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Folarin Kehinde

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“You will meet the strongest resistance of your lives” – Presidential media aide warns protesters

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Dada Olusegun, the Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Social Media, has warned those planning protests to stay off the streets.

In a statement posted on his X page, Olusegun threatened that supporters of the president would resist any attempt to ”burn down the country.”

He also stated that supporters of the president are waiting for the protesters, adding that those planning the street processions will be resisted.

His words: ”Those who want to burn the country down under whatever guise will meet the strongest resistance of their lives.

”Not from security agencies, but from the silent majority that gave their mandate to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for four years in the first instance. We are waiting.”

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FG Moves To Reunite Dangote With Regulators

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

The Federal Government has weighed into the rift between Africa’s wealthiest man, Aliko Dangote, and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).

Daily Trust reports that Dangote has been having issues with the government over his refinery project in Lagos.

He had earlier narrated how a cabal was blocking his moves to import crude and how it has been difficult to get products, slowing down operations.

But the situation took a worse turn when the NMDPRA said the government was yet to license the Dangote refinery to begin operations.

Farouk Ahmed, the chief executive officer (CEO) of NMDPRA, disclosed this while speaking with journalists at the state House on Thursday.

According to Ahmed, the claims of ongoing efforts to scuttle the operations of Dangote refinery due to lack of supply of crude oil by International Oil Companies were not true, adding that the refinery was still at the pre-commissioning stage and has not been licensed yet.

Ahmed added that the diesel product of Dangote was below international standard, a claim which the businessman refuted during an interactive session at the weekend.

But at an interactive session with House of Representatives members at the weekend, Dangote countered the claim, saying the diesel from his refinery is of a very high standard.

On Monday, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri, convened a high-level meeting with key stakeholders to address and resolve the issues around the Dangote Refinery.

Media and Communication, Nneamaka Okafor, said the meeting involves: Mr. Aliko Dangote, Chairman and CEO of Dangote Group; Mr. Farouk Ahmed, Authority Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA); Mr. Gbenga Komolafe, Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) and Mr. Mele Kyari, Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPC).

“The stakeholders expressed their gratitude to the minister for his exemplary leadership and timely intervention in facilitating this crucial dialogue. The meeting focused on finding a sustainable and lasting solution to the current impasse affecting the Dangote Refinery, with all parties demonstrating a commitment to collaborative and proactive problem-solving.”

The statement added that the minister emphasized the importance of cooperation and synergy among all stakeholders to ensure the success and optimal performance of the Oil and Gas sector, which is pivotal for Nigeria’s economic growth and energy security.

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FG appoints eight FRSC Deputy Corps Marshals, retires three others

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, has approved the appointment of 8 Assistant Corps Marshals (ACM), to the rank of Deputy Corps Marshal (DCM).

In the same vein, three of the DCMs are to proceed on immediate retirement, while the remaining 5 are to fill up existing vacancies in the South South, South East, South West, North Central, and North West geopolitical zones.

The Officers to fill up existing vacancies are: Deputy Corps Marshal Clement Oladele fdc, to represent North Central geopolitical zone, DCM Chidiebere Nkwonta, fwc, represents the South East geopolitical zone while DCM Sunday Iyamah, fwc is appointed to fill up the vacancy in the South South geopolitical zone.

The Officers to fill up existing vacancies are: Deputy Corps Marshal Clement Oladele fdc, to represent North Central geopolitical zone, DCM Chidiebere Nkwonta, fwc, represents the South East geopolitical zone while DCM Sunday Iyamah, fwc is appointed to fill up the vacancy in the South South geopolitical zone.

Others are DCM MR Yerima, fdc to represent the North West geopolitical zone and DCM Abiodun Akinlade to now represent the South West geopolitical zone when Dcm Bisi kazeem bows out in August.

The promoted senior officers to proceed on immediate retirement are: Deputy Corps Marshal Kingsley Agomoh, mni, Deputy Corps Marshal Jonas Agwu mni, as well as Deputy Corps Marshal Zubairu Mato.

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation expressed delight over the level of transparency and objectivity that heralded the whole process.

He urged the appointed officers to show more commitment and rededicate themselves to achieving the corporate vision of the Corps which is to eradicate road traffic crashes and create a safer motoring environment in the country.

