Author: Val Kosi

  • February 25: Nigeria’s Date With Destiny

    February 25: Nigeria’s Date With Destiny

    In a week’s time, Nigerians will head to the poll to elect a new president that will pilot the affairs of the country for the next four years. There will be losers and one winner. Provided the election is credible, devoid of malpractices, violence, and the usual ‘abracadabra’ during and after elections, everyone will come to terms with the fact that the people (majority) have chosen their next leader, even if not the preferred candidates of others.

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Nigeria Police Force, the military, and other relevant government agencies have all promised to ensure a free and fair election. Also, the introduction of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) has been hailed by stakeholders as a game changer in the country’s electoral process.

    The electronic device is designed to read Permanent Voter Cards (PVC) and authenticate voters – using the voters’ fingerprints in order to prove that they are eligible to vote at a particular polling unit.

    However, the major actors and their followers need not forget about the courts; election tribunals, and their many judgments based on technicalities: the recent Osun State Governorship election petition tribunal and Ahmad Lawan versus Bashir Machina on the Yobe State Senatorial primary election judgments readily comes to mind. Despite the use of BVAS in the former, there was still the issue of over-voting which marred the credibility of the election.

    What the 2023 election means for Nigeria

    Nigeria’s present situation can be compared to that of a football club battling relegation, and all hands must be on deck to secure maximum points from the last game of the season to save it from the drop. It is very important that everyone concerned play their part in conducting an election that the outcome reflects the true will of the people; for the sake of the country.

    Political analysts have described it as a make-or-break election for Nigeria, depending on who gets to take over from President Mohammadu Buhari. The importance of Nigeria getting it’s leadership right across board this time has been emphasized by all and sundry. The government is responsible for economic and other important policies that affect the lives of citizens, either for good or bad.

    According to the Debt Management Office (DMO), “Total public debt stock, which comprises the total domestic and external debt stock of the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN), all State Governments and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), stood at N44.06 trillion. In comparison, the total public debt figure as of June 30, 2022, was N42.84 trillion”.

    The DMO data explained that with the N44.06triillion total debt stock as of September 2022, Nigeria has spent N3.04trillion to service external and domestic debts in nine months of 2022, representing an increase of 23.4% Year-on-Year from N2.46 trillion reported in nine months of 2021.

    With the country’s unemployment rate at about 33%, inflation around 21%, over 130 million Nigerians living below the poverty line, and over 20 million children out of school, political apathy seem to have reduced drastically, and an increase in voter turnout is expected.

    Nigerians are now more involved than ever before in the process, having a better understanding that elections have consequences, with a general consensus among the people that there is need for change. Some are even of the opinion that while the PDP and APC have not delivered on most of their campaign promises when given the chance since 1999, it is perhaps time to try another party.

    The leading candidates and their promises to Nigerians 

    While there are a total of 18 candidates gunning for the country’s top job, with many of them relatively unknown, there are four major candidates the people are familiar with. They are: Bola Tinubu, All Progressives Congress (APC); Atiku Abubakar, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP); Peter Obi, Labour Party (LP), and Rabiu Kwankwaso of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), all coming to the contest with their track records and political antecedents.

    This has brought about the addition of new words and phrases into the country’s electoral vocabulary such as “Emi lokan”, “go and verify”, “Obedience”, “Eleyi”, “The Unifier”, “BATist/BATified”, “Kwankwasiyya/Kwanscious” “It’s possible” among many other coinages which all have their unique meanings.

    The leading candidates have been traversing the country, speaking at town halls and events, and making tantalizing promises at campaigns to the electorates in a bid to win their trust and votes to emerge president. Various opinion polls have predicted victories for both Tinubu and Obi; presenting them as the candidates to beat, even though the latter is contesting on the platform of a smaller political party without “structure”.

    Tinubu, a former senator and two-term governor of Lagos State, through his 80-page document titled “Renewed Hope 2023 – Action Plan for a Better Nigeria”, vowed to transform the country and make it great.

    In his foreword to the document, Tinubu disclosed that his plans were conceived after going around the country and listening to the concerns of citizens from different life strata. According to the document, the APC flag bearer will prioritize National Security, Economy, Agriculture, Power, Oil and Gas, Transportation, and Education, if elected Buhari’s successor.

    Tinubu also outlined policy options for healthcare, the digital economy, women empowerment, judicial reform, federalism/decentralization of power, and foreign policy. He promised huge investments in sports, entertainment and culture, youth empowerment, and entrepreneurship, to expand jobs and opportunities for millions of Nigerian youths, as well as to continue and expand the Social Investment Programmes of the Buhari administration.

    On his part, Atiku, a former Vice President titled his manifesto “My Covenant With Nigerians”. The PDP candidate for the second consecutive election cycle after declaring his intention to contest the presidency articulated a five-point agenda to turn around the fortunes of Nigeria if he becomes president.

    He said of his plan: “Under my presidency, I want to focus on five key areas: Unity of Nigeria, security, economy, education, and devolving more resources and powers to the federating units.

