Author: GANUX

 

 

Yenagoa, Nigeria – The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), in partnership with Sweetcrude Limited, has announced the detailed selection criteria for the inaugural Champions of Nigerian Content Awards, designed to honor outstanding contributions to local content development in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.

Scheduled for May 21, 2025, at the NCDMB Conference Hall in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, the awards will recognize individuals and organizations that have demonstrated exceptional commitment to advancing Nigerian Content in 2024. The ceremony will coincide with the Nigerian Oil and Gas Opportunity Fair (NOGOF), further spotlighting industry excellence and contributions to national economic transformation.

The 12 Award Categories are:

Nigerian Content Icon of the Year

Nigerian Content Lifetime Achievement Award

Nigerian Content International Upstream Operator of the Year

Nigerian Content Independent Upstream Operator of the Year

Nigerian Content Midstream Operator of the Year

Nigerian Content Downstream Operator of the Year

Nigerian Content International Service Company of the Year

Nigerian Content Indigenous Service Company of the Year

Nigerian Content Innovator of the Year

Nigerian Content Financial Services Provider of the Year

Nigerian Content Media Organization of the Year

Women in Leadership Award for Promoting Gender Equality and Empowerment

 

Objective Evaluation Metrics Ensure Credibility

According to the NCDMB, the criteria for oil and gas operators will include key and empirical benchmarks like

– Production output (crude oil and gas volumes).

– Compliance with Nigerian Content Plans (NCPs) and Nigerian Content Compliance Certificates (NCCCs).

– Adherence to NOGICD Act reporting requirements, such as submission of Nigerian Content Performance Reports and Employment & Training Plans.

Similar criteria will apply to financial institutions, media organizations, and individuals, ensuring a transparent and merit-based selection process.

Winners for the Nigerian Content Icon of the Year, Innovator of the Year, and Women in Leadership Award will also be selected based on measurable performance indicators.

 

Advisory Committee of Industry Titans to Oversee Process

To uphold the awards’ prestige, an Advisory Committee of distinguished experts have been set up to oversee nominations and validate winners. Members include:

Dr. Ernest Nwapa (Pioneer Executive Secretary, NCDMB).

Dr. Omar Farouk (Secretary General, African Petroleum Producers Organization).

Mr. Wole Akinyosoye (Former Zonal Operations Controller, DPR).

The Executive Secretary NCDMB, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe emphasized that the awards aim to become the oil and gas sector’s equivalent of the Oscars, celebrating genuine impact rather than mere participation.

“This recognition is reserved for those who have gone beyond compliance to drive tangible growth in Nigerian Content,” he stated.

Event Details

Date: May 21, 2025

Time: 7:00 PM

Venue: NCDMB Conference Hall, Yenagoa.

With a focus on credibility, compliance, and measurable impact, the Champions of Nigerian Content Awards is poised to set a new standard for excellence in Nigeria’s energy sector.

 

Corporate Communications

May 2, 2025

 

Oyo State Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project has awarded contracts worth N3.5 billion for the first phase of physical improvement and remodelling of three markets across the state.

 

The three markets selected for the first phase of the physical improvement are Aare-Alasa Market, Akanran area, Ona-Ara Local Government, Oja-Agbe Market, Iseyin Local Government, and Oja-Oba Market, Ibarapa Central Local Government.

 

The state Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Olasunkanmi Olaleye, disclosed this in a statement released by the state Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Dotun Oyelade, in Ibadan, the state capital, on Sunday.

 

He reaffirmed the government’s dedication to transforming rural markets into modern, functional hubs that will drive agricultural productivity and improve access to markets across the state.

 

“These markets will undergo comprehensive modernization, including upgraded infrastructure, enhanced storage facilities, improved access roads, and other critical features aimed at streamlining agricultural logistics and supporting both farmers and traders.”

In her welcome address, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Abosede Owoeye, described the contract signing as a significant milestone in the state’s agricultural transformation efforts, stressing that the initiative aligns with Governor Seyi Makinde’s vision of ensuring food security and economic empowerment in rural communities.

