Niger Delta CSOs Urge Members to Shun Planned August 1 Protests

The Coalition of Niger Delta Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) has called on all affiliates and members to abstain from participating in the nationwide protests planned for August 1.

In a joint press conference held yesterday, Comrade Israel Uwejeyan, the group’s coordinator, appealed to members and affiliates to disregard calls for protests that could lead to disruption and chaos, allegedly in the name of representing the Niger Delta and South-South regions’ interests.

“We, the Coalition of Niger Delta Civil Societies, representing various youth and women organizations across the Niger Delta and South-South regions, unequivocally dissociate ourselves from the planned protests being touted by certain factions within our region,” Uwejeyan stated.

He continued, “It has come to our attention that there are calls for protests aimed at causing disruption and chaos under the guise of representing the interests of the Niger Delta and South-South region. We categorically state that we do not endorse or support the protests in any form. Our respective organizations represent the voices of peace, progress, and unity, and we are committed to pursuing our objectives through dialogue, constructive engagement, and lawful means.”

Uwejeyan urged members to recognize the potential harm such actions could bring to their communities, noting, “Protests that are not well-coordinated and do not have a clear, lawful mandate can easily be hijacked by unscrupulous elements seeking to exploit genuine grievances for their selfish ends. We must remain vigilant and not allow our noble causes to be undermined by those who do not have the interests of our people at heart.”

Highlighting the coalition’s commitment to fostering peace, development, and good governance within the Niger Delta and South-South regions, Uwejeyan added, “Resorting to protests that are likely to devolve into chaos and violence is counterproductive and detrimental to the progress we have collectively achieved. We are committed to resisting any attempts by selfish individuals or groups to incite unrest and destabilize our regions.”

The coalition also called on security agencies to remain vigilant and ensure the peace and security of their regions are not compromised by the planned protest. They urged well-meaning citizens of the Niger Delta and South-South to remain calm and not be swayed by provocative rhetoric and unfounded allegations.

“We reiterate our commitment to peace, development, and good governance,” Uwejeyan concluded. “We encourage all our members to continue to engage in constructive activities that promote the well-being of our communities. Together, we can build a prosperous and peaceful future for the Niger Delta and South-South.”

New Social Networking App ‘AFREE’ Launched in Nigeria

In a significant development for social media in Africa, AFREE, a unique web platform designed to empower Africans with an uncensored voice, has been officially launched in Nigeria. The platform aims to enhance social connectivity while providing substantial economic opportunities for its users.

At the official launch, AFREE representative Dr. Joshua Orabiyi emphasized the platform’s mission to create a unified space for Africans to express themselves freely. “AFREE is about giving every African the opportunity to speak out and be heard. By joining efforts, we can bring about positive change and create a better future for everyone,” he stated.

Orabiyi also noted that the app was developed by a citizen of Kyrgyzstan, part of the former Soviet Union. He highlighted the importance of equality in the workplace, mentioning Dr. Tope Alakija, a senior lecturer at Yabatech, who is part of the team. Dr. Alakija brings her wealth of experience to help propagate the app and ensure its success in Nigeria.

Tinubu Approves Naira-Denominated Crude Oil Sales to Dangote Refinery

ABUJA – President Bola Tinubu has approved the sale of crude oil to indigenous refineries, including the Dangote Refinery, in naira. This directive aims to alleviate pressure on Nigeria’s foreign exchange reserves and stimulate the local economy.

Zacch Adedeji, the Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and Special Adviser on Revenue to the President, announced this decision following a Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting led by President Tinubu.

Adedeji explained that the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited has been instructed to implement this change immediately. “The President’s directive is a strategic move to localize solutions for Nigeria’s economic challenges,” Adedeji stated.

Economic Benefits

Adedeji emphasized the significant economic benefits of this policy, highlighting that Nigeria currently spends between 30% and 40% of its foreign exchange on importing Premium Motor Spirit (PMS). “Monthly, we spend roughly $660 million on this, amounting to $7.92 billion annually,” he noted.

With the new policy, this expenditure is expected to decrease dramatically. “This approval will reduce our foreign exchange spending by at least 90%. Transactions will now be conducted in naira, not only with Dangote Refinery but also with other local refineries for domestic consumption, stabilizing pump prices and enhancing economic stability,” Adedeji added.

Implementation Details

The FIRS chairman also outlined the financial mechanics of the new system. “We are reducing our monthly foreign exchange expenditure from $660 million to a maximum of $50 million, saving $7.32 billion annually,” he said. This shift will also lower financing costs associated with opening letters of credit.

