Citybuzznews

Dangote Refinery Commences Fuel Exports to W’African Countries

by

  The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has begun the export of refined petroleum products to neighbouring West African countries, a sign to traders that the mega-refinery’s operations could soon potentially shake up regional fuel markets. A report by Bloomberg on Tuesday, quoting data sourced from Vortexa, Kpler, Precise Intelligence, a port report, and ship-tracking platform, said a tanker has hauled a shipment of gasoline from the Dangote Petroleum Refinery to waters off the coast of Togo, a neighbouring West African country. The report said a CL Jane Austen recently loaded more than 300,000 barrels from Dangote and sailed west. Recall that last month, the chairman of the Ghana National Petroleum Authority, Mustapha Abdul-Hamid, said the country is considering buying petroleum products from the Dangote refinery to help the country cut more expensive exports from Europe which cost the country about $400m monthly. The chairman of NPA, Ghana, who spoke at the OTL Africa Downstream Oil Conference in Lagos, said importing from Nigeria rather than Europe would reduce the prices of other goods and services by removing freight costs. “If the refinery reaches 650,000bpd a day capacity, all that volume cannot be consumed by Nigeria alone, so instead of us importing as we do right now from Rotterdam, it will be much easier for us to import from Nigeria and I believe that will bring down our prices,” Hamid said. Similarly, The PUNCH exclusively reported two weeks ago that the refinery was set to begin fuel exports to South Africa, Angola, and Namibia. It added that four other African countries – Niger Republic, Chad, Burkina Faso, and Central Africa Republic – had also started negotiations with the refinery. A highly credible source, who confirmed this exclusively to one of our correspondents, said the management of the 650,000bpd capacity refinery was at the advanced stages of talks with the countries to start lifting fuel. “I can confirm to you that talks are actually at the advanced stage with Ghana, Angola, Namibia, and South Africa, while the initial discussion is coming up with Niger, Chad, Burkina Faso, and the Central African Republic,” the source said. The report further stated that the petroleum product shipment is now floating off the coast of Lome, a popular area for ship-to-ship transfers. It’s also not certain where the CL Jane Austen’s cargo will ultimately end up. Although it’s off Togo, the area is often used for Ship-to-ship transfers, meaning the fuel could subsequently be taken elsewhere. “While the shipment is tiny in the context of the global gasoline market, it signals the ramp-up of Dangote’s production and the potential to export significant volumes of gasoline beyond Nigeria, which could upend regional markets.” The refinery last month shipped its first seaborne gasoline cargo to the nearby commercial hub of Lagos. Whether large amounts of Dangote’s gasoline output end up being exported remains to be seen. Last month, the Federal Government ended its state-owned oil company’s monopoly on buying the fuel from the plant for domestic use but has allowed the continued importation of fuel from Europe and the US in line with the regulatory act. According to the report, a Dangote spokesperson didn’t respond to a request for comments.

