TRENDING NOW
The Bet9ja Foundation is a non-profit organisation dedicated to empowering Nigerians and driving sustainable development nationwide. The organisation focuses on five key areas: Youth Empowerment, Healthcare, Sports Development, Education, and Community Infrastructure.
The organisation has significantly impacted 29 states and 150 communities in the past year. From providing clean water sources in Kaduna to organising football matches in Owerri, we are committed to reaching every corner of Nigeria.
Making a Difference in Every Corner of Nigeria
Our projects are as diverse as the communities we serve. In Lagos, we hosted a women's football competition to promote gender equality and sportsmanship. In Ikotun, we empowered young people with vocational skills by providing them with tailoring machines and clippers. In Warri, we organised a fitness festival to encourage healthy living.
These are just a few examples of how we're working to improve Nigerians' lives. We believe everyone deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential, and we're committed to providing the resources and support necessary to make that happen.
Youth Empowerment: Investing in the Future
Young people are Nigeria's future, and we're dedicated to empowering them with the skills and opportunities they need to succeed. Our Young Executive Program (YEP) is a prime example of this commitment.
YEP is an intensive three-month program that equips young graduates with essential workplace skills. The program has been a huge success, with participants reporting increased employability and a greater sense of empowerment.
"YEP has been a game-changer for me," says one recent graduate. "I feel much more confident in my abilities and I'm excited about the future."
Community Infrastructure: Building a Better Tomorrow
Strong communities need strong infrastructure. That's why we're investing in projects that improve Nigerians' quality of life.
In Ogun State, we installed solar panel streetlights to provide safe and reliable lighting. In Kaduna, we constructed boreholes to provide access to clean water. And in Anambra, we installed 3-in-1 solar lights to improve safety and security.
These projects have had a profound impact on the communities we serve. Residents report feeling safer, healthier, and more connected.
"The new streetlights have made a world of difference," says one resident of Ogun State. "We can now walk around at night without fear."
Healthcare: Promoting Well-being for All
Access to quality healthcare is a fundamental human right. Unfortunately, many Nigerians face challenges in getting the care they need. We're working to change that.
We've conducted medical outreach programs nationwide, providing free health screenings, medications, and education to underserved communities. In Bauchi, we screened residents for blood pressure and blood sugar levels. In Cross River, we provided free eye examinations and corrective lenses. And in Delta, we distributed health kits and conducted health assessments.
These programs are making a real difference in the lives of Nigerians. We're helping people stay healthy, get treatment, and live longer, more fulfilling lives.
Sports Development: Fostering Teamwork and Empowerment
Sports have the power to bring people together and empower individuals. We believe everyone should be able to participate in sports, regardless of their background or ability.
We're supporting grassroots sports development across Nigeria. In Imo, we organised a football match to showcase young athletes' talents. In Yobe, we hosted a sports event to promote community building. And in Abuja, we sponsored an annual boxing and football competition.
We're also proud to sponsor Nigeria's Para-Powerlifting team. These incredible athletes inspire us all, and we're committed to supporting them as they compete on the world stage.
Education: Unlocking Potential
Education is the key to unlocking potential. It empowers individuals, strengthens communities, and drives progress.
We're investing in educational initiatives that bridge the knowledge gap and promote opportunities for all. In Imo, we conducted ICT and communication training to equip students with essential skills. In Benue, we provided laptops to young people participating in an ICT skill acquisition program.
We believe that everyone deserves access to quality education and are committed to providing the resources and support necessary to make that a reality.
Conclusion: Building a Brighter Future, Together
The Bet9ja Foundation has made significant strides in empowering Nigerians and driving sustainable development. We're proud of our impact, but we know there's still much more to do.
We're committed to continuing our work to build a brighter future for all Nigerians. We believe that by working together, we can create a Nigeria where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
To learn more about the Bet9ja Foundation and our initiatives, please visit our website and read our full impact report.
Priscilla Ojo, the daughter of renowned Nollywood actress Iyabo Ojo sparks envy and admiration as she shows off expensive gifts from her Tanzania husband, Juma Jux.
The young social media influencer took to her Snapchat page to share the extravagant surprises, which included cash, luxury gadgets, and romantic gestures.
In the post, Priscilla showcased over a thousand dollars in cash and two brand-new iPhone 16 smartphones worth over N6M, leaving many of her followers in awe.
The gifts also included a chocolate box, a handwritten romantic note, and a premium bottle of wine, further highlighting the thoughtfulness of her partner.
The handwritten note, filled with sweet words of affection, melted hearts online, with fans and followers gushing over the romantic gesture.
Priscilla, visibly excited and overwhelmed, expressed her gratitude and appreciation for the grand display of love, captioning the post, “Oko mi” which means my husband in the Yoruba language.
It is worth noting that the actress’ daughter welcomed the Tanzania singer in Nigeria some months ago, after which she flew to his country to meet his parents too.
An old prophecy concerning popular Nigerian influencer, Idris Okuneye, known as Bobrisky resurfaces online amid the recent legal troubles involving allegations of N15 million bribery to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The resurfaced video, featuring a clergyman offering Bobrisky specific warnings, has garnered significant attention on social media, with many speculating about its relevance to his current situation.
In the viral footage, which is said to be from April 1, 2024, the clergyman advised Bobrisky on what to avoid after his release from prison.
He warned the crossdresser not to hold any parties or celebrations for six months following his release, cautioning him to be wary of those around him, particularly regarding secrets that could lead to further trouble.