    “The 2023 election is not just like the usual elections; it is a referendum to decide whether we want greatness or continuous destruction. It is a choice between two paths: the path of unity and progress or the path of division and backwardness. We need a new kind of leadership that will steer us to a positive path. In 2023, we want a President who has ideas on how to fix Nigeria. We want a president who understands, who inspires and is empathetic”

    For Labour Party’s Peter Obi, a former governor of Anambra State, his 72-page document tagged, “Our Pact with Nigerians: Creating a New Nigeria”, hinges on seven key priority areas. According to him, it is “our implementable plan through which a New Nigeria, The Nigeria We Need, A Nigeria of Shared and Inclusive Prosperity will be achieved and sustained”.

    Part of the document read: “i. To secure Nigeria, end banditry and insurgency; and unite our dear nation, to manage our diversity such that no one is left behind. ii. Shift emphasis from consumption to production by running a production-centered economy that is driven by an agrarian revolution and export-oriented industrialization. iii. Restructure the polity through effective legal and institutional reforms to entrench the rule of law, aggressively fight corruption, reduce the cost of governance, and establish an honest and efficient civil service.

    “iv. Leapfrog Nigeria into the 4th Industrial Revolution (4IR), through the application of scientific and technological innovations to create a digital economy. v. Build expansive and world-class infrastructure for efficient power supply, rail, road and air transportation, and pipeline network, through integrated public-private partnerships and entrepreneurial public sector governance.

    “vi. Enhance the human capital of Nigerian youths for productivity and global competitiveness through investment in world-class scholarship and research, quality healthcare, and entrepreneurship education. vii. Conduct an afro-centric diplomacy that protects the rights of Nigerian citizens abroad and advance the economic interests of Nigerians and Nigerian businesses in a changing world”.

    Meanwhile, Kwankwaso, a former Kano State governor, senator, and minister, at the unveiling of his 152-page document titled “My Pledges To You”, promised to listen more to the yearnings of Nigerians.

    “We are not going to be rigid on restructuring. Whatever Nigerians want will be given to them”, he said.

    On education, Kwankwaso condemned the idea of education agencies generating revenue for the government, promising to pay more attention to the sector.

    “For our administration, no Nigerian child shall be denied the opportunity to write WAEC, NECO, JAMB, etc., because of their inability to pay exorbitant registration/examination fees. These examinations shall be free and all application forms for admission into Tertiary Education Institutions shall also be free. These examination bodies will be adequately funded by the Kwankwaso administration.

    The notion that the matriculation examination in Nigeria expires after one year will be stopped forthwith. JAMB results under the Kwankwaso government will have a lifespan of four years and TEIs will be required to accept these results for the purposes of admission”, an extract from the document reportedly read.

    In the area of security, he pledged to recruit 750,000 personnel into the nation’s armed forces bringing the total number to one million, to help address the nation’s security challenges.

    The electorates

    According to INEC, a total of 93,522,272 voters will participate in the elections. 49,054,162 (52.5%) are male, while 44,414,846 (47.5%) are female, with the youth constituting the largest voting population.

    The age distribution revealed that 37,060,399 (39.65%) are youth between the ages of 18 and 34; 33,413,591 (35.75%) are middle-aged persons between the ages of 35 and 49; 17,700,270 (18.94%) are elderly voters between the ages of 50 and 69, while 5,294,748 (5.66%) are senior citizens aged 70 and above.

    Also, students constitute the largest category with 26,027,481 (27.8%) of all voters, followed by 14,742,554 (15.8%) Farmers/Fishermen and 13,006,939 (13.9%) housewives in terms of occupational distribution.

    For the voter distribution per state, Lagos leads with 7,060,195 registered voters; Kano follows with 5,921,370; Kaduna 4,335,208; Rivers 3,537,190; Katsina, 3,516,719; Oyo 3,276,675; Delta 3,222,697, Plateau, 2.78 million; Benue, 2.77 million; Bauchi 2.74 million, among others.

    In 2019, there were a total of 84,004,084 registered voters, but the turnout was very poor, as only 28.6 million (35.66 %) voted during the election.

    The Northwest had the highest voter turnout, while the South had the least. It was the lowest voter turnout recorded of all recent elections held in Africa, according to the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (I-IDEA).

    Experts have, however, stated that this will not be the case in 2023. It is widely believed that the country will experience a larger voter turnout than in previous elections due to the lingering economic hardship and level of political awareness amongst the youths presently, an awakening they have attributed to the EndSARS movement of 2020.

    Findings have shown that the majority of these youths and new voters are tilting towards Obi, with many across the country saying that they are running through Obi to take back their country from the old order.

    Elder statesmen such as former president, Olusegun Obasanjo; Pa Ayo Adebanjo of Afenifere; Chief Edwin Clark, leader of the Pan Niger Delta Forum, as well as Dr. Bittus Pogu, president of the Middle Belt Forum have all endorsed Obi’s candidacy.

    Other candidates also have influential persons and groups that have endorsed them, with PDP and APC particularly boasting of structures around the country that could help them win the election.

