Month: July 2020

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NNPC pays N219.16bn to federation account in one month

The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), in a report, revealed that the corporation suffered a 342 per cent surge in pipeline vandalism as its supply of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), also known as petrol, gulped N116.09 billion in April.

This was contained in the NNPC April 2020 Monthly Financial and Operational Report (MFOR) released on Thursday, July 10, added that it remitted N219.16 billion into the Federation Account for the month.

The 57th edition of the MFOR indicated that in April 2020, NNPC remitted the sum of N219.16 billion to the Federation Account, reflecting the naira proceeds from the sale of domestic crude oil and gas.

“In the period under review, 65 vandalised pipeline points were reported, a marked increase from the 19 points recorded in March 2020,” the report read.

The Atlas Cove-Mosimi stretch, the report read, accounted for 55 per cent, while Mosimi-Ore recorded 22 per cent and other locations make up for the remaining 23 per cent.

It also indicated that in the downstream sector, a total of 940 million litres of PMS; translating to 31.37mn litres/day, were supplied for the month.

The price band for the month, according to Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA), stood at N123.50 per litre; and the volume supply also gulped N116.09 billion.

In terms of dollar receipts, an export receipt of $193.05 million was recorded in April 2020.

The corporation also announced an increase of 19.14 per cent in the average daily natural gas supply to power plants; which translates to 788 million standard cubic feet of gas per day (mmscfd); equivalent to power generation of 2,873MW.

The NNPC, in a release by its Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division, Dr. Kennie Obateru, explained that “a total of 226.51billion Cubic Feet (BCF) of natural gas was produced in April 2020; translating to an average daily production of 7,786.17million Standard Cubic Feet per Day (mmscfd).”

Out of this figure, a total of 136.44BCF of gas was commercialized; consisting of 36.99BCF and 99.45BCF for the domestic and export market, respectively.

Out of the 1,233.01mmscfd of gas supplied to the domestic market in April 2020; about 787.70mmscfd, representing 63.88 per cent was supplied to gas-fired power plants; while the balance of 445.31mmscfd or 36.12 per cent was supplied to other industries.

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UK ‘has walked away from EU coronavirus vaccine scheme’

Ministers have rejected offers to join a European Union bid for a coronavirus vaccine amid anger at “costly delays”, according to sources.

The EU is planning to spend around €2bn (£1.8bn) on the advance purchase of vaccines that are undergoing testing on behalf of the 27 member states.

The UK has been holding talks with Brussels over the scheme for weeks, which aims to leverage the bloc’s collective bargaining power to strike deals with global pharmaceutical giants.

But Alok Sharma, the Business Secretary, is believed to have walked away from the opportunity after not receiving “sufficient assurance” that the UK would get enough vaccines on time.

The European Commission is expected to be notified of the move on Friday.

The decision not to participate is expected to provoke a backlash among opposition MPs, who have accused ministers of being blinded by Brexit ideology.

However, Government sources told the newspaper that officials believe signing up to the scheme could delay the rollout of a successful vaccine in the UK by up to six months as negotiations over distribution took place.

They claimed that countries that opted in would also be subject to a so-called “volume ceiling”, or cap on the number of doses allocated to each member state.

But the UK would have no say in negotiations, pricing or the timetable for delivering the vaccine as it is no longer an EU member state, insiders said.

The EU stresses that “collective purchasing power” will enable participants to drive down costs.

But officials argue the benefits are “limited” as most pharmaceutical companies are offering the UK similar prices to other countries.

Another source insisted that the decision would “not damage the efforts” being undertaken by the Government’s Vaccines Task Force, which is coordinating efforts to research and produce a safe vaccine.

The UK has already secured a bilateral deal with Oxford University and the pharma giant AstraZeneca, as well as Imperial College London to accelerate trials of a vaccine.

The Oxford and AstraZeneca alliance – which, if successful, will mean the UK becoming the first recipient of the vaccine – began phase two of human trials in May.

Mr Sharma said the Government is aiming for 30 million coronavirus vaccine doses to be made available by September if the UK trials succeed

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MUSIQ: Naira – Craziebless Ft Dj Zeal X Freezlinks X Spak Armani X JayD & Wice

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VP Osinbajo denies collecting N4m bribe from Magu, tags accusations baseless

The Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, on Wednesday, July 8, slammed reports that he collected a N4million bribe from the deposed chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ibrahim Magu.

According to Osinbajo, such allegations are “false and baseless fabrications.”

These allegations were based on the statement by one Jackson Ude that the Vice-President received money from the former chairman of the anti-graft agency, EFCC.

Osinbajo’s rebuttal was contained in a statement issued by his Special Assistant on Media, Laolu Akande.

Magu is currently appearing before a presidential panel set up to probe allegations of stealing recovered funds by the Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami.

Many Nigerians including Femi Odekunle, a member of the presidential advisory committee against corruption, have described Mr Magu’s ordeal as power play between him and Mr Malami.

Magu has been in detention since Monday while he continues to appear before the panel.

Excerpt from the statement reads, “The attention of the Office of the Vice President has been drawn to a series of tweets and online publications by PointBlank News and Newsreel.com.ng today 8th July 2020, credited to the same person, one Jackson Ude.