“Bobrisky should not do any celebration within six months of his release from prison. His return would open a lot of secrets that will put him in serious trouble,” the preacher said partly.
The resurfaced prophecy has sparked widespread conversation online, as many draw connections between the clergyman’s warnings and Bobrisky’s current issues with the EFCC.
Watch the video below …
Nigerian author, Reno Omokri has taken to his social media account to respond to political activist, Aisha Yesufu after calling him a liar.
According to a tweet by Aisha, she wrote: “In the last 8 years no bandit leader was killed’ Who killed Shekau? If one has to lie, do it with something that will take fact checking to disprove,”
Replying to the tweet, Omokri said: “Dear Aisha, Thank you for your feedback. In case you are unaware, there are differences between terrorists, bandits, and criminals. Please allow me to draw your attention to the distinction amongst these terms, according to the official Global Terrorism Index handbook and the Oxford English Dictionary.
“A terrorist is an individual who uses violence and intimidation against civilians to achieve a political objective. Boko Haram, for example, is a terrorist organisation, and Abubakar Shekau was a terror leader.
“A bandit is defined as a person whose occupation is organised theft, often in a group. They have no political motives. Their nefarious activities are purely for economic reasons. The cattle rustlers and community raiders currently plaguing Northern Nigeria are officially designated as bandits by the Global Terrorism Index, and bandit leaders include Ali Kachala, Boderi Isyaku, Sani Dangote, Modi, and Nagala, all of whom were killed when Mallam Nuhu Ribadu became the NSA.
“No bandit leader was killed under Buhari. Rather, General Buhari sanctioned that Sheikh Gumi meet with them.
“Finally, criminals are defined as persons who opportunistically commit crimes and are not coordinated or formed into bands.
“I do hope I have made the contrast amongst these three distinct groups clear. You may disagree with my political views. However, it is wrong to call me a liar.
“Please find attached the web address for the Institute for Economics and Peace, publishers of the annual Global Terrorism Index. It may help you understand these terms better: economicsandpeace.org
“If you fact-check these definitions above and find that I have lied or misrepresented the truth, I vow to donate the sum of twenty million Naira (₦20,000,000) to a charity of your choice.
“If you ever need clarifications on anything I have published, please do reach out to me and I will gladly make clarifications.
”Once again, I thank you for your feedback and pray that God may bless you and your family.”
Source:- Newsdirect
I Fully Endorse President Tinubu’s Reforms
Life is a one-time opportunity. Use it well. Make peace with those willing to make peace with you, and only make war with those who have themselves first made war on you. Britain and America fought Germany and Japan. After the war, the victorious allies were the same people who rebuilt Germany and Japan.
Scripture says: As far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone-Romans 12:8.
Only a madman fights because he likes fighting. I am not a madman. People fight for interests. And what are my interests? I have been a public intellectual for the last thirty-one years of my fifty years on Earth.
In that time, my core values and interests have been that Nigeria must remain one indivisible country and that:
1-Fuel subsidy must go
2-The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited must be fully privatised and move from state owned to publicly owned
3-The Naira must be floated, and
4-Power must be devolved from the Federal to the State and Local Governments, to undo the damage done to Nigeria by Major General Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi’s May 24, 1966, Unification of Assets Decree 34, which ended True Federalism in Nigeria.
Before I take a political step, I confer with my political leader, former President Jonathan. And we see eye to eye and have the same worldview and national vision.
I was against President Tinubu because when he won the All Progressives Congress on June 8, 2022, he said he would continue from where Buhari stopped.
I felt dismayed that he would choose the anniversary of Abacha’s death to say that he would continue with the policies of Buhari, Abacha’s protégé.
However, since he was sworn in, President Tinubu has demonstrated that he is keeping faith with the progressive ideas of the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, and the late visionary, Kakanfo Moshood Abiola.
As such, my stance on the President has changed, and I offer him my right hand of fellowship to continue reforming Nigeria and get her to her pre-1966 level of greatness.
Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Reno Omokri
Gospeller. Deep Thinker. #TableShaker. Ruffler of the Feathers of Obidents. #1 Bestselling author of Facts Versus Fiction: The True Story of the Jonathan Years. Hodophile. Hollywood Magazine Humanitarian of the Year, 2019. Business Insider Influencer of the Year 2022.
I Fully Endorse President Tinubu’s Reforms
Life is a one-time opportunity. Use it well. Make peace with those willing to make peace with you, and only make war with those who have themselves first made war on you. Britain and America fought Germany and Japan. After the war, the victorious allies were the same people who rebuilt Germany and Japan.
Scripture says: As far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone-Romans 12:8.
Only a madman fights because he likes fighting. I am not a madman. People fight for interests. And what are my interests? I have been a public intellectual for the last thirty-one years of my fifty years on Earth.
In that time, my core values and interests have been that Nigeria must remain one indivisible country and that:
1-Fuel subsidy must go
2-The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited must be fully privatised and move from state owned to publicly owned
3-The Naira must be floated, and
4-Power must be devolved from the Federal to the State and Local Governments, to undo the damage done to Nigeria by Major General Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi’s May 24, 1966, Unification of Assets Decree 34, which ended True Federalism in Nigeria.
Before I take a political step, I confer with my political leader, former President Jonathan. And we see eye to eye and have the same worldview and national vision.
I was against President Tinubu because when he won the All Progressives Congress on June 8, 2022, he said he would continue from where Buhari stopped.
