N'Delta, Industry Stakeholders Welcome Eyesan, Ajiya's Sack

By Mohammad Yau

The Spokesman of Niger Delta Consultative Assembly (NDCA), Sylvester Utuedon, described the sack of Eyesan and Ajiya as "bold and courageous."

A press release issued on Friday reacting to the new development, the various Niger Delta Stakeholders and groups commended the removal of the two duos , further describing them as "good riddance to bad rubbish '.

There was unusual jubilation at the headquarters of Nigeria National Petroleum Company limited ( NNPCL), on Thursday, over the sack of the Executive Vice President(Upstream ) Oritsemeyiwa  Eyesan and the Chief Financial Officer, Umar Ajiya. 

The Board of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), on Wednesday night, expelled the duo in a management shake- up and consequently appointed their  replacements.

The sacked officers have roundly been accused of being a cog in the wheel of progress and believed to be antagonistic to the leadership of the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of NNPCL, Engineer Mele Kyari .

This was also corroborated by the reactions of staffers who welcomed the positive development.

"The staffers of NNPCL, who, were seen discussing the development in groups noted that the  board acted swiftly to save the company from the antics of the sacked officers. "

"It will be recalled that the sacked officers had been on a collision course with Kyari, in what was seen as power tussle ."

Eyesan and Ajiya were engaged in unholy moves to unseat and replace Kyari.

"Rather than working collaboratively to achieve the set goals of the company, Eyesan and Ajiya engaged in unsavoury activities to sabotage and  discredit Kyari in grandplan to plot his disgraceful exit from office."

"The new appointment, according to NNPCL's spokesman Olufemi Soneye, was to  reflect the  continued dedication to enhancing corporate governance, improving operational efficiency, and ensuring long-term success in Nigeria's energy sector."

"In the new dispensation as announced by Soneye, Mr. Adedapo Segun replaced Ajiya while Udobong Ntia, was appointed to succeed the embattled Eyesan."

"Many employees of NNPCL were in joyous mood on Thursday when the report of the sack of duo was made public."

"They described their sack "as long overdue."

"The Executive Vice President (Upstream), NNPCL, Mrs. Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan and the Chief Financial officer of the company, Umar Ajiya, have long constituted a nuisance in the wheel of progress of NNPCL. Instead of them to work in synergy with other board members to achieve the goals set for the company by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, they are pre-oocupied with intrigues to ease out the GCEO, Engineer Mele Kyari and take over from him."

"They are not interested in the discharge of the duties of their offices but daily engage in activities to bring Mele Kyari into disrepute and pull down the roof. Two of them are just after Kyari’s office, which has not been declared vacant by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who solely has the power to hire and fire our GCEO."

"They opposed major policy decisions aimed at achieving far-reaching results at the board meeting just to ensure that the board and management of the company fail in their endeavours. So, it's a good development that they have been asked to go eventually."

"We thank the board for this courageous and bold move, which would consequently generate positive outcome. We are excited about their disgraceful exit, which is long overdue. It's a good radiance to bad rubbish."

"We are overjoyed. The company can now move forward in all its patriotic endeavours in aid of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed  Tinubu," one of the elated workers of NNPCL excited stated in Abuja on Thursday.

Similarly, Niger Delta and industry stakeholders have also welcomed the exit of Eyesan and Ajiya from the board of NNPCL.

According to them, their exit will stabilize the industry going forward, stating that they were necessary distractions .

"With their exit, various stakeholders were unanimous that NNPCL's could henceforth move in steady progression to achieve set goals and objectives."

They lamented the delay in booting out the duo from the board of the strategic board.

"A senior member of staff in one International Oil Company (IOC),  who pleaded that his name should not be mentioned in print, said, "We applaud the removal of these guys from the board of NNPCL. Their sack would ensure ease of doing business in the oil industry."

