NEWS
Adeleke Opens Up On Osun Airport, Hails Makinde For Upgrading Ibadan Airport
Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke has expressed determination to revive and complete the almost 12-year-old Osun Airport project to exit Osun as the only state in the South West without an airport.
It was gathered that Gov Adeleke made the declaration at the flag off of the upgrade of Ibadan Airport to Ladoke Akintola International Airport where Governor Seyi Makinde described the Ibadan upgrade project as “economically viable and sustainable”.
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Gov Adeleke commended Gov Makinde as “a man of vision and a passionate agent of development”, and assured “we are pushing ahead with a very ambitious governance agenda.
“We are building roads, bridges, and flyovers. We are upgrading schools, health centers and reviving agriculture.
“We have turned Osun into a huge construction site. We adopt local content policy to deepen the local economy, create jobs for our people and spread skills acquisition. Like Governor Makinde who is Mr Actualiser of Oyo state, I am in a hurry to take Osun to an agro- industrial, export oriented economy.
“I am glad to announce to this August gathering that our government has concluded plan to complete the almost 12 years old Osun Airport project.
“Our Airport vision is now upgraded to include a cargo terminal alongside a free trade zone under a PPP arrangement.”
Gov Adeleke commended the Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for supporting the state’s aspirations for the development of the aviation sector.
“I indeed salute the Honourable Minister of Aviation for his supportive role for Osun and other states. We thank the Minister for supporting our vision to tap into the multi-trillion-dollar global aviation industry”, Gov Adeleke told the gathering of dignitaries.
On his part, Gov Makinde described the upgrade as “a strategic investment to be delivered on time and target”.
Citing investors who are already indicating interest, Gov Makinde described the flag off as the first phase, noting that the second phase would involve technical expansion of facilities.
According to Gov Makinde, the upgrade will take a year and not one and a half years, promising that sufficient funds will be allocated for early completion.
He expressed confidence in the capacity of the contractor, Craneburg, to deliver on the project.
NEWS
Dangote Refinery Cuts Petrol Price To ₦970 per Litre For Marketers
The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has announced a reduction in the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), also known as petrol, to ₦970 per litre for oil marketers.
This new price, effective immediately, marks a ₦20 decrease from the refinery’s previous ex-depot price of ₦990 per litre, which was set earlier this month.
In a statement released on Sunday, Anthony Chiejina, the refinery’s Chief Branding and Communications Officer, explained that the price reduction is a way for the company to express its appreciation to Nigerians for their unwavering support in making the refinery a reality.
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“This decision is our way of thanking Nigerians for their unwavering support in making the refinery a dream come true,” Chiejina said.
The statement also highlighted the refinery’s gratitude towards the Nigerian government, acknowledging the role of government measures in supporting domestic businesses.
“In addition, this is to thank the government for their support, as this will complement the measures put in place to encourage domestic enterprise for our collective well-being,” the statement read.
Despite the price cut, the refinery reassured consumers that there would be no compromise on the quality of its products. “While the refinery would not compromise on the quality of its petroleum products, we assure you of best quality products that are environmentally friendly and sustainable,” the statement added.
The company also committed to ramping up production to meet domestic fuel consumption and alleviate concerns over potential supply shortages.
“We are determined to keep ramping up production to meet and surpass our domestic fuel consumption; thus, dispelling any fear of a shortfall in supply,” the statement concluded.
The price reduction is expected to save marketers approximately ₦20 per litre on purchases from the refinery’s Lekki-based plant.
NEWS
I Am Just A Content Creator – Simon Ekpa Denies Biafran Leadership Role
Simon Ekpa, a Finnish citizen of Nigerian descent and a controversial figure in the Biafran separatist movement, has dismissed his self-styled title of “Prime Minister of Biafra” as inconsequential.
Speaking during legal proceedings at the Päijät-Häme District Court in Finland, Ekpa stated, “I am just a content creator; the issue of Prime Minister of Biafra is not serious.”
READ ALSO: National Assembly In Top Gear For Tinubu’s 2025 Budget Presentation
Ekpa’s statement comes in the wake of his arrest by Finnish authorities on charges related to incitement of terrorism.
The Finnish National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has accused Ekpa of public incitement to commit crimes with terrorist intent.
The arrest stems from an incident in Lahti on August 23, 2021, and officials are also seeking the detention of four other suspects linked to the case.
“The detention demands are related to a preliminary investigation in which a Finnish citizen of Nigerian descent, born in the 1980s, is suspected of public incitement to commit a crime with terrorist intent,” the NBI said in a statement.
Ekpa, who has used his social media platforms to advocate for Biafran independence, has been a divisive figure in Nigeria’s southeast region.
His rhetoric and actions, including calls for economic shutdowns through “sit-at-home” orders, have been linked to widespread unrest and disruptions in the region.
NEWS
National Assembly In Top Gear For Tinubu’s 2025 Budget Presentation
The National Assembly management team, led by Clerk Sani Magaji Tambawal, has ramped up efforts to ensure a seamless presentation of the 2025 Appropriation Bill by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The event, scheduled for a joint session of the Senate and House of Representatives, is regarded as a significant moment in Nigeria’s legislative calendar.
Preparations include a thorough inspection of the assembly chambers to ensure all facilities are fully functional.
READ MORE: PDP Governors Probe Ondo Polls, Criticizes Edo Result
Deputy Clerk Kamoru Ogunlana, who is overseeing the technical arrangements, confirmed that key systems, including microphones, sound equipment, and other audio-visual tools, have been tested to ensure smooth communication during the session.
“We are working tirelessly to ensure that the National Assembly is fully prepared to receive Mr. President and provide a conducive environment for this significant moment in our democratic process,” Ogunlana stated.
Seating arrangements are also being finalized to accommodate lawmakers, government officials, and other dignitaries expected at the session.
Security measures are being reviewed in collaboration with relevant agencies to ensure the safety of all attendees. Meanwhile, press accreditation is being managed to facilitate effective media coverage.
The 2025 budget presentation is expected to highlight the government’s economic priorities while reinforcing the partnership between the executive and legislative arms of government.
As the session approaches, the National Assembly has expressed its commitment to upholding Nigeria’s democratic values and providing a platform for transparent governance.