Cholera Outbreak Claims 25 Lives In Sokoto,15 Hospitalized

by

  No fewer than 25 persons have been confirmed dead as a result of a Gastroenteritis outbreak, otherwise known as Cholera, in three Local Government Areas of the state out of a total of 1,160 cases recorded in the state. The state Commissioner of Health, Asabe Balarabe, disclosed this on Monday while speaking to newsmen. The commissioner further explained that the state is treating 15 other victims of the outbreak on active cases from Sokoto North, Silame and Kware local government areas. The 15 active cases, according to the commissioner, were diagnosed through laboratory tests based on culture and sensitivity and confirmed to be active cases of the cholera outbreak. The commissioner further said, ” Out of 1,160 people that have been affected by the outbreak, 25 of the victims have already succumbed to the disease. “The stated rescue teams are collaborating with the state government to manage and forestall further spread of the dreaded disease.” “The state government, in its response to the outbreak, directed the immediate purchase and distribution of drugs free of charge to 18 local government areas to curtail the disease’s continued spread. The commissioner appreciated the turnout of women, especially pregnant women, seeking medical consultations and pregnancy tests at various health institutions in the state. She highlighted challenges facing the health sector, including dilapidated infrastructure and inadequate resources, which have plagued the sector backwards for the past eight years. She expressed hope that Governor Ahmad Aliyu, in his magnanimity, see to the revitalization of the health sector in the state. “Patients often face numerous problems in public health institutions, such as atrocities, loud disturbances, lack of water, and power outages.” She commended the governor for recruiting 864 nurses and midwives to address the issue of a shortage of manpower in state public health facilities. Balarabe, however, stated that plans are in the pipeline to recruit more supporting staff to replace the dead and those who retired without replacement. Our Correspondent in the state gathered that victims of the escalating cases of Cholera/Diarrhea outbreak were in Bazza and Gidadawa Communities in Sokoto Metropolis, where some died while others are still receiving medication at Primary Health Centres in Bazza and Kofar Rini clinics; all in Waziri B Ward of Sokoto North LGA.   Punch

Ibadan Chops ‘n’ Chill 2024: A Global Culinary Event Set To Attract 10,000+ Attendees On December 1, 2024

by

  The second edition of the “Ibadan Chops ‘n’ Chill” culinary event, scheduled for December 1, 2024, at the Recreation Club in Eleyele, Ibadan, is anticipated to attract over 10,000 food lovers alongside local and international chefs. The Chief Executive Officer of Chef Wendy’s Kitchen and Convener of Ibadan Chops ‘n’ Chill, Chef Chinwendu Festus Wendy, stated that the event will go beyond being just a food festival. It will serve as a platform to celebrate diverse flavors and showcase culinary talents in Ibadan and its surrounding areas. She disclosed this over the weekend at a press conference held at the Nextgen Event Center in Bodija, Ibadan. The briefing was aimed at updating journalists and key stakeholders about the upcoming event, which she described as a platform to elevate local chefs and establish Ibadan as a prominent hub in Nigeria’s growing fast-food industry. “This project has not only broadened my horizons but has also reignited my passion to contribute to society. I am proud to announce that Ibadan Chops ‘n’ Chill is now an annual event,” she said. The renowned chef revealed that the inaugural edition, held at the Ibadan Polo Club in Eleyele, Ibadan, was a resounding success. She assured that this year’s event, promises to deliver an unforgettable experience. The organizer extended her gratitude to the Oyo State Government, particularly the Ministry of Youths and Sports, the Oyo State Agency for Youth Development, and the State House Committee on Youth Development, alongside the media and other stakeholders, for their unwavering support in ensuring the event’s success. In her remarks, the Oyo State Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Wasilat Adegoke,lauded the event for promoting cultural exchange, entertainment, and economic growth. Represented by her aide, Maryam Kareem, the Commissioner highlighted the event’s significance: “Ibadan Chops and Chill 2.0 will showcase the city’s vibrant spirit, rich heritage, and culinary delights. Our administration is committed to supporting youth-driven initiatives, fostering creative entrepreneurship, enhancing community engagement, and preserving cultural heritage,” she said. Adding his voice, renowned chef Tawab called on government agencies, private individuals, and organizations to support the initiative. He emphasized that such projects could create job opportunities for unemployed youth, further boosting the nation’s economy. The annual “Ibadan Chops ‘n’ Chill” event has quickly become a symbol of innovation, unity, and empowerment, garnering global attention and enhancing the city’s reputation as a culinary and cultural hub.

