New Terrorists’ Group Has Emerged In Nigeria – Defence Headquarters Confirms

  The Defence Headquarters has confirmed the emergence of a new terrorists’ group known as ‘Lukarawas’ exacerbating insecurity in the North Western part of Nigeria. The Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, made this known while briefing newsmen on the operations of the military on Thursday in Abuja. Buba said that the new terror group emerged from the Republic of Niger after the coup that led to the breakdown of military cooperation between Nigeria and Niger. He said that the terrorists began incursion into northern parts of Sokoto and Kebbi States from the Niger Republic and Mali axis, particularly after the coup in Niger Republic. According to him, prior to the coup, there were joint border operations with Nigerien security forces which kept the terrorist at bay. “The terrorists took advantage of the gaps in cooperation between both countries and exploited difficult terrains to make incursions in remote areas in some North Western states to spread their ideology,” he said. Buba said that the group was accommodated by the locals who initially thought that the group meant well for them, adding that they failed to report the movement to the military and security agencies. He gave assurance that toops had sustained Imtelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) to degrade the terrorists He added that the terror group had continued to take advantage of the vast under-governed areas to hide and evade troops as well as harass the locals. According to him, troops are locating them and eliminating the threat. (NAN)  

N80,000 Minimum Wage: OYSHA Applauds Makinde’s Worker-Centric Approach

    Adeleke Maria   Following the announcement of N80,000 minimum wage for workers in Oyo State by Governor Seyi Makinde, the State House of Assembly has commended the Governor for his continuous worker friendly policies and approach. A statement issued and signed by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin on Thursday said with this announcement, Oyo State leaps to the second spot, trailing only Lagos and Rivers States, which approved N85,000. He said Oyo State now surpasses other leading states like Delta, Ogun, Ondo, Edo, and others in the amount approved as minimum wage. “It is a good news that Governor Seyi Makinde has once again demonstrated its commitment to the welfare of workers in the state. The approval of N80,000 as the minimum wage for Oyo workers is a laudable decision that underscores the governor’s worker-centric approach to governance. “This development is a significant milestone in His Excellency’s quest to improve the standard of living of our workers and promote industrial harmony in the state. The N80,000 minimum wage is not just a monetary incentive; it’s a statement of our administration’s resolve to recognize the invaluable contributions of our workers to the development of Oyo State. We believe that a motivated workforce is essential to driving economic growth and prosperity in our state.” The Speaker said despite not being among the States with highest allocation from the federation account, Governor Seyi Makinde’s gesture will serve as a model for other States to follow. “This is a significant gesture, especially considering that the state doesn’t receive the highest allocation from the federation account. Makinde’s administration has consistently prioritized workers’ welfare and the state’s economic development. His policies have led to a remarkable growth in Oyo State’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR). In fact, the state has seen a 90% increase in IGR through partnerships with the private sector and development agencies. This growth is a testament to the effectiveness of Makinde’s economic strategies.” The Speaker urged workers in the state to reciprocate this gesture by rededicating themselves to their duties and contributing to the overall development of Oyo State. He also called on the private sector to emulate the state government’s lead and prioritize the welfare of their employees

