NNPCL Purchases Fuel from Dangote Refinery at N898 per Litre

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  The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has announced that it has acquired fuel from Dangote Refinery at a price of N898 per litre. The oil firm had moved about 300 trucks to the 650,000 capacity refinery in Lagos, on Saturday, and loading commenced on Sunday. Speaking with Daily Trust over the price of premium motor spirit (PMS), otherwise known as petrol, Chief Spokesperson of the NNPCL, Olufemi Soneye, said, “We successfully loaded PMS at the Dangote Refinery today. The claim that we purchased it at N760 per liter is incorrect. For this initial loading, the price from the refinery was N898 per liter.” He told our correspondent that as of the time of filing the report, over 70 trucks had been loaded. Wale Edun, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, had announced that NNPCL would be the sole off-taker of refined petrol from Dangote Refinery. At the Technical Sub-Committee meeting on the sale of crude oil to local refineries in Naira, on Friday, the Finance Minister who was represented by Zacch Adedeji, Executive Chairman of Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), had said diesel from the Dangote Refinery would be sold in Naira to any interested off-taker, while PMS would only be sold to NNPCL, which will then sell to various marketers. He announced the completion of all agreements and modalities for the implementation of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) approval on the sale of crude to local refineries in Naira and corresponding purchase of petroleum products in Naira. FEC under the leadership of President Tinubu had approved the sale of crude to local refineries in Naira and corresponding purchase of petroleum products in Naira. The government explained that the initiative was aimed at reducing pressure on the naira, eliminating unnecessary transaction costs, and improving the availability of petroleum products in the country. “Since then, the implementation committee chaired by the Hon. Minister of Finance and the technical committee have worked intensely with NNPCL and Dangote Refinery to fashion out the details of the modalities for the implementation of the FEC approval. “I am glad to announce that all agreements have been completed and loading of the first batch of PMS from the Dangote Refinery will commence on Sunday 15th September. From 1st October, NNPC will commence the supply of about 385kbpd of crude oil to the Dangote Refinery to be paid for in Naira. “In return, the Dangote Refinery will supply PMS and diesel of equivalent value to the domestic market to be paid for in Naira. Diesel will be sold in Naira by the Dangote Refinery to any interested offtaker. PMS will only be sold to NNPC, NNPC will then sell to various marketers for now,” he said. He added that all associated regulatory costs (NPA, NIMASA, etc.) will also be paid for in Naira. The government, according to the minister was also setting up a one-stop shop in Lagos, that will coordinate service provision from all regulatory agencies, security agencies, and other stakeholders to ensure a smooth implementation of this initiative.

Mali Defeats Junior D’Tigress as Nigeria Takes Second Place in FIBA U18 Final

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    On Saturday,the Nigerian U-18 women’s basketball team, Junior D’Tigress, came up short in the FIBA U18 Women’s AfroBasket 2024 final, falling 56-76 to Mali, who secured their record ninth title. Despite an early 5-0 lead, Nigeria struggled to maintain momentum against Mali’s dominant performance. The Malian team controlled the game, winning all four quarters—11-8 in the first, 18-15 in the second, 24-19 in the third, and finishing with a commanding 23-14 in the fourth. Mali’s strength was evident in the paint, where they outscored Nigeria 30-16, and they capitalized on fast breaks with an additional 15 points. Nigeria’s bench was more productive, contributing 24 points compared to Mali’s 12. Mali’s 17-year-old Oummou Koumare was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player, while Nigeria’s Idubamo Beggi earned a spot on the All-Star team. Beggi, an 18-year-old guard who plays for the MFM Queens Basketball team in Lagos, was a standout throughout the tournament, scoring 109 points in six games. She played a key role in Nigeria’s journey to the final, including scoring 23 points in both the opening loss to Egypt and the semifinal victory over Uganda. However, in the final, Mali limited her to 14 points. Beggi also contributed 32 assists and 17 rebounds during the tournament held in South Africa.   Independent NG

Eid-el-Mawlid 2024: Makinde Extends Greetings to Muslims Nationwide

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  By Adeleke Maria  Oyo State Governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, has extended heartfelt congratulations to the Muslim Ummah in Oyo State and across Nigeria in celebration of Eid-el-Mawlid 2024. The governor, in a statement made available to newsmen on Sunday, congratulated all Muslims on witnessing the Mawlid, calling on them to pray for Oyo State, Nigeria and the leadership at both levels. According to him, the Mawlid, always celebrated on the 12th day of the third month of the Islamic Calendar, to mark the birthday of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him), is an important festival for all Muslims and should be used as another avenue to seek the face of Allah over the state of affairs in the country. He said: “I congratulate all Muslims on the occasion of the Eid-el-Mawlid 2024. “The Mawlid has always been an important festival for the Muslim Ummah; a great opportunity for them to glorify Allah and the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him). “While felicitating my Muslim brothers and sisters, I want to charge them to use the opportunity to pray more for our state and our nation. “As an administration, we have enjoyed the support and prayers of the Muslim Ummah in the last five years. But just as efforts cannot be too much, prayers cannot be too much. So, please pray more for things to turn around for the better in our nation. “On our part, we will continue to implement policies and programmes that will guarantee the wellbeing of the people and their freedom to practise their religions without inhibition or disturbance. “Happy EEid-el-Mawlid”

