Chinese industrial economy achieves stable recovery

By Wang Zheng, Liu Wenxin, People’s Daily

In the first three quarters, the total value added of industrial enterprises above the designated size grew by 4 percent year on year, 0.2 percentage points higher than that of the first half year.

China’s industrial production has achieved stable growth, with continuous optimization of industrial structure and positive development momentum in the manufacturing sector. The overall industrial economy has shown signs of stabilization and recovery.

“The proportion of value-added output of manufacturing to GDP remained relatively stable in the first three quarters this year. Manufacturing investment continued to grow, with the growth rate gradually increasing since July,” said Zhao Zhiguo, spokesperson of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT).

In August, profits made by industrial enterprises above designated size increased by 17.2 percent year on year. Both operating income and profits have turned positive, indicating a faster recovery in enterprise performance. In particular, small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) achieved significant progress.

In the first three quarters, China fostered 12,000 specialized and sophisticated enterprises that produce new and unique products and 200 featured SME clusters, which played an important role in reinforcing and upgrading weak links in the industrial chains.

According to Zhao, investment in manufacturing kept growing in the January-September period. In particular, the investment in high-tech manufacturing increased by 11.3 percent year on year in the first three quarters, and has kept a double-digit growth for 36 consecutive months. Additionally, the decline in industrial exports has narrowed, Zhao added.

Specifically, basic industries have maintained steady growth. The value added of equipment manufacturing went up by 6.0 percent, 2.0 percentage points faster than that of the whole industrial enterprises above the designated size. In September, the electrical machinery, chemical, electronic, and automotive industries contributed nearly 60 percent to the overall industrial growth.

At the same time, emerging industries showed strong momentum. According to data from the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers, the production and sales of new energy vehicles (NEVs) in the first three quarters reached 6.31 million and 6.27 million units, growing 33.7 percent and 37.5 percent year on year, respectively. NEVs accounted for 29.8 percent of the total sales of new vehicles.

The new materials industry embraced vigorous and accelerated development. The total output value of the sector maintained double-digit growth in the first nine months this year. Breakthroughs were made in the development of a number of key materials, including high-temperature superconducting materials and perovskite solar cells.

Photovoltaic products and aerospace equipment achieved rapid growth, while the shipbuilding industry continued to lead globally in three major indicators.

“We have been vigorously accelerating the development of advanced manufacturing. In the first three quarters, the investment growth in high-tech manufacturing was 5.1 percentage points higher than that in the overall manufacturing sector,” said Zhao. During the same period, the production of solar cells and charging piles went up by 63.2 percent and 34.2 percent, respectively.

The recently concluded Hangzhou Asian Games just showcased a variety of innovative applications that amazed global viewers. These included 8K livestream, virtual reality game viewing, a stereoscopic transparent mesh screen, ground projections, massive video interactions inside and outside the venues, and 360-degree replays. These cutting-edge technologies provided an immersive and multi-perspective visual feast for audiences worldwide.

The extensive use of digital technologies has brought profound changes to the production models and forms of traditional industries, effectively promoting comprehensive data circulation.

“Currently, as enterprises accelerate digital transformation, intelligent factories are built massively and with higher quality. Nearly 10,000 digital workshops and smart factories have been constructed nationwide,” said Zhao.

Emerging information technologies like industrial internet are seeing rapid application and integrated into 45 major categories of the national economy, empowering the digital, networked and intelligent transformation and upgrading of the real economy.

New scenarios, solutions and models of intelligent manufacturing are helping enhance quality and efficiency of industries. In recent years, the core sectors of China’s AI industry have grown steadily, with over 4,400 enterprises. Innovative achievements like smart chips, development frameworks and general large models continue to emerge. Cloud computing, intelligent computing and supercomputing have developed in a coordinated way. China now ranks second globally in terms of computing power, and major projects are advancing rapidly, including one that aims to channel more computing resources from the eastern areas to the less developed western regions.