2027: Hon Segelu Supports Call On Makinde To Contest Presidency

  A gubernatorial aspirant under the umbrella of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the 2027 elections, Hon. Olayinka Oladimeji Segelu has reiterated his support for the call on the Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to vie for the presidential seat in 2027. According to Hon Segelu, Makinde represents a generational shift in Nigerian politics, resonating with the younger population. As one of Nigeria’s prominent PDP leaders, the Germany-based business tycoon, politician and IT professional, has established a nationwide network that could support a presidential bid. He said although Governor Makinde has not declared to partake in the 2027 presidential race, he is widely recognized for his commitment to public service and developmental governance in Southwest Nigeria. He further noted that it would be a significant milestone for the PDP, a party increasingly focused on youth-driven leadership and change, if Makinde decides to pursue higher office like the presidency in 2027. The governorship hopeful applauded the incumbent Oyo helmsman for generously donating a secretariat to the South West PDP. He said Makinde’s leadership in celebrating the contributions of past leaders dedicated to serving the people was laudable. “I would like to commend Governor Makinde on the recent commissioning of the South West PDP Party Secretariat, named in honour of the late Hon. Soji Adagunodo, a former Osun State Chairman and National Vice Chairman of our party. “It is gratifying to see that our amiable governor is fulfilling his honour the late South West Zonal Leader with a new edifice as the secretariat of the PDP in the southwestern zone of the country, for his contributions to the growth of the party,” Hon Segelu said. Son of a founding member of the PDP who was the first Executive Chairman of the Party in Oyo State gruesomely murdered by assassins, late Hon. Olusegun Moses Akintola Oladimeji, Hon Olayinka Segelu, noted that “His decision to dedicate this secretariat to Late Hon. Soji Adagunodo, known for his unwavering dedication to the PDP, is highly commendable. Naming this building after such a prominent leader honours Adagunodo’s memory and serves as a reminder of the values of service, loyalty, and commitment to the party’s mission. “The newly commissioned South West PDP Secretariat, with its modern infrastructure and strategic location, is a valuable asset for our party in the South West region. This initiative exemplifies Governor Makinde’s visionary approach to strengthening the PDP’s organizational framework and fostering unity. “By investing in this facility, Governor Makinde has established a dedicated space for collaboration, planning, and capacity-building among PDP leaders and members in the South West. His commitment to the growth and unity of our party is commendable.” Hon. Olayinka Segelu expressed confidence that Governor Makinde’s actions will inspire all party members to remain loyal, dedicated, and willing to make sacrifices for the PDP. “It’s crucial that we recognize and honor past leaders who dedicated themselves to the party’s ideals, fostering a culture of respect and continuity within the party. Late Hon. Adagunodo was indeed a bridge-builder whose legacy endured, and this monument stands as a testament to his greatness. The secretariat will undoubtedly enhance grassroots political engagement, unity, and growth within the PDP, a remarkable achievement made possible by Governor Seyi Makinde’s generosity,” he further remarked. Hon. Segelu encouraged all party members to fully utilize the resources available at the new secretariat to pave the way for a stronger future for the PDP.

Seven Arraigned, As OYRTMA Officers Attacked By Tricycle Riders In Ibadan(Photos)

  Adeleke Maria   Two officers of the Oyo State Road Traffic Management Authority (OYRTMA), Oyedepo Samuel and Waheed Quadri, were assaulted by tricycle riders and hoodlums while performing their lawful duties. The Officers were recently attacked with iron rods, stones, and sticks at the Water Corporation gate Ibadan which inflicted severe injuries on them. According to eyewitnesses, the officers had apprehended a commercial tricycle parked on the road, obstructing traffic. However, while transporting the tricycle to the Agodi Gate command unit, they were ambushed by a group of tricycle riders and hoodlums. Fortunately, a good Samaritan intervened, rescuing the officers from the angry mob. The injured officers are currently receiving treatment at the State clinic, Secretariat, Ibadan. Speaking in Ibadan, the Chairman, OYRTMA, Major Adekoya Adesagba (rtd.) said seven suspects were arrested in connection with incident. He condemned the attack, stating, “It’s a pity that our officers, who work tirelessly to ensure sanity and orderliness on our roads, are being assaulted and harmed.” Adesagba emphasized that the Authority will not be deterred from performing its legitimate duties. Major Adesagba assured that the perpetrators have been arrested and are currently in custody at Idi-Ape police station. “The perpetrators will face the full weight of the laws, Adekoya warned”, he said. Meanwhile, the suspects were arraigned at the Magistrate District Court 1, Ibadan North East, on Wednesday, on charges of assault. Each suspect was granted bail with one surety and a bond of ₦100,000. However, since they were unable to meet the bail conditions, they were remanded in Agodi Prison pending further hearing. The case was adjourned until November 17, 2024.

