Nigeria and Jamaica are set to explore the possibility of a direct flight route as both countries strengthen the Bilateral Air Service Agreement.
This was contained in a statement signed by the Special Adviser on Media and Communications to the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Tunde Moshood, on Wednesday.
Aviation Minister, Festus Keyamo, welcomed the Jamaican Ambassador to Nigeria, Lincoln Downer, and his Consular, Andre Hibbert, to his office in Abuja for this engagement.
Downer emphasised the potential for mutually beneficial diplomatic engagements between Jamaica and Nigeria.
He highlighted the importance of improving and enhancing bilateral relations, including reviewing the existing Bilateral Air Services Agreement.
“I have been tasked by my country to review and improve on the diplomatic engagements between Jamaica and Nigeria, especially concerning air services,” said Downer.
The Jamaican ambassador also shared the growing interest in Nigerian culture, particularly Afrobeat music and Nollywood films, which are trending in Jamaica.
This cultural exchange, he noted, further reinforces the need for enhanced diplomatic and air connectivity.
“There is no reason why we should not have a direct flight between our countries. Nigerians love Jamaica, and there is a rising demand for Jamaican spices in Nigeria,” Downer added.
Keyamo in his response, welcomed the ambassador’s proposals and expressed his eagerness to take the next steps.
“I am delighted to start the BASA arrangements. To ensure a swift resolution, we will set up a committee to expedite the process,” said Keyamo.
He further committed to visiting Jamaica if necessary, stating that he would be willing to travel to Jamaica to finalize and sign the BASA agreement in person.
It was noted that Downer disclosed that Jamaica currently lacks a national carrier, relying on neighbouring Trinidad and Tobago for air transport.
He proposed the idea of combining the BASA between Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago to address the air services gap, underscoring the increasing demand for travel from Nigeria to Jamaica.
Downer expressed his deep appreciation for Nigeria, revealing an intriguing discovery from his four months as the Jamaican envoy to Nigeria.
“I have since discovered that Nigeria might be my ancestral home after all,” said the ambassador
A 21-year-old notorious bandit leader, Salisu Mohammed, popularly known as Dogo Saleh, met his end at the hands of his gang members after being arrested by the operatives of FCT Police Command.
Dogo Saleh identified as a hitman for criminal gangs operating in Rijana Forest, Kaduna State, had been responsible for multiple kidnappings and killings along the Kaduna-Lokoja-Enugu highway.
The FCT command spokesperson, Josephine Adeh, issued a statement on Wednesday stating that police acting on intelligence conducted a covert operation to intercept Dogo Saleh at Gidan Abe Forest on March 3, while he was en route to Bwari Area Council, FCT.
Adeh stated that during the initial encounter, police operatives arrested Dogo Saleh, recovering an AK-49 rifle, two magazines, 60 rounds of live ammunition, and ₦3m suspected to be ransom proceeds.
She added that after gathering from the arrested suspect, the Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the command launched a follow-up raid on March 4, 2025, at a known bandit hideout in Kwasau Forest, Kagarko LGA, Kaduna State, where his gang, led by one Abdu Musa, alias “Kanabaro,” had established a major hideout.
She noted that operatives were ambushed by armed bandits attempting to free their leader.
“The operatives swiftly engaged the criminals in a fierce gun battle, displaying superior tactical expertise and resilience. The bandits were ultimately overpowered and forced to flee into the forest with severe gunshot wounds. The suspect sustained fatal gunshot wounds inflicted by his own gang during the crossfire. He was rushed to Kubwa General Hospital, where he was confirmed dead,” Adeh said.
Stating the criminal activities linked to Dogo Saleh, Adeh said he was responsible for the abduction of a police officer’s family and the killing of two security personnel in a January 5, 2025, attack at Kujama Market, Kaduna.
