NJC reinstates Justice Ojo as Osun CJ, kicks Adeleke’s petition out.

NJC reinstates Justice Ojo as Osun CJ, kicks Adeleke’s petition out.

The National Judicial Council(NJC) has reinstated Justice Oyebola Ojo earlier suspended as Osun Chief Judge by Governor Ademola Adeleke.

The council, in its resolution after the 104th meeting held between December 6 and 7, also recommended forceful retirement of Justice S. O Falola of Osun State High Court over misconduct. 

The Director of Information of the council, Barrister Soji Oye in a statement on the council’s website explained : “Council considered and declined the request of Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State requesting its permission to swear in the next Most Senior Judge in the State in acting capacity, following allegations levelled against Hon. Justice Adepele Ojo, Chief Judge, Osun State and the resolution of the State House of Assembly to suspend him. 

“The Council affirmed that Hon. Justice Ojo is still the recognised Chief Judge of Osun State, and would not work on the resolution of a State House of Assembly, as it is the only body constitutionally empowered to investigate Judicial Officers and recommend same for any action to the Governor. Consequently, Osun State should revert to status quo.” 

Tinubu appoints Lopkobiri chair, Ogbe ES of NCDMB.

Tinubu appoints Lopkobiri chair, Ogbe ES of NCDMB.

President Bola Tinubu has appointed the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Heineken Lokpobiri and Felix Omatsola Ogbe, as Chairman and Executive Secretary, respectively, of Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB).

Ogbe is taking over as Executive Secretary from Engr Simbi Wabote, who has run the affairs of the Board since September 2016 when he was appointed by former President Muhammadu Buhari and reappointed in September 2020 for a second term run.

According to a statement by Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, members of the Board include EVC Upstream of the NNPC Limited, Oritsemyiwa Eyesan; CEO of the NUPRC, Gbenga Komolafe and five others.

“In conformity with Sections 71(1), 72, and 73 of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development Act (2010), President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of qualified Nigerians to serve on the Governing Council and Management team of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB):

“Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri — Chairman / HMS, Petroleum Resources; Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe — Executive Secretary; Oritsemyiwa Eyesan — Member / EVP Upstream, NNPCL; Gbenga Komolafe — Member / CEO, NUPRC; Bekearedebo Augusta Warrens — Member; Nicolas Odinuwe — Member; Rapheal Samuel — Member; Sadiq Abubakar — Member; and Olorundare Sunday Thomas — Member,” the statement reads. 

The statement further said President Tinubu hopes members of the new Board and Management would deploy their expertise to help him achieve his administration’s 70% indigenous content participation in the energy industry.

President Tinubu To Shell Group: We Are Removing Encumbrances Daily, We Expect More Investments.

President Tinubu To Shell Group: We Are Removing Encumbrances Daily, We Expect More Investments. 

President Bola Tinubu, on Thursday, in Abuja expressed optimism about the prospects of increased investments from Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria (SPDC), emphasizing Nigeria's long-term relationship with the company, which discovered the first commercial oil field at Oloibiri in the Niger Delta in 1956. 

Receiving the management of Shell Group, led by its Global Integrated Gas and Upstream Director, Ms. Zoe Yujnovich, the President said his administration will continue to ensure the security and viability of existing and new investments in the country.

"We have made progress since our last meeting. I will continue to support and encourage you on this path. There is no doubt that there is a significant focus on investment in and around the continent. I am spearheading Nigeria's global march for new investments at home.

"In view of our long-term relationship that has been established over the years, we want you to do more, and we are ready to encourage you in every way possible. 

"We are very focused on resolving all investment-related issues. There is no bottleneck that is too difficult for us to remove in our determined march toward making Nigeria the African haven for large scale investment in all key sectors. We need each other," the President told the visiting delegation.

In her remarks, on behalf of the Shell Group, Ms. Yujnovich expressed Shell's commitment to maintain its legacy of onshore investments in Nigeria, particularly as the company refocuses its investment to key into new and existing opportunities in the gas sector. 

She outlined the company's dedication to the development of the gas value chain in the country, including a substantial commitment of $1 billion over the next five to ten years, aimed at unlocking gas resources for domestic use and the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) project.

