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NEWSIbadan Explosion: Govt Orders Evacuation Of Homes Within 250 Meters Of Blast

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NEWSIbadan Explosion: Govt Orders Evacuation Of Homes Within 250 Meters Of Blast

[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde has asked residents of the houses within 250 metres of ground zero to move out to government-provided accommodation until we check the structural integrity of the buildings in this area.

The governor stated this in a statement to give an update on the Tuesday explosion in Dejo Oyelese Street, Adeyi Avenue, Old Bodija, Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State.

Recall that Governor Makinde said the explosion was caused by the activities of illegal miners.

Governor Makinde also disclosed that the number of fatalities in the Tuesday Ibadan explosion increased to three.

“Also, let me use this opportunity to appeal to anyone still staying in any of the houses within 250 metres of ground zero to move out to government-provided accommodation until we check the structural integrity of the buildings in this area.

“At the same time, unscrupulous elements who may want to take advantage of this disaster to carry out any form of looting should be warned. All security agencies have been placed on high alert to ensure that there is no breakdown of law and order.

“We will continue to provide regular updates regarding the actions we are taking through the Emergency Operations Centre and our various feedback channels on and off social media.

“The further update we can provide at this time is that we have information regarding the company that was using that residence to store explosives. Rest assured that all that were involved, directly and indirectly, in bringing this tragedy upon us will be brought to book.

“This is a trying time for us all. But it is at such times like this that we draw on our strength and resilience to be our brothers’ keepers and refrain from spreading fake news and disinformation that could potentially cause panic within the populace.”

 

DELTA WASTE MGT BOARD ASSURES OF A CLEANER ENVIRONMENT

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DELTA WASTE MGT BOARD ASSURES OF A CLEANER ENVIRONMENT

[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he newly constituted Board of the Delta State Waste Management Board has said it will intensify efforts at ensuring that all parts of the state are clean. The Chairman of the Board, Hon Emma Chinye, who stated this in a chat with this medium in Asaba, noted that though some level of cleanliness had been achieved in the past, Deltans deserved a cleaner environment.

Hon Chinye said refuse generation was a daily affair, which required a sustainable approach to control, pointing out that the Board would work in line with the MORE agenda of the Oborevwori administration to make the state one of the cleanest in the country.

The Board Chairman said the issue of dump site in the State Capital Territory had been addressed, with more pilot zones in offing, while work was in progress at Agbarho, Ughelli, Sapele and Abraka to ensure a seamless disposal of waste by the Private Sector Participants (PSPs).

He called on the PSPs to ensure that their trucks were in good shape, as no excuse would be accepted for failure on their part to perform.

Hon Chinye explained that the Board was working in synergy with the Ministry of Environment, the Local Government Councils, the Delta State Capital Territory Development Agency and the State Taskforce on Environmental Sanitation, in a bid to holistically achieve the common goal of keeping the state clean.

He thanked the State Governor, Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, for the opportunity given to him and other members of the Board to serve and promised that they would not fail.

PASTOR (MRS) IZAGBO COMMITTED TO IMPACTING LIVES POSITIVELY

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PASTOR (MRS) IZAGBO COMMITTED TO IMPACTING LIVES POSITIVELY

[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he initiator of the annual Haven of Refuge Foundation Crusade and Empowerment programme, Pastor (Mrs) Florence Izagbo has pledged avowed commitment to impacting lives positively through her project.

She affirmed this, while interacting with journalists at the fifth stanza in the series of the annual soul lifting and empowerment scheme recently held at Ibusa in Delta State.

According to her, the crusade and empowerment scheme reminds us of our Lord Jesus provision of succor by feeding the multitude spiritually and materially.
“This project was conceptualized and designed to provide relief to widows, the vulnerable and less privileged in the society.

She further revealed that the scheme which has equally recorded remarkable success, would be expanded to neighboring communities and other states and regions within Nigeria, so as to give it a wider outreach.

An attendee, Mrs Tina Nwaokolo opined that the annual double-barrel programme has tremendous positive impact on the living standards and avowed commitment to worshiping God in truth.

‘This is my fourth consecutive participation in this annual programme. I must commend and pray that God rewards Pastor Mrs. Izagbo for not only touching lives materially but also bringing lots of soul to the service of the Almighty creator”, she added.

Also speaking at the event, Bishop Johnson Abiagom, founder of the Abiagom World Outreach Minstry noted that Haven of Refuge Foundation programme is worthy of emulation as it is a true reflection of biblical injunction of winning souls as well as providing assistance to the needy in the society.

The highpoint of the event was the presentation of empowerment/relief items including rice, bread, vegetable oil, and ankara clothing materials to the widows.