I felt dismayed that he would choose the anniversary of Abacha’s death to say that he would continue with the policies of Buhari, Abacha’s protégé.
However, since he was sworn in, President Tinubu has demonstrated that he is keeping faith with the progressive ideas of the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, and the late visionary, Kakanfo Moshood Abiola.
As such, my stance on the President has changed, and I offer him my right hand of fellowship to continue reforming Nigeria and get her to her pre-1966 level of greatness.
Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Reno Omokri
Gospeller. Deep Thinker. #TableShaker. Ruffler of the Feathers of Obidents. #1 Bestselling author of Facts Versus Fiction: The True Story of the Jonathan Years. Hodophile. Hollywood Magazine Humanitarian of the Year, 2019. Business Insider Influencer of the Year 2022.
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has issued a warning to several high-profile individuals and organisations, threatening to revoke the Certificates of Occupancy (C-of-O) for their plots of land in Abuja if outstanding payments are not settled within two weeks.
In a notice sent to 3,273 allottees with land in the Maitama District of Abuja, the FCTA urged prompt payment of fees. The document, which was obtained on Friday, is titled, “Demand notice for payment of Right of Occupancy bills for issuance of Certificates of Occupancy on all lands allocated at Maitama II District, Cadastral Zone, A10, Abuja.”
Some of the prominent individuals listed include Femi Gbajabiamila, Chief of Staff to the President; Abbas Tajudeen, Speaker of the House of Representatives; George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation; and Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, Minister of Interior. Other notable names include former Senate President Bukola Saraki, ex-House Speaker Yakubu Dogara, and former Deputy Senate President Ovie Omo-Agege.
Also on the list are former governors such as Theodore Orji (Abia), Rochas Okorocha (Imo), Ibikunle Amosun (Ogun), Tanko Al-Makura (Nasarawa), and Gabriel Suswam (Benue), among others. Several current and former ministers, including John Eno, Minister of Sports, and Abubakar Kyari, Minister of Agriculture, were also mentioned, along with numerous serving and former lawmakers like Dino Melaye, Stella Oduah, and Ben Bruce.
Additionally, the children of former President Muhammadu Buhari, Yusuf and Zahra Buhari, were listed as plot owners.
The FCTA noted that the warning comes in the context of ongoing infrastructural development in Maitama II (A10) District. According to the notice, “All allottees who have not paid their bills for the Certificate of Occupancy (C-of-O) are hereby advised to settle their bills in full within two (2) weeks from the date of this publication. Failure to comply will lead to the withdrawal of the offers of Rights of Occupancy (R-of-O) over the said plots of land and reallocation of the lands.”
This move is seen as part of a broader effort by the FCTA to address inefficiencies in land administration, which has long been plagued by corruption, land speculation, and bureaucratic delays. In August, the administration had issued a four-month deadline for landholders to settle outstanding fees or risk losing their land titles under the Land Use Act.
Muhammad Sule, Director of Information and Communication at the FCTA, expressed concerns over the widespread failure to pay land processing fees, stressing that this has impeded the funding of crucial infrastructure projects in the capital. Ekarikpong Ukpanah, Director of the Land Administration Department, also emphasized that non-payment is not just an administrative lapse but a violation of the terms of land grants and provisions under the Land Use Act.
In a further push for accountability, the Minister of FCT, Nyesom Wike, announced in November 2023 that the cost of obtaining a C-of-O had been set at N5 million, with a four-month payment window. Wike added that reforms were underway to prevent multiple allocations of the same plot and to link applicants’ National Identification Numbers (NIN) to their land documents, a move aimed at curbing fraud.
The minister acknowledged that these reforms might not sit well with wealthy individuals and corporations who had previously benefited from the disorderly land system. However, he insisted that the priority was the public interest, stating, “The rich will kick against some of our decisions, but anything that will help our people must be done.”
In mid-November, Wike inaugurated a task force to ensure the proper issuance of C-of-O for housing estates and to recover unpaid land use fees. The goal, he said, is to secure legal documentation for each housing unit, providing long-term security for developers and investors while closing loopholes that have enabled fraudulent practices.
“We are taking these steps not only to stop the speculators but to ensure that the FCT can develop the infrastructure it desperately needs. If we do not act now, the capital will be left behind,” Wike explained.
(PREMIUM TIMES)
An appellate court in the United States has upheld the ruling of a lower court ordering a former World Champion Floyd Mayweather Jr., to pay a Nigerian company, Zinni Media Concept Limited the sum of N4.2 billion in damages over breach of contract and fraud.
A statement signed by the company's media executive, Alex Nwankwo says the appellate court found merit in the ruling of a lower court which found Mayweather guilty of breach of contract agreement, expressing satisfaction of the organisation over the ruling.
The agreement with Zinni Media Concept Limited requires Mayweather to make different appearances in Africa, including one Nigeria in June 2017.
He however did not fulfill a duly entered agreement but instead, terminated it without cause and refused to reimburse advance payment made by the company for the service.
The CEO Zinni Media Ltd Prince Donatus Okonkwo, had only wanted reimbursement for the company's deposits, but Mayweather and his initial set of legal representatives implied that because the company was not based in the United States, he could not make any refund, the statement noted.
"Feeling violated and robbed, Zinni Media Ltd had no option but to seek and retain legal assistance within the USA to address the breach of contract.