    It is also noteworthy that a November 2022 survey conducted by NOI Polls titled “Vote-Buying Poll”, revealed that 26% (7.3 million voters) of the electorates are open to selling their votes for monetary or material gains in the forthcoming election.

    According to the data provided, 30% of respondents who have registered to vote during the election claimed that they would accept gifts or favors from politicians and their associates. 45% of the respondents said that they would accept money, 21% gifts, 10% would accept promised jobs or contracts, nine percent would accept food items and two percent would accept clothes.

    NOI Polls stressed the need for a campaign against vote-buying and more voter education leading up to the 2023 election.

    “Given the above, one thing is clear, vote-buying remains a tool in the hands of the political class. Vote-buying thrives in Nigeria because politics is an investment, the premium on state power is inestimably high, the quest for power by the elite is so desperate, and poverty and illiteracy make people susceptible to material inducement”, the report added.

    Amidst all these, there are still a large number of undecided voters whose votes would make a huge difference in the scheme of things.

    Why some Nigerians are voting for their preferred candidates

    For Abiola Omolaja, she will be voting for Tinubu because he understands the system and intricacies of governance. She noted that Tinubu has the experience and ruggedness the office requires, adding that he is the one that can “paddle this already sinking ship (Nigeria)”.

    She explained further: “One can have good intentions but not given the free to deliver. Peter Obi would have done better, but the obvious old political thugs will choke up his good intentions and make the government unbearable for him. The case of Goodluck Jonathan is a clear example. In rare cases, a higher demon is needed to rescue something from a lesser demon”.

    For Ibadan-based Olalekan Fafowora, his choice of Peter Obi is due to his frugal way of life and track record as a governor. According to him, the LP candidate is humane, intellectually capable, and also very healthy to face the rigors of the office of the president.

    On the reason he will vote for Atiku, DFG Sua wrote on Twitter: “Most Famous of His agenda for Nigerians when elected is to unite the fragmented National Unity that is suffering from Leaders negligent. Above anything else, Nigeria needs healing across all National positions. That’s why I am voting for Baba Atiku!”

    On Kwankwaso’s candidacy, Ameer also posted on Twitter: “When it comes to education, no Presidential candidate can sit on the same table as Kwankwaso. That is why I will vote for him and because I truly believe only education can take Nigeria out of this mess, everyone should be educated in this country if we are to move forward.

    The possibility of a rerun election

    Electoral pundits have noted that this election will be a keen contest, and its outcome unpredictable, while highlighting the possibility of a rerun. This is because, the contest is not the usual two-horse race between the leading political parties, as a result of the defection of both Obi and Kwankwaso from PDP to LP and NNPP respectively.

    In 1999, the contest was between the PDP and the Alliance for Democracy (AD)/All People’s Party (APP) joint ticket. In three consecutive polls in 2003, 2007, and 2011, it was PDP versus the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), while the last two elections have also followed the same pattern, PDP against APC – 2015 and 2019.

    For a candidate to emerge president, he must fulfill two requirements: secure the highest number of total votes cast in the entire federation; secure at least 25% of the votes cast in two-thirds (24 states) of all the states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.

    Section 133 (b) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria states: “A candidate for an election to the office of President shall be deemed to have been duly elected to such office where, he has not less than one-quarter of the votes cast at the election in each of at least two-thirds of all the States in the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja”.

    According to observers, the president may not emerge via the first ballot, as the split of votes to four popular contenders this time around might hamper the chance of any of the candidates from getting the required number of votes as stated by the constitution.

    Should any of the candidates fail to secure the stipulated conditions, INEC will conduct another election within seven days of the announcement of the first result. This will be between the candidates who are leading by votes and spread, but fail to satisfy the constitutional requirement.

    With talks that the APC’s Muslim/Muslim ticket will jeopardise the party’s chances; that the PDP is an unworthy opposition to the ruling and underperforming APC for the last seven years after its own near shambolic 16 years at the helm, therefore not inspiring hope in the masses; that LP does not have the required structure to pull off a win of this magnitude, as well as the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) not having enough numbers, it is still unclear where the peoples’ votes will swing.

    Nigeria has a date with Destiny this February. Whatever happens, and no matter how long the process takes, one thing is certain, a winner must emerge to usher the country into another era. Hopefully, this time, for a better Nigeria.

    Ismail Aniemu, Publisher of JournalNG and ghostwriter, is a maritime journalist of over two decades of practice with a multidisciplinary background. He holds a master’s degree in Transport Management from Ladoke Akintola University of Technology(LAUTECH) with a bias for logistics. He is also an alumnus of the Times Journalism Institute where he obtained a postgraduate diploma in Journalism

  • Residents of Ibeju Lekki Praise Dangote Refinery CSR Interventions

    Residents of Ibeju Lekki Praise Dangote Refinery CSR Interventions

    The Committee of Baales and some residents of Ibeju Lekki, Lagos have showered encomium on the Management of Dangote Refinery, on its social responsibility initiatives.

    They expressed appreciation to the company for providing vital infrastructure for their communities, repairing all the entrance roads of the 15 host communities by grading, sand filling, and applying stone base and now community people are able to access their abode without wading through the waters.