“Other attacks linked to Dogo Saleh include: Kyauta Village, Chikun LGA (two years ago) – Two individuals, including a security officer, were kidnapped. Ransom collected: Millions of Naira The officer was later killed. Kike Village (one year ago) – A security officer’s wife was kidnapped. Ransom collected: millions of naira; Bagada Village (five months ago) – Three individuals kidnapped. Ransom collected: millions of naira; Village near Kaduna Refinery (one year ago) – Two men kidnapped. Ransom collected: millions of naira; Karuga Village, Chikun LGA (one year ago) – One person kidnapped. Ransom collected: millions of naira; Bagado Village, Chikun LGA (eleven months ago) – Ransom collected: millions of naira and Dan-Bushiya Village (two years ago) – Ransom collected: millions of naira, “ she stated.
Adeh also said his gang was also known for working with the Ansaru terrorist group to procure weapons. She stated that Boka, the overall commander; Sharmi (surname unknown), Deputy; Dogo Saleh, assistant; and Gudan, an assistant who operated a sub-camp in the forest, had been eliminated in separate operations.
“The bandits’ hideout was successfully dislodged. One officer, the Inspector of the FCT Anti-Kidnapping Unit, sustained minor injuries and has since been treated and discharged. No other casualties were recorded,” she added.
Adeh said the FCT Commissioner of Police, Olatunji Disu, praised the officers for their bravery and assured residents of ongoing operations to capture fleeing gang members.
He urged the public to report suspicious activities via police emergency lines.
Impeachment threat: Fubara vows to fight on as PDP warns Wike’s men
The Peoples Democratic Party and the Rivers State Government on Monday kicked against the call by a faction of the All Progressives Congress for the resignation or impeachment of Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
The development comes as Fubara said he would not be deterred by threats from those pushing to disrupt governance through the instigation of political crises in the state.
He warned against any act of lawlessness and insisted that his path would remain focused on ensuring peace.
“I want to say to our teeming supporters, I know some of you, your spirits are high, some others, your spirits are low.“I want to assure you, it doesn’t matter what the situation might be today, we will come up again stronger and better.
“Please continue to follow my footstep, and that footstep remains the path of peace. We need it because if anything happens, we are the greatest losers,” Fubara declared.
The APC faction loyal to former Governor Nyesom Wike had called for the governor’s resignation or impeachment, citing multiple alleged offences.The opposition party, led by Chief Tony Okocha, also dismissed the governor’s invitation to a reconciliatory meeting with the Martin Amaewhule-led House of Assembly as a “Greek gift.”
Fubara, in a letter signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Tammy Danagogo, on Sunday, invited the lawmakers for dialogue on Monday, following the Supreme Court’s ruling that validated the 27 legislators as the authentic Assembly members.Reacting to the invitation on Sunday, one of the lawmakers, Isaiah Opuende, who represents Akuru-Toru Constituency 2, blasted Fubara for using social media channels.
Calling for Fubara’s resignation, Okocha, in his address to journalists in Port Harcourt on Monday, accused the governor of disrespecting President Bola Tinubu and failing to implement the eight-point resolution earlier set to resolve the crisis.He wondered if the governor had bent over backwards after a protracted grandstanding.
The APC chieftain described Fubara as “clueless” and insisted that the only viable option left for him was to either resign honourably or face impeachment.“The options before Siminalayi Joseph Fubara are two: he should honourably resign or be impeached because he has run the state aground and disrespected Mr President.
“The invitation to the lawmakers is a Greek gift. The Supreme Court judgment is final. There is nothing anybody can do about it.“The only option available to the governor now is for him to resign or be impeached. And he should be honourable about it,” he said.
He stated, “The APC remains the major opposition party in Rivers State. We are the voice of the voiceless. When we said Siminalayi Fubara was clueless, we were not joking. The evidence is clear.“The governor behaves like a saint, but he is a dangerous snake. His meeting agenda with the lawmakers is puerile. Is he inviting them to discuss the Supreme Court judgment?
“And why was the invitation letter signed by the Secretary to the State Government, instead of the governor himself? It’s an aberration. As far as I’m concerned, it is a Greek Gift.”Chief Okocha noted that the party would not stand idly by and watch the governor running the state aground with his style of governance.
He warned that the governor’s continued stay in office could lead to political instability in the state, likening the situation to a “keg of gunpowder” ready to explode.