"After several unsuccessful attempts to recover the appearance fees from the American boxer, the company instituted a legal action against Mayweather in 2018 where it alleged breach of contract, unjust enrichment and fraud against the former champion. We are grateful that two courts have granted a prayer by Zinni Media Ltd to impose terminating sanctions against Mayweather", the statement added.
It could be recalled that on October 31, 2023, a lower court had ordered Mayweather to pay Zinni $1,638,542 in damages, $721,881.32 in prejudgment interest, $16,270 in sanctioned attorney fees, as well as $285 in costs.
Dissatisfied with the judgement, Mayweather however filed an appeal. On August 27, 2024, the California Court of Appeal upheld the ruling of the lower court.
The judgment was confirmed by court documents made available to journalists in Nigeria, dated Aug 27, 2024 and endorsed by Eva McClintock, Clerk of the Court of Appeals of the State of California.
The document is referenced (Second Appellate District, Case No. B334403; County Super. Ct. No. 19VECV00170). Okeke & Associates, PC., by Patrick I. Okeke, Esq., represented the Plaintiff and Appellant (Zinni), while the Defendant and Respondent (Mayweather) was represented by Eisner LLP, by Jeremiah Reynolds, Esq., and Benjamin Kassis, Esq.
The statement said despite the ruling of the court of appeal and finality on the case, Mayweather had still refused to pay the judgment money which continues to grow at 10% per annum.
In a bid to enforce the judgement, the court has gone ahead to instruct USA attorneys to target Mayweather’s 2015 Bugatti GSV or his 2015 Ferrari LaFerrari Aperta, both valued over the judgment amount, Zinni Media Ltd further stated in its release.
"We have already defeated Mayweather and his attorneys on numerous occasions during the proceedings so the enforcement of the judgement will be duly applied.
"Our forensic investigators have also uncovered a substantial number of Mayweather’s valued assets showing that he was very successful but clearly overstating his true net worth", the statement added.
Alex Nwankwo quoted Prince Okonkwo as reacting on if his lawyers succeed in securing the Bugatti or Ferrari, he laughed and said, “these are very fast cars, but no good roads to drive them in Nigeria”.
Prince Okonkwo a successful business mogul is a former Anambra governorship aspirant and currently the Honorary Counsel of Democratic Republic of Congo to Nigeria.
He owns the popular eatery in Nigeria, Tetrazzini Group.
Video:
The Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar, has expressed concern over the deep-rooted environmental, political, and security challenges affecting the prosperity and peace of the Sahel region.
Abubakar stated this in Abuja on Thursday at the 1st News Agency of Nigeria International Lecture, themed, “Insecurity in the Sahel, 2008 to 2024: Dissecting Nigeria’s Challenges – Genesis, Impacts and Options.”
Represented by the Emir of Gumi, retired Justice Lawal Hassan, the Sultan noted that the Sahel region is blessed with abundant human resources, offering tremendous potential for rapid economic growth.
He described the Sahel as the vast semi-arid region of Africa, separating the Sahara Desert in the north from the tropical savannah to the south, representing a land of opportunities and challenges.
“With its abundant mineral resources like lithium, cobalt, and uranium, among many others, the Sahel could be described as one of the richest parts of the globe.
“It is expected to be home to 1.5 billion people by the year 2050 and has one of the largest and youngest populations in the world.
“However, despite its abundant human and natural resources, which offer tremendous potential for rapid economic growth, there are deep-rooted challenges—environmental, political, and security—that are affecting the prosperity and peace of the Sahel,” he said.
Abubakar mentioned that to address some of these challenges, the United Nations (UN) has developed a unique support plan targeting 10 countries to accelerate prosperity and sustainable peace in the region.
He identified the 10 countries as: Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Chad, The Gambia, Haiti, Mauritania, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, and Senegal.
The Sultan explained that the support plan focuses on six priority areas: cross-border cooperation, prevention and sustainable peace, peace-to-growth, climate action, and renewable energy.
He further stated that the overarching goal of the UN Support Plan for the Sahel is to accelerate shared prosperity and lasting peace in the Sahel and the surrounding regions by implementing priorities aligned with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the African Union’s Agenda 2063.
“The support plan highlights the enormous opportunities in the Sahel and its vast assets in natural resources, energy, tourism, and culture.
“It aims to mobilise public resources and attract targeted investments in the 10 countries to support ongoing efforts,” he added.
According to him, macroeconomic conditions in the Sahel have been steadier and stronger than the continental average over the past decade.
The Sultan noted that the regional support plan for the Sahel would be inaugurated in Gwane during a high-level meeting of the Sahel and the 31st African Union Summit in Nouakchott, Mauritania’s capital.
He explained that the inauguration, followed by the creation and deployment of the G5 Sahel Joint Force and the United Nations Integrated Strategy for the Sahel, would bring tangible progress to the region.
However, he pointed out that while these efforts are commendable, one critical aspect of achieving peace and building the Sahel’s economy has not received the attention it deserves.
He highlighted this aspect as the historical, cultural, and religious connections among the people of the Sahel.
“A lot of the social integration that took place over the centuries was driven by the religious factors of the past, which leveraged existing trade routes and created new ones, while also establishing new towns and cities, centres of commerce and life.
“Over the last millennium, these movements have created an interesting mix of relationships.
“A good understanding of this phenomenon can provide deeper insight into the factors influencing some of these economies.
“It will also provide a stronger foundation for building the future Sahel, enabling us to utilise the rich human and material resources for the greater benefit of humanity,” he stated.