Isese Assembly Confers Awards On Distinguished Leaders In Ìṣẹ̀ṣe Community

  A renowned Yoruba religious organisation, Ìṣẹ̀ṣe Welfare Assembly (IWA), Aka Ìṣẹ̀ṣe Assembly has announced the nomination of High Chief Ifasayo Ifadamitan Ifarowaye Alabi and Princess Adedoyin Talabi Olosun Faniyi as the ‘2024 Isese Man of The Year and Isese Woman of The Year respectively. The announcement is contained in a Press Release signed and made available to newsmen in Ibadan on Thursday by the National Coordinator of the Assembly, Barr. Ifaolepin Aderemi. Ifaolepin Aderemi said Chief Ifasayo Ifadamitan and Princess Adedoyin Faniyi have distinguished themselves among other notable Ìṣẹ̀ṣe leaders with their enviable integrity and personal achievements for the promotion of a flourishing Isese community. The Coordinator added that the Isese Man and Woman of The Year Awards were conceptualized and designed as a credible platform to honour leaders, whose roles have provided the much needed directions and stability in Ìsẹ̀ṣè Community. “We have the pleasure of specially nominating High Chief Ifasayo Ifadamitan Ifarowaye Alabi and Princess Adedoyin Talabi Olosun Faniyi as the Year 2024 Isese Man and Woman of the Year because of their leadership qualities, proven integrity and enviable personal achievements towards the promotion of a just society and a flourishing Isese community. “The Isese Man and Woman of The Year Awards was conceptualized and objectively designed as a credible platform to honour leaders whose roles have provided the much-needed direction and stability in Isese Community,” he explained. The event, according to Ifaolepin will hold on Sunday, 15th December, 2024 at the Ose Meji Temple, Ojaaba, Ibadan, Oyo State.

