Day: March 6, 2025

CEFC urges NNPCL, NMDPRA to support local refineries ….. Warns against Crude Oil supply disruption to Dangote, Others

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Conference of Energy & Finance Consultants (CEFC) has called on the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) to prioritize the survival and growth of local refineries in Nigeria.   The group made this appeal in a statement signed on Thursday by its spokesman, Engr. Anthony Igeriwa, urging the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPCL, Mallam Mele Kyari, and the CEO of NMDPRA, Mr. Farouk Ahmed, to ensure uninterrupted crude oil supply to local refineries, particularly the Dangote Petrochemical Refinery.…

Like Natasha, like Potiphar’s wife By John Adeiza

Emporium Reporters

In a time long gone, the wife of a very important man accused a not too important one of sexual harassment and got him imprisoned on a false charge. That woman was the wife of the Captain of Guards in Pharaoh’s army, Potiphar. Though she was not named in the Bible, the Quran identifies her as Zuleikha. In the very instructive story, the Quran notes that Zuleikha is given the opportunity to repent and confess publicly but it was left unsaid whether she did accept the opportunity for clemency. So…

Dabiri-Erewa celebrates Nigerian-Canadian Minister, Prof Akolisa Ufodike on King Charles III Coronation Medal

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Chairman/CEO of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has applauded the recognition of Nigerian-Canadian Deputy Minister of Trade, Immigration, and Multiculturalism in Alberta, Prof. Akolisa Ufodike, who was honored with the prestigious King Charles III Coronation Medal.   In a congratulatory message signed by Abdur-Rahman Balogun, Director of Media, Public Relations, and Protocols of the Commission, Dabiri-Erewa described the award as a testament to Ufodike’s exceptional contributions to public service, governance, and diversity.   The NiDCOM boss lauded Prof. Ufodike’s remarkable trajectory in public administration and corporate…

Japa Syndrome: NiDCOM Boss urges Nigerians abroad to stay connected, contribute to National Development

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has called on Nigerians migrating abroad not to disconnect from their homeland but to contribute positively to the nation’s development.   She made the appeal during a Ramadan Lecture organized by No Dull Moment in Islam (NDMI), with the theme: “The Intricacies of Japa Syndrome”, in Abuja.   Hon. Dabiri-Erewa acknowledged that migration is a global phenomenon and a fundamental human right. However, she stressed that the focus should not be on stopping migration but on ensuring that…

JUST IN: Senate suspends Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan over alleged misconduct

Emporium Reporters

The Nigerian Senate has suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months following allegations of misconduct and violation of parliamentary rules.   The decision was reached on Thursday, March 6, 2025, after the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions presented its findings.   The suspension came after a heated confrontation in the Senate chamber where Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan protested the reassignment of her seat by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.   During the session, Akpoti-Uduaghan raised her voice, demanding an explanation for the removal of her nameplate and seat reassignment. The…

Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu assumes duty as 23rd Director General of NYSC

Lukman Laleye Babalola

Brigadier General Olakunle Oluseye Nafiu has officially assumed duty as the 23rd Director General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), succeeding Brigadier General YD Ahmed.   Until his recent appointment, Brigadier General Nafiu served as the Chief of Staff to the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General OO Oluyede, a position he also held under the late Lt. General TA Lagbaja, CFR.   A member of the 47 Regular Course of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Kaduna, Nafiu holds a Master of Strategic Studies from the prestigious US Army…

Troops Neutralize 92 Terrorists, Rescue 75 Hostages in One Week Operations

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) have recorded significant successes in various operations conducted across the country between 27 February and 6 March 2025, neutralizing 92 terrorists, arrested 111 suspects, and rescued 75 kidnapped victims.   This was disclosed at the bi-weekly press briefing held at the Defence Headquarters, Abuja, today, Thursday, 6th March 2025, by the Director, Defence Media Operations, Major General Markus Kangye.   According to Major General Kangye, the land component of the Armed Forces, in collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), security…

SSAP-SDGs Urges Nigerians to Embrace Peace, Justice, and Compassion During Lent and Ramadan

Abubakar Yusuf

As Nigerians observe the sacred periods of Lent and Ramadan, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals (SSAP-SDGs), Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire has called on citizens to use this time for deep reflection, compassion, and commitment to societal peace and justice.   The Lenten and Ramadan seasons, both marked by fasting, prayer, and acts of charity, offer a unique opportunity to strengthen moral values that align with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 16, which focuses on peace, justice, and strong institutions.   Speaking on the…

Nigeria Flags Off Consultation on 2025 Voluntary National Review on SDGs

Lukman Laleye Babalola

Nigeria has commenced the Stakeholders’ Consultation in preparation for the 2025 Voluntary National Review (VNR) on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).   The regional consultation for Nigeria’s 2025 Voluntary National Review (VNR) across the six geopolitical zones was launched in the South West zone, with Lagos State hosting the session.   Held under the theme: “Advancing sustainable, inclusive, science- and evidence-based solutions for the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its Sustainable Development Goals for leaving no one behind,” the consultation brought together key stakeholders, including representatives from Ekiti, Lagos, Ogun,…

GICN retracts corruption allegations against GTB, issues public apology

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Global Integrity Crusade Network (GICN), a civil society organisation, has withdrawn its earlier allegations of corruption and misconduct against Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB) Limited, a subsidiary of Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc (GTCO).   In a statement released Tuesday in Abuja, signed by its President, Edward Omaga Esq., GICN admitted that the Private Investigation Report (PIR) it presented to the media on October 3, 2024, and submitted to agencies in Nigeria, the UK, USA, and Ghana was based on unverified information obtained from the internet.   Omaga clarified that…