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The President/Chief Executive Officer, Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, has said that the $20bn Dangote refinery in Lekki, Lagos would start with the refining of 350,000 barrels per day of crude oil. Dangote, who disclosed this during an interview with the Financial Times, also stated that the refinery would receive about six million barrels of crude in December 2023. “We’re starting with 350,000 barrels a day, “Dangote told the Financial Times, adding that a deal had already been clinched for the “first cargo of about 6mn barrels” for delivery next month. Dangote said he believed the refinery could reach its capacity of 650,000 barrels a day by the end of 2024, although the IMF has said it doubts it will reach more than a third of that by 2025. At full tilt, the refinery, the world’s largest “single train” facility with just one distillation unit, could save Nigeria billions in foreign exchange currently spent on imported fuel. It was “shameful”, Dangote said, that Nigeria, a major oil p

  Recap Of Governor Seyi Makinde's Activities In The Last Three Weeks, Showcasing Unprecedented Commitment to Oyo State's Progress and Well-being Compiled By Asiwaju YSO Oládùnńi, A Member of the GSM ADVOCATES Source of Information: The Chief Press Secretary To The Governor, Pst Olanrewaju Sulaiman In three weeks filled with dynamic engagements and impactful decisions, Governor Seyi Makinde demonstrated his unwavering commitment to the welfare, diplomacy, and development of Oyo State. From addressing labor challenges to participating in high-level diplomatic events and overseeing crucial developmental projects, the governor's activities have underscored his dedication to the progress and prosperity of the state. 1. Prioritizing Welfare: On November 6, Governor Seyi Makinde addressed the challenges faced by workers and pensioners in Oyo State. In response to the hardships caused by subsidy removal, he announced a wage award of N25,000 for workers and N15,000 for pensioners o

  The armed wing of Hamas said Saturday it had handed over 13 Israeli hostages to the Red Cross under the terms of an agreement with Israel, along with an additional seven foreign citizens. Advertisement The transfer – which had been delayed after Hamas accused Israel of violating the agreement, claims denied by Israeli officials – took place “in the context of the humanitarian pause”, the Ezzedine Al-Qassam Brigades said in a statement. Advertisement

  As the months-long crisis between factions loyal to the Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN), and his Deputy, Mr Lucky Aiyedatiwa, seems to have ended, the Presidency has declared that Akeredolu remains the governor of the state. Advertisement This was according to a statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Chief Ajuri Ngelale, on Saturday. The clarification came amidst reports that President Bola Tinubu may have ordered the state lawmakers to invoke the doctrine of necessity and declare Ayedatiwa the acting governor. Saturday PUNCH earlier reported that the deputy governor, lawmakers, and others involved embraced peace and vowed to maintain the status quo, after hours of deliberations between the President and state officials, including members of the All Progressives Congress, who converged on the Aso Rock Presidential Villa, Abuja, until late on Friday night. Advertisement The statement read, “In his bid to restore political stability in On

  Advertisement Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court Abuja has dismissed the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC)’s motion seeking an order setting aside its judgement restraining the commission from imposing fines on broadcast stations in the country. Delivering Judgement, Justice Omotosho dismissed all the grounds put forward by the NBC, describing same as an afterthought. Justice Omotosho held that despite being served with the originating process and hearing notices in the case leading to the judgment, the commission failed to file its defence. The judge said contrary to the NBC’s argument that it was not served with court processes that led to the judgement, the court file showed that services were effected on NBC but failed to file and refused to entered appearance. Advertisement He said there was affidavit of facts deposed to by the court bailif that confirmed that court processes were served on the commission on different occasions. “The respondent applicant canno