So far, the 5G technology has been applied in 67 major categories of China’s national economy. The number of projects employing 5G and industrial internet exceeds 7,000 nationwide, and there are 2.22 billion users of mobile internet of things terminals.

The close integration of AI and manufacturing has significantly empowered the transformation and upgrading of the real economy, said Tao Qing, an official with the MIIT.

He explained that AI, represented by large models, is characterized by rapid technological innovation, wide application, and intense international competition. It is profoundly changing manufacturing production models and economic forms, demonstrating its ability to empower industries, Tao added.

Obaseki, State Assembly at loggerheads over vehicles, renovation of Legislative quarters, LG deductions

While the dust seems to be settling over the crisis that erupted recently between Governor Godwin Obaseki and his Deputy, Comrade Philip Shaibu, another chaos is simmering in Edo State.
This time, the Edo State House of Assembly has accused Governor Obaseki of misappropriating funds approved for the purchase of vehicles for assembly members, renovation of their official quarters, and illegal deductions from local government accounts, among others. The situation is getting to a boiling point, as the assembly members have not been provided with official vehicles four months after their inauguration.

A member of the State Assembly who pleaded anonymity for now disclosed to this medium that since their inauguration in June 2023, the assembly members have been forced to lodge in hotels, except for those who already had personal accommodation in Benin City before their swearing-in. This arrangement has left the assembly members dissatisfied, as they are required to use their meager accommodation allowances to cover the costs.
The Assembly member claimed that some of his colleagues took loans from the banks to pay for their accommodation. “As of date, half of the assembly members are indebted.

Responding to these grievances, twenty-two (22) members of the House of Assembly, representing both ruling and opposition parties, this medium has learned to have united to protest the governor’s handling of the situation. They have resolved to withhold their attention from any Bill sent to the House by Governor Obaseki until they are provided with official vehicles and suitable accommodation.

To underscore the seriousness of their stance, the twenty-two (22) protesting Assembly Members have signed a formal notice, which has been presented to the Speaker of the House for delivery to Governor Obaseki.

Speaking further, the Honourable member said “As the Assembly Members await the governor’s response to their demands, it is crucial to emphasize the necessity for Governor Obaseki to respect the independence of the Legislature. He must ensure that assembly members are not treated as mere errand boys but as vital stakeholders in the governance of the state. It is imperative that he honors the approvals granted by the assembly and refrains from misappropriating State resources for personal gain.

“This chaotic situation in the Edo State House of Assembly highlights the importance of transparency, accountability, and the separation of powers in a functioning democracy. It serves as a reminder that elected officials must fulfill their responsibilities and obligations to the people they represent. The governor’s alleged misappropriation of funds designated for the assembly members’ vehicles and renovation of their official quarters is a breach of trust, which must not be taken lightly.”

Also, the Member alleged that in a brazen show of fiscal rascality, Governor Obaseki in addition to illegal deductions from Local Government Accounts, deducted 45 million naira each from the 18 Local Government Areas for October. “It is also important to bring to the attention of Edolites that the local government chairmen are being burdened with levies by way of contributions to sponsor the ongoing Betsy Obaseki Women’s Football Tournament (BOWFT). This has crippled the effective functioning of this crucial arm of government which is saddled with the responsibility of bringing governance closer to the people, especially in our rural areas.”

“Governor Godwin Obaseki must urgently address these issues and work towards a resolution that respects the rights and needs of the state House of Assembly members as well as allows our local governments to work with their allocated funds. Only then can stability and productivity be restored to the Edo State,” the parliamentarian asserted.

IPOB: CSOs call for Investigation of Enugu High Court 8b Judgement against Federal Government

…insist it’s black Market Judgement
…vow to petition NJC over Abuse of Court Process

Following media reports of a recent judgement by the Enugu High Court against the Federal Government in a matter instituted by the Independent People of Biafra (IPOB) challenging its proscribed status as a terrorist movement, the Save Nigeria Movement (SNM) has taken a swipe at the IPOB leadership and their lawyers for prioritising media propaganda and blackmail instead of explaining to the courts the motivation for the wanton killings, maiming, raping and destruction of lives and property of Nigerians especially their fellow Igbo people.