Marketers Sue Dangote,Insist On Petrol Import

Three oil marketers, AYM Shafa Limited, A. A. Rano Limited, and Matrix Petroleum Services Limited, have asked the Federal High Court in Abuja to dismiss a suit filed by Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals. The marketers, in a joint counter affidavit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/1324/2024, and dated November 5, 2024, a response to an originating summon filed by Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals, argued that granting the application of refinery would spell doom for the country’s oil sector. They emphasised that the plan to monopolise the oil sector is a recipe for disaster in the country. Dangote refinery in its originating summon dated September 6, 2024, had sued Nigeria Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority and Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation Limited, AYM Shafa Limited, A. A. Rano Limited, T. Time Petroleum Limited, 2015 Petroleum Limited, and Matrix Petroleum Services Limited as 1st to 7th defendants respectively. The refinery prayed the court to declare that NMDPRA was in violation of Sections 317(8) and (9) of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) by issuing licenses for the importation of petroleum products. It stated that such licenses should only be issued in circumstances where there is a petroleum product shortfall. It also urged the court to declare that NMDPRA is in violation of its statutory responsibilities under the PIA for not encouraging local refineries such as the company. Shafa, A. A. Rano, and Matrix Petroleum, however, responded that Dangote refinery does not produce adequate petroleum products for the daily consumption of Nigerians. They noted that the plaintiff had not placed anything before the court to prove the contrary. They argued that they are well qualified and entitled to be issued an import licence by NMDPRA to import petroleum products in Nigeria within the meaning of Section 317(9) of the PIA. They also noted that they are fully qualified for the issuance of the import licences issued to them by the 1st defendant, as they duly met all the legal requirements for the issuance of such import licences, before the same were issued to them. “The import licences lawfully and validly issued to the defendants did not in any way whatsoever, cripple the plaintiff’s business or its refinery. “The import licenses issued to the defendants by the 1st defendant are in line with the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act, 2021, the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act, 2018, and other relevant laws,” they contended. They insisted that giving Dangote Refinery the power of monopoly in Nigeria’s petroleum industry as it sought in the instant suit, would kill competitive pricing of petroleum products in the country. Stressing that such an act would further deteriorate the country’s critically ailing economy. They also added that it would “unleash untold hardship on Nigerians, all of which constitute a recipe for disaster in the polity”. The marketers explained that if Nigeria puts all her energy eggs in one basket by stopping the importation of petroleum products and allowing the plaintiff to be the sole producer and supplier of petroleum products in Nigeria, with liberty to determine the prices at which it supplies the products, the prices of petroleum products will continue to rise and energy security will elude Nigeria. They also noted that should the refinery break down being a monopolized sector, the country will be plunged into a hot mess of energy crisis. “That in the event of any breakdown in or obstruction to the production chain of the plaintiff which stops it from producing Nigeria will be thrown into energy crises because it does not have the reserves that would last it for at least 30 days that it would need to order, pay for, freight and import refined products into tanks in Nigeria. “That amidst the glaring absence of any credible and demonstrable proof that the plaintiff refines and supplies adequate petroleum products for the daily use/consumption of Nigerians, is a recipe for disaster in Nigeria’s energy sector.” They further told the court that granting the reliefs sought by the plaintiff was a design to leave Nigeria and Nigerians at the mercy of the plaintiff with respect to the availability and cost of purchasing petroleum products in the country. The presiding judge, Justice Inyang Ekwo fixed January 20, 2025, for a report of settlement or service. Dangote exports products Meanwhile, three foreign firms have accounted for about 75 per cent of what’s being lifted from the 650,000-barrel-per-day Dangote refinery, a new report has stated. A report by Bloomberg on Wednesday said Vitol Group, Trafigura Group, and BP Plc are the dominant buyers of fuels from the oil refinery that’s reshaping petroleum trading in Africa and Europe. The trio has accounted for the vast majority of the plant’s shipments since flows began ratcheting up around the middle of this year, according to data from Precise Intelligence, a new oil-and-gas trading analytics firm based in Geneva. The report quotes products offtake from February 27 to October 10 with other customers including the local market taking 25 per cent of total fuel purchases from the company. Earlier this year, Dangote began operations and kick-started the production of diesel, aviation fuel, and LPG before subsequently progressing to the production of Premium Motor Spirit (petrol). Once it’s fully up and running, Dangote should be able to process about 650,000 barrels a day of crude into products including gasoline and diesel. That will far exceed the fuel making capacity of any single plant in Europe or Africa, helping to reshape the regions’ oil and fuel trading. The emergence of Dangote has already trimmed a glut of Nigerian crude. Analysis of the report showed that the refinery has loaded almost 6 million tons of fuel since starting up. This is equivalent to almost 45 million barrels, loading rates averaged about 35,000 tonnes a day in October, its data showed. Dangote itself said late last month that the refinery had reached processing rates of about 420,000 barrels a day of crude. The plant is also selling into the Nigerian market. The composition of fuel cargoes … Read more

Hon Olayinka Segelu Commiserates With Oyo State NUJ Chairman Over Mother’s Demise

Adeleke Maria    The governorship aspirant of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the 2027 general election in Oyo State, Hon Olayinka Segelu, has commiserated with the Chairman of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Oyo State Chapter, Alhaji Ademola Babalola, over the passage of his mother, Madam Wulemot Aweni Babalola. Madam Aweni Wulemot Babalola died at the age of 76 years on Saturday November 2, 2024 and was buried on Sunday November 3, 2024, according to Islamic rites. Hon Segelu, the Germany-based, Ibadan-born businessman, politician and ICT consultant, in a statement he issued, expressed sadness over the sudden departure of Madam Aweni Babalola. Segelu in a copy of the message made available to journalists in Ibadan, the Capital City of Oyo State, extends heartfelt condolences to Comrade Ademola Babalola and other members of the family. The statement reads: “I extend my heartfelt condolences to Alhaji Ademola Babalola, Oyo NUJ Chiarman and other members of the family over the loss of their Matriarch Madam Wulemot Aweni Babalola, May God continue to be with the rest of the family and grant Mama Aljanna Firdous. “It is my prayer that God Almighty will grant you the fortitude to bear this irreparable and painful loss. “Until her death, Mama was a devoted Muslim and respected Otun Iya Adeen of Palupo Muslim Community in Ona Ara Local Government area of Oyo State, and it is my belief that you’re a good testimony of the good legacies of Mama, and I pray that God will strengthen you to be able to sustain all these legacies she left behind. “Please accept my sincere condolences.” The deceased is survived by the children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Ekiti Chief Judge, Adeyeye, Dies At 63