The SGF stated that the appointment was part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s drive towards rewarding excellence, diligence and hard work which is in line with the administrative philosophy of the present leadership of the Hope Agenda regime.

The Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed equally congratulated the newly-elevated officers for their excellent performances during the exercise.

He noted that “every promotion comes with greater responsibilities.”

He charged them to put in their best in the course of their duties “as the new rank calls for more focus, more dedication, commitment and passion.”

He advised those who were not fortunate in thid appointment year to keep faith alive and be loyal to the system.

Speaking further, the Corps Marshal promised to improve the general welfare of the personnel of the Corps.

“As such, he beckoned on all personnel to be of good cheer and put in great efforts towards the realisation of the corporate mandate of the Corps, a statement signed by Olusegun Ogungbemide, Corps Commander, Ag. Corps Public Education Officer, said.

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Headlines

Yola airport shut to air traffic as faulty airplane blocks runway

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Inward or outward-bound flights have been banned at the Yola International Airport since Sunday night following a minor incident on the runway.

Reports indicate that on Sunday night, the tyres of an airplane ruptured in motion as it was attempting to leave the airport causing a traffic situation.

A Max Air plane was reported to be taxiing for takeoff when it experienced a tyre burst, forcing it to come to a standstill on the runway, blocking other planes from either taking off from the airport or landing.

The Max Air flight which was carrying 119 passengers with six crew members had been cleared to take off from the Yola airport en-route Abuja when the ground incident affecting all its tyres happened.

The Assistant General Manager in charge of Corporate Communications of the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, Mrs Ijeoma Nwosu-Igbo who disclosed this over the phone Monday afternoon, said the faulty aircraft would be removed soon.

She could not immediately say when the removal would be effected.

A different source, at the Yola airport, however, said during the filing of this report just before 5pm Monday, that engineers had arrived at the airport to fix the faulty plane.

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119 passengers escape death as tyres of Abuja-bound Max Air plane burst during take-off

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

A Max Air aircraft carrying 119 passengers and six crew members experienced a major incident during takeoff from Yola Airport en route to Abuja on Sunday evening.

The aircraft, a Boeing 737 with registration 5N-ADB and flight number NGL1649, had four of its tyres burst during the takeoff roll and subsequent taxiing off the runway.

In a statement released by Bimbo Olawumi Oladeji, Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), it was reported that the incident occurred as the aircraft was cleared for takeoff.

During the takeoff roll, a loud bang was heard, later identified as the bursting of the rear gear tyres.

Olawumi noted that initially, two tyres burst. While attempting to taxi off the runway, the remaining two tyres also burst, rendering the aircraft completely disabled. Fortunately, no injuries were reported among the passengers and crew.

The statement revealed that a go-team led by Alex Badeh, the NSIB Director General, will visit the incident site to conduct a thorough investigation into the causes of the tyre bursts and to ensure all safety protocols were followed.

This incident follows closely after Max Air resumed its domestic operations post an audit by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority.

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“Appointment well-deserved” FCC Commissioner, Tor celebrates new NLTF boss

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

The Federal Character Commissioner (FCC) representing Enugu State Mrs Ginika Tor has congratulated newly appointed Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer, National Lottery Trust Fund (NLTF), Hon. Tosin Adeyanju.

Tor while speaking in Abuja over the weekend at the Unity Fountain Family (UFF) get-together to celebrate Adeyanju stated that the appointment of Hon. Adeyanju is well deserved as it promises to deliver on the mandate of President Bola Tinubu to Nigerians especially the people at the grassroots level.

She explained that the appointment is worthy adding that Adeyanju is not only brilliant and competent but has really worked hence there is nobody that can be more passionate to deliver than Adeyanju who has joined the government in promising to deliver dividends of democracy to the people.

“This appointment is worthy. The man is not only brilliant, he’s competent.
And he has worked. So it’s time that the grassroots are beginning to rejoice. And there’s nobody that can be more passionate to deliver than the person that joined you in promising the people.”

“So that’s my message. And I thank the president for this worthy appointment. And I hope that more worthy appointments will follow.”

However, Adeyanju appealed to Nigerians to stop their proposed nationwide protest scheduled for 1st August, 2024.

