Food Security: Delta lawmaker, Mutu supplies 600 bags of fertilizers to constituent farmers

Food Security: Delta lawmaker, Mutu supplies 600 bags of fertilizers to constituent farmers

BOMADI—The lawmaker representing Patani/Bomadi Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Nicholas Ebomo Mutu, has doled out over 600 bags of fertilizers to farmers in his constituent to boost agricultural produce in riverine communities of Delta State.

Recall that last month, Mutu launched a training programme on modern technologies of planting and processing the cassava crop, where constituents converged on Bomadi, trained and were given farm inputs with a task to feed themselves and the nation at large.

However, distributing the materials to the trained beneficiaries at Bomadi, headquarters of Bomadi local government area, yesterday, the Liaison Officer, Hon. Kenneth Ebitonmo, noted that the lawmaker was much more concerned with the prevalent hunger in the land, hence, the earlier training and subsequent supply of farm inputs to boost production.

He said: "This fertilizers were brought as a result of the earlier three-day training on the modern methods of planting and processing the cassava crop to boost their farm produce.

"Mutu in his wisdom and understanding of the current trend in the country, decided to empower his people to be self-sufficient and self-reliant by encouraging farmers with this initiative.

"My advice is that, they utilized the items to boost production in the constituency, which will also make our representative proud in his effort to give the needed succour to his people.

"They should apply it on their farms to get the expected yields from the cassava crop and any other crop for availability of food in our area".

However, benefitting farmers who came from various communities in Patani and Bomadi local government areas of the state, expressed appreciation to Mutu for his good gesture and promised to make good use of the items.

Mrs Preye David and Mr Coleman Ebipade, speaking on behalf of beneficiaries, thanked the lawmaker for having his constituents at heart and prayed God to uplift him in his endeavours.

Mrs Victoria Kojo, Mother of Dr. Henry Kojo Passes on to Eternal Glory at 80

Mrs Victoria Kojo, Mother of Dr. Henry Kojo Passes on to Eternal Glory at 80

By Wilson Macaulay

The communities of Okwagbe and Oginibo Towns  in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State have been throwned into mourning due  to the loss of their beloved matriarch, Mrs. Victoria Oghenerume Kojo (née Akpochabor), who passed

on to eternal  bliss  at the age of 80. 

 The beloved Matriarch of the Kojo dynasty  transited  to ecclissiastical aboard on the night of September 4, 2024, leaving behind a remarkable legacy of kindness, faith, and entrepreneurship.

Late Mrs Victoria Kojo, born on July 10, 1944, was a respected figure in her community. Married to the late Pa Vincent Kojo Unuafomakpo, aka Announcer, a well-known business tycoon in Ughievwen as an exponent  of the  Nigerian music industry.

Mama Kojo  was the backbone of a family rooted in love, faith, and community service. Her life was defined by an unwavering devotion to God and her loved ones.

As a dynamic businesswoman, Mrs. Kojo was a trailblazer whose entrepreneurial spirit extended across Nigeria, from the South-South region to the Northern part of the country, as she  had a successful business exploit in Zaria, a city well know for being host to the great Ahmadu Bello University.

She was widely admired for her ability to navigate the diverse cultural and business landscapes of Nigeria, and her contributions to the local economy were significant. Her absence will be felt deeply by many.

Beyond her business achievements, Mrs. Kojo was a dedicated mother of three whose home radiated love, laughter, and warmth. Known for her joyful nature and her generosity, she was a woman who always prioritized the well-being of those around her. Whether it was through her business, her church activities, or her community service, Mrs. Kojo left an indelible mark on everyone who encountered her in her sojourn on planet earth.

Her son, Dr Henry Kojo, a Lagos based  Entrepreneur with subsidiaries across West Africa who announced her passage on his X handle, expressed  deep sorrow felt by the family. In a heartfelt statement shared with Daily Independent Newspaper, Dr  Henry Kojo reflected on his mother’s life of service, compassion, and unwavering faith in the service of God Almighty.

