Port Harcourt refinery to complete test run this month – NNPCL.

Port Harcourt refinery to complete test run this month – NNPCL.

The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Ltd has revealed that test-run at the Port Harcourt refinery will be completed before the end of January, in a major step towards resuming operations five years after the plant was shut.

“Testing will conclude shortly, ensuring the refinery’s efficient operation. That phase will be completed this month,” NNPC spokesperson Femi Soneye told Reuters on Thursday.

Soneye added that the test run was a major step towards resuming operations five years after the plant was shut.

The refinery, which is undergoing an upgrade, will begin by processing 60,000 barrels per day, and NNPC expects to operate at the full capacity of 210,000 barrels per day later this year.

The state-owned oil company announced in December the mechanical completion of rehabilitation work on the Area-5 Plant of the facility.

Port Harcourt is among Nigerian state-owned refineries that have been mothballed for years, but which the government is trying to revive to end the country’s reliance on imported refined product.

Tinubu congratulates Funke Akindele on historic box office record.

Tinubu congratulates Funke Akindele on historic box office record.

President Bola Tinubu has celebrated the creativity and sheer artistic talents driving Nigeria’s entertainment industry, following the success just recorded by ace Nigerian artist, Funke Akindele, with her movie, ‘A Tribe Called Judah’.

The movie, produced and co-directed by Akindele, was released in cinemas in Nigeria in mid-December last year, and after two weeks, it was reported to have grossed over N1 billion, becoming the highest-earning Nigerian movie ever.

In a statement issued by his special adviser on media and publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, President Tinubu celebrated the ingenuity, creativity, and immense artistic talents of Nigeria’s thriving entertainment industry.

Read Also: Funke Akindele breaks record as “A Tribe Called Judah” hits N1b at box office

According to the statement, the President congratulated Akindele on her record-setting film and commended the ace thespian for her contributions to the growth of the industry.

He extolled the excellence of the Nigerian creative industry, acknowledging its pivotal place as a medium, not only for artistic expression but also a source of enormous soft power and viable export.

Tinubu said: “The creative industry is one of the high-employment sectors, providing jobs for our able and talented youths. It is an industry that is crucial to my administration. I salute Nigerians for their enduring support and patronage of home-grown creative efforts. We will provide the conducive environment for the industry to thrive further.”

Biden kickstarts 2024 bid with speech targeting Trump.

Biden kickstarts 2024 bid with speech targeting Trump.

President Joe Biden will seek to fire up his 2024 campaign Friday with a major speech warning that democracy is at risk from Donald Trump, three years after the deadly January 6 US Capitol attack.

Either trailing or neck and neck with Trump in recent polls, the 81-year-old Democrat will frame his likely Republican rival as a threat to the nation in an address near the historic US independence war site of Valley Forge in Pennsylvania.

A looming winter storm forced the speech to be brought forward a day from Saturday, the third anniversary of the Capitol assault by a pro-Trump mob trying to overturn Biden’s 2020 election win.

The effort to boost Biden’s campaign by painting him as a defender of democracy will continue Monday when the president visits a South Carolina church where a white supremacist shot dead nine Black parishioners in 2015.

Campaign manager Julie Chavez Rodriguez said Biden’s election pitch four years ago that he was leading a “battle for the soul of America” was more relevant than ever.

“The threat Donald Trump posed in 2020 to American democracy has only grown more dire in the years since,” she said in a statement.

– Symbolism –

Trump was impeached but acquitted over the January 6 riots, while the 77-year-old now faces a criminal trial on charges of trying to subvert the 2020 election.

The US states of Colorado and Maine have barred him from standing in presidential primaries on the grounds that he had engaged in “insurrection” over the Capitol events. Trump has challenged both rulings.

But January 6 has become increasingly polarized in US politics — a quarter of Americans believe that the FBI instigated the attack, a Washington Post-University of Maryland poll showed this week.

The venues for Biden’s first speeches of 2024 are deliberately symbolic — the first, at a school near Valley Forge, where George Washington, the first US president, regrouped American forces fighting their British colonial rulers during the bitter winter of 1777-8.

“We chose Valley Forge as George Washington united the colonies there,” said principal deputy campaign manager Quentin Fulks.

“Then he became president and set the precedent for the peaceful transition of power — something that Donald Trump and Republicans refused to do.”

The push at the start of 2024 comes after criticism from some Democrats that the Biden campaign has got off to a slow start.