Afreximbank will serve as the lead arranger for transactions between NNPC and Dangote Refinery. “This innovative approach is a major step towards solving Nigeria’s economic problems permanently, creating employment, and strengthening our economic infrastructure,” Adedeji remarked.

Strategic Interventions

Further details reveal that the Dangote Refinery is approaching steady-state operations, with NNPC Limited committing to supply four crude oil cargoes monthly. The remainder will be sourced from international traders, a practice currently conducted in USD, placing a strain on Nigeria’s foreign currency liquidity.

To stabilize the naira exchange rate and restore price stability, the government has proposed that local refineries purchase crude oil from NNPCL in naira at a fixed exchange rate for at least six months. Refined products will also be sold to approved local petroleum marketing companies in naira at the same fixed exchange rate.

Adedeji concluded by praising the collaborative efforts that led to this policy shift, including contributions from the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) and its President, Prof. Benedict Oramah. “This is a major innovation in addressing Nigeria’s economic challenges, and we commend all involved parties for their efforts,” he said.

Ibom Air COO Advocates for Aviation Stakeholder Collaboration at NAFSA Conference

LAGOS – Mr. Uriesi, the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Ibom Air, has emphasized the need for greater collaboration among workers in Nigeria’s aviation industry to foster growth and development.

During the Nigerian Aviation Fire and Safety Association (NAFSA) Biennial Conference held in Abuja, Uriesi, serving as the Special Guest Speaker, stressed the importance of partnerships in enhancing emergency response strategies. The conference’s theme was “Rationale for Collaborations and Inclusiveness in Emergency Response Geared Towards Achieving the Aviation Roadmap.”

In his address, Uriesi underscored the critical role fire and safety personnel play within the aviation ecosystem, urging them to remain dedicated to their life-saving duties despite often being acknowledged only during emergencies.

The conference facilitated robust discussions on improving emergency response capabilities in alignment with Nigeria’s aviation roadmap, providing stakeholders with insights into the latest advancements and strategies within the sector.

Possible Closure of FCET Akoka Following Violent Attacks on Governing Council

The Federal College of Education, Technical (FCET) Akoka, Lagos, may face closure after violent clashes erupted on Monday, intensifying the ongoing conflict between staff, students, and Provost Dr. Wahab Azeez.

The turmoil, which began in May over allegations of tenure extension against Dr. Azeez, escalated into violence when workers and students reportedly attacked Governing Council Chairman Olatunde Adenuga and other council members, resulting in significant property damage.

Lagos State Police Command spokesperson Ben Hundeyin confirmed the incident on X, noting that 32 individuals have been arrested. A viral video on X showed alleged students and workers vandalizing college vehicles and officials’ property.

Hundeyin explained that rioters blocked the college entrances and attacked arriving police officers with stones and water sachets.

The unrest stems from workers under the Senior Staff Union of Colleges of Education (SSUCOEN), FCET chapter, claiming Dr. Azeez’s tenure ended on May 26, following the amendment of the Educational Colleges Act 2023, which introduced a single five-year term for provosts. However, Dr. Azeez, appointed for a four-year term in 2019 and reappointed in 2023, argues his second term began before the amendment became law on June 12, 2023.

Despite Minister of Education Tahir Mamman’s affirmation of Dr. Azeez’s term, tensions remained high. The Governing Council’s visit to mediate was met with resistance, culminating in Monday’s violent attack after three months of unrest.

Nasarawa Lawmakers return home to educate constituents not to join planned protest and its resultant effects.

Members of the Nasarawa State House of Assembly has suspended their sitting for this week to return home from today Monday in order to persuade their constituents not to join the planned nationwide protest.

This, the Lawmakers are to visit their constituencies, engage their people and persuade them on the resultant effects of the protest and the need not to participate on the protest for peace and national development.

Rt. Hon. Danladi Jatau, the Speaker of the House stated this while reading the House resolution under the matters of public importance brought by Hon. Mohammed Garba Isimbabi, Member Representing Toto /Gadabuke during the House proceedings today in Lafia.

The Speaker directed Honourable members to appeal to the people of their constituencies to shelve the protest and support government policies and programmes at all times.

” Protest is not the solution to the challenges facing the nation. There is the need for dialogue and peaceful resolution on the challenges facing the country.

” Let’s go back to our various constituencies to talk to our people not to join the planned nationwide protest scheduled for August 1 to Aug.10, 2024.