The commentary of Dr Kojo reads in part:

"She was not just a mother to her children but to everyone around her,"

 "Her love was unconditional, and her spirit was one of joy and positivism. She was the epitome of grace and resilience, and her memory will continue to inspire all of us."

As the funeral arrangements are being made, tributes have  started pouring in from friends, family, and business associates. Family  members,Friends and  well wishers of the Kojos are trouping to the Chinkelly Area resident of late Mama to sign the condolence register. In Lagos , a condolence register has been opened for Mama at the corporate headquarters of the Kojo Business empire @ Km 11, Lekki-Epe Expressway, Lekki, Lagos.

Mrs. Victoria Kojo will be remembered as a woman of faith, a loving mother, and a beacon of kindness in her community. Her legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.May her soul rest in perfect peace.

PAP: Otuaro Makes Move to Curb Youth Drug Abuse in N'Delta, Receives Pentaglo Group

PAP: Otuaro Makes Move to Curb Youth Drug Abuse in N'Delta, Receives Pentaglo Group 

Abuja____ On Thursday September 5, 2024, High Chief Dr. Dennis Brutu Otuaro, the Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, met with Pentaglo Nig limited, a group which opposes youth hard drug usage in the Niger Delta.

The group, headed by well-known Niger Delta humanitarian Mr. Seisingha Pondi, who is fondly called Soso, bemoaned the fast rising rate of drug use among young people in the Niger Delta.

Mr. Soso continued by giving the Administrator a hint as to the primary goal of their visit: which he said is to solicit the Presidential Amnesty Office’s partnership in setting up a rehabilitation program that will aid in the recovery of young people who have consumed these substances (hard drugs), in an effort to reintegrate them back into the society.

The Administrator, Dr. Dennis Otuaro, on his part, commended the Group for their outstanding endeavor and said that all well-meaning people and organizations in Nigeria, not only in the Niger Delta, but nationwide, should support this positive development. Revealing that rehabilitation and reintegration of young people who were once involved in violent crimes back into the society is one of the primary goals of the Presidential Amnesty Programme. Which according to him, is the same goal the Group is pursuing.

He claimed that the Group’s initiative is exactly what’s needed in these trying times, as more and more boys and girls are becoming addicted to using hard drugs and substances like cocaine, heroin, Indian hemp, Tramadol, and other illegal substances that are harmful to their health.

Dr. Otuaro also expressed the opinion that unless immediate action is taken, this aberration, which is quickly spreading among young people, would continue to ruin the lives of our children, who hold the key to the future of our beloved country Nigeria and area (the Niger Delta region).

In light of this, he addressed the group and gave them the assurance that the office will back them in their effort to eliminate the juvenile drug culture, which has led to many of the youths losing their minds and their sense of purpose in life. As well as making majority of them suffer complicated mental health issues.

Single Mothers Are Superwomen, Reasons Why You May Consider Marrying a Single Mother as Wife_Marriage Expert

Single Mothers Are Superwomen, Reasons Why You May Consider Marrying a Single Mother as Wife_Marriage Expert

Most folks, especially Nigerian men, do feel they are doing women favour when they marry them as single mothers, but it's a paradox and a social myth that must be educated.

90% of single mothers are also good wives in the marriage market .

Firstly, why do women become single mothers?

Some are DELIBERATE, some are TRAGEDIES (widows) while some are MISTAKES. So if you happen to like a single mother, investigate her motive before you configure the drivers of your feelings. 

If it was a MISTAKE OF TRAGEDY, trust me she can be the best WIFE you can ever think of.

1. Single mothers that made mistakes do bring total SUBMISSION to the table of marriage once they know that the man is honest and sincere, because they will see marriage as a classroom where they must correct the mistakes they made in the past.

2. If you want to WIN her, love her child first, and you will see that she will LOVE you with her last breath and blood.

3. Don't forget that as a woman that has put to BED before, there's 85% assurance that she will conceive without toiling from one prayer house to the other to conceive; the baby is evidence of her fruitfulness.