"These two guys have negatively impacted the board because of their antagonistic tendencies and deliberate attempts to pull down the roof. With their presence on the board, NNPCL find it difficult to push through in vital business decisions. It's a good thing that they have been pushed out. The board of NNPCL can heave a sigh of relief and move forward with the new numbers of the board, who are expected to tow progressive path," the oil worker, who didn't want his name in print, stated.

We Remain Committed To Attainment Of Over 2 Million BPD - Tantita

Ecomiums have been pouring in for Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and a private security outfit, Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL) as the nation's crude oil production hit 1.8 millions barrels per day (1.8m bpd) 

The board and management of NNPCL, which announced the feat on Thursday, also disclosed that gas production has also risen to 7.4 billion standard cubic feet per day (7.4bscfd).

Stakeholders have hailed NNPCL and private security agencies hired to safeguard the nation's economic assets, especially Tantita, for achieving the feat.

Tantita has lately led a relentless war against crude oil theft and pipelines' vandalism, pursing oil thieves out of the nation's coastal environment as well as seizing and confiscating their equipment of illicit trade.

It was gathered that most of the oil thieves abandoned the nefarious business in the wake of the onslaught and ceaseless heat by the operatives of Tantita security services positioned in the coastal axis of the Niger Delta.

These collaborative efforts with other state actors significantly contributed to the latest rise in the quantum of production of crude  and gas resources.

It was gathered that Tantita has initiated clampdown measures to keep the oil thieves at bay with a view to realising 2million bpd of crude oil production by the end of December, in conjuction with other industry stakeholders.

NNPCL's Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO), who announced this at a press briefing on Thursday, said the feat was achieved in compliance with the mandate of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Kyari  congratulated the Production War Room Team that anchored the production recovery process.

“The team has done a great job in driving this project of not just production recovery but also escalating production to expected levels that are in the short and long terms acceptable to our shareholders based on the mandates that we have from the President, the Honourable Minister, and the Board,” Kyari stated.

Giving details of the efforts of the Production War Room, the Chief War Room Coordinator and Senior Business Adviser to the Group Chief Executive Officer, Mr Lawal Musa, said the feat was achieved through the collaborative efforts of Joint Venture and Production Sharing Contract partners, the Office of the National Security Adviser, as well as government and private security agencies.

He said the interventions that led to the recovery of production cut across every segment of the production chain, with security agencies closely monitoring the pipelines.

He stressed that when the Production War Room team was inaugurated on the 25th of June 2024, production was at 1.430 mbpd, but the team swung into action, culminating in it sustaining the production recovery to 1.7 mbpd in August and hitting the current 1.808 mbpd in November.

“We are confident that with this same momentum and with the active collaboration of all stakeholders, especially on the security front, we can see the possibility of getting to 2MBPD by the end of the year,” he added.

It will be recalled that the Chairman of TSSNL, Chief Government Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo,

 while speaking during an award bestowed on him by the national leadership of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), promised to ensure that the daily crude oil production output continued to increase and boost the nation’s revenue.

“The only place I have to call my country is Nigeria, so I will do everything within my powers to see that crude oil production increases.”

Reacting to the latest feat yesterday, Tompolo, said he was excited to be part of the success story.

Tompolo, who spoke through his Special Adviser Media and Public Communication, Mr. Paul Bebenimibo, said Tantita was committed to the realisation of 2mbp by December as directed by President Tinubu.

Tompolo said, "This milestone, as you know, was achieved in collaboration with NNPCL, security forces and of course, Tantita, which has been at the forefront of oil pipelines protection in the Niger Delta . We are determined to take it to 2mbpd before the year runs out as directed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu."

"All the needed machinery has been put in place to ensure that the target is achieved. No effort will be spared to ensure that the economy of Nigeria is galvanised."

"This will lead to a boost in government's revenue, thereby making more funds available for the President and his team to run the country effectively.  I am assuring you that we are not going to rest on our oars until the target is achieved and even exceeded."

