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Gov Sanwo-Olu Inaugurated For Second Term, Promises Inclusive Lagos

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In a heartfelt address on his official Twitter account, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu expressed immense gratitude to the people of Lagos State following his second-term inauguration as their Governor.

 

Reflecting on the past four years, he acknowledged the challenges faced and the unwavering resilience of the Lagosian spirit.

 

Governor Sanwo-Olu emphasized his commitment to a brighter future for Lagos, promising to continue fostering transparency, accountability, and participatory governance.

 

The post reads “Four years ago on this day, I stood before you for the first time as Governor, to ask you to join me on the journey to a Greater Lagos. Four very eventful years have since passed, and here I am again, privileged beyond measure, to take a second and final oath of office as your Governor.

 

“Immense gratitude goes to the Almighty God for He alone deserves all the thanksgiving for sparing our lives to see this day, and for making it a joyful day, and a day to celebrate the gains of the last four years. Four years ago, we promised a better future for ourselves and our children.

 

“We did not think it would be easy, or effortless. In fact, we knew it would require a lot of hard work, sacrifice, and innovative thinking.

 

“There were also many things we did not expect or anticipate. Nobody could have foreseen that just ahead of us lay the most disruptive and devastating global health challenge of our lifetime. And yet, we saw the triumphant spirit of Lagos shine through. We saw a people that cannot be defined by the tragedies that confront us.

 

“We saw a city that proudly wore its resilience and had mastered the art of bouncing back, regardless of what it faced. That is our Lagos, our home, our city, our pride. Dear Lagos! We promise not to let you down.

 

“Four years ago, I remember assuring you, that, “It is possible!” Indeed, it is possible. It is always possible. I can assure you that our administration will continue to foster a culture of transparency, accountability and participatory governance.

 

“We are confident, as we have always been, that even if you do not believe what we say, you will not disbelieve what we do, because it will be as clear as day. It is in line with this resolve that I am pleased to announce that we are taking our THEMES governing agenda to the next level.

 

“T.H.E.M.E.S, as you already know, stands for Transportation and Traffic Management; Health and Environment; Education and Technology; Making Lagos State a 21st Century Megacity, Entertainment & Tourism; and Security & Governance.

 

“Henceforth, it will be known as “T.H.E.M.E.S+”, the “plus” representing the incorporation of an intensified focus, in these next four years, on Social Inclusion, Gender Equality and Youth. In other words, we are strengthening and reinforcing THEMES with a ‘No One Left Behind’ philosophy.

 

“No one will be left behind on account of their social status, gender or age; we will design all our policies and programs to ensure that everyone is carried along and catered to.

 

“This is our solemn promise to you. To my hardworking, dedicated, and loyal Deputy Governor of Lagos State, @drobafemihamzat who has been my friend and partner-in-progress for the last four years, I say Thank You!

 

“I equally acknowledge Mrs. Oluremi Hamzat who has been a dependable partner and pillar of strength to her dear husband. Your invaluable contribution, grace and dedication are not lost on us.

 

“To my darling wife, the First Lady of Lagos State, Dr. Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, I thank you from the bottom of my heart, for being a sure source of support, strength, and inspiration.

 

“To all the proud and resilient people of Lagos State, I am pleased to inform you all that indeed, our best days lie ahead of us. Let us take this message and be inspired by it and let these words be heard loud and clear, in every nook and cranny of this land; from Ijegun-Egba to Abule-Egba; from Orile to Onipetesi, Olowogbowo to Igbogbo; from Ilashe to Ibeshe; from Okota to Ikota; from Amukoko to Okoko-maiko; from Bariga to Agege; Agbowa Ikosi to Ikosi Ejirin, Alagbado to Alakuko; Ajeromi Ifelodun and all other parts of our dear state that our best days truly lie ahead of us.

 

“And May the Almighty God grant us the grace to truly believe in, and pursue this best, every waking moment of our lives. Amen. Thank you, and God bless Lagos State. God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria. God bless you all.” It added.

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Fuel Pricing: PETROAN Accuses Dangote Refinery Of Monopoly

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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.

READ MORE: Nigeria’s Debt Service Ratio Falls To 65% As Tinubu Tackles Economic Woes

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.

 

 

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Hardship: Let Us Intensify Prayers For Our Leaders – Sultan Of Sokoto Tells Nigerians

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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.

READ ALSO: Gunmen Attack Police Facility In Owerrinta, Female Detainee Killed

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.”

 

 

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#EndBadGovernance Protests: Tinubu Orders Release Of Detained Minors

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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.

Related News: EndBadGovernance Protests: Court Sets N10m Bail Each For 67 Minors

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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