” We need peace and development in Nasarawa State, we need peace and development in Nigeria,” he said

The Speaker also called on the sponsors of the protest to shelve their actions in the interest of peace and for the overall development of the country.

Speaker Jatau commended Honourable members for their various contributions on the matter.

He also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Gov Abdullahi Sule for their efforts in alleviating the suffering being faced by Nigerian as a result of fuel subsidy removal in the country.

In their various contributions, the lawmakers who spoke Hon. Peter Akwe, Hon. Onarigu Kana, Hon. Musa Abubakar Ibrahim, Hon. Solomon AKwashiki, Hon. Larry Ven Bawa, Hon. Esson Mairiga, Hon. Hudu A Hudu, Hon. John Ovey, Hon. Daniel Ogah Ogazi, Hon. Ajegina Kudu and Hon. Luka Zhekaba among others unanimously agreed to go back to their various constituencies to persuade their people not to join the protest.

They said that the protest would do more harm than good in the country.

They, however called on the government to create more jobs and empowerment for Nigerians as well as do the needful for societal development.

Earlier, Hon. Mohammed Garba Isimbabi, member representing Toto/ Gadabuke constituency while presenting the issue of the planned protest, has urged the people of the state not to join the nationwide protest over hunger in the land which he said will not solve the problem but create more problems.

He noted that the constitution gives room for peaceful protest but the resultant effects may add more harm than good hence the need for his call for citizens not to partake on it.

” Mr Speaker and Honourable members, I brought this issue of concerned to the nation, to the state and to our various constituencies, that is the planned nationwide August 1 protest.

” As we all aware that in the past, protest was always hijacked by hoodlums and sponsored by those who did not wish the government well,” he said

Hon Isimbabi called on stakeholders, political and religious leaders to talk to their people not to join the planned nationwide protest against hunger in the country.

He added that the State Governor Engr Abdullahi Sule has been speaking to major stakeholders in the State over the protest and the State legislature as an institution closer to the people need to talk to their constituents over the issue.

Groups Laud Kyari’s Successes In Oil Sector, Pass Vote Of Confidence

Hundreds of Coalition of Civil Society Organisations, including professionals, and youth groups from different social and cultural groups across the country have commended the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Dr. Mele Kyari, for his outstanding achievements in the oil and gas industry and passed an overwhelming vote of confidence on him.

The various groups spoke on Monday at a national conference in Abuja with the theme, “Improving Public Trust Between NNPCL and Civil Society Organizations” where they also passed a vote of confidence in Dr. Kyari and his team, commending their efforts to enhance transparency, accountability, and performance.

The Coalition of Civil Society Organisations (COCSO) President, Mohammed Yusuf in his address praised Dr. Kyari, for his outstanding achievements in increasing the nation’s crude oil reserves and reducing the burden of petrol importation.

“Since assuming the office, Dr. Kyari has demonstrated unwavering commitment to the principles of Transparency, Accountability, and Performance Excellence (TAPE) – a blueprint that has transformed the NNPCL into a beacon of excellence, both at home and abroad,” Yusuf said.

Also speaking, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Professionals for Peace and Development (ONPPAD) highlighted Dr. Kyari’s transformative leadership, emphasizing transparency, accountability, and operational excellence.

President of the group, Uche Nwakama praised the NNPCL leadership under Kyari for the successful rehabilitation and revitalization of the country’s refineries, including those in Port Harcourt, Kaduna, and Warri, which has reduced reliance on costly petroleum product imports and created numerous job opportunities for youths in the region.

In his address, Dr Okpanachi Paul, coordinator of the North Central Youth Professionals said since taking the helm at the NNPCL, Dr. Kyari has spearheaded a number of initiatives that have directly benefited the North Central region of Nigeria.

“One of the most significant accomplishments is the successful commencement of the construction of the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) gas pipeline project,” he said.

He said, “This ambitious project, which has seen a savings of $300 million from the initial amount, has the capacity to make available around 2.2 billion cubic feet of gas per day, with the potential to double the delivery capacity in the future. This infrastructure development will not only enhance energy security for the region but also create numerous job opportunities for the youth in the North Central states.”

Barr Akintola Olawale Bello, National Coordinator, Oduduwa Democratic Frontiers in his address said since assuming office, Dr. Kyari has demonstrated unwavering commitment to the transformation of the NNPCL, positioning it as a globally competitive and financially stable national oil company.