 

In her address, the OY-RAAMP Coordinator, Adeola Ekundayo, explained that “the N3.5 billion allocation covers N1,227,196,608.81 for the Aare Alasa market upgrade, N1,219,954,792.90 for the Oja-Agbe market upgrade, N1,042,800,042.63 for the Oja-Oba market improvement.”

 

She noted that the Agro-Logistics component of RAAMP is strategically designed to enhance rural market infrastructure, ensure better linkage to rural roads, reduce post-harvest losses, and improve the accessibility of farm produce.

 

The contractors awarded for each project site include Quicbond Nigeria Ltd– Aare Alasa Market, Ona-Ara LGA, Lee Fakino Nigeria Ltd– Oja-Agbe Market, Iseyin LGA, AB-Bond Habitat Ltd– Oja-Oba Market, Ibarapa Central LGA

 

Ekundayo, therefore, urged the contractors to actively engage with the host communities throughout the project’s execution to ensure sustainability and local support.

 

A former Managing Director of Wema Bank Plc, Ademola Adebise, has urged the management of the bank to pursue deeper and more structured engagement.

 

He said the bank’s continued relevance today is due to the efforts and dedication of stakeholders, employees, customers, shareholders, and other partners.

 

He gave this advice at the second reunion and celebration of Wema Bank’s 80th anniversary, tagged Oluyole 2025, with the theme: “Navigating the Intersection of Past, Present and Future – A Stakeholder-Centric Approach to Sustainability and Growth.”

 

The event, organised by former employees of the bank under the aegis of the Ex-Colleagues Group, was held at Jogor Centre in Ibadan, Oyo State, on Saturday.

 

Adebise said the reunion was particularly special as it coincided with the 80th-anniversary celebration of the bank, describing the milestone as “eight decades of resilience, innovation, and unwavering commitment to service.”

 

The former MD stated that the bank stands as a leader in digital innovation within the Nigerian banking landscape, adding that beyond technology, the bank has also deepened its focus on sustainability and stakeholder engagement.

 

He said, “Our ability to stay relevant today is largely due to the efforts and dedication of stakeholders – our employees, customers, shareholders, and partners – who have contributed to making our bank a force to reckon with.

 

“I encourage both the bank and the Wema Alumni community to pursue deeper, more structured engagement.

 

“The value that resides within this network of former staff is immense – individuals with decades of experience, regional understanding, and deep-rooted relationships that can continue to serve the institution in different ways.”

Adebise advised that, “Rather than allow this wealth of knowledge to lie dormant, we must harness it through purposeful engagement.”

 

Also speaking, an Executive Director of the bank, Tunde Mabawonku, addressed the bank’s capital-raising efforts, saying, “In terms of capital raising, we have already started the process. The bank is a commercial bank with national authorisation.

 

“So today, we are present in 27 or 28 states of Nigeria.

 

“And we really want to continue growing. At present, we require an additional N130 billion in capital based on CBN requirements.

 

“We are already in the market to raise N150 billion through a rights issue. It opened on 14 April and will close on 21 May.

“We have already engaged shareholders, and almost 95 per cent of them have made payments. Just complete your verification and go ahead to absorb the cash,” he said.

 

Mabawonku appealed to his former colleagues and other stakeholders to support the rights issue and continue to uphold the bank’s legacy while enjoying the rewards of their past contributions.

 

Earlier, the Chairman of the Group Administration Team, Wale Adedapo, expressed gratitude to the current management of the bank for their financial support and recognition of the Ex-Colleagues Group.

 

He said the purpose of the reunion was to interact with former colleagues, have fun, and celebrate the bank’s 80th anniversary.

The Lagos State Vehicle Inspection Service has impounded over 200 unroadworthy vehicles across the state.

 

The Director of Lagos VIS, Mr Akin-George Fashola, stated this in a press release made available to the News Agency of Nigeria on Sunday.

 

The statement was signed by Mrs Bolanle Ogunlola, Deputy Director of Public Affairs at the Lagos State Ministry of Transportation.