Furthermore, Ms. Yujnovich announced an imminent $5 billion investment opportunity in the Bonga North project off the shores of Nigeria, located in the deep water. 

The Shell Global Integrated Gas and Upstream Director expressed Shell's eagerness to proceed with this investment and outlined several prospective investments which Shell Group is eyeing in Nigeria over the short to medium term. She commended the collaboration her team has experienced with the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri, and the Special Adviser to the President on Energy, Olu Verheijen, while acknowledging their roles in achieving significant progress in actualizing the potential of these projects as well as others.

"Mr President, I want to be successful in my role, and I cannot be successful in my role unless I can find a way to bring more new investments to Nigeria. 

"I have made commitments to our investors that we will continue to invest in gas and oil. In Nigeria, I see all the conditions to continue to make this partnership stronger. In the deep water, we have an imminent investment opportunity in Bonga North. This is $5 billion. I am really keen to make that investment as soon as possible. We want to continue and build a pipeline of new investments in Nigeria," she concluded. 

FPA Former Students Union Government led by Comr Harry Criticizes Tuition Fee Increment and Hike Hostel Fee, Issues Seven Days Ultimatum for Reversion.

FPA Former Students Union Government  led by Comr Harry Criticizes Tuition Fee Increment and Hike Hostel Fee, Issues Seven Days Ultimatum for Reversion.                                         By: Comr Olamide Akinwumi J. 

The Former Students Union Government of Federal Polytechnic Ado-Ekiti, led by the then-president Comr Olubodun Abiodun J, also known as Harry, strongly condemns the Federal Government and school management for a significant tuition fee increase. According to Comr Harry, "Staylites now pay eighty-three thousand Naira, up from forty-eight thousand, while freshers pay a staggering one hundred and forty-one thousand Naira, up from fifty-five thousand."

Expressing dissatisfaction, Comr Harry urges a revert to the hostel fee increment from N10,000 to N20,000. He demands a refund to affected students within seven working days, stating, "The 100% increment in hostel fees, given the subpar conditions, is unjustifiable."

Comr Harry issues a seven-day ultimatum to the Federal Government, school management, and the Minister of Education. He emphasizes, "We urge a 30% reduction for staylite school fees and a 50% reduction for evening student school fees to ease the financial burden on students."

The former SU President calls on Hon Sunday Asefon, Senior Special Adviser on students' Engagement to the President, and the Minister of Education to address the issue. He appeals, "The proposed fee increment is unduly burdensome for students, especially in challenging economic circumstances."

Comr Harry urges the school management under the leadership of Engr Dr Temitope Alake to consider affordable education, stating, "This hike denies many students access to free and quality education. We trust in your commitment to fostering an environment where students can thrive."

Extending appreciation to President Tinubu, Comr Harry acknowledges efforts in providing a conducive environment for education. However, he reiterates the seven-day ultimatum, emphasizing the urgency of resolving the issues.

In Nelson Mandela's words, "Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world." Students unite to advocate for accessible and affordable education.

Sanwo-Olu swears in two exco members.

Sanwo-Olu swears in two exco members.

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu yesterday swore in Biodun Ogunleye and Olufemi Daramola as members of the State Executive Council. 

Ogunleye was sworn in as Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, while Daramola was appointed Special Adviser to the Governor on Infrastructure.

Governor Sanwo-Olu urged the two to begin work immediately by taking their responsibilities to an enviable height so they can meet the yearnings and expectations of Lagos residents. 

He said: “It is clear that you will add value. You have been carefully chosen. It is clear to us that you have the pedigree that can take those responsibilities to an enviable position. 

“Engr. Daramola is a young man that I have followed up and I have seen his tenacity, commitment to ensure that he puts his very best into assignments and responsibilities that have been given to him. He is an example to all other public officers and civil servants that, the Lagos State Executive Council is not an exclusive preserve of external appointees. If you have done well and we see it, you can indeed get on to this level. 