Responding, the Rivers State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Joseph Johnson, dismissed Okocha’s comments, stating that he lacked the authority to speak on behalf of the APC leadership. Johnson described Okocha as an ‘impostor’ whose removal as the state APC chairman had been confirmed by the court.
He further stated that the call for impeachment was baseless, as the governor had demonstrated his commitment to peace by reaching out to the lawmakers for dialogue.
The commissioner stated, “I’ve decided not to be reckoning with what Chief Okocha says because he’s not a consistent person. He doesn’t have any moral grounds to make that call (impeachment) because as far as the law is concerned, he’s an impostor.
“A Rivers State High Court has long removed him from office. So, I think that he’s dangerously looking for relevance and I don’t think that he deserves it from this government.”
Speaking further, he said “This is not the first time, at some point he said he was going to ask members of his party who were in the House to invoke an impeachment proceeding. Not too long, he recanted
“So he’s not a man of his word. Nobody is talking about impeachment.
“An impeachment is not even on the table. The government is open to discussing with the Assembly members.”
The PDP described Okocha’s stance as “hallucination.”
In an interview with The PUNCh, the PDP’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, accused the APC faction of attempting to create unnecessary political tension.
He asked the opposition party in the state to focus on addressing national challenges, rather than fuelling political crises in the state.
Ologunagba called on Okocha to deal with the issues concerning his chairmanship of the APC in Rivers and leave Fubara out of his troubles.
He said, “The man you are talking about has a lot of issues to deal with, one of which is his claim to the chairmanship of the APC in Rivers State.
“All we can say is that the man is hallucinating. He is in a dream world and we can’t stop him from dreaming.
“However, he must be told that impeachment is a constitutional process and not what you just sleep and dream about.
“Instead of Governor Fubara, Okocha should help his party think of how to deal with the hardship they have brought on Nigerians.
“Nigerians are being made to pay exorbitant tariffs in energy and telecoms and life has never been this hellish. This is what should bother him and his party, the APC.”
Ologunagba added that Fubara remained popular among the people of Rivers State.
“He has no locus standi to tell Governor Fubara to resign because the Rivers people are very happy with him.
“They are proud of the work he is doing. In a very short period, he has impacted the people of Rivers State in a manner that deserves our collective applause.
“Governor Fubara was elected to lead his people and he is doing that excellently,” he added.
In an exclusive interview with The PUNCH, the PDP Deputy National Youth Leader, Timothy Osadolor, said no rational person would demand Fubara’s impeachment.
He said the governor had firmly established himself in the state’s politics and had the backing of the people.
“Those calling for the impeachment of Governor Fubara don’t understand the constitution. Impeaching a performing governor like the Rivers State governor is not a tea party.
“The stakeholders are with him, and they know it is not a tea party to impeach him; he enjoys the support of the Rivers people.
“Governor Fubara has entrenched himself in the politics of Rivers State. He cannot be impeached and should not be impeached.
“Those who have said so, I believe they should retrace their steps. No sane person will move to impeach Fubara,” he added.
The state Publicity Secretary of the Emeka Beke-led APC faction, Darlington Nwauju, also described Okocha as an impostor benefitting from the crisis.
Nwauju, in a statement sent to our correspondent, said, “Recall that part of the grounds which the Supreme Court latched on to sustain the Federal High Court judgment which nullified the local government elections in Rivers State was that the election went ahead despite the court judgment stopping the process.
“Now, our question is – if we are not a people suffering collective amnesia in Rivers State, why must a Tony Okocha, who is still parading himself as chairman of the APC in Rivers against the judgment of the court, now be the person pontificating over abuse of or disobedience to court process?
“What kind of physician goes about healing others while needing a health emergency?
“The likes of Tony Okocha are conflict entrepreneurs as far as the political saga in Rivers State is concerned and posterity will not forget the ignoble roles he is playing in dismantling democracy and the rule of law in Rivers State,” Nwauju, the spokesman of the faction loyal to the former Minister of Transport, Rotimi Amaechi, said.
Fubara urges calm
Fubara has urged the people to remain peaceful and law-abiding in the overall interest of the state.
