5,686 illegal refineries uncovered in three years, says Kyari.

5,686 illegal refineries uncovered in three years, says Kyari.

The Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, Mr. Mele Kyari, said over 5,686 illegal oil refining sites were discovered between 2021 and January 2024.

Kyari disclosed this on Wednesday while speaking as a guest lecturer during the 2024 Faculty Lecture titled, ‘Energy Security, Sustainability and Profitability in Nigeria: Advances, Challenges and Opportunities’, organised by the Faculty of Science, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State.

The NNPCL boss said the challenges posed by pipeline vandalism and crude oil theft have impacted the corporation’s operations, stressing that the establishment of a command-and-control centre has aided the detection and destruction of illegal refinery sites.

A statement by the NNPCL Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Olufemi Soneye, quoted Kyari as saying, “The centre provides live streaming of surveillance data to security forces, contributing to the detection and destruction of over 5,686 Illegal Refinery (IR) sites and the removal of 4,480 Illegal Connections (ICs) from 2021 to the present.”

While acknowledging the severity of vandalism and oil theft, Kyari had hinted at a strategic shift, focusing on increased product trucking and storage in underground tankages at NNPC filling stations nationwide.

Speaking further, he called for collaboration between the academic and the oil and gas industry towards addressing the challenges of energy sufficiency and sustainability.

In his lecture, Kyari highlighted the important role played by the academic communities in safeguarding national energy security through research and collaboration with the industry.

While pointing out the challenges hindering energy security in Nigeria to include rapid population growth, pipeline vandalism, and crude oil theft, he identified “energy conservation, diversification, and efficiency measures as major avenues for enhancing energy security.”

Kyari said the removal of fuel subsidies has allowed the NNPCL to play a more active commercial role, ensuring profitability and delivering greater value to Nigeria’s growing population.

The Federal Government, in November 2023, revealed that more than N4.3 trillion worth of crude oil was stolen in 7,143 pipeline vandalism cases within five years.

Reps reiterate commitment to passing bill on state police.

Reps reiterate commitment to passing bill on state police.

The House of Representatives has again pledged its commitment to the passage of bills on state policing in a bid to address insecurity across the country.

The Chairman, House Committee on Information and Communication Technology, Stanley Olajide, gave the pledge on Wednesday in Abuja while commiserating with the Oyo State Government and families of victims of the Tuesday explosion in Ibadan, the state capital.

Reports have it that two people died and several others were injured when an explosion occurred at the Dejo Oyelese Street in the Bodija area of Ibadan.

Addressing journalists at the National Assembly Complex, Olajide, a member representing the Ibadan North West/South West constituency of Oyo State said communal policing remains a good way of safeguarding the people.

He said, “Community policing is actually one of the very smartest ways to police your people. Somebody sees something, and knows something; they need to speak at the right time.

“Failure to do so will cause situations like this. So, we are going to reopen that because remember, we have also been talking about state police, we will be talking about community police.

“I think you know a situation like this would actually present an urgency to the matter, so that this way, we can get the right support that we need to pass whatever legislation that we need to pass for this.

“Definitely, we’re going to pick this up and it’s going to be on the front burner of the activities of the House as soon as we reconvene as a House.”

Commending the Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde’s prompt response to the tragedy, the lawmaker said the state government acted swiftly to get the situation in check.

“We woke up to a very horrific situation in Ibadan which happened around 8 pm last night (Tuesday) from information gathered so far coming from the office of the Governor of Oyo State, who I must also commend immensely for his rapid response to the situation.

“I do not want to speculate on the numbers of lives yet, because I don’t have those numbers yet. But we do know that there are casualties.

“From the Office of the Governor, we also understand that a lot of people are in the hospitals receiving treatment. The Governor has actually made commitments to make sure that everybody is taken care of to get the first class medical treatment that they deserve and they are going to get,” he added.

He also commended security agencies and the National Emergency Management Agency for their quick response minutes after the explosion occurred.