  The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has disclosed plans to increase the capital base of banks in the country.          Advertisement In his speech at the 2023 Bankers’ Dinner on Friday, CBN Governor Dr Olayemi Cardoso said while there has been stability in the banking sector, banks in the country were not adequately capitalised to meet the need of a $1 trillion economy which the present government was aiming to achieve. Advertisement “Will Nigerian banks have sufficient capital relative to the finance system’s needs in servicing a one trillion dollar economy in the near future? In my opinion, the answer is no, unless we take action,” he said. “Therefore, we must make tough decisions regarding capital adequacy. As a first step, the Central Bank will be directing banks to increase their capital.” The CBN czar also stressed the importance of technology in delivering financial services as well as enhancing financial inclusion. He also spoke on financial institutions that have breached thei

  The remains of the former governor of Anambra State, Dr. Chinwoke Mbadinuju, have been laid to rest. The burial ceremony, which was held in his country home, Uli, in the Ihala Local Government Area of the State, was the culmination of three-day-long state funeral activities for the first Executive Governor of the State in the fourth republic. Advertisement In a moving and solemn ceremony, the former governor was laid to rest after an inter-denominational burial service held in his honour. The ceremony was attended by Governor Chukwuma Soludo, family members, friends, and former colleagues of the former governor. A police parade led the body of Dr Mbadinuju into the arena, followed by a bible reading by the family. Advertisement In his eulogy, Governor Soludo said that Governor Mbadinuju lived an impactful life, described him as a giant, and appreciated him for all the great strides he bequeathed to his predecessors. The governor assured to sustain the positive legacies of the former

  In a commendable move aimed at fostering a harmonious working relationship and preventing political crises, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State made the astute decision to appoint a trusted individual, Barr. Abdul-Raheem Adebayo Lawal, as the Deputy Governor. This strategic move has not only prevented conflicts but has also put Oyo State on the map for the positive and peaceful coexistence between the governor and his deputy. Since assuming office, Deputy Governor Barr. Bayo Lawal has displayed unwavering loyalty, making him one of the most devoted deputy governors in recent times. The impact of Governor Seyi Makinde's decision is palpable in the state, with Oyo experiencing a more conducive atmosphere devoid of suspicion and instability. The cordial relationship between Governor Makinde and Deputy Governor Lawal has led to significant progress, showcasing that the right choice was made in selecting Barr. Bayo Lawal as the deputy governor. To further emphasize the importance of th

The good people of Sooro local council development area, Oke-Isunwin, Oyo, Oyo State were in an excited mood today as the Council administrator, Hon. Oguntona Seun Olunloyo Flag-off Housing Scheme, as part of infrastructural development at the grassroots level. The event which features all Oyomesi-in-council led by Basorun of Oyo land, High Chief Yusuff Akinade Layinka 1, the Lagunna of Oyo, High Chief Wakeel Akindele Oyedepo, Akiniku of Oyo High Chief Amusa Yusuff, Chief Gbadebo Mufutau Alapo of Oke Apo and Chief Wahab Oyetunji Aare-ago Basorun of Oyo. Others are; Alago-oja of Ago-Oja land, Oba Alh. Abdul Ganiyu Busari Ajiboye, all Alago-oja in council, and several others. The newly flag-off housing scheme stands on 25 hectares located opposite Oyo-ogbomoso expressway, Ijawaya, Oyo township. In his address during the flag-off, Hon Seun Oguntona Olunloyo underscored the essence of creating a Housing scheme which often comes with a steep price tag that precludes building housing afford

  Advertisement The Central Council of Ibadan Indigiens (CCII) has said Ibadan liberalism should not be take for granted, urging Princess Folashade Abeo to stop faning disunity. They said descriminatrory statement against Ibadanland over the tussle of the post of Iyaloja-General of Oyo State would not materialised. They said the body stand by merit, competence, due process and level playing ground for all contenders. CCII said as a peace loving socio cultural organisation, it had played a neutral role by interacting with the two contenders with a view to ensuring that peace reigns in Ibadanland, Oyo State and Nigeria as a whole. A statement by CCII President-general, Barr. Niyi Ajewole, stated that CCII would not close her eyes, while some people are fanning the ember of animosity that would disrupt the pleasant atmosphere of peace that Ibadan and Oyo State is enjoying. CCII condernmed descriminatory statement against Ibadanland by Folashade Abeo, saying Ibadan liberalism should not be