 

Fashola, who recently led an enforcement operation that resulted in the impounding of several unroadworthy vehicles, noted that the initiative was aimed at enhancing road safety and reducing accidents caused by unfit vehicles.

 

Explaining the rationale behind the operation, Fashola reiterated that the enforcement exercise targeted a wide range of vehicles, with a significant number comprising commercial minibuses, including danfos and korope vehicles.

“The operation is not restricted to private vehicles alone, as is commonly believed, but extends to all categories of vehicles contributing to the state’s transport ecosystem.

 

“All vehicle owners, especially those intending to use their vehicles for commercial purposes, are urged to ensure they meet the required roadworthiness standards.

 

“Before commercialising your vehicle, make sure it is fit for the road. You can even take it to any of our annex offices for proper inspection before putting it into operation,” he advised.

 

He also assured the public of the directorate’s commitment to sustaining the enforcement exercise aimed at improving road safety and promoting a safer, more efficient transport system in Lagos.

 

NAN

 

The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, Olohundare Jimoh, has reaffirmed the command’s commitment to leveraging technology in crime prevention and prosecution, particularly in tackling cybercrime and sexual and gender-based violence.

 

Speaking in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Sunday, Jimoh highlighted how technological tools were playing a pivotal role in ensuring faster investigations, efficient arrests, and effective prosecution of criminal cases.

 

On the prosecution of rape and defilement cases, the police chief asserted that such cases were among the easiest to prove scientifically, “provided they are reported promptly.”

 

“It is very easy to prove either a case of defilement or rape,” Jimoh asserted.

 

“But there must be prompt reporting, preservation of the crime scene, and immediate medical and forensic examination,” he added.

 

The CP encouraged survivors of sexual assault to speak up early and not be discouraged by fear of stigma, noting that delayed reporting often led to the destruction of evidence and tampering with crime scenes.

 

“When victims delay, it becomes more difficult to secure justice. But with technology, we can crack the veracity or otherwise of rape claims quickly,” he assured.

 

Jimoh further told NAN about the command’s broader security efforts in addressing cybercrime.

 

The commissioner disclosed that the command had installed surveillance cameras at strategic locations across the metropolis, with many upgraded to Artificial Intelligence capabilities.

“We are not lagging behind in terms of technology. We have three control centres operated by trained police personnel, and our cybercrime unit is fully functional,” he said.

 

He noted that the use of surveillance and digital tracking tools had significantly improved the command’s response time and led to the arrest of several cybercrime suspects.

 

“Virtually every cybercrime arrest we have made is tied to our technology-enhanced strategies,” he added.

 

Jimoh also addressed the rising threat of cultism beyond campuses, saying the command was taking the issue seriously.

 

“Cultism is no longer just about the unemployed. Gainfully employed individuals are also getting involved, which is deeply concerning.

“We are, however, fighting the menace head-on,” he said.

 

The CP also reaffirmed the police’s readiness for collaboration, as he commended the media for its role and pledged to continue working closely with stakeholders to enhance public safety.

 

“Let us work together to stop all forms of crime and violence,” he urged.

 

NAN

 

President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to reclaiming ungoverned areas, particularly forests from terrorists and other criminal elements in the country.

 

Tinubu said advanced surveillance and technology would be deployed to combat kidnapping, banditry, and terrorism.

 

The President made the promise while addressing elders and leaders of Katsina State at a state dinner held at the Government House on Friday night.

 

Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, revealed details of Friday’s engagement in a statement he signed on Saturday.

The President reportedly said, “On the issue of security raised by former governor Aminu Bello Masari again this evening, I agree that security is a challenge for the country. I addressed the men and women of the armed forces earlier today and assured them that we will do everything to fight terrorism and banditry.

 

“We will invest more in technology and take over the forests. Security is a national issue, not just at the local or regional levels. If we genuinely need investment in Nigeria, we must address security.

 

“Investment is cowardly, and it will not go where there is banditry and terrorism. We will solve the problem together with the states and local councils.”