“I am sure there are other permanent secretaries that will aspire to get to this level. We believe that as a former permanent secretary, who we know too well, he (Daramola) will bring a lot of experience into his office as a Special Adviser in the Office of Infrastructure.” 

“Mr. Biodun Ogunleye is a man who has a lot of energy. It is not a coincidence that he is Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources. This is an important ministry for us because we led the conversation for the actualisation of the unbundling of that sector as a government. So, we have carefully brought in someone that we believe can help achieve and realise the energy sufficiency that we require in Lagos. 

“The needs of Lagosians and their aspirations are that every household wants power. They want a sector that will completely meet the yearning of the citizens and we believe with his (Ogunleye) expertise, industry knowledge and wealth of experience, we hope that he will hit the ground running knowing fully well the expectations of that office.”

Cross River partners Oando on Renewable Energy.

Cross River partners Oando on Renewable Energy.

Arenewable energy plan for Cross River State was unfolded yesterday following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the state and Oando Clean Energy (OCEL), the renewable energy business subsidiary of Oando Energy Resources, a part of the Oando PLC Group.

The agreement was signed in Dubai as a sideline of the ongoing COP28 summit in United Arab Emirates (UAE).

The MoU will facilitate the rollout of electric vehicles for mass transportation within the state, setting up an electric vehicle (EV) assembly plant, thus creating jobs for local indigenes as well as building a 100MW wind plant for power generation. 

Representing Governor of Cross River State, Senator Prince Bassey Otu at the MOU signing was the Commissioner for Special Duties, Mr. Oden Ewa. Ewa said: “This landmark agreement marks a significant step forward in Cross Rivers’ journey towards a cleaner and more sustainable future. The MOU paves the way for the transitioning of our mass transit system to cleaner and less expensive fuels whilst also allowing for the use of our natural resource, wind to provide electrification for our people”.

He added: “I commend Oando Clean Energy for their innovative solutions that address the impact of climate change in Nigeria and her citizens”.

OCEL President / CEO, Dr. Ainojie Irune said: “As a company, we are committed to ensuring that this journey to a cleaner and more sustainable energy future is as seamless and as easy as possible. By putting our confidence in, not only the technology but the partnership and ensuring that the Cross River State Government and her people reap the benefits of generating power from sustainable sources”.

He added: “Oando Clean Energy’s scope spans the entire 35 states of the federation and the FCT; and with one state at a time, we will create a cleaner, more viable energy ecosystem for Nigeria and our people”.

Some of those who were at the pavilion include Minister of the Niger Delta, Abubakar Momoh; Minister of the Environment, Balarabe Lawal; Minister of State for Environment, Dr. Kunle Salako; Director General, (NCCC), Dr Salisu Dahiru.

I didn’t go to Kuje to visit Emefiele – Ooni.

I didn’t go to Kuje to visit Emefiele – Ooni.

The Ooni of Ice, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has refuted reports that he visited embattled former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Godwin Emefiele at Kuje jail.

The monarch’s spokesperson, Moses Olafare, told reporters on Wednesday that Oba Ogunwusi was at the prison on behalf of Hopes Alive Initiative, HAI, a non-governmental organisation that supports the prison owned by Queen Temitope, one of his wives.

In honour of the Ooni’s eighth anniversary, he added, the programme, which was organised in collaboration with the Kuje correctional administration, focused on providing hope to prisoners regarding their reintegration into society after serving their sentences.

“The intent of those spreading the news was to blackmail the monarch; there is nothing hidden about the event. In any case, the king never met Emefiele because it was an official event organised by the NGO in conjunction with the Kuje Correction Centre.

“The programme centres around giving hope to the inmate that, after serving out their terms, they still have hope to reintegrate back to the society. The Arole Ooni was invited to chair the event in commemoration of his eighth anniversary on the throne.

“What is exclusive about a public programme where different public figures spoke and representatives of the inmate also spoke? How then did the Ooni manage to meet Emefiele?

“We must be careful with how people spread falsehoods about people. The video of the event is available to the public. I am not even sure Emefiele attended the programme because he is only in detention and not an inmate yet, so why link the programme to Emefiele? It is simply to achieve blackmail,” he stated.