BREAKING: EPL- Tottenham Midfielder Bentancur Handed Seven-Match Ban Over Racist Remarks

by

  Tottenham footballer Rodrigo Bentancur has been banned for seven matches and fined £100,000 after an independent regulatory commission ruled on his racist remarks about teammate Son Heung-min. Spurs will be without their key midfielder for an extended period following the commission’s verdict, as reported by several outlets. According to Football London, Bentancur was charged after making the comments during a pre-season interview. The Football Association imposed a seven-match suspension covering domestic fixtures and a £100,000 fine. Bentancur, a key player under manager Ange Postecoglou, has been instrumental for Spurs this season, missing only one Premier League match due to concussion. However, the Uruguayan midfielder’s suspension leaves Postecoglou with a significant gap in his squad. The FA’s statement on Monday said, “An independent regulatory commission has imposed a seven-match suspension and £100,000 fine on Rodrigo Bentancur for a breach of FA Rule E3 in relation to a media interview. “It was alleged that the Tottenham Hotspur midfielder breached FA Rule E3.1 by acting improperly, using abusive and/or insulting words, and bringing the game into disrepute.” Details later…   Punch

PDP Criticizes Tinubu For Conferring GCON Title On Indian PM

by

The Peoples Democratic Party on Sunday faulted President Bola Tinubu for decorating the visiting Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, with the Nigerian second highest national honour of the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger. Speaking with The PUNCH on Sunday, the Deputy National Youth Leader of the PDP, Timothy Osadolor, described the President’s action as misplaced priority. But the Deputy National Organising Secretary of the ruling All Progressives Congress, Nze Chidi Duru, kicked, arguing that the President didn’t do anything unprecedented. The PDP’s criticism comes a few hours after Tinubu conferred Modi with the highest honour in the land during the Nigeria/India Bilateral meeting held at the Presidential, Abuja. On his part, Modi commiserated with Nigeria over the recent floods that ravaged several cities across the country, including Maiduguri, Borno State. The Indian Prime Minister promised to support Nigeria with 20 tonnes of relief materials. ”We had a very productive discussion with President Tinubu. We talked about adding momentum to our strategic partnership. There is immense scope for ties to flourish even further in sectors like defence, energy, technology, trade, health, education and more,” Modi said. However, the PDP expressed disappointment in Tinubu, wondering why he chose to gift the second highest national honour in the land on the basis of mere friendship. The member of PDP National Working Committee emphasised that though the President has the right and prerogative to confer a national honour on anybody, there must be criteria to show why they deserve it. “It is not something you dish out for the sake of friendship and all of that. I don’t know what the Indian Prime Minister has done to have warranted such an honour. But this is the second highest honour in the land. It is a misplacement of priorities. “I would have thought that the President should have asked the Indian Prime Minister how the Indian economy has been able to move away from being the poverty capital of the world to being one of the fastest growing economies in the world now. The biggest tech moguls across the globe at the moment are all Indians. “Just look at Microsoft, the Silicon Valley in America and startups. They are all being run and set up by Indians. I would have thought