    In a chat with select newsmen yesterday, Baale of Magbon-Segun, High Chief Mufutau Dauda said, Dangote Refinery has demonstrated a high level of social responsibility as it has executed so many tangible projects across all the host communities, even up to Lekki.

    According to him: “We are all praying for Aliko Dangote. I even raised a special prayer for him in our community mosque this morning. He has done so well for all our communities. No doubt, he can do more, but for now, he is honestly trying. Our children are being trained inside the refinery site and they already passed the Level 1 and Level 2 examinations for City & Guilds certification in Electrical & Mechanical Engineering and they will be writing the examination for Level 3 certification soon. He also sunk boreholes for all the communities, and even provided generators, to each of the communities. And now, we have been informed the boreholes will be upgraded to solar power. His type is rare for sure.”

    In a similar vein, the Baale of Okeyanta, High Chief Shakiru Bello, said the scholarship scheme, which was started in 2019 by Dangote has helped parents in the communities. He said: “When they started the scholarship scheme for secondary and tertiary institution students, we thought they wouldn’t be able to sustain it, but they have continued to increase the numbers of beneficiaries every year and this is highly commendable.

    Mr. Akinola Yinusa of Okesegun community said his daughter is a beneficiary of the scholarship scheme and apart from the cash award, she is provided all her subject textbooks and academic materials like math set and calculator, and that his younger brother, Kabiru Yinusa, works as a full staff in the Refinery.

    “The benefit of the Refinery is enormous to us in this community. My younger brother works in the refinery as a staff and my third daughter also benefited from the scholarship scheme last year, so I am happy. I know so many families that have been positively affected by the company, so, yes, I am among those praying for Dangote Refinery with my other community people. He also urged Dangote not to relent in its efforts to ensure that more jobs were provided for qualified graduates who are indigenes of the Lekki Free Trade Zone.

    In the same vein, Ambali Useni a youth leader, also corroborated what other people have said, concerning the positive impacts of Dangote CSR initiatives and also said and reaffirmed the commitment of all the locals in ensuring that the company operates a rancour-free Plant, as it benefits both the state and the country at large.

    According to him: “In this community, We, the youth are peaceful. We are happy with what Dangote Refinery management is doing for us and for our community, though like Oliver Twist, we are asking for more. The unemployment rate would have been very high in this area, if not for the operations of this refinery. Many of the community youths were trained to acquire skills in trades such as carpentry; bricklaying and masonry; plumbing; automobile mechanic; welding and metal fabrication; electrical installation; refrigeration and air conditioning; and generator repair. They were also issued the Trade Tests certificates as well as certificates from the National Directorate of Employment (NDE). Some of these youths now work with Dangote. We are optimistic that we will benefit more as we have all resolved to give the company our maximum support and cooperation.”

    The communities in the area include Idasho, Ilekuru, Okeyanta, Magbon-Segun, Okesegun, Itoke, Idotun, Alasia, Okunraiye and Lekki towns, Imobido, Tiye, Mosa, Ilege, and Olomowewe.

    Speaking also, High Chief S.A. Adeyemi thanked the management of Dangote Refinery for their unrelenting efforts at impacting their host communities positively describing the social performance profile of the company as very impressive.

    He explained that with what Dangote Refinery has been doing for the people, it behoves the community leaders and all the residents to reciprocate and ensure peace reigns for the good of all so that the company can do more.
    Much as the people and community leaders are lauding the company for the giant strides in the host communities, Adeyemi said “I am also enjoining them not rest on their oars. As Oliver Twist, we are still asking for more because all these projects can never be too much for the people. He concluded.

  • Dangote beats MTN, Globacom, Banks to emerge Most Valuable Brand in Nigeria for 6th Consecutive Year

    Dangote beats MTN, Globacom, Banks to emerge Most Valuable Brand in Nigeria for 6th Consecutive Year

    Dangote Industries Limited has emerged as Nigeria’s most valuable brand for the sixth consecutive year. This achievement was confirmed by the brand and marketing firm, TOP 50 BRANDS NIGERIA, as part of its comprehensive 2023 Top Brands perception assessment.

    Winning the award for a record 6th time confirms the foremost African indigenous Conglomerate’s unwavering dominance of the domestic brand space.

    TOP 50 BRANDS NIGERIA, is a qualitative, non-financial evaluation of top corporate brands in the country. The annual top brands league table which has become like a report card, with which top corporate brands have a feel of their ranking in the market is done with a special purpose model, the Brand Strength Measurement (BSM Index).

    The rating firm in a statement said that Dangote got an impressive aggregate score of 86.2 on the Brand Strength Measurement (BSM) index, reinforcing its position at the forefront. The score reflects the consistent excellence of the brand.

