431noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-770461525862055887.post-88114758084970240672024-03-12T16:07:00.004+01:002024-03-12T16:07:27.655+01:00BREAKING! Senate suspends Senator Ningi for 3 months following N3.7trn budget padding allegation<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9vxM44QNoakuDQ-zwh1ptYAivhdMmJaIOvU67JUM9M1asnzFxw_IwhEbwJT7NmGdQ_TiKBKl0sinJxEeqzywXhFg8_TxFDTUdCzjtoX3LXjvLbNd87SjhNzCERwKG-z2OlLPEkrve96shLwz3FAlSoh5POExV3WxOY0pJTpZQK1NmxVNjaJY2aIFM-zo/s717/IMG_1810.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="428" data-original-width="717" height="382" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9vxM44QNoakuDQ-zwh1ptYAivhdMmJaIOvU67JUM9M1asnzFxw_IwhEbwJT7NmGdQ_TiKBKl0sinJxEeqzywXhFg8_TxFDTUdCzjtoX3LXjvLbNd87SjhNzCERwKG-z2OlLPEkrve96shLwz3FAlSoh5POExV3WxOY0pJTpZQK1NmxVNjaJY2aIFM-zo/w640-h382/IMG_1810.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large; text-align: justify;">Senator Abdul Ning</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br />The Senate has taken the decision to suspend Senator Abdul Ningi for a period of three months in response to allegations of N3.7 trillion being padded into the 2024 budget. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Senator Ningi, who serves as the chairman of the Senate Committee on Population, and represents the PDP for Bauchi Central, has been at the center of this controversy.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Following calls for an investigation into the allegations, some northern senators distanced themselves from Senator Ningi's claims, stating that he does not speak on their behalf. </span><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Despite this, Senator Ningi stood by his assertion that N3.7 trillion remains unaccounted for in the 2024 budget.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">During a plenary session on Tuesday, March 12, 2024, Senator Olamilekan Adeola of APC, Ogun West, raised a motion urging swift action to address what he referred to as false allegations made by Senator Ningi. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriations, Senator Adeola, presented the transcript of Senator Ningi's interview with Hausa BBC on the Senate floor following a call by Senate President Godswill Akpabio for a full house committee review.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">In response to the situation, Senator Jimoh Ibrahim proposed a 12-month suspension for Senator Ningi and suggested a warning for Senator Sumaila Kawu of Kano South representing NNPP. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">However, Senator Chris Ekpeyong opposed this by proposing an amendment to reduce the suspension period to six months, which was seconded by another senator advocating for a three-month suspension instead.</span></div>Newsmarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09947342806510739431noreply@blogger.com0