"New technologies were being deployed to monitor the facilities with a view to ensuring  that there won't be any disruption and that the theft of Nigeria's commonwealth is halted."

"So the 1.8mbpd that it has got to, certainly by the end of the year, by God's grace, we will work to get it to 2mbpd and even exceed. We are working towards that," Tompolo assured through Bebenimibo.

Fire Incident At 4th Avenue, Gwarinpa Estate, Abuja

On Wednesday, November13th 2024 ,an unfortunate fire incident occurred in Gwarinpa Estate. Thankfully, the incident, which razed down the Hub Fitness Center, did not take any  life.

The  thoughts of the Authority are with those affected, and we are committed to assisting them in the ways we can through this challenging time.

However, this  incident highlights the importance of strict adherence to building standards and fire safety regulations within our estates, as qe have always insisted on.

While we work tirelessly to ensure these standards are met, we acknowledge the need for increased vigilance and a commitment to continuous improvement.

Our preliminary investigation revealed that the property involved did not fully comply with the approved plans and lacked adequate fire safety measures. This deviation from regulatory standards underscores our commitment to enforcing compliance and ensuring that all properties meet the necessary structural and safety requirements.

We are now implementing the following measures to reinforce our commitment to best practices:

1. Intensified Inspections: FHA will increase inspections across all properties within our estates to ensure compliance with approved building plans and adherence to fire safety protocols.

2. Resident Education Programs: We will introduce initiatives to educate residents on fire safety practices and the importance of compliance with building standards, helping to prevent incidents of this nature in the future.

3. Enhanced Collaboration with Regulatory Bodies: We are committed to strengthening our collaboration with local fire services and regulatory agencies to ensure that all properties meet safety standards.

 FHA remains dedicated to creating safe, sustainable communities for our residents. This incident serves as a reminder of our responsibility to uphold these standards and the collective role we play in ensuring a safe living environment. We are resolute in our commitment to adopting best practices, ensuring compliance, and enhancing safety across all FHA estates.

UBEC: Driving Digital Innovation Hub To Fruition

By Abubakar Yusuf 

The Universal Basic Education Commission UBEC and it's determination to provide a level playing ground for a robust technology and technological advancement in Basic Education hub to provide innovation , drives Initiative in line with the global community practices.

The recent convening of Basic Education stakeholders across the country was the determination to ensure all round transmission of the sector technologically towards meeting the demands of the global community.

With it's efforts and early decisions to migrate the commission from analogue to digital era, it is obvious that providing Basic Education with the technology hub, will attain not only the desired and expected templates, but drive the entire system towards its expectations.

The Multi billion Digital Resource Centre DRC initiated by the management of the Universal Basic Education Commission UBEC under the leadership of Dr Hamid Bobboyi has perfected plans to turned around not only the centre, but it's activities towards realizing the Digital Innovation Hub idea.

This will allow the overhaul of our entire Education system, not relegated to only Basic Education, but will contribute greatly to Secondary, and the Tertiary Education with the already laid solid foundation from the basis.

With the stakeholders drawn from across the 36 states and FCT, relevant government Agencies, Ministries and Departments, the organised private sector, entities and volunteers in the area of technology transfer, no doubt the new Technology Hub and digital innovation will take Basic Education to the promise land .

With the attainment of digital literacy and advancement, alot of advantages and myriads of development not restricted to Basic Education alone , but expanded to other scope to develop other opportunities.

The integration of other areas as cutting edge technologies into Basic Education will facilitate quick  and access towards the goal of enhancing digital literacy.

The presence of both local and foreign partners, various relevant institutions, schools and colleges, universities among many others will leverage on the the new initiative to provide an enabling environment for easy access to automated activities.

UBEC's efforts was a right step in the right direction aimed at utilizing the huge investment provided at the new Digital Resource Centre DRC, which will further translate not only the rejuvenation of Basic Education, but to other relevant areas of National Development.