It would be recall that there has been reports of an impending nationwide mass protest by youths, to express displeasure about the hardship in the country, reflected in the high cost of living, food scarcity, unemployment and so on.

He stated that rather than engage in protest that might cause havoc in the country, it is advisable that the aggrevied youths should organize themselves and engage in constructive dialogue with the government.

Adeyanju explained that a student leader, a youth leader, and activist, who once fought for good governance in this country, since 1999, Nigeria has never had a government
that has appointed young people like President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu hence they should give him more time to fix the harsh economy affecting the country.

“We are the ambassadors in government. I appeal to them to calm down and let’s engage. Let’s join forces instead of war, war. We must not sit back and allow a country to wreck like Kenya or the Arabs.

“You saw what happened with the Arab Spring. So we shouldn’t fold our hands and watch that happen in this country. So we appeal to them for us to engage.
Some of us are the representatives in government, they should exercise little patience with Mr. President. Mr. President has done so much for the people of this country.

“Now we are in government. I can only appeal that we should all engage with the system.

“The only way we can find solutions to some of these challenges is by proper
engagement. And I only appeal to our young people to organize and engage with
government. We have representative in the government, and we are ready to dialogue
with them.”

Meanwhile, Adeyanju promised to deliver a reinvigorated National Lottery Trust Fund that will impact lives of Nigerians especially the disadvantaged in the country where intervention is needed.

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Sports

CSR: Access Bank UK holds Polo Day to support the education of the vulnerable

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

In a continued drive to enhance its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Access Bank UK Limited held its annual Polo Day at Guards Polo Club, Windsor to raise funds for the education of the less privileged.

The Head, Media and public relations, Access Bank, Olakunle Aderinokun made this available to LEADING REPORTERS stated that
Access Bank UK Polo Day is annual charity event is a culmination of a year-long fund-raising programme in partnership with UNICEF for education projects in the Northern part of Nigeria.

Aderinokun explained that from inception to date, the UNICEF/Access Bank funds from the charity event have been used to rebuild schools in Kaduna and keep more than 12,000 students in continuous education. At the same time, new solar-powered school blocks and a computer literacy building all in a more secure and friendly school environment have been developed.

He noted that the communities surrounding the schools are being supported with boreholes for water and sewing and grinding machines to secure employment and stimulate economic and social development.

Aderinokun stressed that the Access Bank UK Polo Day with the support of the Access Bank Group, the flagship subsidiary of Access Holdings PLC, highlights the plight of vulnerable children and orphans as well as internationally displaced persons.

His words:

“In partnership with Fifth Chukker and based in Kaduna, Nigeria, Access Bank Polo Tournament generates funds and stimulates support for the work of the UNICEF/Access Bank initiative across Africa.

“Essentially, the primary objective is to empower underprivileged children through education and ensuring that these deserving children have the opportunity to dream, learn and grow”.

Meanwhile, Aderinokun noted last year’s event was filled with two exciting polo matches between Malcomines, Delaney, Fifth Chukka and Access Bank. On the field of play Malcomines Polo won the Khalifa Cup, beating Delaney Polo 7-4 across four chukkas.

However, Delaney Polos Damian Duncan, who had a standout game in the number one position, was rewarded with the Access Bank Most Valuable Player prize.

The second match of the day, for the Access Bank Charity Cup, saw a win for Access Bank. They beat Fifth Chukker 4-3 in a fast-paced game that featured some of the sports top players including Juan Martin Nero, Polito Pieres, Alfredo Bigatti and Guillermo Terrera.

Access Banks Sayyu Dantata received the Most Valuable Player prize from Khalifa Muhammadu Sanusi II Emir of Kano. He then stepped up to receive the Access Bank Best Playing Pony prize for Bayita, whom he had played in the fourth chukka.

After the prize giving, guests adjourned to the marquee for an enjoyable celebration accompanied by a performance by the Cavemen.

At the event, Herbert Wigwe, the then Group Managing Director of Access Holdings PLC and Chairman of The Access Bank UK Ltd (now late), said: Together our continuing support for the Fifth Chukker.

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Envoy task Nigerians on bilateral business opportunities with Israel

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

The Nigerian Ambassador to Israel, Agatha Afoekelu, has called on Nigerians to leverage the business opportunities between Nigeria and Israel to promote economic development.