300 Trucks Arrives at Dangote Refinery Ahead of Petrol Loading

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  The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) has confirmed that around 300 trucks have arrived at the Dangote Refinery in Ibeju-Lekki. This milestone sets the stage for the planned commencement of petrol loading, scheduled for Sunday, September 15, 2024. Olufemi Soneye, NNPC’s Chief Corporate Communications Officer, disclosed this development via the social media platform X. “NNPC Ltd. trucks are arriving at the Dangote Refinery in preparation for the scheduled petrol loading,” Soneye stated. He emphasized that by the end of Saturday, at least 300 trucks would be stationed at the refinery’s fuel loading gantry, ready for action. In addition to the trucks already on-site, NNPC has mobilized an extensive fleet to facilitate the loading process. As of Saturday afternoon, the company reported that over 100 trucks had been deployed, with hundreds more en route to support the operation. This loading marks a significant milestone, as it follows the announcement last week by Aliko Dangote, Chairman of the Dangote Group, regarding the commencement of fuel production at the refinery. The NNPC, acting as the sole off-taker of petrol from the facility, projects to lift the product at prices ranging from N960 to N980 per litre, with expectations that it will be sold to marketers at approximately N840 to N850 per litre. This could potentially lead to a reduction in pump prices for consumers, with petrol estimated to retail between N857 and N865. Despite optimism over lower price points, the uniformity of these rates at filling stations nationwide remains uncertain. Presently, petrol prices at NNPC retail stations in Lagos are around N855 per litre, making it the most affordable option compared to major marketers who charge approximately N920. Independent sellers are even higher, with prices exceeding N1,000 per litre in some areas, while some regions of the country report prices above N1,200. As the NNPC prepares for tomorrow’s loading at the Dangote Refinery, all eyes will be on the impact this operation will have on petrol pricing and availability across Nigeria.

Omoyele Sowore Released After Arrest

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  Omoyele Sowore, the African Action Congress’s presidential candidate in the 2023 election, has been released shortly after his arrest. PUNCH Online earlier reported that Sowore was arrested on Sunday morning at Murtala Muhammad International Airport in Ikeja, Lagos State. He wrote, “I had just arrived in Nigeria from the USA at MMIA in Lagos; upon reaching Nigerian Immigration, my passport was seized, and they told me they had orders to detain me. “This is not unexpected because I have always known that it is part of the broader clampdown by the fascist @officialAbat regime on dissent and their fear of the upcoming #FearlessINOctober revolt. His flight left Washington Dulles International Airport at 6.14 EDT and arrived in Lagos at around 9.43am. On Thursday, 12 September 2024, a DSS memo ordering the arrest of Sowore upon his arrival in Nigeria was leaked. However, in a post via his official X handle, Sowore disclosed that he had been released by the Nigerian Immigration Service and his passport had been released to him after it was earlier confiscated. He wrote, “I have just been released by the Nigerian Immigration after a brief detention and my passport released back to me.”

Lagos State Government Raises Boarding Fees for Public Secondary Schools by 186%

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Starting from September 15, 2024, the Lagos State government will implement a 186 percent increase in boarding fees for all public secondary schools across the state. This adjustment will take effect as the 2024/2025 academic session begins. This was made known in a letter signed by Olufemi Asaolu, director of the basic education services in the Lagos State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education on behalf of the permanent secretary sighted by BusinessDay to all boarding school principals of the state. “I have the directive of the honourable commissioner to inform all public boarding house schools in Lagos State that the government has approved the review of boarding fees payable in all public boarding house schools in Lagos State. “The new approved fee is N100,000. I’m further directed to inform you that no additional fees of any form should be collected by the schools,” the statement reads in part. Before the new fees, secondary schools in Lagos State were charging N35,000 as boarding fees, hence with the reviewed N100,000 per term, the increase amounts to 186 percent. Some of the concerned parents voiced against the new fees for boarding students in Lagos State citing the prevailing economic hardships ravaging the country. A parent confirmed receiving the news from a brother who has two children in Midel College but wondered where the government expects parents to raise such an amount amid the prevalent rising cost of living. “I don’t know where Lagos State wants parents to see such money at this minute. Instead of the government to be a relief to people, they are now becoming a burden,” she said. Another parent wondered what and how the government intends to reconcile those who had already paid for the new session before the upward review. “What happens to parents who have paid the initial amount,” she asked. Nigerian parents are getting frustrated going through tough times occasioned by hikes in school fees, transportation, and books as schools resume, amidst a surging cost of living crisis further orchestrated by the recent petrol pump price increase. In an apparent reflection of the high cost of living in the country without a commensurate rise in salaries, parents are faced with herculean tasks coping with the rising cost of living and having their children in school.

