NEWS
After Kogi’s Explosion, Buhari Commissions Flyover, Reference Hospital, Other Projects
Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari has attested to the remarkable legacy works of the Governor Yahaya Bello led administration, particularly the numerous infrastructural projects cutting across different sectors as well as his efforts at securing the state noting that the federal government was indeed proud of him.
The President made this remark while delivering his speech at the conference hall of the newly commissioned ultra modern Ohinoyi’s palace before officially commissioning projects including the world class Reference Hospital in Okene, emergency response ambulances, GYB Model Science Secondary School in Adankolo, Ganaja junction flyover bridge, Muhammadu Buhari Civic center, road construction and other legacy projects of his administration.
He expressed that he was excited to be in the state to commission several legacy projects by the GYB led administration noting that his administration was such which prides in the fulfillment of the obligations made to the Nigeria people at the National and sub national level hence his glad disposition of the impressive array of legacy projects in Kogi.
While listing the diverse projects which would be commissioned, he highlighted that the Reference Hospital which boasts of the first hyperbaric treatment chamber was a commendable feat alongside the fleet of Ambulances attached to it for emergency medical response.
The President noted that his administration was working to reposition Kogi state for a bright future as an industrial hub as the government was passionate about activating the confluence state as the center of Nigeria’s solid minerals, especially iron and steel.
President Buhari asserted that the Ajaokuta Steel Complex holds the potential to unlocking such great potential which his administration inherited amidst a tangle of local and international commercial disputes but was glad to note that his government has genuinely rescued Ajaokuta from all legal liabilities and was ready for concession to a private investor that would put it to work for Nigeria and Kogi’s socio economic benefits.
He added that the process has cost the Federal Government over $400million so far but he considered it money well spent as his administration moved closer to achieving its objective of transforming Kogi State into Nigeria’s iron and steel power house. The President alluded that the benefits of getting Ajaokuta working again are numerous as it would provide an estimated over 500, 000 jobs and more than $1.6billion annual income to Nigeria promising to see the process to a logical conclusion.
Governor Yahaya Bello while delivering his speech thanked the President for granting the request to visit the state to commission some of the numerous legacy projects of his administration, a visit which the governor acknowledged was historic and had thrown the whole state into jubilation and celebration.
He recalled that when he was sworn in on 27th January 2016, his government was determined to serve the people hence the commissioning of a competent and professional diverse team who produced the New Direction Blueprint which has remained his administration’s guide in delivering good dividends and accelerated development to the people and in the state.
The document which according to the governor was a vox populi of the summation of the needs of the citizenry have yearly been zeroed down to the state’s budgetary allocation which his administration have ensured the fulfillment of every promise made to the electorate during every campaign. We have also ensured that the entirety of the people of Kogi state have benefitted from their financial, natural and every other resources, he added.
Earlier, the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, Alhaji Ado Ibrahim who was represented by the Ohi of Okenwe, noted that the President’s visit for the commissioning was highly historic as it had been a long time dream that Kogi state would be projected to the world.
The Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) has raised concerns over alleged monopolistic practices by Dangote Refinery, following a public dispute about fuel pricing in the downstream petroleum sector.
Recall that the refinery, Africa’s largest, recently disclosed its petrol pricing at N990 per litre in trucks and N960 per litre into ships, a move it justifies as being in line with international rates.
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PETROAN, however, sees this as an attempt to suppress competitors and dominate the Nigerian market.
The rift began when Dangote Refinery claimed that complaints from marketers regarding its pricing were fueled by intentions to import cheaper, potentially substandard products.
In response, PETROAN strongly rejected these allegations, suggesting that Dangote’s claims are tactics designed to maintain a monopoly in the sector.
Joseph Obele, PETROAN’s spokesperson, stated that the association remains committed to importing high-quality products at more competitive rates to ensure affordability for Nigerian consumers.
According to PETROAN, competition in the market is essential for achieving fair pricing, and any attempt to stifle it would be detrimental to consumers.