4. Single Mums treat their husbands as LORDS for the sacrifices they make, and easily forgive them no matter the gravity of what they err.

5. If you marry her, do not discriminate the child in your children's budget, see them as equals so you don't sprout the seed of jealousy.

6. If she is a single mum as a widow you may not have problem but if the child's father is alive, both of you should have an agreement from the beginning on welfare and information management. Don't deny the father access to his child but put a password before he can have access to your wife; it implies the gateway should be defined while you monitor the parameters; trust me, the child will grow up to love you as the man that made his/her mother happy more than the biological father.

7. Ensure the child is in the same school with your kids, if not that child's educational setbacks will influence your kids negatively when they play together. If the father supports good, but if he does not be ready to train the child alongside your kids for uniformity of knowledge.

8. If the child is a female child/children, you will have less parenting to do because female children easily relieve parents once the are adult or even get married. 

9. 90% of SINGLE MOTHERS are faithful in marriage and wouldn't pull infidelity string to damage the engine of TRUST in the marriage system; they feel you have sacrificed enough to win their trust and faithfulness.

10. Single Mums are SUPERWOMEN. For a woman to play the role of both parents and bear the responsibility of raising a child/children, don't joke with such a woman, because even if you die in future she can take care of your family.

11. Single Mums are SEX SATISFIERS. They will lock you down in bed for good sex so you don't look outside to avoid stories that will touch the heart.

12. Most Single Mothers are good cooks and God fearing; the fact that she did not abort the child justifies her SACREDNESS AND GOD'S FEAR.

By: 

Kemebradikumor Sele-Egonbo

Meet The First Professor ln Nigeria, Prof. Kenneth Dike of Anambra State (1917-1983)

Meet The First Professor ln Nigeria, Prof. Kenneth Dike of Anambra State (1917-1983)

The first professor in Nigeria was Professor Kenneth Dike (1917-1983). He was a renowned historian and academic who made significant contributions to the field of African history and culture.

Professor Dike was born in Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria, and received his early education in Nigeria and the United Kingdom. He earned his Ph.D. in history from the University of Aberdeen in 1950 and returned to Nigeria to teach at the University College, Ibadan (now the University of Ibadan).

In 1956, Professor Dike became the first Nigerian to be appointed as a professor, serving as the Professor of History at the University of Ibadan. He was a pioneer in the field of African history and wrote several influential books, including "Trade and Politics in the Niger Delta" and "A Hundred Years of British Rule in Nigeria".

Professor Dike's achievements and contributions to education and academia have been recognized and celebrated in Nigeria and beyond. He remains a celebrated figure in Nigerian history and an inspiration to generations of scholars and academics.

#KnowledgeIsPower..

Just-ln: Mr Rights Lashes IYC Over Turning Council to Begging Association, Calls for Restrain

Just-ln: Mr Rights Lashes IYC Over Turning Council to Begging Association, Calls for Restrain

Warri _____ Renowned Comedian and Facebook Influencer, Mr. Right, Slammed Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Over Begging Culture which to him is making the council lose focus and direction.

Mr Rights emphasised that the menace has brought disrepute to the council which according to him is a complete deviation of the ideals of the Kaiama declaration in 1998.

The comedian, Mr Rights during the opening ceremony of the IYC's Western Zone Office in Effurun, Delta State, on September 6, took the stage to address the gathering. In his characteristic blunt style, he cautioned the IYC leadership to put an end to the culture of begging for money with the name of Council.

Mr. Rights, known for his witty humor and social commentary, emphasised that the IYC, as an apex body of Ijaw youths, should focus on fostering the tenets of the struggle, rather than coming to council to constantly beg for money. He urged the council to adopt a more sustainable approach to addressing the needs of the Ijaw nation.

The comedian-turned-social commentator noted that the begging culture has become a hindrance to the progress of the Ijaw people, perpetuating a cycle of dependency rather than self-sufficiency.

Mr Rights said council had gradually lost value, and credibility in the eyes of the Ijaw nation for constantly engaging in begging and making council an appendage of government.