The Envoy made the call at the Nigeria Israel Business Forum (NIBF) Annual General Meeting on Wednesday in Abuja, adding that the Israeli authorities have agreed to collaborate with Nigerians in areas of agriculture and information technology.

She said, “I have spoken with the Israeli authorities and they have agreed to open doors to Nigerian Businesses.”

Afoekulu while speaking virtually said the meeting will help forge partnerships between the two nations.

Similarly, the President of the NIBF Chief Pat Grace Onwusi, said the forum was established to promote bilateral trade between the two nations. He said they have gathered again to discuss how to foster business and mutual benefits for the two countries.

The Israel Ambassador to Nigeria, Michael Freeman, speaking through the Consul, Inbar Lipman Garden, said the country was open to Nigerians for businesses and urged legal businesses to invest and collaborate with the nation.

The keynote speaker Director of Economic Affairs with Africa and Latin America and the Caribbean, Leo Vinovezky, said the country is willing to support technology interventions, he said this is the right time for Nigerians to take advantage of the opportunity to collaborate with Israel.

Also, the CEONIDA agri and Aquaculture an Israeli business in Nigeria, Kidron Israel, said with the current economic crisis in Nigeria, businesses will be forced to look for alternative measures to ensure their continuous stay in business.

He noted that with the use of technology like irrigation, advanced systems in fisheries and agriculture generally, it will be possible.

The Economic Adviser to the Israel Embassy, Florence Osuji said the essence of the Forum is to draw awareness to business relations between Nigeria and Israel to promote our products, especially non-oil products in the state of Israel.

“We as a forum observed that trade has been really one-sided. We have not been doing enough to uh, uh business, uh with Israel in terms of exporting our products over there.

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Niger Republic Jailbreak: NIS places officers on Red alert

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Following the recent jailbreak of over one hundred inmates at the Niger Republic, the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) has placed his men to be on alert and secure all borders leading to Nigeria.

The Service disclosed this in a circular signed by the Acting Deputy Comptroller General, MC Dike has directed all Comptroller of Command and OCs of formation along Niger to be on Red alert and track any suspicious movement encroaching Nigeria territory.

The service stressed that this circular becomes very important as it is suspected that such criminal elements may sneak into Nigeria to join other terrorist gangs to continue to perpetrate mayhem and menace in Nigeria hence all officers working with Nigerian Border with Niger are therefore expected to increase their vigilance end partner with other security agencies in tracking these fleeing terrorists.

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Updated: Okpebholo hospitalised, security detail shot dead as thugs attack Shaibu’s convoy

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Inspector Akor Onu, a security operative attached to the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State for the September 21 election, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has been shot dead in Benin by thugs.

The attack took place during the victorious homecoming of the reinstated Edo Deputy Governor, Comrade Philip Shaibu.

Others injured with the standard bearer of APC in Edo are on admission in an undisclosed hospital in Benin.

Shaibu and Okpebholo, who flew in the same aircraft from Abuja arrived Benin Airport around 1:18 p.m to rousing welcome by their teeming supporters.

They sang victory songs amid drumming and dancing to celebrate Wednesday’s judgement of the Federal High Court Abuja, which reinstated Edo Deputy Governor.

As their convoy left the airport and linked the dualised Airport Road, thugs in a Toyota Sienna vehicle in front of the Miracle Centre of the.Church of God Mission, started shooting sporadically at the vehicles of Shaibu, Okpebholo and others.

The shooting led to the death of the police inspector with many motorists, pedestrians and residents scampering to safety, causing confusion in the densely-populated neighbourhood.

The reinstated Deputy Governor drove off speedily and headed for his nearby residence in the Government Reservation Area (GRA) Benin and quickly moved to the various hospitals to empathised with the injured.

The shooting led to many injuries with many rushed to hospitals in Benin and environs for treatment.

The attack took place despite the presence at Benin airport of Edo Commissioner of Police, Funsho Adegboye, whose officers and men displayed bravery but the thugs laid ambush for the convoy.

Okpebholo’s legislative aide in charge of media and communication, Godswill Inegbe, alleged the thugs were led by a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic party (PDP) in Edo (name withheld).

He lamented three riot policemen were shot with one dead.

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