SNM convener, Rev Solomon Semaka while reacting to the Enugu High Court judgement delivered by Justice A. O Onovo who purportedly awarded 8Billion Naira in damages to a terrorist organization like IPOB against the Federal Government, insisted that such judgment is a blatant travesty of justice and abuse of court process by both the judge and IPOB counsels. The group insisted that Nigerians, particularly the Igbo people whose lives are daily cut short by the nefarious and evil activities of IPOB deserve a better deal and explanation on the illegality in the temple of justice. It is despicable for a judge to go below the minimum standard of regular court process to patronize a terrorist movement for whatsoever reason.

“When you take a cursory review of the said subject matter (Proscribed status) of IPOB and the events that precede the bizarre judgement, you will see clearly the desperation and deliberate intent of the terrorist organization lawyers and her leadership to sustain propaganda for public sympathy and more importantly for the financial gains associated with their terrorists activities, hence their endless legal escapades including shopping black market judgements.

The group recalled that in 2017, following the incessant and unjustified loss of thousands of lives of innocent citizens especially of Igbo people, security personnel and destruction of property worth billions of naira caused by IPOB, the Federal High Court in Abuja had proscribed the body as a terrorist organization. The landmark judgement received wide commendations from across the country.

In a follow-up ruling on January 22, 2018, at the instance of IPOB, the court dismissed a motion it (IPOB) filed to challenge the legal validity of the proscription order which it said was surreptitiously obtained by the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF). For the second time, they lost in their efforts to set aside the proscription. While Government has remained patience and taken the path of rule of law to deal with the IPOB case, the body rather prefers to grandstand because its business of violence is lucrative.

In the Enugu High Court matter, it is clear that both IPOB and her lawyers as well as the judge are out to achieve similar aims namely; individual and collective financial gains and to also jeopardize national security “

“Otherwise, how else does any lawyer or judge worth his/her salt contemplate to litigate on a matter that the same IPOB had earlier lost in a January 22, 2018 ruling which dismissed IPOB’s application to set aside their proscribed status? Conceding without agreeing to the legality of the January 22 ruling, IPOB still filed an appeal against the ruling, making it the second appeal having lost in the main matter in 2017 ruling. This appeal on this same subject matter is still pending at the Court of Appeal to this day.

“Even lay people who are conversant with court processes understand that when a superior court of records like the Federal High Court passes a judgment, it can only be appealed to the court of appeals or at best, for the same court to set aside its earlier judgement ” Now, in this instance, IPOB had first, appealed against the 2017 judgement of the Federal High court which proscribed it as a terrorist organization, as earlier mentioned but the court in January 22, 2018 denied the application. IPOB, dissatisfied, went ahead to file an appeal at the Court of Appeal. The case is still pending in court and was last adjourned on October 17, 2023 according to reports “

Flowing from above, the group wondered how a case decided by a Federal High court and which is still pending on appeal at the Court of Appeal found its way into the records of an Enugu State High Court, a lower court than the Court of Appeal or at best a court of coordinate jurisdiction with the Federal High court. Head or tail, the matter has no business in Enugu High court save for the reason of shopping a black market judgment. The group accused IPOB leaders and her lawyers of trying to legitimize terrorism using the Nigerian Courts funded by Federal Government in whose authority IPOB doesn’t believe and challenged them to explain to Nigerians while they had to against all known legal procedure rush to a state high court to set aside a judgement of the Federal High court which judgment is still a subject of pending appeal to this day. If IPOB could abandon an appeal they instituted on the same subject matter before a competent court of appeals in Abuja and rush to a high court in far away Enugu to upturn a Federal High court judgment, then it goes to confirm that IPOB and their lawyers have found willing judges who are ready to play ball against national security and the rule of law “

“We all know that no judge in the South East can stand the intimidation of IPOB and their leadership perhaps because of the fear of death which is the least punishment for both innocent Ibos and those who seek to promote cohesion and national unity ” Rev Semaka advised judicial officers to show courage in the dispensation of justice without fear or favor in the overall interest of national security.