that Tinubu, in a bid to shore up the lacuna his cabinet lacks, would have been humble enough to ask the Prime Minister to offer him a clue as to how to help his government and Nigerians. Not dishing out unnecessary awards that the man doesn’t need other than for pictures and commentary,” he said. Continuing, the PDP chieftain took a further swipe at the current administration, saying it wouldn’t stop playing to the gallery with some of its alleged theatrics. Osadolor also wondered if the President took the liberty of asking the visiting PM and his delegation the right questions on investments and how Nigeria can borrow a leaf from the Indians to move the country out of the woods. He said, “Tinubu is not serious. He should leave out frivolities for bigger issues. Now that the Indian Prime Minister has taken it upon himself to visit Africa, yes, we have a significant and sizeable Indian community in Nigeria. But to what end can we maximize and leverage these businesses? “Are we asking the right questions, seeking the right investments and pushing for the right policies? But the distraction from this administration is becoming one too many. I think President Tinubu should wake up from these media gimmicks and focus on the real issues. “Nigerians are hungry and dying. The technologies the Indians are currently deploying globally will help a great deal to solve most of these basic challenges.” But the APC Deputy National Organising Secretary, Duru, raised concerns that the PDP was not playing its role as a responsible opposition. He said, “I think the question to ask is, whether there is a precedent in this. Then the next question is if it is within the confines of the power of Mr President to confer such an award. If it is, is the process approved? Once all these questions are answered in the affirmative, it then becomes the discretion of Mr President to confer such honorary award on whom he pleases. “Having said that, it is also important to underscore the fact that we will need to go beyond the politics of emotions to begin to address the issue. So, the PDP is more than welcome to continue to play the role of opposition, which is admirable. “However, we like to see a situation whereby what they put on the table is, with respect, how we can make Nigeria a lot better and more improved that will address the issues facing us as a country. I am talking about things like how do we put food on the table, create a better environment for business to thrive and create a better level playing field. These are things that should worry any of us than to chase shadow.” Meanwhile, a United States of America-based Nigerian security expert, Dr. Sylvester Okere, on Sunday, said the Indian-Nigerian partnership would secure the people’s assets. Okere, who would be among personalities that would be hosted by the Central Association of Private Security Industry from November 21 to 22, 2024 in India, said the invitation by CAPSI to the 19th Security Leadership Summit 2024 in New Delhi was coming at a time when the Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi arrived in Nigeria for a state visit. Okere will speak on ‘Indian-Nigerian Partnership in Securing People and Assets,’ as well as other critical security issues affecting both countries. The PUNCH gathered that CAPSI, the umbrella organisation of the Indian private security industry, has ties with some of the leading global security education organisations like the World Association of Detectives, International Federation of Protection Officers, the US-based Association of Investigation and Security Agencies Regulators and the United Kingdom-based Security Institute for training and placement of trained … Read more

