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Women Development: Adeleke, Women Affairs Minister Strike Deals

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Four gang-killed two in Osun, destroy N8M properties

The government of Osun State and the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs have entered into an accord on women development touching on a number of policy actions.

The parties struck the accord in Abuja on Wednesday, after what a government statement described as a ‘marathon Intergovernmental discussion’.

The Osun State team was led by Governor Ademola Adeleke; his wife, Mrs Titi Adeleke; the Senate Minority Leader, Senator Lere Oyewumi, the Commissioner for Federal Affairs, Hon Adenike Adeleke and other top officials.

On its part, the Ministry was represented by the Minister of Women Affairs, Mrs Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye and other top management staff.

The meeting came up with a-four-point communique namely commitment by the ministry to fully integrate Osun State into the many empowerment programmes being implemented by the ministry; the decision of the Osun State Governor to implement the resolution of the Governors’ Forum for mobile courts on women affairs; the decision of Mr Governor to free unjustly incarcerated women though an executive order; request by the ministry for Osun to supply adire clothes for the various women programmes and the promise of Mr Governor to be the voice of Nigerian women at the Nigeria Governors Forum.

Rising from the meeting, Governor Adeleke stated that in the spirit of Lent, Easter and Ramadan period, he has directed his Commissioner for Justice to prepare an executive order to free all unjustly incarcerated women in the state.

According to the Governor, the Justice Ministry is to compile a list of affected women across the state to be granted executive pardon in furtherance of protection of women rights.

He said, “I am also directing immediate implementation of the resolution of the Nigerian Governor’s Forum for the establishment of Mobile Courts dedicated to addressing issues of sexual and gender based violence, child abuse in the form of street begging and expedited trial of women and children held in correctional facilities.

“The Nigeria Governors Forum recognizes that these issues impact on the well-being of women and children and the forum is committed to supporting the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs in proffering lasting solutions to the issues. Osun is enforcing the resolution immediately.”

Mr Governor who declared his administration as pro-women and youth said Osun will also continue to partner with the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs for the realization Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr President, affirming that “all agreements reached here today will be put to immediate implementation”

Welcoming the minister’s declaration, the Minister of Women Affairs praised the Governor for not paying lip service to women development.

She applauded the decision of Mr Governor to be the first Governor to implement the decision of the Nigerian Governor’s Forum to set up mobile courts on sexual and gender based violence, child abuse in the form of street begging and expedited trial of women and children held in correctional facilities.

“Your decision is revolutionary. You are indeed a true agent of democracy and development. We are elated that you walked into our ministry to give us this good news. Nigerian women are grateful to you for leading the way for a new life for our womenfolk.

“Your decision to support the renewed hope agenda for the women sector is a full declaration of partnership with Mr President who is also a passionate believer and promoter of women development.

“This ministry will also follow through on our own side of the agreement reached today. We will work on the inclusion of Osun in our empowerment programme. We will place Osun on priority list as a critical partner led by a Governor who is truly serving the people “, the Minister affirmed.

Both parties set up an implementation team to follow through with the realization of the communique.

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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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