  The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has ordered the Controller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), Haliru Nababa, to investigate an allegation against personnel of the service. Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Chris Musa, had accused some NCoS personnel of conniving with inmates to finance the operations of terrorists. The CDS at the House of Representatives on Tuesday claimed that some arrested Boko Haram terrorists could plan operations out in the field and pass funds across. “The minister has called for a speedy investigation into the matter, noting that any officer culpable or complicit of sabotaging the Nigerian Correctional Facility, and by extension the security of the country, shall face the full wrath of the law,” a Thursday statement by his media aide, Alao Babatunde, read. “The minister also wishes to inform the public that actions are underway to reform the correctional service to match international standards where inmates would be truly

  The Senate, on Wednesday, expressed concerns about the annual loss of $500 million to various forms of cybercrime across the federation. The Senate warned that if the national cybersecurity program were not effectively funded, the gains of the digital economy would be defeated. Consequently, the upper chamber resolved to review and amend the Cybercrime (Prohibition and Prevention) Act, 2015 to end the exploitation of Nigeria’s digital space by cybercriminals and individuals with misguided intentions. The President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, expressed these concerns on Wednesday at the inauguration of a public hearing on the 2023 Cybercrime (Prohibition and Prevention) Act (Amendment) Bill, 2023, at the Senate Complex in Abuja. Advertisement The inauguration was at the instance of the Chairman Senate Committee on ICT and Cyber Security, Senator Shuaib Afolabi Salisu; the Chairman, Senate Committee on National Security and Intelligence, Senator Shehu Buba Umar, and all me

  Advertisement The Oyo State Government has issued a marching order to commercial motorcycle and tricycle operators in the state to immediately proceed to enrol with the Oyo State Residents’ Registration Scheme before 31 December, 2023. Governor of the state, ‘Seyi Makinde, made this clear on Wednesday, shortly after the state’s Security Council Meeting. The governor noted that the state has decided to address the menace associated with commercial motorcycle and tricycle operations, with a view to further securing the state. He added that from the 1st of January, 2024, no unregistered motorcycle or tricycle operator would be allowed to operate in the state. Governor Makinde declared that all commercial motorcycle and tricycle riders must ensure that they are captured under the state’s registration scheme, with their biometrics, including their names, motorcycle registration number, next of kin and other critical information captured in the scheme. He equally said that all operators wi

           Advertisement In line with the promise of the Oyo State governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, to assign Ministries, Departments and Agencies of government to be supervised by the state’s Deputy Governor, Barr Bayo Lawal, the Ministries of Culture and Tourism, Establishments and Training and Special Duties will now be overseen by the Office of the Deputy Governor. This decision was taken at the State’s Treasury Board Meeting held on Wednesday.                      Advertisement The Deputy Governor is expected to oversee the Ministry of Establishments and Training with a view to structuring the gratuity payments. Barr Lawal is also to guide the newly-established Ministry of Culture and Tourism, which was carved out of the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism to drive Governor Makinde’s vision of expanding the economy of the state through tourism. Lawal, who was until his selection as Deputy Governor and running mate to the governor, the chairman

  Opalamba nbu'go alaburela kuku, Gbiyanju fi nkan lee ori nitori ojo, Gboranmi di ẹlẹru okuku mọ wipe, Oju ọjọ nse bi weliweli ojo rara Rainy days can often present challenges, such as the struggle to keep ourselves dry while going about our daily activities. One creative solution that comes to mind is placing an object on our heads to shield us from the rain.  As we embrace creativity and adventure, it is essential to consider the environmental impact of our choices. Opting for sustainable materials or repurposing items can minimize waste and contribute to a greener lifestyle. For example, wearing a hat made from recycled materials or using a repurposed object as a makeshift rain hat can add an eco-friendly aspect to our rainy day experiment. Kind-hearted individuals possess a remarkable ability to shine the light of the earth. Their genuine kindness, unwavering positivity, and acts of service illuminate the lives of those around them, inspiring hope, joy, and compassion.  In a w