 

He highlighted encouraging signs of Nigeria’s economic recovery, attributing recent positive growth indicators to bold policy decisions.

The President said the Federal Government would consider upgrading the airport in Katsina State to create jobs and expand the economy.

 

Tinubu also assured that victims of terrorism would receive support to pick up their lives.

 

In his remarks, Governor Radda said the state had established a security outfit that gathers and supplies intelligence.

 

He disclosed that the proposed airport expansion, including the cargo terminal, passenger terminal, and fire truck, would create 2,700 direct jobs and cost N54bn.

 

Masari thanked the President for appointing two ministers from the state to the Federal Executive Council.

 

On why he supported the President’s ambition to contest the 2023 elections, he said, “You have the political will and courage to face the challenges of this country. You know the problem with humans: There will be resistance when new changes and a new social order are coming. And if you are not strong enough and determined, you will succumb, and the problem continues.

“But leadership is not about when it is all well. The hard way is the best; you know leaders during hard times. I know and believe you can do it; you have the courage.”

 

The immediate past Chairman of the Nigerian-American Public Affairs Committee, Texas, Mr Ike Chidolue, has urged Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan to present credible evidence to support her allegations or resign from the Senate.

 

Akpoti-Uduaghan, the suspended senator representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, had accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello of conspiring to kill her.

Chidolue made the call in a statement on Sunday in Abuja.

 

His reaction followed the senator’s recent Facebook post, in which she dismissed a viral May 1 Facebook Live broadcast by Dr Sandra Duru (also known as Prof. Mgbeke).

 

Akpoti-Uduaghan had described the broadcast which featured audio recordings and screenshots that appeared to contradict her public denials on several matters as “manipulated” and “politically motivated.”

However, Chidolue said the senator had failed to present any facts or evidence to defend her position.

 

According to him, “Her post offered no facts, no forensics, and certainly no credibility.

 

“What it does offer, unfortunately, is a continuation of a now-familiar pattern sensational allegations, quickly recycled into conspiracy claims once confronted with inconvenient evidence.”

 

Chidolue added that if the materials presented by Duru were authentic, they portrayed a troubling picture of a public official weaponising unproven accusations for political mileage.

 

He cited a number of claims made by Akpoti-Uduaghan which had not been substantiated with verifiable evidence. These included allegations of sexual harassment by Senate President Akpabio, claims that former Governor Yahaya Bello was contracted to assassinate her, and accusations that the Akpabios were involved in the 2021 death of a minor.

 

He also referred to her assertion that her reassignment on the Senate floor was punishment for rejecting advances.

 

“Not one of these claims has been substantiated by a police report, sworn affidavit, Senate resolution, or authenticated document.

“When confronted with contradictory evidence, the senator’s response has been predictable: attack the source, dismiss the proof, and shift the goalposts,” Chidolue stated.

 

He therefore recommended a four-step approach to restore public confidence.

 

According to him, Akpoti-Uduaghan should first verify or refute Duru’s recordings through an independent forensic laboratory publicly.

“She should also present evidence including police reports, court filings, and Senate records to support every claim, or pursue legal redress if defamed,” he said.

 

Failing all else, Chidolue added, she should issue a public apology and vacate her Senate seat.

 

“Let it be said plainly that Nigeria’s public institutions are not theatres for trial-by-sentiment.

 

“When elected leaders make explosive claims, they owe the public facts, not theatrics. Nigerians deserve better than conjecture and drama.

 

“The time for storytelling has expired. The burden is now hers: evidence or exit,” Chidolue concluded.

 

British police on Sunday said they had arrested five men, including four Iranians, on suspicion of “preparation of a terrorist act”.

 

The arrests were carried out in London, Swindon and the Greater Manchester area, with all five arrested on suspicion of “terrorism offences”, London’s Metropolitan Police said in a statement.

 

The men aged between 29 and 46 were detained by Counter Terrorism Police on Saturday in relation to “a suspected plot to target a specific premises” — wich was not named — and remain in custody.

 

The nationality of one of the men is still being established, police said.