    MTN remains a strong contender, securing a close second place with an 85 BSM index score. This year’s third and fourth positions are secured by Airtel Nigeria and Globacom, both with BSM index scores of 77.9 and 77 respectively. Interestingly, this reaffirms the prominence of telecom brands, with three out of the top four hailing from this sector. Among the Top 10 brands are Access Bank, Zenith Bank, Coca-Cola, GTCO, and First Bank, Globacom was adjudged the Most Popular Brand following the outcome of a Top of Mind (TOM) Survey, where respondents mentioned 10 brands that came to their mind or that they could easily recall.

    This year’s survey had as respondents Chief Marketing Officers and Head of Corporate Communications of major companies across the land.

    TOP 50 BRANDS NIGERIA announcing the ratings said, “this annual top brand evaluation provides a qualitative, non-financial assessment of the value of leading corporate brands in the country. It gauges consumers’ perceptions of brands and their impact on overall brand strength, using the Brand Strength Measurement (BSM) index—a model designed to assess a brand’s ability to deliver on its promises from the consumer’s perspective.”

    In today’s market, brands have woven themselves into the fabric of our daily lives, from dawn to dusk and even in every consumer choice. This phenomenon is amplified by the rise of concepts like consumer awareness, differentiation, and the dynamics of the global economy, making brands pivotal actors.

    Chief Executive Officer of TOP 50 BRANDS NIGERIA Taiwo Oluboyede, speaking on the outcome of this year’s evaluation, likened brand to a person. He said, “A brand is like a person with all the traits that define his/her personality to the audience. When you hear someone’s name, you are likely not just going to remember their faces or apparel, but who they really are and what they mean to you.”

    “Someone may claim to be the best man in the world, and could even go as far as doing paid advertising to attract attention. However, the real description of the person to you is your experience. Perception about a person could change from like to dislike or the other way round, the same is also true for a brand. That is why promoters go the extra length consistently remain in the target audience like-list” he added.

    He elaborated that the onus lies with brand owners and promoters to uphold compelling propositions and consistently deliver on promises. “It’s not just about making pledges anyway; it’s about steadfastly living up to them—a commitment that separates the top brands from the rest,” he stated.

    A breakdown of the 2023 evaluation report indicated that Nigerian-owned brands continued to shine among the top 10, with 10 brands. These are Dangote, Globacom, Access Bank, Zenith Bank, GTCO, and First Bank.

    Five of the top ten brands are Banks, while three are Telecoms. Impressively, 9 of the 10 were among the top 10 last year, while 4 maintained their previous position. Airtel Nigeria made a remarkable ascent to third place. Also, six brands have consistently maintained top 10 positions for a remarkable 7 years in a row.

    Overall, 26 or 52% of the 50 brands are multinational, while 24 or 48% are Nigerian brands.

    Rite Foods Limited stands out as the highest gainer this year, leaping 14 places from 46th to 30th. Notably, Wema Bank makes a noteworthy debut in the annual brand ranking. Furthermore, nine brands maintained their 2022 positions, they are Dangote, MTN Nigeria, GTCO, First Bank, Multichoice, Fidelity, Toyota Nigeria, FMNPLC, and AXA Mansard.

    A breakdown of the report indicated that Banking Services, as usual, had the largest entries with 12 entrants, representing 24% of the total. Access Bank topped the category. This is followed by Consumer Goods with 9 brands, that is 18%, with Dufil Prima Foods leading the charge.

    The Conglomerates category has 6 brands, making up 12%, with Dangote Group on top. The Oil and gas, Beverages, and Telecom sectors each contribute 4 brands, with Oando, Coca-Cola, and MTN leading their respective categories.

    The Insurance sector has 3 brands, with AIICO at the forefront. Meanwhile, the Building & Construction Services, Media, and Electronics categories had 2 brands each, featuring Julius Berger, Multichoice, and Tecno Nigeria leading their respective categories.

    Automobile, Agricultural, and Aviation/Logistics sectors had 1 brand each —Toyota Nigeria, Olam International, and Air Peace.

    Of note in the report also is a class called Brands to Watch, a set of 10 brands that have shown some level of vibrancy in recent times and are gaining momentum in consumer acquisition with the possibility of achieving the 50 top Brands League Table in few years. It should be noted that, while these brands have considerable mentions in the TOM survey, they were not strictly subjected to the rigorous BSM evaluation.

  • US Based Activist Blames Wike, Amaechi for Rivers Woes.

    US Based Activist Blames Wike, Amaechi for Rivers Woes.

    By Kalugbene Dominic

    An American-based human rights activist, Comrade Lebari Nziidee, on Sunday, blamed the current woes confronting the state on two former governors of Rivers State, Barrister Nyenso Woke and Rt. Hon. Rotimi Chebuike Amaechi.

    Nziidee, former MOSOP Chairman , Atlanta Georgia, criticised the former governors in a statement following the recent attacked on the SDP Governorship candidate,Senator, Magnus Abe, Unrest, poverty and political thuggery in the state.

    He said the current happenings in the state are capable of affecting unity, adding that the loss of lives being experienced across the state is no longer bearable.

    However, Nzidee accused the former governors of the state of misrule, failing to harness the God’s given resources, a development which he said, led to the current condition of a blessed state.