The group insists that it would petition the relevant authorities especially the National Judicial Council (NJC) to investigate the dubious judgement procured at the Enugu High court with a view to reversing the trend in the interest of national security, rule of law and in line with democratic values which Nigeria is known for; the statement added.

President Tinubu’s Supreme Court Judgement Victory for Nigerians, says Nasarawa Speaker

“… congratulates President Tinubu, APC, says the President will now settle down for full business of governance, calls for support…”

Speaker, Nasarawa State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Ibrahim Balarabe Abdullahi, has thrown his weight behind the Supreme Court judgment that affirmed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the duly elected president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The Speaker while reacting to the Supreme Court judgment congratulated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettimah on their resounding victory.

He also felicitated with the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) and Nigerians, describing the court verdict as the affirmation and manifestation of the mandate of the country’s populace given to President Bola Tinubu and the APC during the election.

The Speaker called on all Nigerians to support the President to succeed, noting that the victory is for all Nigerians as the President will now settle down for full business of governance without distraction.

The Nasarawa State Number Three Citizen commended the judiciary on the landmark Judgement which he said that reflects the wishes and aspirations of many Nigerians.

Speaker Balarabe Abdullahi equally commended the APC lawyers for their outstanding efforts.

Beware Of Our Former Staff, PoshTV Warns Public

  By Our Correspondent The management of PoshTV has alerted the public to beware of its former staff, Desmond Marcauley. The TV Station in a disclaimer on Friday, warned the public to desist from any dealings with him, adding that those who do so risk being defrauded. The statement reads: “The management of PoshTV wishes to notify the general public that, DESMOND MARCAULEY is no longer a staff of the organization and has no authority to carry out any transaction or engagement henceforth on behalf of the organization. “This disclaimer becomes imperative to prevent him from defrauding other members of the public. “He is currently undergoing prosecution by the police for fraud related matter. Any organization that deals with him does so at his own risk.”

China’s economy keeps recovering in first three quarters

By Liu Zhiqiang, People’s Daily

China’s GDP grew 5.2 percent year on year in the first three quarters of 2023, reaching 91.3 trillion yuan (about $ 12.7 trillion), according to statistics recently released by the country’s National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).

The growths in the first, second and third quarters were 4.5 percent, 6.3 percent and 4.9 percent, respectively.

In the first three quarters, China’s economy withstood downward pressure and continued to recover, said Sheng Laiyun, deputy head of the NBS, during a press conference on Oct. 18.

Particularly in the third quarter, multiple sectors and indicators showed positive changes, and the trend of overall economic recovery has become even more prominent, he added.

Deducting the base effect, the average two-year growth in the January-September period this year stood at 4.4 percent, 1.1 percentage points higher than the Q2 figure. China’s GDP increased by 1.3 percent quarter-on-quarter in Q3, 0.8 percentage points higher than that of the second quarter.

Whether looking at year-on-year growth in the third quarter or cumulative growth in the first three quarters, China was among the top-performing major economies, Sheng said.

Employment performance was better. In the first three quarters, the surveyed urban unemployment rate nationwide was 5.3 percent, a decrease of 0.3 percentage points compared to the same period last year, and it improved month by month. In September, this figure stood at 5 percent, 0.2 percentage points down from August.

Overall price levels remained stable. In the January-September period, China’s consumer price index (CPI) went up moderately by 0.4 percent, and the producer price index (PPI) for industrial products fell by 3.1 percent year on year, with a narrowing decline for three consecutive months.

In particular, in September, the PPI decreased by 2.5 percent year-on-year, nearly 3 percentage points less than the lowest point in June, indicating a stable and improving domestic demand.