Just In – #OndoDecides2024: INEC Declares Aiyedatiwa Winner

by

Ondo State Governor, Mr Lucky Ayedatiwa, has been declared winner of the Saturday’s governorship election in the state. He was returned elected by the Independent National Electoral Commission after winning the governorship poll in all the 18 local government areas of the state. Ayedatiwa who won in Ese Odo Local Government Area in the last LG result presented on Sunday at the State Collation Centre in Akure, had previously won in the 17 LGs that had earlier been announced. In the final declaration of the result by the State Returning Officer, Prof Olayemi Akinwumi, he said APC’s Ayedatiwa polled in total of 366,781 votes to defeat Agboola Ajayi of PDP, who got 117,845 votes. The Returning Officer said, “That Ayedatiwa Lucky Orimisan of APC, having satisfied the requirement of the law is hereby returned elected.” Details later…

Medical Experts Warn Of Rising Costs, Scarcity Of Diabetes Medications In Nigeria

by

  Medical experts have raised concerns over the soaring costs and scarcity of diabetes medications in Nigeria. They also revealed that the number of individuals living with diabetes in the country has risen to approximately 14 million. Marking World Diabetes Day, themed “Breaking Barriers, Bridging Gaps”, the experts stressed the urgent need for action. Speaking to our correspondent, Consultant Physician and Diabetologist, and First Vice President of the Diabetes Association of Nigeria, Dr Mansur Ramalan, lamented the escalating drug costs and their unavailability. “Diabetic patients are suffering from both the high cost and unavailability of drugs because three major companies marketing these drugs, including Sanofi Aventis, a major insulin producer, have exited the country. “These drugs are now sold through third parties, which has naturally led to price increases. Furthermore, due to the exchange rate challenges, prices have skyrocketed. This has created problems of affordability, availability, and accessibility for patients,” he stated. Dr Ramalan urged the government to intervene, highlighting the plight of diabetes patients. “This year, the association wrote to the government about the cost of drugs, but no action was taken. Last week, we heard about free caesarean sections for women; if that can be done, similar measures can address our concerns. “Currently, Nigeria has a diabetes prevalence rate of 4 to 6 per cent, equating to an estimated 12 to 14 million people living with diabetes. This figure is rising yearly. In 1991, the prevalence rate was 2.4 per cent, but it has since surged to approximately 5.7 to 6 per cent,” he added. Professor Tanimola Akande, a Public Health expert at the University of Ilorin and former National Chairman of the Association of Public Health Physicians of Nigeria, corroborated these concerns. “Diabetes is a chronic non-communicable disease with a high prevalence and burden in Nigeria. World Diabetes Day provides an opportunity to raise awareness and offer screening for the population. It also allows governments and stakeholders to prioritise activities and programmes that address diabetes prevention and control,” he said. The World Health Organisation’s Regional Director for Africa, Dr Matshidiso Moeti, warned last Thursday that the number of people living with diabetes in Africa is projected to rise to 54 million by 2045, marking the highest predicted increase globally if urgent action is not taken. Dr Moeti noted, “In the WHO African Region alone, more than 24 million adults currently live with diabetes, half of whom remain undiagnosed. Left untreated, diabetes can lead to complications such as heart disease, stroke, nerve damage, kidney failure, lower-limb amputation, and blindness. “Without urgent interventions, the number of people living with diabetes in the region will rise to 54 million by 2045, posing a dual health and economic burden, including catastrophic individual spending to manage the disease. “Africa also has the lowest investment rate in diabetes care globally, with only 1 per cent of health expenditure dedicated to it. Health systems traditionally designed to address acute infectious diseases lack sufficient focus on chronic conditions like diabetes.” Dr Moeti urged governments and stakeholders to act promptly, emphasising the need for proper nutrition, access to essential medicines, physical activity, mental health support, and community engagement to combat diabetes effectively. She concluded, “Strengthening diabetes control in Africa requires addressing key gaps, including myths and misconceptions, fragile primary health care systems, and insufficient capacity and training of health care workers.”   Punch

Breaking: Southwest Plane Hit By Gunfire In US

by

  A Southwest Airlines plane was reportedly struck by gunfire at Dallas Love Field on Friday night, according to the airline. A spokesperson for Southwest said the plane, preparing for departure to Indianapolis, was hit but no injuries were reported. The Dallas Police Department responded to the shooting at approximately 9:48 p.m. at 8000 Herb Keller Way. WFAA, citing a police source on Saturday, reported that 99 people were aboard the flight when the incident occurred. In a statement on Saturday, Southwest Airlines confirmed the details: “Southwest Airlines Flight 2494 taxied safely back to the terminal at Dallas Love Field after a bullet apparently struck the right side of the aircraft just under the flight deck while the Crew was preparing for departure for Indianapolis. No injuries were reported. Southwest will accommodate our Customers on another flight. Law enforcement authorities have been notified and the plane has been removed from service.” The Dallas Police Department has stated that its investigation into the incident is ongoing. Haitian airport gunfire In related aviation news, New York Post reported on Saturday that the Federal Aviation Administration has banned U.S. airlines from flying to Haiti for 30 days after a series of gunfire incidents targeting planes at or near Toussaint Louverture International Airport in Port-au-Prince. Earlier this week, Haitian gangs reportedly shot at three planes. A Spirit Airlines flight was hit by multiple bullets on Monday as it attempted to land, grazing a flight attendant and forcing the plane to divert to the Dominican Republic. On the following day, American Airlines and JetBlue flights departing from Port-au-Prince were also hit, with bullet holes discovered during post-flight inspections. The agency highlighted the escalating violence as a major concern for aviation safety in the region. Punch

OYCSDA Creates 20,000 Jobs In 66 Micro-Projects …..Trains LG Chairmen, HLGAs, Desk Officers On Projects Implementation