All hands must be on deck to support the new area geared towards more unique performance of Basic Education policies and programs to mitigate the economic, social importance of the new platform.

Written BY ABUBAKAR YUSUF on yus.abubakar3@gmail.com.

Professor Armstrong Idachaba, Former DG NBC Calls for Cultural Reintegration

By Abubakar Yusuf 

As the 25th anniversary of the passage of the icon of Igala politics holds on the 26th of November 2024 at the Yar'adua centre, University Don and former DG of NBC, Prof. Armstrong Idachaba has called for the integration of cultural values in the development efforts of Nigeria's ethnic nationalities.

Prof Idachaba, who was Chairman at the retreat  of Urhobo Leadership forum , ULFA , which held on the 16th of November , at Abuja, recounted the rich and long standing  cultural and historical relationship between the Igala and the peoples of  the Niger- Delta.

While asking for genuine synergy and collaboration in all areas by the University Don, saying the two cultures are diverse, similar and rich.

The retreat Chaired by the former Director General , National Broadcasting Commission NBC was attended  by prominent Urhobo sons and daughters including Senator Efee Dafinone, Prof Diejomiah, Olorogun Felix Okumagba, Dr Peter Mrakpoo,SAN, AVM Sonni Gberevbie, Dr Chris Agboghoroma and Olorugun Dr Peter Igho.

The theme of the retreat at the occasion was ..

"1.URHOBO NATION : DEVELOPMENT AND OPPORTUNITIES IN THE 21ST CENTURY."

"2. The UNTAPPED OPPORTUNITIES IN PUBLIC SECTOR FOR DEVELOPMENT OF URHOBO."

"3. There was a discussions on the sensitive issues of security and national development ."

SDGs; Mulling Global Funding To Address 2020-2030 Agenda

By Abubakar Yusuf 

The Decade of Action Agenda is gradually approaching the climax , about five years to the global community decision to end not only multidimensional poverty, social inequality, gender disparity, economic quagmire among many others that encompassed the 17 SDGs goals .

The combination of domesticated efforts of the leadership of the SDGs in Nigeria under Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire as the Senior Special Assistant to the President SSAP -SDGs along with the international communities and collaboration with the sub-nationals was aimed at driving the program to fruition.

This has brought fore the global campaign by the United Nations and the United Nations Deputy Secretary General, UN-DSG , Ms Amina J. Mohammed advocating for more funding and supports both locally and globally.

Going by the magnitude of natural and artificial occurrences and global resurgence, the quest by the leadership of the global body at the UN level for more supports in terms of funding by Federal, State , Local Government, along with Private Sector, Civil Society Organisations CSO's, Non Governmental Organizations NGO's ,  Corporate, privileged and Multinationals had become imperative.

The recent pronouncement by the global body for the need to redouble the funding of the global program domesticated in Nigeria to the tune of $10 Billion annually, will ameliorate in greater stead the execution of not only laudable programs that will improve the welfare of ordinary Nigerians, but bridge the wider gap of poverty ridden society prevalent in all parts of the country.

For raising this alarm towards the achievement of the decade of action Agenda, 2020-2030 inspite the global community supports to the program, is an indicator of the need for government at all levels to show more religious commitment ,disposition and obligations towards achieving the targeted requirements in all areas .

With some level of quantum supports from the federal lawmakers through domiciliation of constituency projects , apathy from sub-nationals, particularly states and local government, through  refusal to fund counterpart arrangements, and seamless efforts from the handlers of the program in Nigeria, the desire for more government fundings, international intervention cannot be overemphasized.

The proposed $10 Billion annual funding , which is dependent on the reliable and meticulous leadership, financial prudence displayed under the current leadership of Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire who is determined to take the country not beyond 2020-2030 Agenda, but to Eldorado in all areas of social stratification.