    According to him, “For about 16 years both of them misruled and wasted the rare opportunity to harness our abundant resources to make Rivers a leading state in the country.

    The former MOSOP boss further explained that the state had witnessed a lot of crisis which claimed many lives and destruction of properties under their regimes.

    Comrade Nziidee who is the current President, of Coalition for Democracy and Fair Election International USA, noted that,” After assessing the body politics of Rivers State over the years considering the quantum of contributions and supreme prices the Ogonis have paid towards the liberation of Rivers people, the emancipation of the Nigerdelta region and the sustenance of democracy in Nigerians, called on the Ikwerres, Kalabaris, Ekpeyes, Ndonis, Andonis, Opobos etc to support the Governorship of the SDP Candidate, an Ogoni son, Senator Magnus Abe.

    In his words,” I am calling on our loving brothers and neighbours in Rivers State to support Senator Magnus Abe towards the materialization of the Ogoni objective, noting that in the past the Ogonis had thrown their weight fully behind the leadership of the state presented by any of her neighbours, and believed that it was logical for their neighbours to reciprocate such gestures by fully and politically supporting Senator Magnus Abe to serve Rivers people”.

    Nziidee also condemned in totality the language used by an Ogoni son, that Ogoni is unripe to be the governor of the state,adding that such language is an insult to the entire Ogoni race.

    According to him, “Is ridiculous for a man who climbed a ladder up and later turned back to break the ladder after achieving his aim”.

    Joshua Okoria is a Lagos based multi-skilled journalist covering the maritime industry. His ICT and graphic design skills makes him a resourceful person in any modern newsroom. He read mass communication at the Olabisi Onabanjo University and has sharpened his knowledge in media practice from several other short courses

  • Oilwatch Applauds Ecuador Citizens for Voting Against Fossil Fuel Extraction at Yasuní

    Oilwatch Applauds Ecuador Citizens for Voting Against Fossil Fuel Extraction at Yasuní

    A group of environmental activists, Oilwatch International has applauded the decision of over

    5.2 million citizens of Ecuador , who voted in a national referendum to keep the oil in the soil at Yasuni on August 20, 2023.

    The group noted that it is heartwarming to know that 5.2 million Ecuadorians had the interest of their natural environment at heart compared to the 3.6 million others, who voted for extraction of fossil fuel in the country.

    It said the referendum, held 10 years after the original petition, showed the triumph of a people with the capacity to fight for their rights, maintaining that in the face of opposition from vested interests, the vote affirms restorative justice for all the wounded Amazon and its people.   A statement issued by the group said: “It sent a strong signal that another world is possible. This is a great lesson in the meaning of democracy and participation that places care for life at the center of the struggle to overcome multiple crises.

    “Activists from around the world recognize that Ecuador is now a reference point for forging citizenship that looks to the future in a new and visionary way.

    “For the world and particularly for Latin America, it is a just transition for people and nature. Throughout Latin America, the people especially the Indigenous peoples, through resistance struggles, are confronting the pollution and damage caused by oil extraction and moving to protect territories that must be liberated.
    “Oilwatch International salutes the people of Ecuador on this historic victory.  And the larger mission of the Yasuni people is to heal their land and to restore the collective rights of peoples, and nature. Voting to keep an estimated 1 billion barrels in the ground at Yasuni is a remarkable climate action worthy of emulation.”
    Chairman of Oilwatch International Steering Committee, Nnimmo Bassey, stated that the victory of the people of Ecuador is one that should be shared largely across the globe.

    “The vote on Yasuni is the real climate leadership the world sorely needs. After a long wait, we celebrate the victory of the people of Ecuador. This is a major step towards depetrolising the world and combating climate change and its ravages.  This victory is a strong signal to polluters that their impunity must stop.”

    While celebrating the outcome of the referendum, Coordinator of Oilwatch International, Kentebe Ebiaridor, stated that it is a huge victory not just for the indigenous people but for nature as well, adding: “With efforts such as these, there is hope that the rights of nature can be respected and endangered species will gradually recover.

    He applauded the bravery of the Ecuadorians and urged other communities around the world to emulate the same gesture.
    “Oilwatch agrees with the broad network of activists calling for an end to fossil fuels expansion that it is time for the fulfillment of the common but differentiated responsibilities of the polluting countries, payment of the ecological debt from the North to the South and the battle against false solutions to the climate crisis should see Yasuní as the territory from which genuine and just transition has signaled a start that cannot be postponed,” he added.

  • NLC Supports Peter Obi, Urges Workers to Vote Labour Party Candidates

    NLC Supports Peter Obi, Urges Workers to Vote Labour Party Candidates

    The Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, has endorsed the presidential ambition of Mr. Peter Obi of the Labour Party in this Saturday’s general election.

    The trade union in a release signed by Comrade Chris Uyot, National Secretary of NLC’s National Political Commission, asked all workers and members of affiliate unions to mobilize and vote for Peter Obi and other candidates of the Labour Party.