He also faulted the high cost of council elections, urging the council to make legislations to tame the  high cost of council elections.

The social commendator also attributes the high cost of council elections to the begging culture of leaders in Council.

Mr. Right's statement was met with applause from the audience, indicating a shared concern among Ijaw youths about the direction of their representative council.

The IYC leadership has yet to respond to Mr. Rights' comments, but the issue is expected to spark a wider debate on the council's approach to addressing the needs of Ijaw youths and Ijaw nation.

IPF Backs Committee of Friends to Mark late Ebi Tebela Remembrance After 13 Years in Warri

IPF Backs Committee of Friends to Mark late Ebi Tebela Remembrance After 13 Years in Warri 

....... Calls on ljaw leaders to always celebrate good people death or alive

Francis Tayor

Warri _____ The Ijaw Publishers' Forum (IPF) on Wednesday officially endorsed the upcoming Chief Ebi Tebela Remembrance celebration, honoring the late celebrity and Olotu 1 of Egbema Kingdom on September 23, 2024.

This endorsement follows a visit from the planning committee, led by the Chairman, Mr. Gideon Ebipade (aka Darling Gid), Secretary Comrade Gandi Wisdom, PRO Mr. Atigbi Lugard, Treasurer Mr. Abioka Karina (aka Mc Abioka), and member Mr. Luis Ebi Tebela, Miss Sarah Shell, and Mr. Meshach Ojijoh, as well as Tebela's children.

Recall that, late Chief Ebi Tebela, fondly called the Money Making Machine (MMM) who was the most famous Olotu 1 of Egbema kingdom came to limelight in the early 2000 with his philanthropic life style across ljaw nation in particular, and Niger Delta at large.

He was a prominent marine business magnet who invested heavily in the oil and gas sector. He was the anchor man at the popular Lagos camp whose influence cuts across the country.

His philanthropic kind gesture was greatly felt in the ljaw owigiri high life music industry, maritime sector, ljaw student union, less privileged ones in the society, single mothers, intending couples, widows/widowers, the aged ones, women groups, upcoming career politicians amongst others.

He was also instrumental in the dropping of arms by the ex- agitators of the Niger Delta during the 2009 Nigerian Federal Government Presidential Amnesty Declaration to restore peace and stability in the once volatile oil rich region.

Before his sudden death on the 23rd September, 2011, Ebi Tebela was warming up to contest for the position of executive chairman of Warri North Local Government Council. He hailed paternally from Ogbinbiri Community in Egbema kingdom, Warri North LGA, and maternally Oporoza Community in Gbaramatu kingdom, Warri South -West LGA, Delta State.

Meanwhile, speaking to newsmen after a closed-door meeting at TM hotel Warri, Delta State, IPF President Comrade Ozobo Austin emphasised the importance of supporting the remembrance celebration. He highlighted Tebela's philanthropic efforts, which touched thousands of lives, including those in the media industry.

"Ebi Tebela was a selfless individual who made significant contributions to our community and beyond. His legacy deserves to be celebrated, and we urge all Ijaw leaders and stakeholders to join us in honoring his memory."

"It is imperative to reward and recognise good people, because when you do that you indirectly or directly encourage the person to do more. Equally, you are encouraging people around to do good, knowing that it has reward", he added.

The Ebi Tebela Remembrance celebration promised to be a poignant tribute to a remarkable individual who left an indelible mark on the lives of many. With the IPF's endorsement, the event is expected to draw widespread support and participation from across the Ijaw community and beyond.

The IPF president, Comrade Ozobo Austin was flanked by his vice Mr Onduku Oyinbi, PRO Mr Ezekiel Kagbala, Mr Tams Okunbiri MMD, member and Stephen Asaba-ase reporter.