The Chairman Senate Committee on Privatization and Commercialization, His Excellency, Orji Uzor Kalu, who is representing Abia North Senatorial District in the Red Chamber of the National Assembly, has over the years, graciously invested in the educational development of Abia State Pupils and Students.
Senator Dr Orji Uzor Kalu had within the last four days distributed Science, Technology,
Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Educational materials in 19 Schools in Bende LGA in his ongoing distribution of School materials in all the Schools across Bende LGA, these schools include:
1. Amankalu Alayi Comprehensive Secondary School.
2. Umuenyere Alayi Community Secondary School.
3. Umuenyere Alayi Primary School.
4. Amaoku/Amaokwu Community Primary School Alayi.
5. Amankalu Primary School.
6. Boys Secondary School Uzualoli.
7. Alaoma Primary School Isiegbu Ozuitem
8. Community Secondary School Amazu Umuhu Ezichi.
9. Umuhu Ezichi Community School Umuhu.
10. Ezichi Central School Umuhu.
11. Amachi Primary School Umuhu.
12. Lohum Imenyi Central School.
13. Amaohoro Community Primary School.
14. Lohum Community Secondary School.
15. Npukwa Magrat School Nkpa
16. Umuimenyi Secondary Technical School Amaohoro Nkpa
17. Umuokwe Community School Umuhu Ezechi.
18. Ugwueke Central School
19. Ugwueke Secondary School
The community leaders, Teachers and the Students applauded the Distinguished Senator for his kind gestures and showered prayers on him. The Senator was represented by Barr. Ifeanyi Igwe his Legislative Assistant.
You will recall that the distribution of these STEM educational materials by Senator Kalu, is done simultaneously across all schools in the five LGAs in Abia North.
Aware that Kalu has sponsored bills which is meant to enforce free education for all students in Nigeria and make it an offense for any parent or guardian who fails to enroll their wards in schools, the former Governor is very intentional about lifting the lives of Nigerian Children and Youths via quality education.
Rivers Governor Siminialayi Fubara was angry when he arrived the premises of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RISIEC) around 1am on Friday.
The Governor stormed the place with some government officials following intelligence that a deployment of armed policemen had come to take over RISIEC’s office.
Fubara was particularly indignant at the Inspector-General of Police as he attacked him. The Governor said: “We came here this morning when we heard according to what they called themselves, the Nigerian police, are coming to take over the premises of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission and I had to come myself to find out why will such a thing happen.
“What I heard is that one DC Operation brought them here. He withdrew policemen that were already here protecting this place so that ill officers will take over the place.
“But I have to say this on a very strong note. We have been taking enough nonsense from this institution. Everybody is aware of the court judgement. Did the ruling specify anywhere that election should not hold?
“It said don’t give voter register. What are we doing with it? Police don’t provide security. Is it the same thing as blocking the election? I don’t know what the relationship is between the IGP and one person who claims he has so much power in the state.
“I don’t know the relationship because it is beginning to go beyond the normal professional relationship. I said the government wrote a letter with the judgement that we have to him and what he is acting on is what he called the judgement he got from the Federal High Court.
“Even if we go by the Federal High Court judgement did it say election should be banned? Did Lifu, that judge, that gave that fraudulent judgement say no election. Rather he technically said don’t provide, don’t provide security.
“We don’t need your security. We will provide our own security. After all it happened in Anambra. This election must hold. If you like whatever you want to do, do it. The election must hold, results will be declared and people will be sworn in.
“What kind of country is this? And when it comes to the issue of Rivers State it becomes different .
“You have to be ashamed of yourself you call yourself IGP. Enough is enough. If I go back and hear anything, I will come here. This is my property and you don’t have any power whatsoever to bar me from entering it.
“Just try it and part of your history as a wicked and fraudulent IGP will include shooting Fubara. I think I have given you enough respect.
“Well let me say it to all Rivers indigenes everyone residing in Rivere, election will hold. Anything that wants to happen, let it happen”
The recent Edo State governorship election, held on September 21, 2024, has ignited a firestorm of outrage on social media, with the hashtag #EdoElectionTruth trending as anonymous staff of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) have come forward to expose alleged irregularities and manipulations during the electoral process.
Their revelations, which shed light on the deep-rooted issues within INEC, have captured public attention and sparked calls for accountability.
In a statement released to the public, concerned INEC staff expressed their dismay over the conduct of the election, describing it as marred by intimidation, coercion, and collusion among certain high-ranking officials and political agents.
They stated that while they had entered the election process with a commitment to uphold the principles of democracy, their experiences revealed a troubling reality that compromised the integrity of the electoral process.
"Since the election, many of us have been subjected to insults and abuse from our neighbours, church members, and even our own families.
"These accusations are based on the assumption that we were involved in manipulating the election, which is far from the truth," they stated.
The staff detailed a series of alarming incidents that occurred during the election. They reported coercion and threats from senior INEC officials, with some being pressured to alter vote counts or ignore irregularities.
Those who resisted were allegedly threatened with dismissal or physical harm. Additionally, they recounted instances where senior officials seized communication devices to prevent them from reporting irregularities, effectively isolating them from colleagues and external support.
"In collation centers across the state, we witnessed firsthand how election results were manipulated before being announced," they revealed.
The social media campaign, #EdoElectionTruth is gaining momentum, as Nigerians have demanded a thorough investigation into the allegations of election fraud.
"We need to demand accountability for those responsible for tampering with election results," a Twitter user wrote.
Another user commented: "Citizens deserve transparency and integrity in elections. Let's support the brave INEC staff speaking out!"