Biden has failed to convince voters that the economy is improving despite favorable numbers, with Americans saying they are still suffering from high food and housing costs.

Migration across the Mexican border remains a major headache, while there is division in his party over his support for Israel’s war on Hamas, and Congress is blocking his bid for more funds for Ukraine.

Biden’s refusal to mention Trump’s multiple criminal cases, to avoid the appearance of influencing the judiciary, has also deprived him of one of his most potent weapons.

– ‘Horrific’ –

But perhaps Biden’s biggest vulnerability is his age: as America’s oldest-ever president, he has suffered a series of trips and verbal slips.

Biden lags behind Trump in some polls, and also has the worst approval rating of any modern president at this stage in his term of office.

“If the election were held tomorrow, President Biden would lose,” William Galston, senior fellow at the Brookings Institution, told AFP.

Yet the Pennsylvania and South Carolina speeches show the Biden campaign will now portray the race as a straight choice between him and the twice-impeached former president.

The campaign is already treating Trump as the presumptive challenger despite the fact that the battle for the Republican nomination doesn’t even get underway until the Iowa caucuses on January 15.

Democrats are also targeting Trump on issues such as abortion access and health care.

Biden’s first TV ad of the year warns of an “extremist” threat to democracy, featuring images of the Capitol attack set to dramatic music.

“It was a sight that was horrific,” White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters on Thursday.

“The president is going to continue to speak about this and continue to be very vocal about this.”

AFP

INEC issues notice of bye-election to replace Gbajabiamila as Rep.

INEC issues notice of bye-election to replace Gbajabiamila as Rep.

The Independent National Electoral Commission in Lagos State said it has published the Surulere Federal Constituency I bye-election notice as required by law.

The INEC Public Affairs Officer in the state, Adenike Oriowo, on Friday, said the notice was pasted on Thursday at the commission’s headquarters in Sabo-Yaba for public viewing.

Oriowo said, “The notice has also been posted at the commission’s Surulere Local Government Area Office.

“Section 28 (3) of the Electoral Act 2022 provides that this should be done not later than 14 days before the election.”

She revealed further that INEC had commenced the implementation of activities and timetable for the elections, adding that the preparations were on top gear to ensure strict adherence to relevant laws and guidelines for the poll.

She, however, assured all that the commission will not fail to deliver a credible bye-election in the constituency.

INEC has fixed February 2024, for the conduct of re-run and by-elections in nine states, including Surulere Federal Constituency in Lagos State.

According to the timetable for the poll, the conduct of party primary elections including the resolution of disputes that may arise from the primary elections has been fixed to hold between January 5 and January 9.

The public campaigns by political parties will commence on January 18 and end on February 1.

The Surulere seat became vacant due to the resignation of the former occupant, Femi Gbajabiamila, who after winning, was appointed by President Bola Tinubu as his Chief of Staff.

I 'll Consolidate on Ajoni LG's Gains in Economy, Security, Job Creation, LG Boss , Ogungbemi Vows.

I 'll Consolidate on Ajoni LG's Gains in Economy, Security, Job Creation, LG Boss , Ogungbemi Vows.

......Pledges loyalty, synergy with Oyebanji's Govt.

Sequel to his swearing-in for a second term tenure, the Chairman of Ajoni Local Council Development Area of Ekiti State, Prince (Amb) Micheal Ogungbemi, has hinted that the veritable platform would propel his spirit and dedication to offer more superlative services that will change the face of the economy of the LCDA.

Specifically, Ogungbemi, who was among the council bosses sworn in by Governor Biodun Oyebanji on Thursday, January 4, 2024, said his second term will focus predominantly on consolidation on the gains already recorded in the security, economy and job creation in the council.

The multiple award winning council boss, who was overwhelmingly reelected in the December 2, 2023 council poll, promised unflagging loyalty and forging of strong synergy with the government of Biodun Oyebanji, for the replication of the 6-point cardinal focus of his administration in the LCDA.

In a statement released in Ayedun Ekiti, after the swearing-in, on Thursday, the council boss, apppreciated Governor Oyebanji, the leaders of the All Progressives Congress in the council and at the state levels and his constituents for deeming him fit of being reelected. 

On what he has in stock for his people, Ogungbemi promised that his focus would be chiefly based on demonstration of outstanding administrative and political mettles that will turn the agrarian council into an agricultural hub, centre of commerce and fertile ground for investment .