According to him, one of Kyari’s most remarkable accomplishments is the successful signing of the $3.15 billion Alternative Financing Package with Sterling Exploration and Energy Production Company Limited (SEEPCO) and other partners for the development of NPDC’s OML 13.

He further highlighted that under Dr. Kyari’s leadership, the NNPCL has made significant strides in the gas sector with the signing of the NLNG Train 7 project, which is expected to deliver over $20 billion in revenue to the government and create 50,000 direct and indirect jobs, noting that this is a clear demonstration of his vision to transform Nigeria into a gas-driven economy.

Dr. Stanley Uguru, Director
Bloggers and Vloggers, Content Creators Association (BAVCCA) in his address said Dr. Kyari’s tenure has also been marked by strategic investments aimed at boosting Nigeria’s oil and gas production capabilities and enhancing national development.

He said, “For instance, the increase in national crude oil reserves to achieve the 40,000 billion barrel target is a testament to his focused and visionary leadership. By pushing exploration work in various basins and drilling new wells, such as the Kolmano River II & III wells and seismic data collection in the Bida and Sokoto Basins, Dr. Kyari has significantly contributed to securing Nigeria’s energy future.”

According to him, the group will continue to collaborate with NNPCL to boost Transparency and accountability and access to information, saying these are cornerstones of trust in any organisation.

Mysterious Death of Wigwe University Registrar in Abuja Raises Concerns

Ms. Ulonna Inyama, the Registrar of Wigwe University, has passed away under mysterious circumstances in Abuja, prompting concerns about potential medical negligence and hospital safety.

According to a family source, Ms. Inyama’s death resulted from complications following fibroid surgery and a wrong blood transfusion. She was initially admitted to a hospital in Abuja for fibroid treatment but experienced a fatal reaction after receiving the incorrect blood type.

“She died of loss of blood due to fibroid complications under mysterious circumstances. We were told that a wrong blood transfusion led to her death. When her condition worsened due to complications, she was referred to another hospital, where she passed on,” the source told Vanguard on Monday in Abuja.

This incident has sparked questions about the quality of medical care and safety protocols in Nigerian hospitals. The family has called for an investigation into the circumstances surrounding Ms. Inyama’s death.

Ms. Inyama’s passing comes just months after the tragic loss of Wigwe University’s founder, Herbert Wigwe, who died in a helicopter crash in California, USA, along with his wife and son. The university community, still grieving the loss of its founder, now faces another devastating blow with the loss of its Registrar.

7 Key Indicators That You Might Be Overthinking

While a certain level of reflection and planning is healthy, overthinking can be detrimental to both your mental and physical well-being. Here are seven signs that you might be prone to overthinking:

  1. Struggling with Decision-Making
    If you find it hard to make decisions, even on minor matters, you might be overthinking. The tendency to weigh every possible outcome can lead to decision-making paralysis, causing you to delay choices indefinitely.
  2. Constantly Replaying Past Events
    Do you often find yourself going over past conversations or events, analyzing every detail and pondering what you could have done differently? This habitual rumination can prevent you from moving forward and enjoying the present.
  3. Overanalyzing Social Interactions
    If you frequently second-guess your social interactions, worrying whether you said the right thing or if others misinterpreted your words, it’s a sign of overthinking. This involves dissecting every conversation and trying to read between the lines.
  4. Seeking Excessive Reassurance
    Overthinkers often seek validation from others to ease their anxieties. This can involve repeatedly asking for opinions or reassurance about decisions and thoughts, needing external confirmation to feel at ease.
  5. Difficulty Letting Go
    Overthinkers find it hard to move past mistakes, perceived failures, or hurtful comments. They tend to hold onto these experiences, allowing them to affect their self-esteem and mental health negatively.
  6. Trouble Sleeping
    Persistent mental chatter and worry can disrupt your sleep, leading to insomnia or restless nights. An overactive mind that struggles to shut off is a common consequence of overthinking.
  7. Perfectionism
    An overthinking mindset often leads to perfectionism, where unrealistic expectations and fear of making mistakes prevent you from taking risks or trying new things. This can result in constant disappointment and inaction.

How to Break the Cycle:

  • Acknowledge Your Overthinking: Recognize that you are an overthinker and consider techniques like meditation and deep breathing to stay grounded and reduce rumination.
  • Set Decision Deadlines: Allocate a specific amount of time to make decisions and stick to it, which can help avoid analysis paralysis.

By addressing these habits and incorporating healthy coping mechanisms, you can work towards a more balanced and peaceful mindset.