“In essence, Ude’s story is that “embattled former Chairman of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, allegedly embezzled over N39 billion and gave Vice President Yemi Osinbajo N4 billion, after the VP gave instructions to him to release some of the recovered loots…” The same Jackson Ude has also been circulating a video on YouTube with a female commentator, peddling the same lies.

“With all emphasis at our disposal, let it be firmly stated that these are totally false and baseless fabrications purporting to reflect goings-on at the Probe Panel investigating Mr. Ibrahim Magu. They are indeed completely absurd in every respect.

“Sadly, such mindless, vicious and reckless publications have now become the preferred tool of unscrupulous and reprobate elements in our society who are procured with monetary inducement to peddle blatant falsehood, tarnish the image of upright public officials and mislead unsuspecting Nigerians.”

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, will of course not be distracted by these obvious campaigns of lies and calumny. The online publications, being criminally defamatory in nature, have been referred to the relevant law enforcement agencies for investigation and necessary action.

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The Next Economy – First Set of 100 Youths Undergoing Training (See Pictures and Details)

The Next Economy – Empowering African youths succeed in entrepreneur and work

Black Innovations Africa kick start The Next Economy 2020 training on Monday 6th July with 100 participants, 70 for Employability and 30 for Entrepreneurship. The Next Economy is a program that will trigger African youths to build their skills and unleash their talents for a successful career.

Pyemwa Deshi taking participants through a session on personal understanding and exploration
Participants
Participants receiving lunch pack

About The Next Economy

The Next Economy empowers youth in Nigeria, Mali, Somaliland, Somalia to unleash their talents, build their confidence and hone the skills they need for a successful career in a job or as an entrepreneur. To accommodate the diverse ambitious of young people entering the labor market, together with our local partners we offer different programmes. 

After The Next Economy “the original” (2015-2019)  we can continue for another four years with The Next Economy, phase 2 (2020-2023).

Young people are empowered to transition from education to working life through employment opportunities or entrepreneurial ventures.

Partners

Next Economy will run programs in: Lagos, Abuja, Jos (Nigeria), Bamako (Mali), Hargeisa (Somaliland), Mogadishu (Somalia).

The Next Economy is an initiative of SOS Children’s Villages, Crosswise Works and GoodUp. The programme is made possible by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The Next Economy consists of 4 specific training modules:

Core Life Skills Training: it’s all about communication skills, how to present yourself, team work and self-reflection. The trainings will help you succeed in the job market. After these trainings you can select to go further in Employability Training or Entrepreneurship Training.

Employability Training: these courses provide a mixture of soft and job readiness skills and support your entry into the labour market. You’ll obtain relevant skills required for employment in a company and are trained in the full cycle of job application. You will be prepared for the internship programme. Through individual support provided by a coach, you critically reflect on your personal career perspectives and identify opportunities for an internship or learning-on-the-job.

Entrepreneurship Training: It begins with entrepreneurship training on business canvasses, financial management, and product management. You are creating your own opportunity in the market. After completion you can start crowdfunding as a test for the viability of your business idea.

Incubation Training: moving your business idea into a solid foundation that can expand and grow. These trainings focus on sustaining and growing businesses and seeks to make them profitable such that they are able to hire new employees. Participants will be selected and this involves a check of their business plan, an assessment of human resources, and check of finances.

Gallery
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Gov Lalaong Witnesses Assumption of Office of Rev. Yakubu Pam as New ES, Nigeria Christian Pilgrims Commission

Governor Simon Bako Lalong of Plateau State on Tuesday 7th July 2020 witnessed the official assumption of office of Rev. Yakubu Pam as the Executive Secretary, Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Commission (NCPC).

Lalong congratulated Rev. Pam on his appointment and urged him do all that is possible in delivering on his mandate in service to the country.

Lalong said “this is a national assignment that requires you to be broad- minded, courageous and honest. The President has confidence in you, I have confidence in you and the people of Plateau State know your antecedents as a man of God and committed peace maker. This is the time for you to show the light in you and make the body of Christ proud. I appeal to you not to discriminate or be selective. Nigerian Christians are looking up to you to give them the pilgrimage experience that brings them closer to God and boosts their faith”.

Gbong Gwom Jos and Chairman, Plateau State Council of Traditional Rulers Jacob Gyang Buba, said the people of Plateau State and all Christians will support him with prayers and counsel to ensure that he succeeds.

President, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Rev. Dr. Samson Ayokunle represented by ECWA President Rev. Panya Baba said the appointment of Rev. Pam is well recieved as he has a rich pedigree of promoting the gospel and promoting peaceful coexistence among different people and faiths.

Rev. Pam said he was humbled by the show of love and encouragement by all Nigerians particularly eminent sons and daughters of Plateau who have expressed tremendous support and goodwill since his appointment was announced.

He thanked Governor Lalong for standing by him and President Muhammadu Buhari for the opportunity to serve the nation and pledged to do his best in the service of God.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham, ANIPR
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
7th July 2020.