“I want to commend the NEMA, the police, the Department of State Services and all the emergency responders that have responded to this urgent call.

“At this point, that area remains a crime scene, which means we have to work with law enforcement to preserve the integrity of that area. I was going to go there this morning, but I was advised against it because going there will also be part of the problem. We don’t want to play politics with the lives of our people,” he further said.

Having briefed the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen on the incident, the lawmaker said he has been mandated to go on a fact-finding mission on behalf of the Green Chamber.

“When this is done, we can figure out the kind of materials needed for our people. This will enable us to come up with some kind of relief materials for our people,” he said, adding that the information before him was that the explosion was connected with the activities of illegal miners.

“It’s unfortunate, but the information that we got is that one of these illegal miners was in possession of explosives in a residential area, which eventually caused this disaster. But we will find out more information.”

In the bid to unravel the immediate and remote causes of the ugly incident, Olajide called on the Director-General of the Department of State Security to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident.

“So, I’ve sent a message to the DG of DSS as well because I also want them to make sure that they do a thorough investigation because it’s one too many. When you have a situation like this, you don’t want to ever have it repeat itself again,” he stated.

Also speaking, a lawmaker from Lagos State, Ademorin Kuye, condoled with the Government and people of Oyo State over the incident.

He said, “I just want to join my colleagues to commiserate with the people who have lost a lot in this act of criminality by illegal miners. And I particularly have to come because Ibadan is like my second home. I studied in Ibadan when I was in Oyo State.

“I just want to further reiterate the position of my colleague, that there is a need for fiscal federalism and that can lead us quickly to having a state police. I believe that the President campaigned based on these promises and I know that he’s going to work with the National Assembly to ensure that we have state police very soon

Ibadan blast: FG sets up committee to review laws on explosives.

Ibadan blast: FG sets up committee to review laws on explosives.

The Federal Executive Council on Wednesday said it has set up a committee to review the laws guiding the control of explosives in the country.

This is coming after the devastating explosion that rocked the ancient city of Ibadan, the Oyo state capital, on Tuesday night,

The committee would determine whether these were violated by the illegal miners identified in the preliminary investigations by security agencies, the Minister of Defense, Mohammed Abubakar, told State House Correspondents after the Federal Executive Council meeting on Wednesday.

The council, presided over by President Bola Tinubu at the Aso Rock Villa, Abuja, expressed worries about the incident, noting the need to avert future occurrences.

At least two persons were confirmed dead and over 80 were injured in the explosion also which destroyed several buildings, vehicles, and other properties.

The Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, who visited the scene of the explosion, confirmed the casualties, adding that the explosion occurred at Adeyi Avenue, Bodija.

However, settlers say the blast was heard and felt kilometres away in many parts of the city.

Makinde said preliminary investigations by security agencies revealed that the blast was triggered by illegal miners occupying one of the houses in Bodija.

Abubakar said despite preliminary investigations linking the incident to explosives stored by illegal miners; the authorities are not ruling out gas as a possible cause.

However, federal agents are on the ground to ascertain the proximate and remote causes of the incident.

Fielding questions on the issue, he said, “The first question has to do with the Ibadan explosion where the governor said that preliminary investigation suggested that there are some explosives around the area where it happened that are owned by some illegal miners.

“Well, we have seen that report. There is another report suggesting that it was a gas explosion. So, our team is there trying to find out the cause.

“But for the council to be proactive, it has already set up the committee that I told you to look into how the control of explosives law was broken if, indeed, there are explosives around the area where this incident happened.”

The Minister said the committee was set up to review the laws guiding the control of explosives “to see where the chain is broken and see how it can be fixed and gather more information if this is happening rampantly around the country.”

“You all know that there are strict rules in the storage, movement and ownership of these explosives and the rules are being monitored. If there is any case of breakdown, we will find out and deal with it,” he added.

Earlier, Tinubu called on the relevant government agencies to “fish out” and “punish” those responsible for what he called “reckless behaviour” that triggered the blast.

He expressed sadness over the incident, which he described as “worrisome.”