    The letter reads in part; “We wish to refer to the resolution of the inaugural meeting of the National Administrative Council (NAC) of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), directing workers and indeed all Nigerians to come out en mass to perform their civic duties by voting in the forthcoming elections, and taking decisive steps to safeguard their votes. The NLC had also urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure that the electoral processes are not only transparent and fair, but reflect the wishes of the Nigerian people

    “This is a clarion call to all workers and working people that as we approach the final push towards the forthcoming presidential election come February 25, 2023, we should ensure a massive turnout of votes for the success of the Labour Party in line with an earlier resolution of the National Executive Council (NEC).

    “Towards this end, all Labour Political Committee members in the states are to intensify their work in mobilizing workers and the Nigerian people both at the local, ward, and polling units to vote for the Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party, Mr. Peter Obi and all candidates of the Labour Party contesting the elections. The political committees are also enjoined to work with our allies in civil society organisations and students to take all necessary steps to safeguard the people’s votes by ensuring that the electoral process is transparent, free, and fair.

    “To accomplish these significant tasks to save our democracy, all affillate unions and State Councils of Congress are to give maximum cooperation and support to the political committees to strengthen their work at the state, local government, wards, and polling unit levels by ensuring that they provide at least 10 ward coordinators and canvassers to not only mobilise but defend the peoples votes.

    “History beckons. This election promises to be the most decisive in our country. It offers an opportunity to transform our political, social, and economic policy direction to be peoples-oriented as espoused in the Workers Charter of Demands.” The letter reads.

    Joshua Okoria is a Lagos based multi-skilled journalist covering the maritime industry. His ICT and graphic design skills makes him a resourceful person in any modern newsroom. He read mass communication at Olabisi Onabanjo University and has sharpened his knowledge in media practice from several other short courses.

     

  • NNPCL Restores Production of 275,000 BPD

    NNPCL Restores Production of 275,000 BPD

    The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) has agreed with TotalEnergies, Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association (PENGASSAN) and the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) to suspend the ongoing strike which has led to the immediate restoration of 275,000 barrels of oil per day production.
    Chief Corporate Commissions Officer ,NNPC Ltd, Olufemi Soneye who made this known in a press release said the peace deal was made on 12th November, 2023.
    According to him, a communiqué was issued by NNPC Ltd and signed by the unions involved.
    He said ” In a communiqué issued at the end of a marathon negotiation session chaired by Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan, Executive Vice President, Upstream, NNPC Ltd., all parties committed to resolving all the issues within an agreed framework”.
    ” The communiqué was jointly signed by TotalEnergies MD/CEO Matthieu Bouyer, PENGASSAN President, Comrade Festus Osifo, and NUPENG President, Comrade Williams Akporegha. It was witnessed by NNPC Ltd.’s, EVP Upstream Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan and Chief Upstream Investment Officer, NNPC Upstream Investment Management Services, Bala Wunti. Also in attendance was Victor Bandele, Deputy Managing Director, TotalEnergies”.
  • NSML Rebrands With Name Change, Promises Sustaining Excellence in Maritime Service Delivery

    NSML Rebrands With Name Change, Promises Sustaining Excellence in Maritime Service Delivery

    A leading player in the maritime industry, has officially announced its name change to NLNG Shipping and Marine Services Limited.
    Abdulkadir Ahmed, Managing Director of NSML described the rebranding move as one that speaks to the wider range of maritime services the company is providing in Nigeria
    According to him,the name change which retains the old acronym, NSML, will not reduce the excellent service delivery for which the company is known
    This strategic move reflects the company’s evolving business focus and commitment to providing an expanded range of top-tier shipping, marine, and maritime services in line with its vision to be a leading international services company, supporting the growth and development of the Nigerian maritime industry.
    While commenting on the exciting transition, Mr. Abdulkadir Ahmed, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NSML, stated, “Our company’s transformation into NLNG Shipping and Marine Services Limited signifies a significant milestone in our journey.
    This change is not merely about a new name but a clear testament to our dedication to delivering excellence and innovation to our clients in the maritime sector.
    “In embracing the name change to NLNG Shipping and Marine Services Limited, we emphasise our dedication to delivering excellence and innovation to our clients in the maritime sector. This transition underlines our commitment to providing a comprehensive suite of maritime services that include terminal management, maritime training, project management, maritime consultancy, and business advisory services. Our evolution is a response to the evolving needs of our clients and the industry.
    “As NLNG Shipping and Marine Services Limited, our unwavering commitment to our clients remain paramount. The change in name does not alter our dedication to delivering the highest level of service. We will continue to exceed expectations and uphold the trust our clients have placed in us,” he said.
    He noted that the name change, which was part of the company’s rebranding plan, solidifies the company’s position as a leader in the maritime industry, stating that “NSML remains at the forefront of innovation, setting benchmarks for others to follow. This transition aligns seamlessly with our strategic vision to not only adapt to change but to spearhead it.”
    He appreciated the continued support from regulatory agencies, clients, partners, and stakeholders. He urged for more collaboration in the maritime industry that would help transform it into one of the most resilient in the world, adding that with NSML as the largest maritime company south of the Sahara, the impact of its repositioning will resonate not only in its services but in the growth and development of the entire Nigerian maritime landscape.
    #shipping #energy #maritime #marine #NLNG #NigeriaLNG
  • Aisha Buhari Receives Wife Of President-Elect

    Aisha Buhari Receives Wife Of President-Elect

    First Lady, Federal Republic of Nigeria, Dr. Aisha Muhammadu Buhari, has congratulated the wife of the President-elect, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, on the success of her husband at the polls.