Just-ln: Yahoo Boy Lands in Jail for 2 Years for lmpersonating Flavour to Dupes American Woman of $53,000

Just-ln: Yahoo Boy Lands in Jail for 2 Years for lmpersonating Flavour to Dupes American Woman of $53,000

Lagos _____ The Federal High Court in Lagos has sentenced one Courage Ikpaka to two years imprisonment for duping a United States citizen, Mrs Yvelte M. Thompson of $53,000 by impersonating Nigerian musician, Chinedu Okoli popularly known as Flavour N’abania.

Justice Dehinde Dipeolu convicted Ipaka on Tuesday following his guilty plea to a two-count charge brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Prosecution counsel, Suleiman Suleiman, led EFCC investigator Azibagiri Dan Ekpar in evidence against the defendant.

The witness told the court that Ipaka impersonated Flavour by pledging to organise shows in the United States of America and receiving payment through his Bitcoin wallets.

Ekpar explained that the EFCC got wind of the fraud following a petition written by one Eyitayo Tolulope Abiodun and others on behalf of the victim.

“We invited Flavour who honoured the invitation and claimed innocence of the allegations. Upon investigation, we discovered that one Ipaka Courage who lives in Benin City was the perpetrator,” he said.

“We invited the defendant, and he admitted in his statement that he impersonated Flavour by obtaining the sum of $53,000 from a woman who is a United States Citizen in 2021.

“He wired the funds through Bitcoin wallets and converted them in his Access Bank account where he received the value in Naira.

“The sum of N7.9m Naira was recovered from the defendant through Zenith and Access Bank manager’s cheques,” he said.

Following the defendant’s guilty plea and upon reviewing the prosecution’s evidence against him, Justice Dipeolu sentenced Ipaka to two years imprisonment but with an option of a fine of N2 million.

The judge also forfeited the sum of N7.9m recovered from the convict to Mrs Thompson.

Counts 1 and 2 of the charge read.

“That you, IKPAKA COURAGE sometime in April 2021 in Lagos. within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court directly made a false statement wherein you held yourself out as a Nigerian entertainer by name “Chinedu Okoli a.k.a. Flavour N’abania” on your Telegram Account, knowing same to be false and with intent that the representation is relied upon for the purpose of procuring the issuance of financial instruments to yourself and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 22(3) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition and Prevention etc} Act, 2015.

“That you, IKPAKA COURAGE sometime in April 2021 in Lagos within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court indirectly retained the sum of $53,000 in your Access Bank Pic account number 0108866415 which sum you reasonably ought to have known forms part of the proceeds of your unlawful activity to wit: dishonest conversion of the said sum, property of Mrs Yvelte M. Thompson and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 18(2)(G) and punishable under section 18 {3} of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.”

Dagidi Takes Bold Step to Light Up Bomadi as he Engages Tempo Energy to Supply Power

Dagidi Takes Bold Step to Light Up Bomadi as he Engages Tempo Energy to Supply Power

Bomadi____  In a decisive move to brighten the Bomadi Community, the headquarters of Bomadi Local Government Area, the Council Chairman, Hon. Dagidi Rawlings Andaye, held a crucial meeting with Collins Kalabare, Managing Director of Tempo Energy Nigeria Limited, and his team at the Council Secretariat on September 3, 2024.

The meeting focused on addressing the long-standing lighting challenges that have plagued the community. Hon. Andaye, determined to resolve the issue, directed the team to expedite the completion of the project. He emphasized the urgency for immediate action and tangible results, reaffirming his commitment to illuminating the community by any means necessary.

"Do everything humanly possible to bring this project to fruition. We need action and results within the shortest possible time because we are determined to light up the Council's headquarters through any available means. That is why we sought an alternative company other than PHCN," he stated.

In response, Managing Director Collins Kalabare assured the Chairman that Tempo Energy Nigeria Limited would deliver the project on time as instructed.

This collaboration represents a significant milestone in the efforts to light up Bomadi Community and enhance the quality of life for its residents.

E-Signed,

Office of New Media,  

Bomadi Local Government Council.

September 4, 2024.

