NEWS
Investors Commit Over $80m To Osun Infrastructures, Multiple Domestic Gas Projects
Two conglomerates have committed to investing close to $80 million in infrastructures within the framework of the Osun State Public Private Partnership (PPP).
According to a statement in Osogbo on Wednesday by the Spokesperson to the Osun State Governor, Olawale Rasheed, his principal led other members of the cabinet to a marathon meeting with the investors.
The investors include Allegiance CNG Limited focusing on comprehensive sustainable energy solutions through Compressed natural gas and First Tricon Construction Services Limited with earmarked projects across infrastructures sub-sectors.
The Allegiance CNG led by its Managing Director, Deji Afolabi listed several gas projects for which Osun state is to benefit up to the tune of Twenty Million dollars.
Mr. Afolabi who said his firm is among those engaged by the federal government for the adoption of CCG in transportation in the wake of fuel subsidy removal, said it is willing to invest in power generation for Osun State to power the industrialisation objective of Governor Ademola Adeleke beginning with the powering of State Secretariat and Government House 24/7 at no cost.
He said, “We are here Your Excellency with a basket of projects and services. We propose mutually beneficial public private partnership. The Osun government will only provide land while Allegiance CNG will provide technical expertise, construction capabilities and private investment.
“Our principal financial partner is the African Development Bank. We have the funding already.”
Promising a major reduction in gas kg cost from current one thousand, four hundred naira to about four hundred naira, the managing director said the proposed investment covers several gas value chains to expand Osun economy and reduce energy poverty.
He said the plant by the firm will be stationed in three locations and reflects senatorial demography, promising to present sample of the household gas to the governor within two weeks.
In his own presentation, the Chairman of First Tricoon Construction Services Limited, Remi Olumuyiwa said his company was impressed with the infra initiatives of the governor, hence its decision to refocus a 60-million-dollar investible fund for roads, bridges, water and housing projects across Osun.
Applauding the governor for exciting investors’ confidence by his elaborate policy innovations, Otunba Olumuyiwa said the company had handled big infrastructure projects in Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Guinea and Liberia.
He made elaborate presentations to the governor and his team on several proposed infra projects, noting that the firm is a multifaceted company involved in building roads, bridges, houses with funding from several investors backed by top financial institutions.
Otunba Olumuyiwa posited that the firm is not going to burden the state with financial traps, assuring that it has a strong and good relationship with financial institutions for sponsorship of projects.
“We have a very good relationship with our banks and investors. When we see what we can deliver as in Osun, we have the capacity to do it. We are here because this is our country, this is our state. We are ready to work with you to meet the housing and infra needs of our people”, the company chairman stated.
Responding, Gov Adeleke assured the company chiefs that Osun was implementing a fast tracked ease of doing business plan with a target on attracting investment into the state.
“These submissions here today are really massive. Osun is changing for the better. On a daily basis, various firms across the sector are reaching out to us with actionable proposals. I am glad that these two firms are really here to hit the ground running.
“We have the land. We have the enabling environment. Osun is already a huge construction site. You are welcome to the site.
“To the good people of Osun, more are coming. As I’m talking to you, more investors are knocking at our doors. We will not relent in the ongoing drive to expand Osun economy and ensure better life for our people”, the Governor concluded.
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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