High-quality development was steadily advanced. For example, innovation momentum remained abundant. In the first three quarters, investment in high-tech industries grew 11.4 percent year-on-year, with the production of electric vehicles, lithium-ion batteries, and solar cells maintaining rapid growth. Also, resident income increased steadily. In the first three quarters, the per capita disposable income of residents nationwide was 29,398 yuan, up 5.9 percent in real terms after deducting price factors, higher than GDP growth.

“These positive changes fully demonstrated that China’s economy has continued to recover and improve in the first three quarters, and also highlighted the tremendous resilience, potential, and vitality of the Chinese economy,” Sheng said.

Looking ahead, Sheng said growth will likely pick up in the fourth quarter given the continued recovery trend and stimulus policy measures taking effect gradually. “We are very confident in achieving the annual target,” he said.

Consumption will continue to recover and improve. Sheng Laiyun explained that in the first three quarters, commodity consumption, service consumption, and household consumption expenditure have steadily rebounded, and local governments are accelerating the implementation of policies to promote consumption. Additionally, improvement in employment and growth in residents’ income have laid a foundation for the recovery and growth of consumption, he added.

The industrial economy also bounced back steadily. In the first three quarters, the value-added industrial output of enterprises above designated size grew 4 percent year on year. In Sheng’s view, a series of operational indicators have also released positive signals: purchasing managers’ index returned to expansion territory; PPI declines narrowed for 3 consecutive months; industrial profits turned positive in August; in the first three quarters, the capacity utilization of industrial enterprises was 74.8 percent, and the sales-output ratio of industrial enterprises above designated size was 96.8 percent, up 0.4 and 0.6 percentage points respectively from the first half. “Some of the positive changes in the economic sphere are preliminary, and the sustainability of these changes needs further observation. The foundation for stable economic recovery still needs to be consolidated,” said Sheng. He added that in the next stage, it is crucial to ensure policy implementation and further cement the foundation for

China sees fruitful outcomes in international space cooperation

By Liu Yao

Through in-depth space cooperation, China and many countries in the world have jointly built a broad and magnificent “space silk road,” contributing to the development and utilization of space resources and the progress of human civilization.

The constellation of the Beidou Navigation Satellite System (BDS) is working around the clock in the space. Since the system’s commissioning more than three years ago, the application models of the BDS has been enriched, with its fields of application getting wider and wider.

According to statistics, the BDS-3 has provided accelerated positioning and high-precision service to more than 1.5 billion users in more than 230 countries and regions, winning more and more recognition from the international community.

In Xai-Xai, Gaza Province of Mozambique, there is a 20,000-hectare rice farm, the largest rice planting cooperation project in Africa. To plough the fields, and plant, manage and harvest crops on such a huge farmland was once a big challenge for local rice growers.

It was the innovation in agricultural technologies utilizing the BDS that benefited local rice growers. They can now control sprayer drones via mobile applications, thanks to the geographical positioning enabled by the Chinese positioning system.

Obtaining real-time geographical information through the BDS, sprayer drones are able to apply pesticides according to preset flight paths. Compared with traditional spraying methods, which rely on manual effort and can only cover a couple mu (667 square meters) each hour, BDS-enabled sprayer drones can treat over 100 mu of land every hour. Moreover, the drones can operate at night, dramatically improving efficiency.

The Sarez Lake in eastern Tajikistan is the world’s highest quake lake. It houses the highest and biggest natural dam in the world. Monitoring the deformation of the dam situated in a seismically active zone and thus protecting the safety of local residents remains an important issue.

A Chinese research team developed a deformation monitoring service platform for the dam based on the BDS, with a millimeter-level precision. With this platform, researchers can remotely monitor the deformation of the dam and send science-based warnings. The system has also been employed to monitor expressway side slopes in Kyrgyzstan and snow slides in Tajikistan.