Yet another user stated: "We stand with those INEC staff members who bravely refused to succumb to threats."
The trending hashtag #EdoElectionTruth has fuelled outrage over the manipulation of the Edo State governorship election.
Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima has lauded Governor Peter Mbah’s development strides in Enugu State, noting that he was turning the state around through multiple projects across all sectors.
Shettima, who was in Enugu on Tuesday to commission the Enugu State Garment and Fashion Hub as well as unveil the 5th Expanded National Micro, Small, and Medium Scale Enterprises (MSME) Clinics, which are collaborative efforts of the Federal Government and Enugu to boost MSMEs in the state, also used the opportunity to tour some of the infrastructural projects by the Mbah Administration, such as the Command and Control security infrastructure and the International Conference Centre.
He stressed that time for politics was over and stressed Federal Government’s readiness to work with visionary leaders across party lines to move the country forward.
“Let us put politics aside. We are now in the phase of development. Politics is over. We have to coalesce into a single force and face the challenges of underdevelopment in our Nation. Governor Peter Mbah means well for the people of Enugu State and he is humble.
“I am specifically enamored of his security project. I am happy for his investment in supplying water to Enugu. Most importantly, education is the greatest changer. Within a generation, the son of a peasant can become a celebrated icon. The investment of Peter Mbah in Smart Schools will yield a bountiful harvest in the coming years.
“If I say I was impressed by what I saw in Enugu, it is an understatement. I was overwhelmed by the giant strides recorded by Governor Mbah and his team. He has embraced modernity. He has embraced digital technology. Most of the things I saw are avant-garde technology, state-of-the-art security infrastructure, and beautiful road network. He is doing excellently well and he is worthy to be emulated by other governors across the length and breadth of this nation.
“He is one of the few CEOs, who are versatile in the potentiality of the Information Technology industry. I want to join all of us here in thanking Governor Peter Mbah for taking charge of the opportunities that abound and incidentally the Minister of Science and Technology is here and he is a son of Enugu. I want you to join forces to see that Enugu occupies its rightful place.
“Enugu is an equivalent of Kaduna and Ibadan. But till the emergence of Governor Peter Mbah, Enugu was sleeping, a town that did not even have water supply.
“Your Excellency, we want to commend and identify with you. We have to sustain that brotherhood and relationship for the good of our people, both in development, infrastructure, we can change the narrative from negativity to positivity,” he said.
The Vice President emphasised that MSMEs were critical to economic growth, noting that the garment and fashion hub would serve as “a stepping stone to the economic highways, providing an exchange in support of manufacturing in Enugu State, boosting production capacity and in enabling economy of scale.”
Shettima said the hub was capable of creating about 48,000 jobs and announced a N150,000 outright grant to all the MSMEs that distinguished themselves during the MSME clinics.
Speaking, Governor Mbah restated his administration’s commitment to boosting MSMEs, describing them as the lifeblood of economic growth and thanked the Federal Government for its continued support to Enugu in regard.
The governor, who is a recipient of the 2024 MSMEs Awards by the Office of the Vice President, observed that almost 90 percent of businesses in the country were small scale.
“But as important as MSMEs may be, their success is no chance occurrence. They thrive only through careful policies that enhance the ease-of-doing-business climate, comprising key enablers like the sustained provision of infrastructure, security, efficient legal and regulatory framework, among others,” he stated.
The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, commended the collaborative efforts of the FG and Enugu State to grow MSMEs noting that what he saw at the Enugu State Garment and Fashion Hub was a clear indication that the youths of Nigeria had so much to offer if provided with the right opportunity and environment.
Earlier in their welcome addresses, the Special Adviser to Governor Mbah on MSMEs and Digital Economy, Arinze Chilo-Offia, and the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Job Creation and MSMEs, Temitola Adekunle Johnson, thanked the FG and Enugu State Government for the collaboration and support that saw to the success of the initiatives.
Firm repays $2.61bn, owes $6.25bn as Nigeria loses 264m crude barrels to theft, others
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited has pledged 272,500 barrels per day of crude oil through a series of crude-for-loan deals totalling $8.86bn.
By pledging 272,500 barrels daily, it means that about 8.17 million barrels of crude will be used for different loan deals by the national oil firm on a monthly basis.
This is according to an analysis of a report by the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative and the NNPC’s financial statements.
Under these deals, notable projects include Project Panther, Project Bison, Project Eagle Export Funding (Original, Subsequent, and Subsequent 2 Debts), Project Yield, and Project Gazelle.
According to The PUNCH’s findings, NNPC has already fully repaid $2.61bn in loans, representing 29.4 per cent of the total credit facility, while $6.25bn or 70.6 per cent, remains outstanding.
Also, out of the $8.86bn credit facility, only about $6.97bn has been received from seven crude-for-loan deals.
One of the key projects, Project Panther, involves a joint venture between NNPC and Chevron Nigeria Limited, backed by international and local banks.
The project secured a $1.4bn loan facility, with 23,500bpd pledged to service the debt. Repayment is set to commence after a moratorium, with financing terms including an SOFR (Secured Overnight Financing Rate) plus 5.5 per cent margin and a liquidity premium.
Another significant deal is Project Bison, tied to NNPC’s attempt to acquire a 20 per cent equity stake in the Dangote refinery. However, the national oil company only acquired a 7.25 per cent stake.
The project secured a $1.04bn loan from Afrexim Bank, with 35,000 bpd pledged as collateral. NNPC fully repaid this loan in June 2024.