Just-ln: Dangote Refinery Rolls Out Petrol, Product to Hit the Market Soon

Just-ln: Dangote Refinery Rolls Out Petrol, Product to Hit the Market Soon

After over a year of its launch in May 2023, Dangote Refinery, on Tuesday, rolled out its first Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), also known as petrol, from its 650,000 barrels per day facility.

At a press conference, owner of the Lagos-based refinery and billionaire businessman Aliko Dangote declared that “it’s a celebration day” for Nigerians.

He assured all citizens that they “are now going to have good petrol while the engines of your vehicles will last longer. You will not be having an engine issue, which a lot of us were having. It won’t happen at all.”

“The quality here will match that of anywhere in the world; US, America, we will make sure that nobody will beat us in terms of quality,” Dangote said.

‘We’ll Save Forex’

The refinery owner said as soon as his company finalises modalities with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), the product will hit the market.

“As soon as we finalise with the NNPCL, our product will start going into the market.

“We will help to restore industry and manufacturing. We will begin real import substitution, which is what we have, you know, saving foreign exchange, earning foreign exchange, which will stabilise the naira, and it will also help bring down inflation and cost of living,” he stated.

Last December, Dangote, Africa’s leading industrialist, commenced operations at his $20bn facility sited in Lagos with 350,000 barrels a day.

The refinery, which was initially bogged by regulatory battles, hopes to achieve its full capacity of 650,000 barrels per day by the end of the year.

The refinery has begun the supply of diesel and aviation fuel to marketers in the country and now petrol.

NNPCL Debt Challenge

The rollout of petrol by the Dangote Refinery followed the admission by the NNPCL that it owes “significant debt to petrol suppliers” and this poses a threat to the sustainability of fuel supply.

There have been reports that a $6 billion debt the NNPCL owes petrol suppliers has worsened petrol scarcity in Nigeria, a perennial feature since the beginning of 2024.

At different times, the NNPCL blamed logistics challenges, and flooding, amongst others for the supply shortages of the essential commodity.

However, in a statement on Sunday, NNPCL spokesman Olufemi Soneye said “this financial strain has placed considerable pressure on the company and poses a threat to the sustainability of fuel supply”.

Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation, faces energy challenges, with all its state-owned refineries non-operational. The country is heavily reliant on imported refined petroleum products, with the state-run NNPC being the major importer of the essential commodities.

Fuel queues are commonplace in the country. Prices of petrol tripled since the removal of subsidy in May 2023, from around ₦200/litre to about ₦800/litre, compounding the woes of the citizens who power their vehicles, and generating sets with petrol, no thanks to decades-long epileptic electricity supply.

The government simultaneously unified forex windows, with the value of the naira nosediving terribly from $1/₦700 to over $1/₦1600 at the parallel market. Prices of food and basic commodities immediately climbed through the roof as Nigerians battled attendant inflation.

Marital Bliss: Peter, Ebide Set to Exchange Marital Vow on 7th Sept, 2024 in Warri, lnvite Well Wishers

Marital Bliss: Peter, Ebide  Set to Exchange Marital Vow on 7th Sept, 2024 in Warri, lnvite Well Wishers

....... As Gen. Best May JFred musical organization warm up to thrill guests at the reception 

Blessing Ebareotu

Warri _____ Peter Thompson Ikpidi, a prominent Ijaw youth leader, is about to tie the knot with the love of his life, Miss Ebide Miebi. Who is the daughter of Late Elder Obiko Miebi and Chief Mrs. Bonny Miebi, both of whom are from Oporoza Town in Gbaramatu Kingdom, Warri South West Local Government Area of Delta State, Nigeria.

An invitation to invite family, friends, well-wishers, and the public to the upcoming marriage ceremony was sent out by the soon-to-be couple, which provides information about their union.

In order to advance his relationship with Miss Ebide Miebi, his ideal woman, Sir Peter T. Ikpidi, a Capacity Youth Leader born into the Families of the Late Elder Thompson Ikpidi of Ogbe-Ijoh Town, in Ogbe-Ijoh Warri Kingdom, Warri South West Local Government Area of Delta State, decided to fulfill his marital duties/obligations to the love of his life, Miss Ebide, by taking the bold step to legalize their union.