He stated the foregoing might not be difficult and tasking to accomplish since he had been able to lay a rocky foundation during his first term, with gradual and steady progresses already being recorded.

In the area of economy, Ogungbemi, said his administration would make significant investment in partnership with private organisations to attract youth into farming banking on the available and expansive arable land in the LCDA.

"Agriculture is one area where we have the comparative advantage. We have good atmospheric condition and available arable land to deploy. In our first term, 80 unemployed graduates were attracted into farming. They were to specialise in cassava and cashew plantation. We will work harder to increase the tally".

In the area of economy, Ogungbemi said his government had built about 100 open market stall and shopping malls in the council, promising to expand the scope to radicalise the face of economy through trading and commerce.

In the area of Human Capital Development, Ogungbemi, said his administration will sustain the strong partnerships he had fostered with Build a School in Africa (BASIA) to shore up facilities in schools, as experienced in the modern schools built in Ayebode and Esun Ekiti to boost school enrolments.  

Ogungbemi added that several other landmark projects like the fight against malnutrition, women empowerment, bursary for students, and others will be sustained to make lives more comfortable for his constituents.

On articulated strides to empower the populace, Ogungbemi, said he will sustain the partnerships with BASIA, Interwave Solutions, African Histories and Genealogical Centre and others to empower Ajoni citizens in the areas of education, job creation and investment to increase the council's contributions to GDP.

"We are not limiting our opportunities for partnership. We are wooing other local and international agencies to see Ajoni as a land of economic opportunitirs and prospects".

Describing security as the fulcrum and anchor for investment drives, the LG Boss, pledged continuous and solid funding for operation EBBORRAC he established to ward off kidnappers, bandits and killer herders out of the border council.

"We are not oblivious of the fact that Ajoni enjoys vast land resource up to Kwara and Kogi borders. But the actvities of marauding herders and other criminals were dissuading our people from taking into farming for us to attain food security status. The farmers-herders' constant clashes is one menace we will tackle head-on.

"But this time, we will adequately fund the operatives of our security outfit called EBBORRAC while also having strong alliance with Amotekun corps to complement their efforts. 

"Right from time, I have been having good relationships with our conventional security outfits like the Police, DSS, and NSCDC. This we are going to strengthen the more to make Ajoni land safe for agriculture and other investments".

Adeleke unveils integrated support package for Osun Council of Obas.

Adeleke unveils integrated support package for Osun Council of Obas.

In recognition of traditional rulers, Governor Ademola Adeleke has unveiled an integrated support package for Osun State Council of Obas as a pillar of peoples’ government.

At the second strategic consultative meeting with the state royal fathers , Governor Adeleke listened attentively to the suggestions and submissions of the royal fathers under the leadership of His Royal Majesty, Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi before opening up on his plan for the state’s Council of Obas.

Governor Adeleke who reminded the Council of inherited challenges faced by his administration, said his team prioritized royal institutions first because he grew up within a palace environment and because service delivery is best facilitated by royal fathers.

“Our Obas live and dine with the people. They are the custodian of our culture with deep affinity with the people. In Africa, productive collaboration with traditional rulers is therefore the foundation of successful governance”, the Governor posited.

Governor Adeleke disclosed that despite the harsh state of finance, his administration has crafted a support package for the traditional rulers which is already under implementation.

He speaks on the package as follows: ”Our administration will continue to support our Kings for the successful hosting of their town days. We will work on a public- private partnership for town development through town day celebration.

“Medical support for our fathers will also be expanded. We will look into the possibility of health insurance enrollment as we did for pensioners in the state.

“We have already increased the sitting allowances of our Kabiyesi. This has taken effect statewide.

“We are addressing the issue of new cars for our Kabiyesi with all sense of seriousness. Gradually, we will be satisfying this genuine aspiration of our fathers in this respect.

“It is however my singular honour to announce that within the first tenure of our administration, we will build a befitting Council of Obas Secretariat in the state. This will be fully equipped to fully recognise our fathers as a pillar of people’s government.

Going forward, I am using this opportunity to inform our royal fathers that Ipade Imole holds on a quarterly basis. I seek your regular attendance as a Council.

The Governor who also addressed issues raised by the royal fathers, promised to tackle controversies over elevation of Ibas, review of Obaship laws, release of white papers on some kingship stools and the role of royal fathers in state governance.