Project Eagle Export Funding comprises three separate loans aimed at meeting various financial obligations.
The original loan, secured in 2020 for $935m, was serviced with 30,000 bpd and was fully repaid by September 2023.
A subsequent loan of $635m was also fully repaid by the same period. The third tranche, known as Project Eagle Export Funding Subsequent 2 Debt, was secured in 2023 for $900m, with 21,000 bpd pledged. Repayment is scheduled to begin in June 2024, and the loan will mature in 2028.
Project Yield, designed to support the Port Harcourt Refining Company, involves a $950m loan, with 67,000 bpd pledged for repayment.
The repayment of the loan, secured in 2022, will begin in December. This seven-year facility is crucial to refurbishing the refinery and enhancing domestic refining capacity.
However, despite this crude-for-loan arrangement, The PUNCH reports that fuel production at the Port Harcourt refinery has yet to commence, despite multiple postponements as of August. Promises from the Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources and NNPC have repeatedly fallen through.
More recently, there was the Project Gazelle deal, which aimed to stabilise Nigeria’s foreign exchange market.
In December 2023, NNPC secured a $3bn forward sale agreement, pledging 90,000bpd from Production Sharing Contract assets to cover future tax and royalty obligations.
As of the end of 2023, $2.25bn had been drawn from this facility, with repayments scheduled to begin by mid-2024.
These crude-for-loan deals come at a time when Nigeria is struggling to boost its oil production.
The NEITI 2022-2023 report revealed a significant decline in crude oil output, reaching the lowest levels in a decade. In 2022, the country produced 490.94 million barrels of crude oil, a steep drop from the peak of 798.54 million barrels in 2014.
Although production slightly improved to 537.57 million barrels in 2023, this still represents only 67.16 per cent of the country’s peak production capacity.
One of the major challenges facing the sector is production deferment. In 2023, Nigeria deferred 110.66 million barrels of crude oil, down from 153.44 million barrels in 2022.
The deferment was primarily due to unscheduled maintenance, repair issues, and oil theft.
Despite government efforts to curb these issues, including initiatives to reduce theft and sabotage, operational inefficiencies persist.
NEITI reported that oil theft and sabotage resulted in the loss of 5.25 million barrels in 2023, exacerbating production struggles.
The House of Representatives Special Joint Committee recently directed NNPC to halt further crude-for-loan agreements.
This directive follows reports that the company is planning to borrow an additional $2bn in oil-backed loans amid efforts to settle a $6bn backlog owed to international oil traders, particularly following the removal of fuel subsidy.
The PUNCH earlier reported that the NNPC was in talks for another oil-backed loan to boost its finances and allow investment in its business, according to the Group Chief Executive Officer, NNPC, Mele Kyari.
Kyari said the company wanted the new loan against 30,000-35,000 barrels per day of crude production, though he declined to say how much money it sought.
Nigeria’s government finances rely on oil the NNPC exports, which provides the bulk of crucial foreign exchange reserves. However, pipeline theft and years of underinvestment have sapped oil production in recent years, and the cost of fuel subsidies has further depleted cash reserves.
President Bola Tinubu has been struggling to implement reforms in Africa’s biggest oil exporter – including eliminating fuel subsidies and allowing the naira currency to trade close to market levels – without putting the country’s population at a cost-of-living breaking point.
On August 17, 2023, The PUNCH reported that the NNPC announced that it had secured a $3.3bn emergency crude oil repayment loan from the African Export-Import Bank.
It explained at the time that the oil company would use the loan to support the Federal Government in stabilising Nigeria’s exchange rate.
The facility, among other things, would help the Federal Government attend to some of its dollar obligations, assist the Central Bank of Nigeria in stabilising the foreign exchange market, and provide funding for NNPC.
Providing details about the deal in the document titled, “Everything you need to know about the NNPC Limited’s $3.3bn loan, also known as Project Gazelle,” NNPC said, “This is a financing agreement secured by NNPC Limited to prepay future royalties and taxes to the Federal Government.”
The company also stated that it adopted a lower price benchmark for the $3.3bn crude-for-cash loan to reduce the risk of default and ensure financial stability.
Giving details on the benchmark oil price, the company said the facility used a conservative crude price of $65/barrel to calculate the allocated crude to be produced and sold.
NNPC also said repayments were strategically planned and tied to future oil sales, with conservative pricing in oil sales contracts mitigating the risks associated with oil price volatility.
Amid the existing crude-for-oil deals, President Bola Tinubu approved the sale of crude to local refineries in naira and the corresponding purchase of petroleum products in naira. From October 1, NNPC commenced the supply of about 385,000 barrels per day of crude oil to the Dangote refinery, which would be paid for in naira.
I’m apologizing for saying,'If you don’t pay tithe, you won’t make it to heaven.' I’m sorry, that’s wrong, and it’s not in the Bible. What the Bible says is, 'Follow peace with all men, and holiness,without which no man shall see God.
- Pastor Adeboye
https://x.com/rccgyayaglobal/status/1842023838181212567
Throwback Video of Where he said If don't pay tithe you will not make heaven
There are indications that the supply of crude oil in naira by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited to the Dangote Petroleum Refinery which should have started on October 1, 2024, has yet to begin as of Thursday, October 3.
Officials at the Dangote refinery and those at the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, Federal Ministry of Finance, and NNPC, among others, stayed mute when contacted for updates on the naira-for-crude deal between NNPC and Dangote.