Rice price skyrockets as local production declines

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Rice price skyrockets as local production declines

[dropcap]R[/dropcap]ice consumption in the country has been on a steady rise, beyond the reach of local supply, leading to a supply gap of about two million metric tonnes annually, a new report has disclosed.

This has led to an over 37 per cent increase in the price of the commodity so far in 2023. This was revealed in ‘AFEX Wet Season Crop Production Report for 2023.

The firm said, “Rice consumption in Nigeria has been steadily increasing, aligning with the consistent growth of the rice market, nearly matching the annual population growth projection of 2.6 per cent at two per cent. This has led to a supply gap of about 2 million metric tonnes annually.”

So far, Nigeria has spent over $15bn in the past decade to meet its expanding rice consumption, despite its potential to be a net rice exporter, the firm stated.

Globally, rice prices reached their highest point in nearly 12 years in 2023, primarily due to India’s ban on rice exports and the potential impact of El Nino on production in key regions. These factors, along with rain-induced disruptions and variations in quality during Vietnam’s summer-autumn harvest have further contributed to the price surge.

It noted, “A similar trend is observed in Nigeria, where the price of rice has increased by over 37 per cent year-to-date, driven by reduced production in 2022 due to the effects of flooding during the wet season of that year.” The firm also blamed the increase in prices on flooding and the ripple effect of the international market dynamics.

It, however, expects an increase in production of rice by approximately 4 per cent, and a further increase in the price of paddy rice by up to around 32 per cent.

The firm declared that the production of milled paddy rice has seen a remarkable increase of over 35 per cent in the country, reaching an estimated output of 5.4 million metric tonnes in 2022, up from 3.9 million metric tonnes in 2015. While rice is cultivated across all of Nigeria’s agro-ecological zones, the Northwest region accounts for 72 per cent of the total rice production in the country.
Punch

NAFDAC DG orders testing,market survey as fake Paracetamol floods market

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NAFDAC DG orders testing,market survey as fake Paracetamol floods market

[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he Director General of the National Agency for Food and Drug and Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, has ordered a market survey to sample and test paracetamol brands in Nigeria.

According to recent investigations, nearly all of the paracetamol tablets sold in Nigeria fall short of the requirements specified by the British Pharmacopoeia and the World Health Organization (WHO).

A 2023 study titled, ‘’Comparative Analysis of Five Different Brands of Paracetamol Sold in Nigeria with British Pharmacopoeia Standards’’, exposed variations in the actual dosage of paracetamol tablets.

Samples from five different brands, all purportedly containing 500mg, were found to have concentrations ranging from 185mg to 358mg, significantly below the recommended limit.

The NAFDAC DG, in a statement on Monday and given to Persecondnews, disputed the accuracy of the research, questioned the scientific methodology, and labeled it misleading.

She, however, directed a market survey to sample and carry out a laboratory test of paracetamol brands across the country.

Adeyeye revealed that NAFDAC’s laboratories are ISO 17025-certified every year to ensure that the procedures used for testing are based on international standards, and that the equipment or instruments used are qualified similarly.

“We do yearly post-marketing survey of medicines to ensure that the quality and safety are maintained. We want to reiterate that NAFDAC has five ISO-17025 Laboratories across the country, and a WHO Prequalified Laboratory at Yaba Lagos where medicines are tested for quality and safety.

“The laboratories test medicines using official monographs of British Pharmacopeia, United States Pharmacopoeia, and International Pharmacopoeia.

“As soon as we finish the laboratory testing, we will update the public. NAFDAC wishes to reassure the public that the agency is very vigilant in her responsibilities in safeguarding the health of the nation.

“It is on this basis that NAFDAC has been recognized by WHO as a stable, well-functioning agency, and by other international partners as an organisation that places premium on the quality, safety and efficacy of medicines, food, and other regulated products,” the NAFDAC boss said.

Subsidy Removal:Oshiomhole Says Tinubu Curb Overnight Billionaires, Commends Chief Emami For Investing in Oil sector

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Subsidy Removal:Oshiomhole Says Tinubu Curb Overnight Billionaires, Commends Chief Emami For Investing in Oil sector

[dropcap]E[/dropcap]x-President Nigeria labour Congress,NLC and  former Governor of Edo state,Senator Adams Aliu Oshiomhole, has commended President Bola Tinubu for taking the bold step to remove fuel subsidy.

Senator Oshiomhole made the commendation while inaugurating an ultra modern A and E Petrol station in warri ,warri South Local Government Area of Delta State.