  The Chief Judge of Ekiti State, Justice Oyewole Adeyeye, has passed away after a brief illness. The sad news was confirmed on Tuesday by the Chief Registrar of the Ekiti State Judiciary, Olanike Adegoke. In a statement released by the judiciary’s Public Relations Officer, Michael Oba, Adegoke paid tribute to the late Chief Judge, describing him as “a respected jurist who dedicated his life to upholding the principles of fairness, equity, and justice.” “The contributions of the late CJ to the judiciary and Ekiti State as a whole are immeasurable. His legacy will be deeply missed,” Adegoke stated. Born in 1960 in Araromi Ugbesi, Ekiti East Local Government Area, Justice Adeyeye was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1986. He was appointed Chief Judge of Ekiti State in October 2021, a role in which he served with distinction until his passing.  

Leave Abuja-Kano Road project, FG Orders Julius Berger

  The Federal Ministry of Works has directed Julius Berger, the contractor handling Section One rehabilitation of the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano Dual Carriageway, to evacuate the project site. This followed a 14-day final termination notice issued to the company on Monday, dismissing any possibility of further negotiations. The ministry said the termination was based on non-compliance with the reviewed cost, scope, and terms, stoppage of work, and refusal to remobilise to the site, as directed. It noted that negotiations had been ongoing for several months without any significant progress. A statement by the Director of Press and Public Relations, Mohammed Ahmed, disclosed this information on Monday in Abuja, stressing that the decision was reached during a management meeting of the ministry at its headquarters. Recall that the works ministry had in the last 13 months been in constant talks with the company, in order to reach an amiable position on the said alignment but to no avail. The latest development follows an earlier threat by the minister to revoke the contract that was awarded to the company in 2018 when former President Muhammadu Buhari was in power. While the Kaduna-Zaria section has been completed and the Zaria-Kano section is almost done, the Abuja-Kaduna section has recorded 27 per cent progress in six years. At an event penultimate week, Umahi accused Julius Berger of playing politics with the highway to make the current administration look bad. Despite these efforts, an agreement was not reached between both parties, with the construction company not attending the scheduled meeting on Monday. The statement read in part, “Based on non-compliance with the reviewed cost, scope, and terms, stoppage of work and refusal to remobilise to the site, as directed, the Federal Ministry of Works has issued a 14-day Notice of Termination to Messrs Julius Berger Plc for the Rehabilitation of Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano Dual Carriageway in FCT, Kaduna and Kano States, Contract No.6350, Section I (Abuja-Kaduna), today, November 4, 2024. “Nigerians may wish to know that the Contract for the Rehabilitation of the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano Dual Carriageway, which was divided into three Sections was awarded to the company on December 20, 2017, and flagged off by the former Minister of Power, Works, and Housing, Babatunde Fashola at an initial sum of N155.75bn on June 18, 2018. Sections II (Kaduna – Zaria) and III (Zaria – Kano) were partially completed and handed over during the twilight of the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari. “Since then it has been one variation and augmentation or the other and finally, the present Minister of Works directed the redesigning and re-scoping of the Section I of the contract. The alignment was divided into two with one phase redesigned to be on continuously reinforced concrete pavement, while the remaining with asphaltic pavement. “Approval for Section I, Phase 1 for a length of 38km on the concrete pavement was given to Messrs Dangote Industries (Nig.) Ltd, while the remaining 127km remained with the substantive contractor. Phase 1 was flagged off on October 17, 2024, with a 14-month completion period.” Mohammed further explained that a request to rescope the project was approved by the Federal Executive Council but the contract’s terms were not agreed upon by the contractor. He added, “Due to the stalemate of the contract and, most importantly, the desire of President Bola Tinubu, as encapsulated in the Renewed Hope Agenda infrastructure initiative, to see to the completion of this laudable project, also to alleviate the sufferings of Nigerians plying the road, the ministry re-scoped it and got the approval of the Federal Executive Council. “The award for the Re-scoping and Downward Review of Contract for the Rehabilitation of Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano Dual Carriageway in FCT, Kaduna and Kano States, Contract No.6350, Section I (Abuja-Kaduna) in favour of Messrs Julius Berger Plc from the sum of N797.26bn to N740.79bn was granted by FEC on September 23, 2024, and conveyed to the company on October 3, 2024.” With the latest development, this means the Works Minister, David Umahi has revoked 11 contracts in 16 months.   Punch