In a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, the President said, “It is worrisome that the cause of the blast is being attributed to the activities of illegal miners.

“Those behind the inexcusable and reckless behaviour that has created the conditions for the sad incident to occur must be fished out and punished.”

Matter Christi Girls High School Pays Courtesy Call to Igede LG Chairman, Hon. Gbenga Oluwatuyi, Celebrating Academic Excellence.

Matter Christi Girls High School Pays Courtesy Call to Igede LG Chairman, Hon. Gbenga Oluwatuyi, Celebrating Academic Excellence.

In the early hours of Tuesday, 16th January, 2023, the management and students' representatives of the Matter Christi Girls High School, aka School of Princesses, Igede-Ekiti, led by Reverend Sister Victor Ndukwu, paid a courtesy call on the Executive Chairman, Irepodun/Ifelodun local government, Hon Gbenga Oluwatuyi. 

The visit, according to Reverend Sister Ndukwu, was to congratulate the LG boss on his victory at the polls and consequent inauguration as the chairman of the local government. While presenting the school, the team described Matter Christi Girls High School as holder of a 3-time unbeaten academic record as the best private school in Ekiti state. The School of Princesses, as a result of her outstanding and sterling academic performance, represented Ekiti State Government in a national academic competition. Expectedly, the school emerged as the first runner-up through out the federation.

In his response, the Executive Chairman, Mr Gbenga Oluwatuyi, expressed his happiness and satisfaction with the academic records of the school. "I am not unaware of the excellent performance of Matter Christi Girls High School, Igede-Ekiti. Apart from the fact that the school continues to make us proud as the host community, I am more delighted by the way the school management maintains the academic standard through instilling discipline and fear of God". Oluwatuyi retorted.

The chairman promised to support and partner with the school where and when necessary to ensure robust and unfettered relationship for the prosperity of both the school community and the local government.

It is worthy of note that Matter Christi also owns a College of Health, Sciences and Technology  in Igede-Ekiti. The college has a standard health facility that provides medical services to the host community at affordable costs.

Governor Oyebanji Inaugurates Olowe of Ise Art Foundation's Board of Trustees, Paving the Way for a World-Class Museum.

Governor Oyebanji Inaugurates Olowe of Ise Art Foundation's Board of Trustees, Paving the Way for a World-Class Museum.

By Olamide Akinwumi J. 

In a significant step towards the preservation and promotion of cultural heritage, Governor Biodun Oyebanji inaugurated the Board of Trustees of the Olowe of Ise Art Foundation on Wednesday, January 17th, at the Governor’s Office in Ado-Ekiti. The foundation, dedicated to celebrating the works of the late world-renowned Carver Olowe, aims to amplify the artistic legacy on a global scale.

During the inauguration ceremony, Governor Oyebanji expressed his dedication to the cultural development of Ekiti State and the nation at large. The establishment of the Olowe of Ise Art Foundation is seen as a pivotal move towards not only preserving the rich cultural heritage but also positioning Ekiti as a hub for the arts.

The late Carver Olowe, renowned for his exceptional craftsmanship, has left an indelible mark on the global art scene. The foundation's mission goes beyond celebrating his artistic prowess; it also aspires to realize a world-class museum in Ise Ekiti, further solidifying the region's place on the international cultural map.

The Board of Trustees, consisting of prominent figures in the realms of arts, culture, and the creative economy, gathered to commend Governor Oyebanji for his commitment to championing this cultural initiative. The foundation's primary objectives include promoting the artworks of Carver Olowe, whose creations are displayed in major museums across America and Europe.

Members of the Board of Trustees, all distinguished figures in their respective fields, praised Governor Oyebanji for spearheading this visionary project. They underscored the positive impact it will have on tourism and the state's economy, emphasizing the potential for cultural endeavors to contribute significantly to overall development.