They argue that Dangote Refinery’s pricing should reflect production costs and fair margins rather than international benchmarks, especially given concessions granted by the government for the refinery’s establishment.
PETROAN also announced its plans to partner with foreign refineries and financial backers to import premium-quality petroleum products at prices below current rates.
The association aims to enter the market by December 2024, pending necessary regulatory approvals.
“The allegations that PETROAN will import substandard products are unfounded and aimed at creating an unfair playing field,” the statement read.
PETROAN warned that similar claims in the past had led to significant price hikes when competitors were pushed out, emphasizing that the entry of new players into the market would lead to more competitive pricing and ultimately benefit Nigerian consumers.
PETROAN expressed appreciation for President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to revitalizing Nigeria’s state-owned refineries and urged the government to consider privatizing the Port Harcourt and Warri refineries once rehabilitation is complete.
The association believes a transparent privatization process will help strengthen Nigeria’s downstream sector and counter monopolistic tendencies.
To address the ongoing pricing challenges in the sector, PETROAN called on the government to convene a comprehensive meeting of industry stakeholders, including major associations like IPMAN, DAPPMAN, MEMAN, NUPENG, and PENGASSAN.
PETROAN believes that collaboration among these groups will be instrumental in establishing a sustainable and competitive pricing framework for petroleum products in Nigeria.
Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Mohammad Abubakar II, has called on Nigerians to avoid publicly criticizing their leaders, instead urging citizens to place their trust in God to address leadership concerns as He deems fit.
Speaking at the Regional Conference on Climate Change-Induced Conflicts in Northern Nigeria, organized by the Kaduna State Bureau of Interfaith in collaboration with International Alert, the Sultan emphasized faith and patience in navigating the country’s challenges.
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Acknowledging Nigeria’s current economic and social hardships, the Sultan encouraged continuous prayer, not only for the nation but for its leaders as well.
“Even though many feel times are particularly hard, we believe relief will come. Let’s increase our prayers for our leaders, trusting God to address them in His way,” he said, expressing hope that divine intervention could bring stability and prosperity.
The Sultan reminded political leaders of their ultimate accountability to God, cautioning that they will stand alone on the Day of Resurrection, with only their deeds to support them.
“On that day, every leader will stand alone. Governors, advisers—none will have support except their own deeds. Let us act with a deep sense of responsibility and fear of God,” he stated.
Addressing religious leaders, he warned against misleading their followers for personal gain, underscoring the trust many place in their religious guidance.
“Only God can save any human being,” he said, encouraging Nigerians to remain faithful and discerning in their spiritual beliefs. “Focus on worshiping Allah and leave the rest to Him. Don’t follow those who might lead you astray.”
With leaders from various religious communities, including the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), in attendance, the Sultan called for unity, resilience, and communal effort to tackle pressing issues such as climate change, poverty, and insecurity in the northern region.
He praised the North’s history of unity and resilience, warning against divisive narratives that threaten communal harmony. “When we are united, we can face any challenge and build a prosperous community,” he asserted.
The Sultan’s remarks come amid ongoing social and environmental issues in the region, including a recent surge in climate-related challenges that have exacerbated poverty and security threats.
In light of these issues, he called on both Muslims and Christians to intensify their prayers, saying, “Our country faces many challenges, and we must turn to God in prayer. Let us intensify prayers in our mosques and churches.”
In a decisive move, President Bola Tinubu has ordered the immediate release of all minors detained by police during the recent #EndBadGovernance protests.
The directive, announced by Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris on Monday, underscores the government’s commitment to protecting children’s rights and ensuring justice.
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Idris confirmed that President Tinubu’s directive prioritizes the welfare of detained minors, instructing the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs to facilitate their safe reunification with their families.
A committee led by the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs will be established to oversee the welfare of the released minors and ensure compliance with the president’s orders.
Additionally, President Tinubu has directed a formal investigation into the actions of law enforcement agencies involved in the arrests.
The president emphasized that any misconduct uncovered during the investigation will result in disciplinary action, affirming his administration’s dedication to accountability within law enforcement.
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