PDP Condemns APC’s Attack On Gov Makinde•••Says APC’s Lifespan Ends Feb. 2027

  Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has condemned All Progressives Congress’ (APC’s) attack on Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State for speaking out for the Nigerian masses, who have been subjected to untold hardship by this administration. Describing the attack as reckless, insensitive and reprehensible display of arrogance in failure, PDP, which pointed out that the life span of APC ends in February 2027, added that the ruling party is a party of “political vampires, ” who thrive and relish in “sucking the blood” of citizens and foisting excruciating pain and hardship on Nigerians. PDP, in a statement by its spokesman, Hon. Debo Ologunagba, further described the APC as a haven of power-grabbers, treasury looters and manipulators who are only out to “grab, snatch and run” with our national patrimony at the expense of millions of our citizens. The PDP said that the attack on Governor Makinde also confirms that the APC is jittery that its days are numbered as Nigerians have seen through its lies, subterfuge, falsehood, suppressive policies and crass incompetence in governance. “Governor Makinde remains a credible and effective leader with astonishing record of performance not only in prioritizing the needs of the people of Oyo State as evident in the numerous development projects in the State but also working with other governors elected on the platform of the PDP in the quest for development, sustenance of democracy and resistance to APC’s scheme to turn Nigeria into a One-Party State. “It is indeed an assault on the sensibility of Nigerians that in the midst of worsening insecurity, biting economic hardship, widespread hunger and starvation, comatose infrastructure, crippled productive sector, weakened currency, closure of millions of businesses with over 36% unemployment rate, hopelessness and general despondency all occasioned by the irresponsible anti-people policies of the APC administration, the APC is living in alternate reality, arrogantly claiming that Nigeria is ‘on the cusp of prosperity.’ “Our Party finds it preposterous that the APC thinks that it can continue to hoodwink citizens with lies and harvest of false performance claims when it has failed on all fronts, reversed all the gains made in the 16 years of the PDP in governance and turned our once economically thriving nation into the poverty capital of the world, where over 100 million Nigerians are no longer able to afford their daily meals and other basic necessities of life. “Today, under the APC voodoo economy, the Naira which exchanged for N168 to the Dollar under the PDP now exchanges for almost N2,000 per Dollar, petrol which sold for N87 per liter now sells for over N1,500 in various parts of the country; a bag of rice which sold for N8,000 now sells for over N100,000, a measure of beans which sold for N250 now sells for N3,800 while a measure of garri which sold for N100 now sells for N1,500. “More distressing is that while Nigerians are experiencing harrowing hardship, corrupt APC leaders are busy looting the nation’s treasury to fund their luxury appetite and consumption. “It is therefore not surprising that as the day progresses toward 2027, the APC is resorting to manipulation of data, politicization of issues and personal attacks on outspoken Nigerians as being witnessed in its outburst against Governor Makinde,” the party said. The PDP added that “such attacks by the APC cannot fly as Governor Makinde and indeed other PDP governors are massively delivering on their mandates as being witnessed in the astounding infrastructural, human capital and citizen empowerment projects going on in PDP States to the admiration of Nigerians. Indeed PDP States continue to be Oasis of Development compared to APC controlled States.” The PDP cautioned the APC to end its shenanigans, accept failure and come to terms with the fact that “its lifespan in the face of abysmal failure in governance cannot last beyond February 2027 when the PDP and Nigerians will send it to political oblivion where the APC contraption truly belongs.” •INDEPENDENTNG.