NEWS
Osun Govt Installs Ex-APC Chair, Famodun As Owa Of Igbajo
Workers in Osun have extolled Governor Adegboyega Oyetola for restoring their lost glory as his administration lived up to its word by swearing in 30 Permanent Secretary to crown the promises he made to them at this year’s Workers’ Day.
The governor had also kept his promise to end the era of Coordinating Director which had hitherto been the nomenclature for same status.
Governor Oyetola charged the new Permanent Secretaries on competence, dedication, loyalty, discipline and effective service delivery as they assume the pinnacle of their career.
The State Chairman, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Jacob Adekomi, lauded the Governor for his faithfulness to all the pledges made to workers, saying he has successfully restored their lost glory.
Recall that on the occasion of this year’s Workers’ Day, Governor Oyetola had promised among other things to conduct outstanding promotions nominally from 2019 to date and to appoint Permanent Secretaries to put an end to the use of Coordinating Directors in Ministries, Departments and Agencies.
The new Permanent Secretaries are: Engr. Kamoru A. Babalola; Engr. S. O. Ajao; Mr. M. A. K. Jimoh; Mr. R. A. Popoola; Dr. D. O. Ogunrinade; Mrs. J. K. Odediran; Mr. Oyesiku Adelu; Mr. Babajide Falade; Mrs. Funmilola Oyewole; Mr. O.A. Ogundun; Mrs. Bukola Aderibigbe; Mrs. Taiwo Oladunjoye; Dr.A. A Oni; Mr. Lekan Babalola.
Others are: Mrs. Sola Akinsola; Mr. K.N. Akintola; Mr. J. S. Adekomi; Mrs Jibola Falode; Mis AY Esan; Mrs C O Falade; Mr C O Fasina; Mrs Gbemisola Fayoyin; Mr MA Olawale; Mr SA Raji; Pharmacist Kunle Adebayo; Mr TO Akinwumi; Mr Richard Oyegbami; Mr Fatai Adekilekun; Mr. M.O. Obidiya; Engr. I. A Babalola
Inaugurating the newly-appointed senior proletariats, Governor Oyetola said the appointment was made having found them worthy both in character and performance to be appointed to the administrative pinnacle of the State’s Ministries, Departments and Agencies.
Oyetola noted that his administration has successfully implemented all that it promised workers in May this year regardless of the outcome of the Governorship election.
This, according to him, is a clear indication that his administration is not a vindictive government but rather, one that has demonstrated within four years, the progressive ideals of the All Progressives Party despite paucity of funds.
The Governor further noted that the appointment of the new Permanent Secretaries had proved the doubting Thomases and naysayers who had wickedly portrayed his administration as being anti-workers wrong.
He called on the new Permanent Secretaries to consistently imbibe the principles of strategic thinking/planning and prompt implementation while rallying their subordinates to embrace same and global standards for optimal results.
“The position of Permanent Secretary is a position of trust, responsibility and leadership. By attaining this status, your sphere of responsibility and leadership has expanded as you are expected to lead your respective MDAs to success by leading from the front at all times.
“The Osun civil service you are invited to lead at various levels is a significant part and driver of the knowledge-and technology-driven bureaucracy that has delivered sustainable good governance, award-winning programmes and innovative policies in the past four years. You are invited to further fortify the team and raise the bar of service delivery in the State.
“As an administration, we envision the civil service as an effective driver of sustainable development, and successful service delivery as a process and not a destination. Therefore, you must realize that in a world governed by the New Normal and rapid changes, what got you here cannot achieve the effective service delivery we all seek and desire.
“You must, therefore, consistently imbibe the principles of strategic thinking/planning and prompt implementation while rallying your subordinates to embrace same and global standards for optimal results.
“The civil service of today has engaged in a paradigm shift whose contents are knowledge, technology, innovation, effective time management and results orientation. You must realize that when these new nuggets are mixed with the statutory kernels of competence, dedication, loyalty and discipline, effective service delivery will be on autopilot.
“The tool for constantly achieving and sustaining the above-mentioned skills is capacity building. I, therefore, charge you to constantly build your capacity and those of your subordinates so that together, you can consistently drive and deliver the Osun of our collective dream”, he said.
Earlier, the Head of Service, Dr. Festus Olowogboyega Oyebade, had applauded the Governor for appointing best of the best to the position of Permanent Secretary.
Olowogboyega further appreciated the Governor for his unalloyed support and kind gesture that had turned around the socio-economic fortune of the workforce since his assumption of office.
Speaking on behalf of the newly-inaugurated Permanent Secretaries, Comrade Jacob Adekomi, described the appointment as a round peg in a round hole saying Oyetola has restored their lost glory.
Adekomi who is the State Chairman, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), said their appointment is a testimony of the fact that Oyetola is a man of honour whose words are his bond.
“You have restored our lost glory. This has not happened in the last 10 years. There was even a time when promotion became a thing of difficulty, when half salary was the order of the day, when conversion became difficult, when three square daily meal became difficult for workers.
“You are creating hiOsun Govt Installs Ex-APC Chair, Famodun As Owa Of Igbajostory and removing stigma from the civil service. We can’t thank you enough. You have brought joy and happiness to us. Indeed, you are epitome of happiness. We shall not forget you. You made a promise to the whole world at our last Workers Day Celebration, and you have fulfilled your promise”, he added.
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.
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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.