The soon-to-be husband is a well-respected person who has improved the lives of numerous young people in Delta State and the Niger Delta region as a whole. While on the other hand, Miss Ebide Miebi is a stunning, diligent, kind, hardworking and loving woman, who has supported her man over the years, providing him with the moral support he needs to pursue his goals and aspirations.

Miss Ebide is a respectable woman who embodies authentic African beauty and has demonstrated the virtues expected of a virtuous woman.

These remarkable individuals' traditional marriage ceremony is set to hold on September 7, 2024, at behind Vico Oil Filling Station, off DSC/PTI Expressway, Effurun, Uvwie Local Government Area, Warri, Delta State. While the reception takes place immediately after the customary marriage ceremony, at Delta Careers College, located along Airport Road in Warri, Delta State, at exactly 12:00noon.

Guests who will grace the event are to be thrilled by famous Ijaw musician, Mr. Best May Jfred and his musical band with delightful music.

Just-ln: NNPC Wants Private Companies to Run The Refineries in Warri and Kaduna

Just-ln: NNPC Wants Private Companies to Run The Refineries in Warri and Kaduna

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited has declared its intention to work with private companies to oversee and maintain its refineries in Warri and Kaduna.

The Warri Refining and Petrochemical Company (WRPC) and the Kaduna Refining and Petrochemical Company (KRPC) are the refineries.

NNPC disclosed this on Thursday through a circular shared via its X handle.

It said the decision is to ensure reliability and sustainability to meet the nation’s fuel supply and energy security obligations.

“NNPC Ltd is seeking to engage reputable and credible Operations & Maintenance (O&M) companies to operate and maintain two of its refineries, Warri Refining and Petrochemical Company (WRPC) and Kaduna Refining and Petrochemical Company (KRPC), to ensure reliability and sustainability to meet the nation’s fuel supply and energy security obligations.

“The O&M tender for WRPC and KRPC will be treated as a single tender through a three stage tender process (expression of interest, EOI, technical and commercial) leveraging on all the possible opportunity costs associated with procurement of consumables, personnel/manpower management, utilisation of computerised maintenance management software (CMMS), warehousing management system (WMS) etc,” the circular read in part.

The Warri refinery located at Warri in Delta State was commissioned in 1978, with a nameplate distillation capacity of 6,250,000 MTA (125,000 bpd).

The refinery complex includes a petrochemical plant commissioned in 1988 with production capacities of 13,000 MTA of polypropylene and 18,000 MTA of carbon black. The refinery is meant to supply markets in the south and southwest regions of Nigeria.

On its part, the Kaduna refinery was commissioned in 1980 to supply petroleum products to Northern Nigeria with a capacity of 50,000 B/D.

In 1983, the capacity was expanded to 100,000 B/D by adding a second 50,000 B/D crude train dedicated to the production of lubricating oils (lubes).

In 1986, the capacity of the first crude train was expanded to 60,000 B/D. The expansions have increased the current nameplate capacity of the refinery to 110,000 B/D.

Hon. Dagidi Congratulates Chief Arenyeka on Emergence as Delta State PDP Chairman

Hon. Dagidi Congratulates Chief Arenyeka on Emergence as Delta State PDP Chairman 

BOMADI_____ The executive chairman of Bomadi local government area of Delta State, Hon. Andaye Rawlings Dagidi, has congratulated Chief Solomon Arenyeka on his emergence as the state chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.

Hon. Dagidi also felicitated all exco members who were elected at the state Party Congress held in Asaba, the state capital.

In his message of felicitation, issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Chancel Bomadi Sunday, yesterday, the council boss expressed delight over Arenyeka's emergence, stressing the party under his leadership would be more united and do greater exploits.

The statement reads: "Your resounding victory at the just concluded state party congress is well-deserved, which is a testament of your unwavering commitment and support for party affairs coupled with your exceptional leadership qualities displayed over the years.