“ I will direct relevant commissioners to take up all issues raised at this meeting. I also urged our fathers to submit position papers on all issues raised here”, the governor submitted.

The Governor who received applause from Council members said he was elated that “our fathers here have severally testified to our service delivery in road construction, school rehabilitation, water provisions, health care access, workers and pensioners welfare.

“We crowned our one year super delivery with the unveiling of the multi-billion naira infra agenda designed to prepare Osun as an investment and global tourism destination. I am happy to report that implementation of the plan has commenced statewide.

“My highly revered royal fathers, we have been managing state finance with a high level of prudence and self sacrifice. My security vote is going for state development. As we are tightening our belts, we are spending on infrastructure and human support.

“We are tapping into new sources of revenue. The reform of the solid mineral sector is ongoing. The goal is to ensure maximum benefit for the state from her natural resources. We are working to improve internally generated revenue without imposing an excessive tax burden on our people.

“We cultivated a culture of saving for project execution. Unlike practice in the past, federal interventions under our watch are judiciously administered. In recent months following the economic crisis triggered at the national level, we implemented palliative administration in transparent and accountable manners. We did not hoard palliative materials. We rather allowed the public through various associations to handle the distribution.

“In a demonstration of responsible leadership, we created a project account to keep the N7 billion naira federal intervention fund. As the state is spending multi-billion naira on infra agenda, the N7 billion is an addition to contribute to the bridging of the state infra deficit.

“Our governance ambition is multi-dimensional. Your government is pushing to achieve a decade old ambition within four years. My friends tell me my plans are too ambitious but I respond to them that we are too late to allow the sky to be our limit.

The Osun agro-sector must develop. We must grow our creative industry with the full involvement of our traditional rulers. We are matching with God towards that goal.

Responding , the Chairman of the Osun State Council of Obas, His Royal Majesty, Oba Ogunwusi commended the Governor for his good governance records and delivery of service to the people

FG promises more investment in health research.

FG promises more investment in health research.

The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Tunji Alausa, on Thursday, said the Federal Government would improve health outcomes and allocate funds for national health infrastructure and research to create a stronger healthcare system in the country.

Alausa made this known during the inauguration of the National Health Research Committee in the Yaba Local Government Area of Lagos State on Thursday.

He added that the growth of health care in the country can be achieved by utilising strategic alliances, technological investments, and the promotion of an inquisitive culture, to tackle the distinct health issues of the country.

He said, “Our vision for health research in Nigeria is anchored in the pursuit of excellence, innovation, and inclusivity. We envision a nation where cutting-edge research becomes the cornerstone of our healthcare system. Through strategic partnerships, investment in technology, and fostering a culture of inquiry, we aim to harness the power of knowledge to address the unique health challenges that our diverse population faces.”

The minister noted that the goal of the federal government is to establish a setting where researchers, physicians, and public health experts can collaborate to develop solutions that cut across national boundaries and enhance global health.

“In this vision, health research is not just a scientific endeavour but a dynamic force that propels us toward evidence-based policies and practices. We aspire to create an environment where our researchers, clinicians, and public health professionals work hand in hand to pioneer solutions that transcend borders, contributing to global health advancements.

“Our vision for health research in Nigeria is deeply rooted in the recognition that knowledge is the bedrock of a robust and effective healthcare system,” he said.

It was earlier reported that Alausa said the Federal Government would digitalise the healthcare system for better health outcomes.

He also said the government would increase funding for research and digitalising the health system would help to facilitate accurate data to improve the sector in line with the ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’ of President Bola Tinubu.

The Chairman of the committee, Olufumilayo Olapade, stated that it will take the nation two years to advance its technological capabilities to promote health-related research with government backing.

She added, “Research and data is everywhere as much as you put the necessary resources in place. Artificial Intelligence is there, and we are building everything better and smarter.

It will not take us forty years to do it, rather it will take us up to two years as long as we work together. We have a good government that is ready to put all of these in place.”

She further stated that Africa has the youngest labour force in the world, therefore, it is ahead of the game.

“This is a committee that can do transformation at work. I spent the pandemic working with collaborators. All eyes are on Africa to be our moment to shine in science and technology. We have to keep working hard to get resources and we are already ahead of the game. Nigerians are everywhere in the world and Africa has the youngest workforce in the world and every company will come to Africa,” she noted.