by

  The Oyo State Community and Social Development Agency (OYCSDA) has announced that the ongoing sixty-six micro-projects across communities in Oyo State have created 20,000 jobs for members of the communities that have skills in carpentry, bricklaying, plumbing, electrical engineering among others. This was disclosed on Thursday by the Chairman, Oyo State Community and Social Development Agency (OYCSDA), Hon. Abideen Adetokunbo Adeaga at one-day capacity building workshop for Chairmen of the thirty-three local government areas, the Heads of Local Government Administration (HLGAs) and Desk Officers attached to OYCSDA’s micro-projects, where communities are implementing projects from the financial intervention of the agency. While appreciating the State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, for releasing funds for the micro-projects, Adeaga clarified that the projects include construction or renovation of community health centers, provision of beddings, furniture and hospital equipment, construction or renovation of blocks of classrooms and toilets, teachers and students furniture and VIP toilets, drilling of boreholes as well as construction of culverts and line drainages to fight erosion. “The sixty-six micro-projects that are currently ongoing in all the thirty-three local government areas of Oyo State, like those delivered before now, are source of joy for the people of these communities, because their worries on conducive learning environment for students and teachers, their fears of erosion, their headaches about lack of portable water and access to basic health care, are gone because the agency injected close to #18million to each community for project intervention, which translated to wealth distribution and local institution empowerment. “It is worthy to note that apart from these basic areas of felt-need interventions, the ripple effect that has been noted for record is that 20,000 jobs have been created for artizans in these communities. “So, in this respect, we have to organize this capacity building training for the thirty-three local government Chairmen, the HLGAs and the Desk Officers attached to OYCSDA’s micro-projects, for them to know more about their responsibilities on the implementation of these developmental projects.” In his remark, the Chairman, Lagelu Local Government, who spoke on behalf of other council Chairmen, said they were happy with the development in their respective local government areas where the projects were sited and promised to give their support to ensure the projects are delivered to time and standard is maintained. The General Manager, OYCSDA, Mr Salau Jelili pointed out that one of the essential principles of the World Bank-assisted programmes through the Nigera Community Action for Resilience and Economic Stimulus (NG-CARES) is synergy and collaboration among stakeholders and institutions, to achieve set goals, adding that the objectives of the workshop include empowering local government administrators with knowledge, skills and techniques to take charge of the development of their people. He also spoke on the topic “OYCSDA: Success Story” where he cataloged the achievements of the agency from the days of Local Empowerment and Environmental Management Project (LEEMP), CSDP till the present era of NG-CARES. The second resource person was a former Operations Manager of OYCSDA, Alhaji Amidu Adepoju, spoke on “The Roles and Responsibilities of Local Government Review Committee and The Local Government Authority in The Implementation of NG-CARES Projects,” Special guests at the occasion include the State’s Commissioner for Finance, who is the Chairman Steering Committee on NG-CARES/OYO-CARES, Mr. Akinola Ojo, who was represented by Mr. Giwa Babatunde, the Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Prof. Musibau Babatunde, who was represented by the Director, Resident Registration and Research, Mr. Salisu Olaonipekun and Mrs Ajose Alirat who represented the Auditor-General of Oyo State, Mr. Olatunji Daramola. Signed: Alhazan Abiodun Rilwan, Project Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Oyo State Community and Social Development Agency (OYCSDA), Thursday, 14th November, 2024

FG Proposes N47.9trn As 2025 Budget

by

  The federal government has proposed N47.9 trillion as the total expenditure in the 2025 budget. Atiku Bagudu, the minister of budget and economic planning, told journalists on Thursday after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting presided over by President Bola Tinubu. The approval is part of the Medium Term Expenditure Framework, MTEF, and Fiscal Strategy Paper for 2025-2027, in accordance with the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2007. The framework, which is expected to be submitted to the National Assembly as required by law, either on Friday or Monday, projects a Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth rate of 4.6%, an exchange rate of $75 to the Naira, and oil production of 2.06 million barrels per day. Details later….

Stay Informed. Stay Ahead

Get breaking news and top stories delivered to your inbox every morning.

You have been successfully Subscribed! Ops! Something went wrong, please try again.

Get the Morning Briefing

Tops stories from Nigeria delivered free to your inbox every day.

You have been successfully Subscribed! Ops! Something went wrong, please try again.

Your No 1 Trusted News Source 

Email info@citybuzz.com 

Web Citybuzznews.com

LEGAL

SECTIONS

©Copyright Citybuzz News. All rights reserved.