According to Chen Gucang, deputy director of the China Satellite Navigation Office, the BDS is applied in a wide range of fields, and has played a significant role in the construction of the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan highway as well as the operation of China-Kazakhstan crude oil pipeline and the China-Europe freight trains.

Two China-funded prototype satellites of the MisrSat II satellite project were delivered to the Egyptian side in June this year, making Egypt the first African country with the capacity to assemble, integrate and test satellites.

In December 2014, China and Egypt signed an agreement to carry out cooperation on the development of remote-sensing satellites. According to the agreement, China would build Egypt’s first satellite assembly, integration and test center.

The two countries signed an agreement for the MisrSat II satellite project in January 2019, based on which China would provide the Egyptian side with a small remote-sensing satellite, a ground measurement and control station and a ground application system. Besides, China would also train Egyptian aerospace experts.

Prior to that, Egypt did not have its own satellite assembly, integration and test center, nor satellite development capabilities. It could only import complete foreign satellites. The completion of the China-funded center has provided Egypt with world-leading aerospace infrastructure.

Egyptian Minister of International Cooperation Rania Al-Mashat noted that these advanced technologies and equipment are important to not only Egypt, but also entire Africa.

China has established cooperation with many countries and regions in jointly developing and launching communication or remote-sensing satellites, as well as constructing satellite ground receiving stations and other space infrastructure. These efforts have played a positive role in the development of local sectors such as communication, agriculture, culture, environmental protection, and meteorology.

The China National Space Administration said that China is committed to promoting global technological progress and the sharing of innovative achievements, with an aim to enhance the capabilities of people around the world to explore and utilize space.

China always follows the principles of “peaceful use, equality, mutual benefit and common development.” It is committed to transforming the Chinese space station into an open platform for international scientific and technological cooperation and exchanges.

Lin Xiqiang, a spokesperson and deputy director of the China Manned Space Agency, stated that the first batch of China’s international cooperation projects in collaboration with the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs will soon conduct experiments on the space station. Additionally, the implementation of 10 space application projects in collaboration with the European Space Agency is also progressing in an orderly manner.

China’s lunar exploration program has opened up opportunities for international cooperation on Chang’e-8 to the international society. It welcomes countries and international organizations to join and carry out multilevel collaboration together to achieve more major original scientific discoveries.

Innovation propels Tibetan carpet industry into new prospects

By Sun Yi

When a Tibetan carpet unfolds before one’s eyes, it’s hard to tell whether it is a functional household item or a work of art because of its distinct ethnic patterns and colors, soft and delicate texture and exquisite craftsmanship.

As one of the world’s three famous carpets alongside Persian and Turkish carpets, Tibetan carpets are renowned far and wide for their vibrant colors, strong ethnic styles, and distinct regional characteristics.

The Tibetan carpet weaving skills have been passed down for thousands of years. In the Neolithic Age, ancient residents of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau already formed a unique weaving culture.

According to historical records, 3,500 years ago, nomadic tribes there were adept at weaving woolen fabrics into clothes and quilts to fend off the cold. These weaving techniques were handed down generation after generation, forming the Tibetan carpet weaving skills still in use today.

Carrying profound Tibetan culture, the Tibetan carpet evolved from a simple household item into a work of art. Tibetan carpet weaving also grew into a featured industry, with the products being sold worldwide.

The development of the Tibetan carpet industry has not always been smooth sailing. Traditional Tibetan carpets were mostly handmade in small workshops, with high labor and time costs. Facing competition from lower-cost machine-made carpets produced in bulk, many Tibetan carpet companies saw shrinking orders and losses.

In recent years, affected by factors like the COVID-19 pandemic, hotel occupancy was on a decline, which decreased the demand for carpet replacement, hence a depressed Tibetan carpet market.

The ever-changing market demands have pressed Tibetan carpet companies to take the initiative through innovation. A number of leading Tibetan carpet companies have blazed a trail of innovation for the industry.

