The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has expressed confidence in its ability to increase crude oil production from the current 1.7 million barrels per day (bpd) to 3 million bpd. This goal, according to the NNPCL, is achievable with the collective efforts of key stakeholders. Mr. Olufemi Soneye, Chief Corporate Communications Officer of NNPCL, disclosed this during a Stakeholders Engagement Session with journalists covering the National Assembly on Saturday. He attributed the optimism to the political will demonstrated by President Bola Tinubu, who has directed security agencies to intensify efforts to combat oil theft and pipeline vandalism. Soneye highlighted…
Author: Editor Francis
Hezbollah has confirmed the assassination of its Secretary-General, Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, following a series of Israeli airstrikes that targeted residential areas in southern Beirut, Lebanon, on Friday. In a statement released on Saturday, the group hailed Nasrallah as a “martyr” and vowed to continue its resistance against Israel. “His Eminence, the Master of Resistance, the righteous servant, has joined his Lord and His pleasure as a great martyr — an outstanding, courageous, wise, and insightful leader,” the statement read. Hezbollah pledged to carry on the fight in support of Gaza, Palestine, and the defence of Lebanon and its people. The…
The Lagos and Ogun state governments have issued warnings to residents in flood-prone areas, particularly those living along riverbanks, to temporarily relocate or prepare for potential flooding as the Oyan dam prepares for its annual release of excess water. The dam, managed by the Ogun-Oshun River Basin Development Authority (OORBDA), undergoes this release each rainy season to control water levels. Last year, flooding caused by the release of excess water from the dam displaced residents in areas such as Isheri Riverview Estate, Warewa, and OPIC in the Obafemi Owode Local Government Area. To prevent a repeat of the disaster, both…
The Federal Government has declared Tuesday, October 1, 2024, a public holiday to mark Nigeria’s 64th Independence Day celebration. The announcement was made by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, in a statement released on Saturday by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dr. Magdalene Ajani. In his message, Tunji-Ojo congratulated Nigerians both at home and abroad, acknowledging the hard work and perseverance of the nation’s citizens. He emphasized that their sacrifices would not be in vain, urging them to reflect on the efforts of the country’s past heroes and draw inspiration for the future. Tunji-Ojo called for unity among Nigerians, noting…
The Federal High Court in Abuja has given the green light to a lawsuit aimed at compelling the Federal Government to investigate allegations linking the Minister of State for Defence, Alhaji Bello Matawalle, to banditry in Zamfara State. The suit was filed by human rights activist Abubakar Dahiru, who is seeking a probe into Matawalle’s alleged involvement in bandit activities during his tenure as governor of Zamfara. The case, identified as FHC/ABJ/CS/1434/2024, names President Bola Tinubu, the Attorney General of the Federation, and the Inspector General of Police (IGP) as the first, second, and third defendants, respectively. Dahiru, represented by…
President Bola Tinubu has appointed seven new executive directors for the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), as announced in a statement from the State House on Friday. The release, issued by the president’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, was titled, “President Tinubu Appoints Seven Executive Directors for NTA.” Among the appointments, Ayo Adewuyi was reappointed as Executive Director of News. Other appointments include: – Ibrahim Aliyu as Executive Director, Special Duties, a legal practitioner. – Muhammed Mustapha as Executive Director, Administration and Training. – Mrs. Apinke Effiong as Executive Director, Finance, an expert in financial marketing with treasury…
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has taken into custody Darius Ishaku, the former governor of Taraba State, on allegations of fraud amounting to N27 billion. Sources close to the anti-graft agency, speaking on condition of anonymity, revealed that Ishaku was apprehended in the early hours of Friday at his residence in Abuja. As of Friday evening, the former governor was reportedly still being held at the EFCC facilities. The arrest, which has sent shockwaves through political circles, is part of an ongoing investigation into financial irregularities allegedly committed during Ishaku’s tenure as governor of Taraba State. The EFCC…
The Chairman of Izzi Local Government Area in Ebonyi State, Mr. Steven Nwankpa, has banned all forms of ceremonies following a cholera outbreak that has claimed 11 lives in Ndibokote, Ezzainyimegu . The state’s Commissioner for Health, Dcommunityr. Moses Ekuma, confirmed the deaths on Thursday. Nwankpa, expressing shock over the incident, commended health workers for their swift response and urged residents to suspend all burial ceremonies and large gatherings until further notice to prevent further spread of the disease. A community elder, Stephen Nwamkpuma, linked the outbreak to contaminated beef brought from a burial ceremony in Benue State, which led…
Prison experts have clarified why controversial crossdresser Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky, was separated from other inmates at the correctional facility, denying claims of a VIP section for the social media personality Speaking on Arise TV’s The Morning Show on Friday, Bishop Kayode Williams, Director General of the Prison Rehabilitation Mission, explained the accommodations provided for different categories of inmates. He noted that prisoners are separated based on their status, such as condemned prisoners or convicted inmates. Addressing Bobrisky’s case, Williams stated that due to his transgender appearance, placing him in the general male prison population could pose a…
The phone line of Nigeria’s Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, has been hacked, according to a disclaimer posted on his official X account on Thursday. The Minister has urged the public to avoid communicating via the compromised number. In his message, Mamman cautioned, “My phone line has been compromised. Please refrain from calling the number and ignore any messages requesting assistance until the issue is resolved.” The Ministry of Education confirmed the breach on Friday through a statement from its Director of Press and Public Relations, Boriowo Folasade. The statement revealed that unauthorized individuals are currently using the hacked…
The Federal Government has commenced the payment of the new minimum wage of N70,000 and its consequential adjustments to public servants, according to the Punch. This comes seven months after negotiations that led to the approval of the new wage. Over 1.2 million civil servants on the government’s payroll will receive the new minimum wage starting in September 2024. A warrant for the September salary, signed by the Accountant-General of the Federation, Dr. Oluwatoyin Madein, directed the Budget Office to begin disbursing the new payments. Documents obtained from the National Income, Salaries, and Wages Commission reveal a detailed breakdown of…
For the second consecutive year, the federal government has opted for a low-key celebration of Nigeria’s Independence Day, in light of the nation’s economic challenges. This was announced on Thursday by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, during a press conference unveiling activities for the 64th Independence anniversary. Senator Akume explained that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration is aware of and sympathizes with Nigerians over the difficult economic conditions they are facing, which led to the decision to scale down the celebrations. “The government is mindful of the mood of the nation,” Akume stated,…