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Northern Governors Mourn Former APC Vice Chairman, Inuwa Abdulkadir

NORTHERN GOVERNORS MOURN FORMER APC VICE CHAIRMAN, INUWA ABDULKADIR

The Northern Governors Forum says it is saddened by the death of former Minister of Youth and Sports Development Alhaji Inuwa Abdulkadir who was a former member of the APC National Working Committee, and served as Vice Chairman, North West.

Chairman of the Northern Governors Forum and Governor of Plateau State Simon Bako Lalong in statement commiserated with family, friends and political associates of late Alhaji Inuwa, who served the nation with diligence, commitment and patriotism.

Lalong said ” The late Alhaji Inuwa was a dependable and reliable politician who put the interests of the people above his personal pleasure. When he served the country as Minister of Sports and Youth Development, he did a lot to create opportunities for youth empowerment and development of sports particularly at the grassroots level. Indeed he contributed immensely to the sustenance of democracy in Nigeria”.

Governor Lalong also praised Alhaji Abdulkadir’s service to humanity and the demonstration of zeal for the development of the Northern Region through education, agriculture and the provision of social amenities.

He prays that almighty God will give his family the fortitude to bear this great loss and grant him eternal rest.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham, ANIPR
Director of Press &Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
July 7, 2020

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COVID-19: NCDC releases new guidelines for elections, urges politicians to put lives of electorate first (See full document)

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has released new guidelines for the conduct of elections in Nigeria in view of the rampaging COVID-19 pandemic.

4wardwego reports that the guidelines provide key public health guidance to be considered while conducting elections.

Equally important, the wide-ranging documents delivers specific action points to be observed by political parties, the electorate, election monitors as well as the electoral umpires, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and its ad-hoc staff.

Specifically, the guidelines come ahead of the Edo and Ondo states gubernatorial elections.

The document, which provide recommendations and actions to be taken to reduce the risk of exposure to COVID-19; especially for all voters, electoral officers, candidates and other participants; was designed in consideration of the ongoing community transmission of COVID-19 in Nigeria.

One of the most critical recommendations is the advice to politicians to rely more on mass media channels; such as radio, television and social media to campaign for votes. The NCDC said the use of these channels, rather than the previous methods of canvassing for votes; which involves mass gathering, would help check the spread of new COVID-19 infections.

A

critical recommendation is the call for strict adherence to its guideline on mass gatherings.

‘‘Mass gatherings during elections will likely occur during campaigns and election days. The only way to conduct elections without putting any one at risk of contracting COVID-19 is to comply with all protective measures at all times. These include limiting mass gatherings, ensuring physical distancing of at least two metres; promoting hand hygiene by providing handwashing facilities and a mandatory use of face masks. Wearing your face mask incorrectly is as good as NOT wearing a mask at all.’’

Further, the NCDC implored politicians to consider the safety and lives of the people.

“We urge our politicians to take responsibility and lead by example. We ask you to please think of the lives of the electorate first. Your electorate, staying alive, is much more important than any vote you can win.

“The guideline is to support critically, Nigerians that will be going to vote. The virus thrives in mass gathering and there is a challenge that we have in the way we have conducted our elections before, during and post.

“In this guideline, we try and offer advice on how to do this safely,’’ it explained.

You can access and read the full guidelines here:

DOWNLOAD GUIDELINES HERE – PDF

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DSS refutes reports on arrest of EFCC Magu over fraud allegations

The Department of State Services (DSS) on Monday, July 6, slammed reports which went viral earlier in the day regarding the arrest of Mr Ibrahim Magu; the acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

This was contained in a statement issued by the Service’s Public Relations Officer, Peter Afunanya.

Due to inquiries by various stakeholders, Afunanya explained that the DSS has no connection with the incident.

Afunanya issued the statement after reports emerged that the acting chairman of the anti-graft agency had been arrested by DSS officials in Abuja.

When contacted, Magu’s S.A. on Media, Tony Amokeodo, told the press that Magu was not arrested; but only invited to answer questions regarding some allegations against the agency.

Amokeodo explained that Magu was invited to appear before a Federal Government panel set up to investigate the allegations of corruption levelled against him.

According to him, the panel is sitting at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa in Abuja; the Federal Capital Territory.

Magu was allegedly quizzed by officials of the DSS over allegations that he owns four expensive properties. Also, he stands accused of allegedly transferring funds abroad through a third party.

In a report, the DSS revealed that Magu was living in a N40m mansion paid for by one Umar Mohammed; a retired air commodore who is allegedly involved in shady deals.

Also, it was detailed that in December 2010, the Police Service Commission (PSC) found Magu guilty of action prejudicial to state security; withholding of EFCC files, sabotage, unauthorised removal of EFCC files and acts unbecoming of a police officer. Consequently, he was awarded a severe reprimand as punishment.

Further, the DSS stated that Magu enlisted “the Federal Capital Development Authority to award a contract to Africa Energy; a company owned by the same Mohammed, to furnish the residence at the cost of N43m”

In one of such trips, the report added that Magu flew to Maiduguri alongside Mohammed with a bank MD who was being investigated by the EFCC.

This is over complicity in funds allegedly stolen by the immediate past petroleum minister, Diezani Alison-Madueke.