"Your overwhelming track-records within the PDP family and in public offices attested to your unrelenting dedication to the progress of Delta State and well-being of our great party.

"I am confident, the people of Bomadi local government area are confident, that the PDP under your leadership will grow stronger, and we make bold to say that you're the right person to lead the party at this time of our collective aspiration of unflinching unity and progress.

"On behalf of the people of Bomadi local government area, I pledge our full support and collaboration to working with you to strengthen our party for greater exploits.

"Once again, congratulations on your well-deserved election to lead the PDP to greater heights!".

Delta PDP Congress: Pastor Arex Akemotubo Elected as State PDP Auditor

Delta PDP Congress: Pastor Arex Akemotubo Elected as State PDP Auditor

Asaba, Delta State— At the People's Democratic Party (PDP) State Congress held on Saturday, August 31st, at the Cenotaph in Asaba, Pastor Arex Ambrose Akemotubo, the Managing Director/CEO of Waffi TV, a fast-rising TV station in Delta State, who hails from Ogbe-Ijoh in Warri South-West LGA, emerged as the new Auditor of the PDP Delta State chapter.

Pastor Akemotubo, running unopposed, garnered 3,149 out of 3,153 votes cast, with only four votes declared void. His near-unanimous election reflects a broad consensus among party members and signals strong confidence in his leadership abilities.

Known for his dedication and track record of service within the party, Pastor Akemotubo's election is seen as a strategic move to ensure robust financial oversight and transparency within the Delta State chapter of the PDP.

Party officials and members have expressed confidence that Pastor Akemotubo will bring accountability and efficiency to his new role, strengthening the party's position ahead of future elections.

How Rights Activist, Ozobo Austin, Exposes Shell's False Claims on Oil Spills in Niger Delta

How Rights Activist, Ozobo Austin, Exposes Shell's False Claims on Oil Spills in Niger Delta 

Comrade Ozobo Austin, a renowned Niger Delta rights and environmental activist, has vehemently countered Shell Petroleum Development Company's assertions on Vanguard Newspaper on Sunday 31st August, 2024 that oil theft is the primary cause of oil spills in the region. In a scathing response, Ozobo revealed that the actual culprits behind the oil spills are the aging facilities, daily oil exploration activities and system failures, not oil theft.

The activist noted that with the presence of Tantita Security Service Limited and other indigenous security companies policing the oil pipelines, oil theft had been significantly reduced to the barest minimum. "It's unimaginable for Shell to continue raising false alarms about oil theft truncating oil daily output when the reality on the ground is different.",he added.

Ozobo exposed the real perpetrators of oil theft, pointing fingers at the oil company officials in the Niger Delta who exploit a bad metering system, barging, and under-reporting daily production output. He emphasised that local oil bunkering and oil activities have been curtailed for the past three years, contradicting Shell's claims.

"The majority of oil spills in the Niger Delta are caused by the decrepit state of Shell's infrastructure, including pipelines, flow stations, and other facilities," Ozobo said. "Years of neglect and lack of investment in maintenance have led to frequent system failures, resulting in devastating oil spills that harm our environment and communities."

The activist argued that Shell's claim of oil theft being the main cause of oil spills was an attempt to deflect attention from the company's own negligence and lack of accountability. He pointed out that Shell's facilities in the Niger Delta are some of the oldest in the world, with some pipelines dating back to the 1960s.

"It's unacceptable for Shell to continue blaming oil theft for its own failures. The company must take responsibility for its actions and invest in upgrading its infrastructure to prevent these spills. Our communities deserve better than to have their lives and livelihoods constantly threatened by Shell's negligence."he added.

"The federal government should look inward and investigate oil theft within the oil companies, security and government officials who connive to under-report actual daily production and load more barrels than reported," Ozobo demanded. "It's time to stop blaming local communities and address the real issues of aging infrastructure and system failures." He appealed for transparency and accountability in the oil industry. 

His statement highlights the need for a thorough investigation into oil theft and spills, focusing on the root causes rather than scapegoating local communities.