FG Extends Sympathy Visit To Yobe State After Mafa Community Insurgency Attack

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  A high-powered Federal Government delegation paid a sympathy visit and commiserated with the Yobe state government over the recent insurgency attack on the Mafa community of Tarmuwa Local Government Area. The Minister of Finance Mr. Wale Edun, who led the delegation, said they were in the state to convey the message of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the government and people of the state. He said the security of lives and property remains a top priority of the Bola Tinubu administration. The Minister assured that the government is working to revamp the economy and attract local and foreign investors to create job opportunities for Nigerians. The National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, who was also on the entourage, assured that the end of terrorism and Banditry in Nigeria is getting much closer. He commended the army and other security organizations for their efforts in checking terrorism in the Northeast and other crimes across the country. “The security agencies have been so wonderful, making a lot of sacrifices to safeguard lives and property in the country. “What we are now seeing is the beginning of the end; it is just a matter of time before the entire country will be secured,” the NSA assured. Governor Mai Mala Buni expressed appreciation for the visit, saying, “The government and people of Yobe state have by this visit been given a sense of belonging.” He commended President Tinubu “for providing leadership for the country at a very difficult time.” The Governor assured the support of the government and people of Yobe state to the federal government to achieve its developmental goals.   Independent NG

Hamza Bin Laden, Previously Presumed Dead, Found Alive and Leading a Large Network- Report

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  Experts believe that Hamza bin Laden, the son of Osama bin Laden, is alive and leading al-Qaeda, despite reports of his death in 2019. Hamza, known as the “Crown Prince of Terror” is thought to be secretly commanding the terrorist network, alongside his brother Abdullah, UK Mirror reports. Intelligence suggests that the brothers have established a militant dynasty, with 10 major terror training camps in Afghanistan and connections to other global extremist groups. Hamza, 34, is reportedly based in Jalalabad, a known terrorist hub east of Kabul. This development raises concerns about the continuation of Osama bin Laden’s legacy and the potential for further violence and terrorism. “Hamza bin Laden is not only alive but actively involved in al-Qaeda’s resurgence, a fact well-known among senior Taliban leaders. These leaders engage with him, holding regular meetings and securing him and his family. “It highlights a deep connection between al-Qaeda and the Taliban, one that is crucial for Western governments to understand. [Hamza] has ascended to the leadership of al-Qaeda, steering [it] towards its most potent resurgence since the Iraq War,” a report seen by the Mirror stated. “Under his command, al-Qaeda is regrouping and preparing for future attacks on Western targets. Hamza is driven by a powerful determination to continue the legacy of his father, which adds a symbolic and strategic weight to his actions. Moreover, Hamza’s brother, Abdullah bin Laden, plays a critical role in this revival.” Another report says the camps train fighters and suicide bombers, and teach them how to slip out of Afghanistan to launch threats against Western targets. It is thought up to 21 terror networks are operating in Afghanistan, turning the country into the world’s biggest terror hot spot. The latest assessments say al-Qaeda is working with Islamic State, sparking growing fears of another 9/11-style attack on the West. Another intelligence analysis document seen by the Mirror warns: “The parallels between the current situation and the prelude to the 9/11 attacks are alarming. The lack of a legitimate government and the ideological alignment between the ruling Taliban regime and these groups has turned Afghanistan into a haven for extremism. Terrorists from outside flock to the country for training.” It is believed too that al-Qaeda and ISK, the regional Islamic State franchise, are not just co-existing but actively collaborating, with inter-marriages among members. This is creating a unified and formidable terrorist network. This mirrors the alliances formed by key terrorist leaders in the past and underscores the growing danger.” It is believed that Hamza and his four wives have sheltered in Iran for several years to hide from the CIA. In 2019 the then US President Donald Trump claimed he had ordered a successful hit on Hamza in an airstrike believed to be in Ghazni Province in south east Afghanistan. No DNA proof was acquired by the CIA. In 2022, Ayman al-Zawahiri – an Egyptian who led al-Qaeda after Bin Laden senior was killed by the US in 2011 in Pakistan – was killed by a CIA missile in Kabul. It is believed Hamza and al-Qaeda’s de facto leader Saif al-Adel use safe houses in Afghanistan. The boltholes in Kandahar, Ghazni, Laghman, Parwan, Herat and Helmand enable al-Qaeda members to travel to and from Iran, according to the analysis seen by the Mirror. The report adds: “The resurgence and stronger ties between the Taliban and AQ and the establishment of its training camps in Afghanistan represent a profound threat to the West.” It says the camps teach that martyrdom is the highest achievement which motivates “many recruits to volunteer for suicide operations”.