On Monday, The PUNCH reported that the Technical Sub-Committee on Domestic Sales of Crude Oil in Local Currency had confirmed the preceding day that the supply of crude in naira by NNPC to the Dangote refinery would begin on Tuesday, October 1, 2024.
On September 13, 2024, the committee announced that the Federal Executive Council under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu approved the sale of crude to local refineries in naira and the corresponding purchase of petroleum products in naira.
“From October 1, NNPC will commence the supply of about 385kbpd (385,000 barrels per day) of crude oil to the Dangote refinery to be paid for in naira,” the committee had declared.
The Chairman of the Technical Sub-Committee is Zacch Adedeji, who doubles as Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service.
The Special Adviser on Media to the FIRS Chairman, Mr Dare Adekanmbi, had responded in the affirmative when contacted on Sunday and asked if the plan for the crude oil supply to the $20bn Lekki-based plant was still intact.
“I can confirm that the Chairman of the Sub-Technical Committee, Zacch Adedeji, is working day and night to ensure that things go according to plans. He knows how important it is to have the agreement implemented as has been planned for the benefit of Nigerians,” Adekanmbi had stated.
But on Thursday, impeccable sources with three domestic refineries stated that they were not aware if the deal had commenced.
NNPC officials stayed mute when contacted for updates on the deal, directing our correspondent to the Ministry of Finance to get answers. The finance ministry did not provide answers when contacted.
However, a senior official with a domestic refinery said crude oil refiners including Dangote were still awaiting the Federal Government for the supply of crude in naira.
The official also noted that the government through its committee on crude-for-naira had assured operators that efforts were in top gear to deliver on the deal.
“You know that said it was to start on October 1, the technical committee is the one in charge now and they are working on it. They are supposed to arrive at a particular agreement and communicate it to us.
“But I can tell you that as of this moment, we haven’t received that communication yet. We are still waiting for them,” the operator who spoke in confidence due to lack of authorisation to speak on the matter, stated.
The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has assured Nigerians of a possible reduction in the cost of electricity in the coming months, following a current effort to step up the generation and distribution of power in the country.
This was as he noted that electricity costs in the country are significantly cheaper than running generators on petrol or diesel, considering its current prices.
He gave the assurance on Thursday, October when he received the Executive Secretary of the National Lottery Trust Fund, Mr. Tosin Adeyanju, who led the management team of the agency to pay a courtesy call on the Minister at the headquarters of the ministry in Abuja.
The Minister also said that it is worth noting that the price of electricity is still the cheapest in Nigeria, compared to even other African nations such as Togo, Mali and Niger Republic.
He, however, said that the low level of income in Nigeria makes the cost look high to consumers.
Nigerians have lamented the high cost of electricity this year following the increase of band tariffs being charged by the electricity Distribution Companies.
Currently, Band A customers are guaranteed at least 20 hours of electricity supply daily and are expected to pay N209.5 Kilowatts per hour with more citizens and manufacturers complaining of the high cost.
But speaking during the meeting, the minister said, “Nigerians can be assured of reduction in the cost of electricity, with the current effort to step up generation and distribution of power in the country.
“The price of electricity is still the cheapest in Nigeria, compared to even other African nations such as Togo, Mali, and Niger Republic but the low level of income in Nigeria makes the cost looks high to consumers.”
In his address, The Lottery boss commended the minister for his outstanding performance, his competence, and capacity, since his assumption of office about a year ago, and in restoring the confidence of Nigerians in the power sector.
“Permit me to address you as a performing minister of power, because since 1999, we have not witnessed the improvement that we have in the electricity supply in the country, as we have today. Before now, many were already opting for solar as supply was abysmal. But you have restored people’s confidence in the sector since you came on board”, Adeyanju said.
He informed the minister that as part of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, the agency is working to get the youths, particularly in the rural areas, to be productive by training them on how to assemble One Kilowatt of solar energy.
“We have come to you to seek partnership with you on how we can train our rural people, particularly the youths, on how they can assemble one kilowatt of solar energy. This will help a long way in addressing youth restiveness by creating employment for them, particularly those who have acquired skills such as hairdressing, vulcanizing, welding, and so on.
“This is part of our effort to help President Tinubu achieve his aim of addressing the challenges of unemployment among the rural people and the youths in general. We want to carry this out in all the local government areas of the country and since we have seen your commitment in this area of power supply, we have decided to approach your ministry for partnership to achieve this”, Adeyanju said.
Responding, hief Adelabu expressed the readiness of the ministry and its relevant agencies to collaborate and work with Trust Fund to achieve the objective.
He said the renewable power project of the ministry was established to address the areas of the country that the grid does not cover.
“We will be very happy to work and partner with you on this project. We have agencies that are driving this renewable power project, using solar, wind, and other alternative sources of power supply that the grid cannot reach. Such agency is our Rural Electricity Agency and they will be of great value to you in this project.
“All over the world today, we are faced with two basic issues and these are food and energy securities. We can see that the cost of gas is going up globally due partly to the war between Russia and Ukraine.
“However, we must be committed to providing electricity to our rural people, particularly the youths. We can see that even those of them who have learnt skills have abandoned those skills and are now riding Okada for quick money.
“President Tinubu is committed to the transformation of Nigeria and youths and rural development are of great concern. If Nigerians are patient, they will realize that the government means well for them.
“We are happy with this effort and will be very willing to work and collaborate with you to achieve it”, the Minister said.