Oshiomhole said the project is significant because Chief Ayirimi Emami, made the investment after the removal of fuel subsidy.

Senator Oshiomhole, alongside members of his entourage including Delta State Commissioner for Oil and Gas, Chief Vincent Oyibode before inaugurating A and E Petrol station in warri earlier undertook facility tour of A & E Tank Farm at Ifie, Warri South Local Government Area.

The federal lawmaker described the tank farm as one of the biggest among other players in the industry, saying it takes a lot of courage and foresight to invest in such a place stressing that the tank farm will not only enhance the economy of Delta state, but Nigeria at large.

Senator Adams Oshiomhole while commending the renowned business magnate and politician, Chief Ayirimi Emami for establishing a state – of – the – art Petrol station in the heart of Warri, said the investment exhibits ,vote of confidence on the oil policy of President Bola Tinubu.

The federal lawmaker added that President Tinubu has put an end to a regime when someone can overnight becomes a billionaire because he or she has a friend in the oil sector.

Senator Oshiomhole, praised Chief Emami for investing in Nigeria at a time many young people are leaving the country, describing him as “best ambassador in the industrial sub sector.”

For his part Delta State Governor, Rt Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori , who was represented by the State Commissioner for Oil and Gas , Chief Vincent Oyibode, commended Chief Emami for building the petrol station, noting that it would create jobs for people in the area .

Also speaking Chairman of Warri South Local Government Area, Dr. Michael Tidi, lauded Chief Ayirimi Emami for investing in Warri , adding that the administration of Rt. Hon. Sherriff Oborevwori is creating the enabling environment for investors in Delta State.

The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of A&E Group, Chief Ayirimi Emami, in his remarks, commended the courage of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for implementing the removal of fuel subsidy and appealed to the President to help ease the burden of transporting petroleum products from Escravos to Warri.

Chief Emami says his petrol station will continue to sell petrol at a cheaper price but stressed that he is in the business to make profit .

Police arrest guest during live TV show

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Police arrest guest during live TV show

[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he police in Abia State, South-east Nigeria, stormed a television station ABN TV and arrested a guest Udensi Donald during a live programme.

The incident happened on Tuesday in Umuahia.
The programme, Youth Rendezvous, was anchored by Grace Onyekachi.

The Director of the Radio and TV station, Ifeanyi Okali, who disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday, said the management was “worried by the invasion of our broadcast station” by the police operatives.

Mr Okali said the incident happened at about 2:40 p.m. and that the police claimed that Uche Udensi, an elder brother of the guest, had written a petition against him over a family matter.

“Despite repeated pleas by our staff to the officers to allow the programme to come to an end before the guest could be arrested, they insisted (on) whisking him away while the live programme was on.

“We find this very provocative and indeed an act of overzealousness by the officers who obviously acted in clear contravention of the rule of engagement,” he said.

Mr Okali, in the statement, said he contacted the Commissioner of Police in Abia State, Kenechukwu Onwuemelie, who invited some staff members of the station to the police headquarters.

The director said some police operatives at the police headquarters “barricaded the door and harassed, intimidated and threatened to detain them”.

They were prevented from seeing the police commissioner, he said, adding that what happened “clearly negates the enhanced police-civil relations” often campaigned for by the police commissioner.

‘We lost some of our broadcast equipment’
Mr Okali said that during the police invasion, some of the station’s broadcast equipment was damaged, including a laptop, camera, and microphones.

“It has left us with huge financial losses. We are calling for the replacement of the affected tools,” he said.

The director said the station considers the incident as “an attack on press freedom and most especially open violation of the human right to expression,” given that it happened during a live programme where important issues, such as youth development, were being discussed.

“We demand an open apology from Abia State Command of the Nigerian Police over this unprovoked attack in our studio.

“From all indications, the officers were not properly schooled on best approaches to relate with the civil populace in a democratic environment where the media play a key role to enhance their relations with the generality of the society,” he said.

When contacted on Wednesday, the police spokesperson in Abia State, Maureen Chinaka, confirmed the arrest of the guest to

Ms Chinaka, an assistant superintendent of police, however, said she would release a statement shortly to provide details of what happened.

“As I speak to you, I am investigating the case. I will get back to you on this,” she assured.
PREMIUM TIMES.

I Will Not Allow CBN Encroach On our Land For Projects-Wike

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I Will Not Allow CBN Encroach On our Land For Projects-Wike

[dropcap]N[/dropcap]yesom Wike,the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, has cautioned the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) management against encroaching on land designated for FCT projects.

Wike said this on Thursday during inspection of ongoing infrastructure projects in FCT, where he expressed satisfaction with the progress of several projects but raised concerns about reported obstructions by the CBN and a lawmaker.