He spoke at the inauguration of the Nyeweali Akpor Kingdom palace and a magnificent residential quarters for the king, Eze Levi Oriebe, at Ozuoba in Obi/Akpor Local Government Area on Monday.
He warned against any act of lawlessness and assured his supporters that he would come out stronger from the crisis.
“Please continue to follow my footstep, and that footstep remains the path of peace. We need it because if anything happens, we are the greatest losers.
“I will not encourage any act of disobedience or any act of violence. That is, however, not to say that we will support evil. We will never support evil.”
He said his administration remained focused on good governance and would not renege on the promise of delivering impactful, people-oriented development projects continually.
Fubara considered the palace inauguration as historic, being the first in over 200 years of the kingdom’s existence.
He said he promised to build the palace 10 months ago, during the flag-off of reconstruction work on the Okania-Ogbogoro road.
He said his administration achieved the fear six months after the project was awarded for construction.
“I was really touched to the point that I had a few drops of tears when the royal father was speaking. He said for over 200 years that the Akpor Kingdom has existed, it functioned without a palace.
“God doesn’t make mistakes. Maybe, He left it for our administration to build, so that we will be part of history forever in Akpor Kingdom,” Fubara said.
He added that he not only built a palace but also provided a personal residence for the Nyeweali.
He urged the Obio/Akpor people to remain supportive of his administration.
The Eze Oha Apara (IV) and Paramount Ruler of Apara Kingdom, Eze Chike Amadi Worlu-Wodo, during the inauguration, recalled that a few months ago, he benefitted from a magnificent palace built for his kingdom by the Fubara administration.
Eze Worlu-Wodo, who is also the Chairman of the Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers, said the government was spending much to build palaces for traditional rulers because it understood they were closest leaders to the people.
“I am glad to be here, Your Excellency, to witness your display of goodwill, respect and good intention for the traditional institution. Your Excellency, you have done well, and I must say, we are all proud of you,” he said.
Providing the project description, the Commissioner for Special Projects, Dr Rowland Obed-Whyte, said the construction was awarded in August 2024, and the work was completed in six months.
Former Super Eagles captain, Mikel Obi, has shared his thoughts on Arsenal’s Premier League title aspirations under manager Mikel Arteta.
Mikel stated that while the Spaniard has improved the team, he is unsure if he is the right man to lead them to ultimate success.
Speaking on the Gunners’ progress in his Obi One Podcast posted on YouTube on Monday, Mikel acknowledged Arteta’s impact since taking over the club but insisted that Arsenal must move beyond merely competing and focus on actually winning major trophies.
“Has he done well for Arsenal? Yes. Has he improved Arsenal? Yes. There’s no doubt about it. Mikel Arteta has improved Arsenal from where they were before he took over.
“He’s massively improved the squad, the team, the way they play, and the way the fans want to see an Arsenal team play. He’s massively improved the team,” Mikel said.
Despite these advancements, the former Chelsea midfielder cast doubt on Arsenal’s ability to win the Premier League or Champions League under Arteta’s leadership.
“Now, is he the guy to take Arsenal to the next level, which is winning the Premier League, the Champions League? I don’t see that. Because it’s not about competing,” he argued.
Mikel stressed that Arsenal’s mentality should be about securing trophies rather than just being in the title race.
“People talk about competing. Yes, Arsenal need to compete to win. No, Arsenal should be talking about winning the league, not competing to win.
“When was the last time Arsenal won it? The Invincibles in 2004? What is it now, 20 years? 21? 22? Arsenal fans keep talking about competing. No. They’ve got to win it. Win it.”
Arsenal, currently positioned second in the race for the Premier League title, will be looking to prove their credentials as they push for their first league triumph in two decades.
The Police Command in Lagos State has sealed a church over the alleged killing of a 28-year-old graduate of Lagos State University, Adedamola Ogunbode.
The command’s spokesperson, Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed the development while briefing newsmen at the command headquarters in Ikeja on Monday.
Hundeyin said that the church where some people alleged that the missing boy was killed and buried had been sealed to prevent it from being burned.