The desire for more funding beyond the proposed UN proposal as advocated by the United Nations Deputy Secretary General UN-DSG, Ms Amina J. Mohammed will even be more glaring considering the effects of the debilitating three C's, which ranges front "COVID, CONFLICT and CLIMATE" and it's consequences locally and globally.

Aside all these negativity,  natural and artificial occurrences, the need to double budget allocation to SDGs for domestic purposes stemmed towards the local efforts through provision of health facilities and special centers from primary, secondary and tertiary, prioritizing the provision of Quality Education through mass intervention with building and renovation of schools spanned from basic, primary, secondary and tertiary institution's, an indicator of the workability of the global SDGs Goal 3 and 4.

Provision of quality social amenities and services through intervention, were many boreholes were built and renovation was carried out to meeting the global requirements and revolution, as well as women parity, empowerment, skill development and advancement, as well as capacity building of the women in line with the global provisions to achieving the 17 SDGs goals.

The concerted efforts to ameliorate the global program of 17 SDGs goals and impact on the ordinary Nigerians in line with the 2020-2030 Agenda , with agreement from sub-nationals, private advisory groups PSAG, the international communities must show alot of willingness.

While advocating the global community funding beyond the current stead, the position of UN SDGs as a global managers and administrators, was envisaging the precarious situations prevalent across the globe, and the need to make provision for any eventualities, particularly from the already heightened three C's prevalent across the globe.

Beyond the global advocate for more funding, government at all levels particularly states and local government whose efforts are at a low ebb , aside funding, but adequate attention towards resolving the social disequilibrium across the globe with Nigeria not left out.

All hands must be on deck considering the huge impact of all round development status of the leadership of SDGs in the country, the position of the UN-DSG should be considered without further delay , so as to take the global crises and resolution beyond 2020-2030 Agenda.

Written BY ABUBAKAR YUSUF on yus.abubakar3@gmail.com.

Group Raises Alarm Over Alleged N3 Trillion Fuel Importation Fraud by NNPCL, Business Partners

... calls on CBN to investigate payment claims

The Coalition for Economic Liberation and Transformation (CELT) has raised alarm over alleged N3 Trillion fuel importation fraud traced to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited's (NNPCL) and some of its business partners in the last  42 days. 

This revelation came to light during a press conference held in Abuja on November 15, 2024.

According to CELT, Nigeria imported 1.5 million metric tonnes of premium motor spirit, 414,018 metric tonnes of diesel, and 13,500 metric tonnes of aviation fuel between October 1 and November 11. 

Henry Owolabi, the Executive Director of the coalition criticized NNPCL's Group Chief Executive Officer, Mele Kolo Kyari, for prioritizing fuel importation over domestic refining, despite the availability of local refineries.

The Dangote Refinery, with a capacity to process 650,000 barrels of oil daily, is one such refinery that could significantly reduce Nigeria's reliance on foreign fuel. 

CELT questioned Kyari's decision-making process, citing the detrimental impact on Nigeria's economy and currency.

The coalition accused Kyari of sabotaging domestic refineries and undermining the Central Bank of Nigeria's policies aimed at strengthening the naira. 

CELT demanded Kyari's immediate sack and urged the Central Bank to halt further payments for fuel importation.

Furthermore, CELT called on regulatory agencies to verify the quality of imported fuel and investigate financial claims. 

The coalition emphasized the need to prioritize domestic refining, highlighting benefits such as significant cost savings, energy security, economic growth, and environmental sustainability.

Owolabi added: “Kyari and his fake fuel-importing associates have successfully rubbished the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)'s policies targeted at strengthening the Naira. They mopped up the limited dollars that would have gone into procuring manufacturing-related imports. 

“The irresponsible importation, which is compromising the naira, borders on criminal when one recalls that President Bola Tinubu, personally, intervened to broker the naira sale of crude oil to Indigenous refineries to reduce the pressure on Nigeria’s currency and make refined products more affordable. Kyari and his lackeys insult our president by persisting in this criminal trade.