To better incorporate ancient skills into modern life, some Tibetan carpet companies have combined modern carpet weaving techniques with traditional hand-knotting skills.

They use special materials and techniques on Tibetan carpets, turning their products from hand-woven carpets to machine-woven, hand-knotted, and fluorescent ones.

They are gradually moving away from mass production and traditional marketing models in the past days, and start embracing digital production methods.

By adopting advanced weaving techniques and innovating pattern designs, a batch of machine-woven Tibetan carpets with cost advantages, fine workmanship, and exquisite patterns are winning the favor of the market.

Nowadays, Tibetan carpet enterprises design patterns and use materials based on customers’ preferences and home decor styles, and customize the sizes of carpets according to the need of customers.

Some Tibetan companies have shifted production from large-scale manufacturing to personalized customization, in order to meet diverse individualized customer demands. They have even developed antibacterial and flame-retardant Tibetan carpets using new technologies to meet modern requirements for eco-friendly home furnishing.

Tibetan carpets from China are seen in many parts of the world, from the Jumeirah Emirates Towers in Dubai to Marriott hotels, and from Las Vegas to Carnival Cruise ships. With continuous innovation in recent years in functions, designs, craftsmanship and standards, Tibetan carpets are increasingly gaining an “international style,” becoming the first choice for many foreign customers.

Tibetan carpets are a treasure of Chinese ethnic traditional crafts. In the interplay between tradition and modernity, in its interaction with the world, the Tibetan carpet industry has undergone an innovative transformation. This not only injects new vitality into the traditional skills passed down over thousands of years, but also provides valuable experience for the industrialization and modernization of other ethnic traditional crafts.

Bloggers, content creators back efforts of Mele Kyari in repositioning NNPCL


…dissociate self from fake news against corporation

In a swift reaction on Wednesday, an umbrella body of bloggers and vloggers, Bloggers and Vloggers, Contents Creators Association, BAVCCA, commended the Group Chief Executive Officer, GCEO, Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation Limited, NNPCL, Engr Mele Kyari, over the repositioning of the organisation.

This was in an address read by leaders of the association during a press conference held in Abuja over the calls to sack Kyari by some groups.

The Secretary, BAVCCA, Abimbola Adelabu, who read the address pointed out that it was out of sheer ungrateful attitude and planned blackmail against Kyari who had repositioned the Corporation and made it a leading company in Africa and competing globally with its peers.

Adelabu said the global oil market is a complex and constantly evolving field, influenced by various factors, some of which are beyond the control of any individual or organization.

According to him, fuel hikes and increments are not arbitrary decisions made by the GCEO, but rather a means to recover costs incurred during the importation, refining, and distribution processes

He said: “The BAVCCA, the umbrella body of all Bloggers, Vloggers and Content Creators in Nigeria, representing a diverse group of influential media practitioners, having taken cognisance of recent events regarding fuel distribution and pricing has called this press briefing to situate the issues objectively.

“We are aware that fuel price increment is a sensitive issue, therefore, requires that all stakeholders have a clear understanding of the underlying factors that contribute to either price increment or inadequate distribution of PMS.

“Our findings show that these factors are key in determining whatever decision in pricing and distribution:

“Global Market Dynamics: The global oil market is a complex and constantly evolving field, influenced by various factors, some of which are beyond the control of any individual or organization.

“Fluctuations in international crude oil prices, exchange rates, and supply and demand surges are main contributors to fuel price hikes, globally.

“The NNPC, under the leadership of the GMD, operates within these volatile dynamics to ensure that Nigeria remains sufficiently supplied with petroleum products.

“Cost Recovery and Sustainability: The NNPC, as a national entity responsible for the efficient management of Nigeria’s petroleum resources, must continually assess its cost-revenue structure to ensure sustainable operations.

“Fuel hikes and increments are not arbitrary decisions made by the GCEO, but rather a means to recover costs incurred during the importation, refining, and distribution processes.

“These measures allow the NNPC to maintain the availability of fuel across the country, thereby preventing shortages and ensuring social stability.

