A major fire erupted early Sunday at the Ust-Luga at the Ust-Luga natural gas terminal, located just 70 miles west of St Petersburg and operated by Russia’s leading gas producer, Novatek. The incident, captured in a video shared by Leningrad Oblast Governor Aleksandr Drozdenko on Telegram, showed billowing smoke and flames at the chemical complex. Fortunately, no casualties were reported as personnel were successfully evacuated from the scene. Governor Drozdenko declared a high alert regime in the Kingiseppsky district, where the port is situated, emphasizing that the fire has been “localized.” The Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations and…
Author: Omolemi Eboisetale
In a bid to combat the persistent security challenges plaguing Nigeria, retired military generals have suggested series of proactive measures, emphasizing the necessity for prompt and decisive actions. A retired Airforce General identified a crucial gap in previous approaches to insecurity, pointing out the lack of clear directives from past Presidents. He recommended that President Bola Tinubu issue explicit orders to top defense officials, specifying a three, four, or six-month deadline for eradicating criminal elements. The retired general emphasized that incorporating consequences, such as the removal of key officials for unmet targets, could bring about a substantial shift in…
Dr. Bayero Farah has been reappointed by President Bola Tinubu to serve a second term as the Director-General/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Institute of Transport Technology (NITT), Zaria. The renewal, effective from January 13, extends Farah’s tenure for an additional four years. The announcement, conveyed through a statement by the institute’s spokesperson, Mr. John Kolawale, underlines the President’s endorsement of Farah’s impressive track record. The reappointment letter, signed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume, aligns with the Nigerian Institute of Transport Technology Act, 1986 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria. Farah’s…
The Federal Government of Nigeria has teamed up with the International Labour Organisation (ILO) to strengthen and expand social protection programs across the nation. The collaborative effort, spearheaded by the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, aims to extend the reach of social safety nets, particularly targeting vulnerable populations and addressing poverty, health challenges, and unemployment. The partnership, as highlighted by the Director of Press and Public Relations in the ministry, Olajide Oshundun, focuses on key areas such as the expansion of health insurance coverage and support for those engaged in the informal economy. The…
The World Bank has unveiled a report indicating a seven per cent reduction in extreme poverty in Nigeria and Tanzania, attributed to improved access to internet coverage over the past three years. The report, titled “Digital transformation drives development in Africa,” underscores the transformative impact of increased internet accessibility on economic indicators. According to the World Bank Chief Economist for Africa, Andrew Dabalen, “The minimal usage of mobile internet is a lost opportunity for inclusive growth in Africa. Closing the uptake gap would increase the continent’s potential to create jobs for its growing population and boost economic recovery…
The Nigerian Army has officially opened the online application portal for the Direct Short Service Commission Course 28/2024, welcoming eligible candidates to apply from January 19, 2024, to February 23, 2024. The Direct Short Service Commission (DSSC) is an opportunity for both civilians and serving military personnel to commission into the Nigerian Army (NA). The Army emphasized that serving military personnel sponsored to civil institutions by any of the Services of the Nigerian Armed Forces would be considered for this course. The announcement, shared on various platforms including X, highlighted that the application process is free of charge. Applicants…
Sierra Leone’s ex-president, Ernest Bai Koroma, facing charges linked to an alleged coup attempt, has arrived in Nigeria for medical care. The 70-year-old, who governed Sierra Leone from 2007 to 2018, was placed under house arrest in December, following accusations of involvement in a failed military overthrow in November. Amidst heightened tensions, Nigeria extended a temporary entry offer, which Koroma accepted. On Friday afternoon, he landed in Abuja, welcomed by National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu and ECOWAS Commission President Omar Alieu Touray. Having received judicial permission on Wednesday, Koroma is authorized to spend a maximum of three…
The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr Ola Olukoyede, expressed deep concern over the increasing prevalence of gratification and bribery among the agency’s investigators. Olukoyede acknowledged the negative public perception surrounding EFCC investigators and emphasized the embarrassment it brings to the anti-graft agency. He issued a strong warning that such conduct would no longer be tolerated during his tenure, promising decisive actions against investigators involved in bribery. The chairman revealed plans to root out corrupt practices within the commission. “At this point, I need to strongly reiterate the issue of discipline, integrity, and sense…
The Nigeria Customs Services (NCS), has unveiled its upgraded electronic auction (e-auction) platform. The move, announced by the National Public Relations Officer, Abdullahi Maiwada, on Friday in Abuja, is in line with the NCS commitment to continuous improvement and adherence to the recently enacted Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023. Comptroller of Customs Adewale Adeniyi, on January 10, 2024, emphasized the necessity of revamping the platform to ensure a more robust operation, preventing infiltration by hackers and streamlining services. The upgraded platform, accessible at auction.nigeriatradehub.gov.ng, replaces its predecessor, offering Nigerians equal opportunities to participate in the auction processes. Maiwada stated, “This…
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has vehemently denied any involvement in recruiting volunteer nursing staff for the upcoming 2024 Hajj services. Fatima Sanda Usara, Assistant Director at NAHCON, emphasized that the commission has not authorized any organization to undertake the recruitment of volunteer nurses. Usara cautioned the public against potential scams, urging individuals to exercise vigilance and not fall victim to misleading notices. She clarified that only medical personnel directly engaged by the commission would be authorized to provide medical services during the Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia. Highlighting Saudi Arabian medical policies, Usara pointed out…
Federal Capital Territory (FCT), the Defence Headquarters has affirmed its commitment to collaborating with security agencies and stakeholders to confront and dismantle kidnapping syndicates operating in the region. Edward Buba, the Director, Defence Media Operations, conveyed this assurance in the latest weekly report on the armed forces’ operations released on Friday in Abuja. Acknowledging the profound impact of kidnappings on affected families and the palpable fear it has instilled among residents, Buba emphasized that the military is actively prioritizing areas with heightened kidnapping incidents. Ground and air surveillance in these identified areas has been intensified, employing advanced technology to pinpoint…
Dangote Cement Plc has experienced an extraordinary surge in investor interest, driven by Femi Otedola’s recent acquisition of shares in the company. As of today’s trading session, the company’s shares have skyrocketed by a remarkable 9.98%, reaching an impressive N538.8 and solidifying its position as the leading SWOOT stock on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NGX), with a staggering year-to-date return of 68.9%. The surge began earlier in the week, starting at N350 on January 15, 2024, and culminating in an astounding N538.8 by the week’s end. This surge translates to a phenomenal capital gain of N3.215 trillion in just one…