 

“This is a fast-moving investigation and we are working closely with those at the affected site to keep them updated,” said Metropolitan Police counter-terrorism chief Dominic Murphy.

 

“The investigation is still in its early stages and we are exploring various lines of enquiry to establish any potential motivation as well as to identify whether there may be any further risk to the public linked to this matter,” he added.

Meanwhile, three other men, all Iranian nationals, were arrested in London in a separate Counter Terrorism Police operation on Saturday.

 

The men, aged 39, 44 and 55, were arrested under the National Security Act — which gives law enforcement greater powers to disrupt “state threats” including foreign interference and espionage — the Met Police said in a statement on Sunday.

 

Interior minister Yvette Cooper “thanked” the police in a statement.

 

“These are serious events that demonstrate the ongoing requirement to adapt our response to national security threats,” Cooper told the PA news agency.

 

“The government continues to work with police and intelligence agencies to support all the action and security assessments that are needed to keep the country safe.”

 

AFP

 

Inter Miami CF returned to winning ways on Saturday night, capturing a 4–1 win over the New York Red Bulls at Chase Stadium, snapping a three-match losing streak in all competitions.

 

According to a post on Fabrizio Romano’s X handle on Sunday, Argentine legend Lionel Messi’s 67th-minute strike in the goal rout was his 859th career goal.

 

Romano posted, “Leo Messi scores for Inter Miami now reaching 63 G/A in 53 games for the MLS side. 859 career goals so far.”

 

Winger Fafa Picault, who did not play in the midweek Concacaf Champions Cup defeat against Vancouver Whitecaps FC, scored for his second straight game, netting the opening goal on a volley in the 9th minute.

 

Defender Marcelo Weigandt added a second in the 33rd minute after a lengthy VAR review, before Luis Suárez bagged his third goal of the 2025 season in the 39th. Lionel Messi added a second-half cushion, finishing a volley in the 67th minute to make it 4-1.

The Red Bulls pushed back before the end of the opening half, with a 43rd-minute goal from Mohammed Sofo, who nodded in a deep corner kick to keep the 2024 Eastern Conference champions within comeback distance.

 

The win brings Miami’s total to 21 points in 10 games and keeps them at only one loss in the MLS season.

 

Speaking in the post-match press conference at Chase Stadium, the Miami FC, Javier Mascherano acknowledged the physical demands of the match and the much-needed lift it gave the squad.

 

“It was a very physically demanding game – we needed it,” Mascherano said. “It was important to get back to a good feeling. In the first half, we were clinical in front of the goal, something we lacked in previous matches. In the second half, we tried to control possession more, and be less direct. At the end of the first half, we lost control of the ball and didn’t want to give them momentum.”

The New York State Catholic Conference, an organisation that represents the bishops of the state in working with government to shape laws and policies that promote social justice and respect for life, has criticised United States President Donald Trump for sharing seemingly AI-generated images of himself dressed as the Pope.

 

In a post on X.com on Saturday, the NYS Catholic Conference wrote: “There is nothing clever or funny about this image, Mr President.

 

“We just buried our beloved Pope Francis and the cardinals are about to enter a solemn conclave to elect a new successor of St Peter. Do not mock us.”

PUNCH Online reported on Saturday that Trump sparked a mix of laughter, disbelief, and debate after sharing the image on his Truth Social platform.

The digitally altered image, later reposted by the White House’s official X account, showed Trump in full papal regalia—flowing white robes, a golden crucifix, and a mitre—with one finger raised skywards.

The post comes just days after Trump jokingly told reporters, “I’d like to be pope, that would be my number one choice,” when asked who he backed as the next head of the Catholic Church.

 

His comment came shortly before the conclave to elect a successor to Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21.

 

While Trump didn’t endorse any contender, he alluded to “a very good” cardinal in New York, widely believed to be Archbishop Timothy Dolan, a staunch theological conservative with a clear stance against abortion.

 

Trump also attended Pope Francis’ funeral last week, marking his first international appearance since returning to office.