As Ekiti looks towards a future where its cultural treasures are not only preserved but also shared with the world, the inauguration of the Olowe of Ise Art Foundation's Board of Trustees marks a historic moment in the state's cultural evolution. The foundation is poised to become a beacon of cultural pride and a testament to the state's commitment to fostering creativity, heritage, and artistic expression.

Ekiti Assembly Condemns Attack On Medical Officials, Directs Its Standing Committees To Investigate The Act.

Ekiti Assembly Condemns Attack On Medical Officials, Directs Its Standing Committees To Investigate The Act.

The Ekiti State House of Assembly on Tuesday condemned the attack on some health workers on duty at the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital (EKSUTH), Ado Ekiti by suspected hoodlums on January 15, 2024.

The Assembly also ordered proper investigation which should be carried out by the House Committee on Security and Special Duties in conjunction with Committee on Health and Human Services for necessary legislative action.

The action followed a matter of urgent public importance raised by Hon. Abimbola Solanke Chairman, House Committee on Health, Human Services and HIV/AIDS and debated at the Assembly's parliamentary session on Tuesday.

The Assembly noted that the Hospital is supposed to be a safe place for the caregivers to carry out their professional roles by making well the ailing and devoid imminent and serious danger to their life or health while on duty.

According to the Rt. Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye, Speaker of Ekiti State House of Assembly, ”It is sad and unfortunate that while these hardworking health workers were performing their lawful and professional duties on the 15th day of January, 2024 as Nigerians were honouring members of the Armed Forces and its veterans, some yet to be identified thugs turned the EKSUTH health facilities into theatre of war, assaulted some health workers physically while others have to look for escape routes for safety after been subjected to physiological and psychological trauma by these men.

“This singular deed and action of these hoodlums on the health workers of EKSUTH is uncivilized, barbaric and should be checked and investigated by relevant Committees of the House. Such unspeakable act is condemnable in its entirety,” Aribasoye said.

The House in its resolutions pointed out that what happened in EKSUTH beats the imagination of all the members as it could happen in any public office. So the House will not look away on such matter.

The House, however, directs its joint Committees on Security and Health to conduct thorough investigation and give a holistic report back to the House on the cause of the attack in seven days.

The House commends the magnanimity of the leadership of the health workers labour unions for puting the strike action occasioned by the incident on hold, saying the action was a demonstration of patriotism and empathy towards ordinary citizens who would have been most impacted by an indefinite strike.

He stated, “We, as the political arm and representatives of the people, empathized with the hospital's trade unions and the management over the assault the health workers suffered in the tertiary health Institution. We can assure you that we shall exercise every legislative power within the ambit of the law to allow health workers to exercise their full rights and privileges while discharging their lawful duties," Aribasoye concluded.

Ekiti Ring Road Phase I Restructured to Avoid Demolitions, Affirms Commissioner for Works Adebayo.

Ekiti Ring Road Phase I Restructured to Avoid Demolitions, Affirms Commissioner for Works Adebayo. 

Ekiti State Commissioner for Works, Mr. Sola Adebayo, has assured residents of Iworoko, Are and Afao Ekiti communities that the Ekiti Ring Road Phase I has been restructured to avert demolition of houses in the communities that the construction works would pass through.

Mr. Adebayo who gave the assurance in Ado Ekiti, stressed the commitment of the Biodun Oyebanji administration to the general well-being of the people while rapidly developing the State. He  added that the State Government would not do anything that would jeopardize the economy, peace and tranquillity of the people.  

Adebayo assured that the Government would not compromise on standards; adding that going by International best practice, a ring road is a road or a series of connected roads encircling a town, city or country. 

He emphasized that the most common purpose of a ring road is to assist in reducing traffic volumes in the urban centres, by offering an alternative route around the city for drivers who do not need to stop in the city centre. It is also meant to open up new development areas.

According to him, the focus is to develop the State and improve the lot of the people using efficient techniques, methods, processes or technology to contain waste and keep the people and the environment safe.

He solicited the continued support and understanding of all stakeholders, stressing the need for residents of the State to take ownership of projects in their respective domains, with the culture of collective responsibility to protect their interests.