OYO-CARES Begins Distributing Farm Inputs to Farmers in Ido, Oyo LGAs; Beneficiaries Receive Goats, Cassava Cuttings, Maize Seeds, and More

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  The Oyo Community Action Resilience And Economic Stimulus (OYO- CARES) on Thursday, commenced the fourth phase distribution of agricultural farm inputs to 300 crop and livestock farmers in Ido Local Government Area to further enhance food production in Oyo State. The exercise aims at distribution of agricultural inputs and provision of capacity building and extension services to 3,660 beneficiaries in 26 local government areas of Oyo state under the Nigeria Community Action Resilience And Economic Stimulus (N-CARES). The inputs distributed are, NPK fertilisers, maize seeds and tomato seeds, one liter of herbicide chemicals goats among others. The State Project Coordinator, Result Area 2 for N- CARES, Mr Bamigblola Kolawole disclosed that the beneficiaries comprises farmers from three Farmers Community Associations( FCA ) which includes beneficiaries of the Youth Entrepreneur Agro-preneur Programme (YEAP). According to him, the 300 beneficiaries are grouped into 10 farmers each, with 140 livestock farmers, another 140 cassava and maize farmers and 20 tomato farmers. He explained further that while the crop farmers are getting fertilizers, agro-chemicals and seeds, the livestock farmers are getting goats. “This is the major support we are given to them and the essence of this is to assist these farmers to increase food production in the state and this is not the first time we are doing such in Ido Local Government”, he said. Earlier in his remarks, the Executive Chairman of Ido Local Government, Sheriff Adeojo appreciated the state governor Engr. ‘Seyi Makinde for the initiative which he said has greatly supported farmers in the council to enhance agricultural activities in the area. He advised the beneficiaries to make judicious use of the inputs for the intended purpose assuring that the state government will continue to support farmers to boost food production in the state and the county at large. A maize and cassava farmer Ishola Olajumoke and a beneficiary of the Youth Entrepreneurship Program, Ridwane Akinade appreciated the support to farmers which they said came at the right time assuring that the inputs will be utilized judiciously. Also in Afijio Local Government, Jobele no fewer than 170 beneficiaries comprising Agbedun FCA with seven Cassava group (70 beneficiaries) as each received 15 bundles of Cassava cuttings, 50 kg of NPK fertilizer and 1 liter of herbicide chemical, also in Afijio LGA, Agbesanwa FCA comprises of 7 livestock farmer group (70 beneficiaries) and each of the seventy beneficiaries goes home with two goats, 3 maize groups, (30 beneficiaries) received 10kg bag of maize seeds, 50 kg of fertilizer, and 1 liter of herbicide chemical. In his reactions, the Executive Chairman of Afijio Local Government, Hon Emmanuel Olufemi Aikomo, who was on ground to witness the distribution exercise lauded the Engr Seyi Makinde for the support. He equally urged the beneficiaries to make the inputs given to them in order to get compliments the efforts of the state government on food sufficiency in the state. Similarly, in Oyo West, where we have Agbeparapodola FCA which comprises of five livestock farmers groups, all the 50 beneficiaries in the group received two goats each, while the five Cassava Farmers Group of 50 beneficiaries received 20 bundles of Cassava cuttings. Also in Oyo West we have Agbegbayi FCA and under that group we have three cassava farmers groups, 2 maize groups and 5 livestock farmers groups. The 200 beneficiaries of livestock farmers group under Ifelagba FCA received two goats each making 200 goats in total. In Oyo East Local Government, under Agbeloba FCA which comprises of five Cassava Farmers Groups, five Livestock Farmers Groups received their farm inputs. The beneficiaries in Atiba Local Government under the Agbegbewa FCA where we have seven Maize Farmer’s Groups, three livestock groups received their inputs accordingly, we also have Agbedola FCA that comprises of 10 livestock groups.

Just In: FG Declares September 16, Public Holiday

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  The federal government has announced that Monday, September 16, will be a public holiday in observance of Eid-ul-Mawlid, which celebrates the birth of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him). The minister of interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, made the declaration on behalf of the federal government on Friday, September 13 He congratulated the Muslim Ummah both at home and in the Diaspora for the celebration. Tunji-Ojo in a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr Magdalene Ajani, urged the Muslim Ummah and, by extension, Nigerians, to imbibe the spirit of patience, sacrifice, and resilience. While congratulating the Muslim Ummah on the occasion, the minister implored them to use the opportunity of the period to pray for enduring peace and a more prosperous nation.

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