  The Oyo State House of Assembly on Tuesday approved three hundred and fifty-two billion, two hundred and eighty-two million, five hundred thousand naira only (#352,282,500,00) 2023 Supplementary Budget presented to the legislature by the State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde. The supplementary budget was passed after the presentation of the House Committee report on Finance, Appropriation and Economy. The Committee had considered the inputs of the State Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning and projections in the Oyo State Government Medium Term Expenditure Framework before the eventual passage of the 2023 Supplementary Budget. The Governor had sought upward review of the 2023 approved budget from #310,432,500.00 to #352,282,500.00. This became imperative in order to cater for the twin policy measures of the removal of subsidy on Premium Motor Spirit and the floating of the exchange rates by the Federal Government on the State Government spendings. In the supplementary budget, a sum

  Former President Muhammadu Buhari has defended the naira redesign policy that his administration introduced at a time when the nation was heading into general elections, saying that it was meant to show Nigerians that there can be no shortcut to power. The policy implemented by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) under its then governor, Godwin Emefiele, was seen by many Nigerians to have engendered hardship due to the scarcity of currency. In his first interview since leaving office, which aired on Monday night on the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Buhari said: “The motivation is to try and make Nigerians believe that there is no shortcut to successful leadership in the sense that service is not easy, as I said after three attempts and ending up in the Supreme Court.” Asked why he initiated the policy at election time, Buhari responded: “Nigeria, believe it or not, we’re an underdeveloped country. We get so impressed by our material things and sometimes ruthlessly don’t care how

  Nigeria’s former president, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, said his party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), lost the 1998 local government election in Ogun State because he vehemently rejected plans to bribe officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the police. He recalled this while speaking at a high-level consultation he organised on ‘Rethinking Western Liberal Democracy in Africa’, held on Monday in Abeokuta. The former president said he rejected the proposal on the belief that INEC officials and policemen are government workers earning salaries monthly    Obasanjo said he was not an advocate of the slang “Nigerian Factor”, hence his refusal to subscribe to bribing the police and INEC officials. He said, “When things go wrong, you blame the Nigerian factor. The first thing I learned in politics was this thing I called the Nigerian factor. In 1998, we had the first local government election. We had parties, and here in Abeokuta, we met in my office and the

  Advertisement The service chiefs and the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, are before the House of Representatives. The service chiefs include the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa; Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt-General Taoreed Lagbaja; Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar, and Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla. They were ushered into the green chamber for the security sectoral debate around 11:26 am. This comes after last Thursday’s criticism of the security heads by the lawmakers for sending representatives, who were rejected Before the executive session, the service chiefs and IGP took turns outlining the various efforts being made to address the security situation in the country. The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, requested that the National Assembly intervene in enhancing surveillance to cover the backwaters, creeks, and other areas behind the coastline. According to him, if thi

  The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun has disclosed that the Federation Account has witnessed improved revenue inflow since the removal of fuel subsidy from an average of N650 billion monthly to over N1 trillion in the last four months. The Minister said this on Monday at the opening ceremony of a two-day retreat for Federal Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) organised by the Federal Ministry of Finance in collaboration with Delta State Government, with the theme, “Creating Resilient Economy through Diversification of the Nation’s Revenue”. Edun who was represented by the Permanent Secretary Finance, Okokon Ekanem Udo, stated that the choice of the retreat’s theme reflects the directive given by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to domestic revenue mobilisation and very timely. Stephen Kilebi Director (Press and Public Relations) in a statement said the retreat is holding at the Dome Event Centre, Asaba, Delta. The Minister said that