“Kyari's leadership role in the fuel importation racket perhaps explains why he has deliberately sabotaged the nation's investments in the three major government-owned refineries in the last two years. Why would a man who has not allowed our refineries to work be allowed to continue to lead the NNPCL?

“Additionally, this importation has severe economic consequences. The money used for importing fuel could be effectively utilised in areas, like healthcare, education and infrastructure.

“The government and other appropriate bodies must promptly tackle these concerns. They must emphasise the importance of boosting manufacturing and supporting our refineries to function at their potential.

“Consequently, the Coalition for Economic Liberation and Transformation urges the CBN to stop further payments to Kyari's cronies in the name of fuel importation. Those who persist in importing what is readily available locally should bear the brunt of sourcing the foreign exchange to pay for their indulgence.

“Furthermore, our Coalition demands that Kyari be sacked without hesitation to restore the industry’s transparency and accountability and to prevent the NNPCL CEO and his associate from spreading contagion to other sectors of the economy.

“Finally, we demand that the necessary regulatory and anti-graft agencies step in to arrest the anomaly around fuel importation.“

Suswam At 60: You Are The First Politician That Gave Me Financial Support

...I Wish You A Blissful Birthday And Many Years Ahead 

By Terfa Naswem

Your Excellency, Sen. Dr. Gabriel Torwua Suswam,

I wish you a blissful birthday anniversary as you clock 60 years on planet earth. May God Almighty in His infinite grace and mercy, continue to guide and protect you in all your daily activities and grant you long life and prosperity.

My predilection for you began since you were a member of the House of Representatives for Katsina-Ala/Ukum/Logo Federal Constituency in Benue State.

When you were elected in 1999 to represent your constituency in the National Assembly, you made commendable and memorable impact on your constituents. One of the things you did was the scholarship you gave to students of higher institutions from your constituency. Some of my friends significantly benefited from it.

In 2006 when you were given the ticket to contest for governor of Benue State, I supported, campaigned and voted for you in the 2007 gubernatorial election. That was when I began active political participation. In your first term in office, you made commendable impact on Benue State. You rehabilitated and reconstructed the roads and streets in Makurdi and other parts of Benue State.

In September 2008 when you awarded the contract for the installation of solar street lights to Solex, a reputable company in electrical installations for the provision of solar panels along Makurdi major roads and streets, I also participated in the installation of the solar street lights from September to November 2008 and made some money from it which helped me to put so many things in order.

In March 2011 when you went to Jos to obtain your PhD in Law from the prestigious University of Jos, I was one of those who covered the convocation ceremony as a practicing journalist from Department of Television Journalism, NTA Television College, Jos, Plateau State where I obtained my Diploma in Television Journalism.

You gave me Ten Thousand Naira  (N10,000) including ten of my school mates in NTA Television College at the reception venue which took place at Gyado White House after Secretariat Junction in Jos. You became the first politician that I directly benefited from financially. The money, as a student helped me so much to fix some issues I had which enhanced the completion of my programme in 2012. You played a part to my success in journalism.

The Television Journalism Students' Association (TEJOSA) T-shirt of NTA Television College, Jos, Plateau State that I wore in the attached photograph was the exact T-shirt I wore when I covered your convocation in Jos 13 years ago.

When you became the governor of Benue State, you made commendable impact, although you had your shortcomings which affected you from living up to the general expectations of the good people of Benue State.

You touched my life directly and indirectly, that is why I have never cast aspersions on you or written any apocryphal story against you.

When you were at the National Assembly, you did so much for Zone A. I have a comprehensive list of all the projects and empowerment programmes you executed and I commend you for that.

I hold you in high esteem and will continue to do so irrespective of your political party or other affiliations.

Your birthday anniversary should rekindle your desire to continue to elevate the human race through the darkness to another mile!

Happy Birthday Anniversary!!