Opinion/Feature
[PHOTOS] Ben Thomas Hotels Kabba: Neglected And A Wasting Asset
Ben Thomas Hotel in Kabba is an hotel of over 360 rooms. It remains the largest hotel in Middle Belt region of Nigeria. It was the largest hotel in the old Kwara state.
This gigantic and magnificent edifice was erected in 1981/1982 and commissioned in 1983.
It’s located at Iyah, a suburb of Kabba, Kogi state.
During the commissioning, the duo of King Sunny Ade and General Kollington Ayinla thrilled the invited guests and the publics with danceable songs.
Kabba Kingdom was agog with pomp and pageantry, people from all walks of life thronged the ancient province to savour the splendour and grandeur of the palatial edifice.
The much talked about Kwara hotels is less than 200 rooms, while Shiroro hotels in Minna is about 180 rooms. Confluence Beach and Kogi hotels both in Lokoja ate lagging behind the magnificent Ben Thomas.
Today, the story has changed. The once prestigious hotel is now a shadow of itself, wearing an unkempt, ramshackle and rickety look and has gone moribund.
Albeit, the structure is still intact, but abandoned and wasting. It has been in a sorry state for the past 35years.
This hotel if resuscitated, and refurbished would compete with hotels like Federal Palace, Protea and Sheraton in Ikeja, Gubabi Royal Suites, Horizon and Chelsea hotels in Abuja.
In fact, these hotels mentioned above aren’t as gigantic as Ben Thomas, but being in highbrow areas in the city, enjoy impressive patronage.
© Olubiyo Yosef
Opinion/Feature
Downstream Deregulation: Between Obasanjo’s Half-measures And Tinubu’s Bold Leadership
Opinion/Feature
UNCOMMON SCHOLAR, EXCEPTIONAL ADMINISTRATOR: MY TRIBUTE TO PROF. OLOYEDE AT 70
By President Bola Tinubu
As Professor Ishaq Oloyede turns 70 tomorrow, October 10, I pay a special tribute to this astute administrator, educator, author, and scholar, currently the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) Registrar.
As the former Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Oloyede’s invaluable contributions to the nation through academia and public-sector administration have significantly impacted the academic community.
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His impactful tenure at the University of Ilorin, during which he introduced landmark ideas and innovations that helped the institution attain enviable heights, is on record.
Through patriotic dedication and commitment to his craft, Prof Oloyede imparted knowledge and character to thousands of students who underwent his teaching during his glorious and impactful academic career.
Indeed, the bedrock of development lies in education. Developing nations, including Nigeria, are in dire need of more scholars like Prof. Oloyede. His selfless sacrifices and innovative approaches to learning and leadership give hope for a brighter future.
Perhaps more remarkable is Prof. Oloyede’s transformative leadership at JAMB. He pioneered and sustained a series of reforms and technological innovations that have made the admission process in Nigeria transparent and credible.
In his eight years of stewardship at the board, thus far, Prof. Oloyede has demonstrated an uncommon commitment to financial integrity and accountability in public service. He has also raised the bar in administration and management.
I am proud of Prof. Oloyede’s accomplishments.
The nation owes the Professor of Islamic Jurisprudence a debt of gratitude for transforming JAMB, traditionally a non-revenue-generating government agency, into a consistent contributor to the national treasury through efficient financial management. His contributions to JAMB are invaluable and greatly appreciated.
On this occasion of his 70th birthday, I join members of the academic community, students, JAMB staff, and well-wishers in celebrating this scholar who, in words and deeds, has also done a lot to propagate the Islamic religion.
I pray that Almighty Allah will continue to honour the distinguished professor with health, wisdom and strength to serve the nation for many more years.
Opinion/Feature
Clarification On NNPCL Refinery Operations
By Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri PhD
My attention has been drawn to statements made by Engr. Kamoru Busari, Director of Upstream in the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, who represented me at a recent conference in Lagos. I wish to categorically state that the claim that I directed the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to stop running its own refineries and focus solely on equity participation in other refineries is false. This does not represent my position as Minister overseeing the oil sector, nor does it reflect the stance of the Federal Government.
It is important to clarify that NNPCL is a company governed under the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA), with a functional board and management. The Ministry of Petroleum Resources does not control or run NNPCL, as it operates independently like any corporate entity.
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The oil and gas sector is fully deregulated, and the Nigerian government remains committed to promoting in-country refining. We encourage companies, including NNPCL, to operate independently, following global best practices. While we provide strategic guidance, we do not interfere directly in the operations of these companies.
I reaffirm our commitment to supporting the growth and independence of NNPCL, ensuring that its operations are in line with international standards for efficiency and transparency and profitability.
Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri PhD, Minister of State Petroleum Resources (Oil), wrote from Abuja, Nigeria