    She was speaking during a courtesy visit by Mrs. Tinubu at the State House, Abuja, on Thursday, March 2, 2023.

    Mrs. Buhari said the President-elect, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and the Vice President-elect, Senator Kashim Shettima, would not betray the trust and confidence that Nigerians repose in them.

    While praying that Mrs. Tinubu’s tenure as First Lady will be marked with joy and success, she noted the sacrifices that many women made during the campaign and election periods, especially the APC Women’s presidential campaign team.

    “We say great kudos to you all. Your efforts have confirmed that women hold a huge stake in elective power in Nigeria.”

    She recalled how vigorously issues of gender mainstreaming and affirmative action were pursued by her office and expressed confidence that, as a parliamentarian, Mrs. Oluremi Tinubu will continue where she leaves off.

    Earlier, the wife of the President-elect, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, said she was at the Presidential Villa to express her gratitude for the motherly role that the First Lady played during the campaign and urged her to continue to provide the same level of support at all times.

    Mrs. Tinubu noted that the First Lady has been exceptional during the town halls, rallies, and door-to-door campaigns, in both her words and her deeds, and said her contribution will be remembered for a long time to come.

    On the entourage of Mrs. Tinubu are Mrs. Nana Kashim Shettima, wife of the Vice President-elect, the woman leader of the APC, Dr. Betta Eduh, APC Women campaign coordinator, Dr. Asabe Vilita Bashir, wives of governors, and other party officials.

    Joshua Okoria is a Lagos based multi-skilled journalist covering the maritime industry. His ICT and graphic design skills makes him a resourceful person in any modern newsroom. He read mass communication at the Olabisi Onabanjo University and has sharpened his knowledge in media practice from several other short courses

  • BUA Cement Targets 17 million MTPA Capacity by Q1 2024

    BUA Cement Targets 17 million MTPA Capacity by Q1 2024

    Chairman of BUA Cement Plc, Nigeria’s second-largest cement company, Abdul Samad Rabiu, has disclosed that the company has perfected plans to commission its Obu Line 3 factory and Sokoto Line 5 factory by the first quarter (Q1) 2024 with a combined capacity of 6 million metric tons per annum.

    He made this known at the BUA Cement FY2022 Annual General Meeting (AGM), maintaining that the expansion drive will raise the company’s total installed production capacity to 17 million metric tons per annum (mtpa).

    The announcement accompanied the presentation of BUA Cement’s full-year results, which showed a 40.3 percent increase in revenue from N257.3 billion in 2021 to ₦361.9 billion in 2022, just as its Profit After Tax (PAT) recorded a 12.1 percent rise, climbing to ₦101.0 billion in the year under review, compared to N90.1 billion in the previous year.

    While addressing the shareholders, the Chairman stressed that in spite of the challenging macroeconomic environment, BUA Cement remained steadfast in its commitment to being the preferred provider of quality cement for dependable housing and infrastructure development in Nigeria.

    He further stated that the introduction of the new production lines in early 2024 positions BUA Cement to address the growing cement demand within Nigeria and also expand export volumes to neighboring African countries.

    “BUA Cement will continue its unwavering focus on innovative product delivery, efficient logistics, and tailored sales solutions for our diverse customer base across Nigeria, and Africa. In addition, we are dedicated to improving the well-being of our host communities through sustainable development initiatives”, he said.

    On the high prices of cement in the country, Rabiu highlighted that BUA Cement Plc’s planned introduction of the Obu Line 3 and Sokoto Line 5 in Q1 2024 aims to alleviate the surge in demand in Nigeria and contribute to making cement more accessible and affordable, in line with the direction of the Federal Government to boost infrastructure development.

    “Our Company remains resolute in its strategies, chiefly centered on market consolidation. We have a presence in every market throughout the nation. The completion of Lines 3 and 5 in Obu and Sokoto respectively, will empower us to offer better prices, and more significant quantities of cement to the domestic market, thus strengthening our market share across Nigeria, and Africa. I am confident in BUA Cement’s ability to play a role in reducing cement prices in Nigeria,” he added.

    Managing Director of BUA Cement Plc, Yusuf Binji, who underscored the company’s dedication to efficient energy utilisation in the cement production process, revealed potential plans for introducing a new product in next year to align with customer needs and preferences.

    “BUA Cement is attuned to customer demands and market trends. While we continue to work on making our production process more energy efficient, we are also exploring the possibility of introducing a new product next year,” he stated.

    BUA Cement is Nigeria’s second largest cement company with a current installed capacity of 11 million metric tons per year. The company aims to reach 17 million metric tons yearly with the completion of two new plants in Edo and Sokoto by early 2024.