Wike said institutions such as the central bank must not exceed land allocated to them and cause unnecessary obstructions.

He vowed not to tolerate such encroachment and urged the apex bank’s management to allow the use of the land for the benefit of the public.

“We are very happy, and we are trying to observe some obstruction by the Central Bank, which of course, we will not allow that. You see, one thing with institutions is that when they apply for land, and they’re given, they will go beyond what was given to them, and it causes obstruction. I’ve always said anything for the public, we will not take it for granted. So, we want the Central Bank to allow us to use what belongs to us for the interest of the public.”

 

He further condemned attempts by a House of Representatives member to impede construction work in Guzape district of the federal capital.

 

Wike affirmed his commitment to delivering timely and quality projects to the public, saying “Coming to the B6 and D12 Area, we are happy with the work done by Julius Berger. And just like you heard the representative of the company has said, by May they will hand it over.”

Wike added, “We are happy with what we saw at Guzape Lot II, which is going on quite very fast, and the contractor is doing what they can to meet up with the deadline, and we believe they are going to accomplish it. But there is one setback which we just noticed there, about a House of Reps member trying to stop the company from further construction. We are not going to take it lightly.

“This is not a private project, it is a public project, handled by the Federal Capital Territory Administration. If there is any complaint, we think that whoever is responsible should complain to us and not go and use the Police to stop a legitimate company constructing work for the use of the public, which was approved by the Federal Executive Council. We have directed the contractor to go back and make sure they don’t heed to that so-called stoppage. They must go back and complete the work, which we are expecting that Mr President will Commission in May.”

The minister expressed optimism about completing multiple projects by May and commissioning them for public use.

 

“By and large, we are very happy with what we are seeing and you can attest to the fact that since Mr President came on board, no work has stopped in all these sites. There are so many other sites, but it will be difficult to take all at the same time. But we believe after May, before December 2, so many projects will be handed over to members of the public,” he said.

 

Asked why he appeared not to be involving the FCT Senator, Ireti Kingibe, in his activities, Wike clarified that his job was to serve the public rather than favouring specific individuals.

“I’m not here to carry any particular person. I’m here to carry the public, I’m here to work for the interest of the public. As my Senator, she represents the FCT, and when they are in legislation, she makes sure that the interest of the FCT is taken into consideration. So when you mean carrying along, I don’t award contracts.

“Contracts are being awarded by the Federal executive Council. If there is anything I think she should add her voice in the National Assembly, as regards the FCT, I will do that. So I don’t think any one particular person will be singled out to be carried along. I know this language of carried along has a lot of interpretations, but I want to stop here,” he added

Opposition Parties Campaign Of Calumny Against Gbajabiamila Is To Pull Down Tinubu’s Govt – Grassroots Publishers

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Opposition Parties Campaign Of Calumny Against Gbajabiamila Is To Pull Down Tinubu’s Govt – Grassroots Publishers

[dropcap]G[/dropcap]rassroots Newspaper Publishers has raised alarm that those behind the attack against Chief of Staff to President Tinubu, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila are orchestrating a deliberate attempt to pull down the President.
The statement by Spokesperson of the group, Oby Edward said the attackers have commence the attempt by launching campaign of Calumny against the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila whom is a strong pillar in the presidency, so that the president can fail.
Grassroots Publishers, reports that the group made this known in a statement on Wednesday titled “Mischief Makers Blindfolded with Illiteracy Behind Campaign of Calumny Against Chief of Staff to President, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila.”
They stated that those behind the campaign of Calumny has orchestrated the plan long ago and are now forcefully linking the Chief of Staff to the suspended Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Betta Edu.
“To say Gbaja is an authority in Law and a Professor in working procedures of government is not an overstatement. It is crystal clear some people are still looking for the downfall of one of the best brains in the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu but they have failed.
“Someone who managed 360 elected representatives of Federal House of Representatives for solid 4 years without a blemish will now fall for a peanut?
“It is unfortunate that detractors do not know the quality and value of the person FEMI GBAJABIAMILA. He has crossed the bridge before it collapsed so what they are pursuing is ’emptiness of the second day after the Market day”
“We the Concern Citizens for Good Governance will soon expose all of those behind the evils plan.
“It is now an open secret that they want the government of President Bola Tinubu to fail by trying to pull down the pillars of support behind him.”The group quoted the religion axiom of people reaping whatever they sow, urging those behind the attack to desist, “We are going to go after you all and expose you to the World” he added.

Oborevwori welcomes Deltans 2024

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Oborevwori welcomes Deltans 2024

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