“Infrastructure Development and Deregulation Efforts: The NNPC, under the leadership of the GCEO, has been actively pursuing measures to enhance Nigeria’s downstream petroleum sector.

“Infrastructure development, removal of subsidies, and the promotion of a deregulated market are integral to achieving long-term sustainability and attracting private investments.

“These efforts, though challenging in the short term, are indispensable for fostering a more efficient and economically viable petroleum sector in Nigeria.

“We understand the frustrations of the Nigerian people regarding the fuel price hike; however, we urge everyone to consider the broader context and challenges faced by the NNPC in providing a stable and affordable fuel supply.

“As supporters of transparency, we call on the government and the NNPC to continue engaging with the public and striving to educate them about the intricacies of the fuel pricing system.

“Additionally, we encourage both parties to explore sustainable strategies that can help alleviate the burden of fuel price hikes on the citizens while ensuring the viability of the petroleum sector.

Meanwhile, the association maintained that the NNPCL boss is exonerated in this purported move to remove him from office.

“In conclusion, the Bloggers and Vloggers, Content Creators Association extends our firm support and exonerates the Mele Kyari-led NNPC from global induced price variations”, he stated.

Also he assured that, “We pledge to continue providing accurate and informative content to our audiences, fostering a robust and informed dialogue on the matter at hand.”

Stakeholders Join Forces for Harmony and Advancement in Nasarawa Eggon

In a united front for the sake of peace and progress in Nasarawa Eggon, concerned stakeholders have come together to address a matter of utmost importance.

The stakeholders, representing various segments of our community, have urged Hon. Ibrahim Muhammed (vandalism) to reconsider his quest for an appeal in the case against Hon. Kudu Ajegana, who was recently declared the winner by the Tribunal.

In a press briefing that took place on Tuesday, in Nasarawa Eggon, where the stakeholders emphasized the need for unity within the community. They noted that both Hon. Ibrahim and Hon. Ajegana are considered sons of Nasarawa Eggon, and it is essential that their legal dispute should not be allowed to drive a wedge between them.

Recall that the candidate of the PDP Ibrahim Mohammed, challenge the victory of Jacob Kudu of APC in the state election polls conducted in March, 2023.

Chairman of the tribunal, Justice Francisca Nnong-Isoni, in her ruling, stated that the petitioner failed to provide sufficient evidence to support their case, leading to the dismissal of the case on grounds of lack of merit.

The leader of the stakeholder group, Mr. Emmanuel Ovey, and the secretary, Mr. Abdullahi Anzaku, jointly signed the statement. They expressed deep concerns about the diversion of funds from community development projects towards the legal proceedings. This diversion of resources was deemed unacceptable and contrary to the interests of the constituents.

The stakeholders strongly appealed to Hon. Ibrahim, a member of the PDP, to respect the verdict of the Tribunal and allow Hon. Kudu Ajegana to continue serving as the Honourable member representing Nasarawa Eggon East Constituency. This, they believe, is essential to ensure the prompt delivery of the dividends of democracy to the people.

It was also highlighted that while other constituency members have already initiated projects for the betterment of their community, Nasarawa Eggon East Constituency remains stagnant. When inquired about the reason for this stagnation, Hon. Kudu Ajegana reportedly mentioned that he had spent significant amounts pursuing the court case and would continue to do so if necessary.

In light of these circumstances, the stakeholders urged Hon. Ibrahim to drop the appeal he has filed, emphasizing that this decision would pave the way for much-needed development within the constituency.

They concluded by underlining the fact that this election is not the last, and the present house member, Hon. Kudu Ajegana, should extend an olive branch to Hon. Ibrahim, as they are like family, and settle their differences amicably. The collective appeal is for the greater good of Nasarawa Eggon and its residents.

The concerned stakeholders believe that embracing unity and cooperation is the key to a brighter future for Nasarawa Eggon, and they stand united in this endeavor.