“The church was sealed following intelligence reports that some people planned to burn it down out of vengeance and we do not want that to happen.
“It is still a suspected crime scene, we still need to go over it, we may need to revisit that scene multiple times for us to gather evidential value.
“The church has been sealed for now to prevent it from being burned. And we assure the public that updates will be given about the investigation and the progress we have made as soon as we get new updates,” he said.
The PPRO said that three suspects have been detained so far.
“We have three suspects, the pastor and two others in custody, and the case is ongoing at the State Criminal Investigation Department,” he said.
According to him, efforts are underway to apprehend five other suspects, two of the five suspects are outside the country in Benin Republic.
Hundeyin in a statement on Friday said that the matter was no longer a case of missing person but suspected murder.
“Investigation has been intensified to locate the body of the deceased and uncover the circumstances surrounding his death.
“Among the five suspects into whose accounts money was moved from the victim’s account, three suspects had been apprehended and in police custody,” he said.
Hundeyin said that the State Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Jimoh, assured intensive investigation.
“CP Jimoh has assured the public that the command is fully committed to resolving the matter and bringing the perpetrators to justice.
CP Jimoh calls for restraint from actions that could potentially hinder or interfere with the ongoing investigative efforts,” he stated.
Elon Musk said X was hit by a major cyberattack on Monday as outages plagued users of the platform once known as Twitter.
“There was (still is) a massive cyberattack against X,” Musk said in a post on the platform.
Musk blamed a cyberattack, providing no evidence, for crashing the site last year when an interview with Donald Trump was to be streamed.
In his post Monday, Musk included an X post from a DogeDesigner account that some on Reddit speculated could be a puppet of the tycoon himself.
The post noted protests against the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) that Trump entrusted to Musk, along with Tesla shops being vandalized, suggesting a cyberattack could signal another burst of animosity towards Musk.
Musk is chief or Tesla, his electric car company.
“It would take a lot of (money) to do an attack of this magnitude,” read a post in the exchange by the account of Jammies
Musk also maintained such an attack would take tremendous resources, speculating it was the work of a country or large coordinated group.
Outages on the X social media platform left tens of thousands of users unable to access the site, according to monitors.
Reports of problems with X started in the early hours of Monday, with users in Asia, Europe, and North America saying they could not access the platform, according to the Downdetector tracking site.
At the peak, more than 40,000 people reported outages, the site said.
The bulk of the reports were from people trying to use X on smartphones, but people on web browsers also reported the service down.
“Twitter keeps breaking?” asked a post by @Lalaslovely in the Downdetector chat section.
After Musk bought Twitter for $44 billion in late 2022, the majority of employees left or were fired, raising concerns about whether staffing was in place to keep the platform safe and stable
NCDMB Rallies NNPC, oil producers to boost in-country manufacturing of line pipes
The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) on Thursday achieved a much-needed consensus among critical oil and gas industry stakeholders and manufacturers to ramp up in-country production and utilisation of line pipes in oil and gas operations, as part of the strategy deepen local content, and conserve foreign exchange and create jobs.
The Oil Producers Trade Section (OPTS), comprising all international oil companies, and their indigenous counterparts under the aegis of the Independent Petroleum Producers Group (IPPG) met with the leading pipe manufacturing companies and pipe coaters as well as the NNPC Upstream Investment Management Services (NUIMS) at the instance of the NCDMB to take stock of progress made since 2011.
In Opening Remarks at the one-day “Stakeholders Workshop on Manufacturing of Line Pipes in Nigeria: Processes, Challenges, and Opportunities,” which held at the Nigerian Content Tower (NCT), Yenagoa, the Executive Secretary of the NCDMB, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, described line pipes as “a major driver in oil and gas industry operations,” adding, “without line pipes you cannot evacuate products.”
He said the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGICD) Act, 2010, envisages 100 per cent in-country manufacture of line pipes (seamless and welded pipes) and that the Board, in conjunction with the OPTS, had agreed on an initiative in 2011 to work towards attainment of that target.
The NCDMB boss noted that a lot still has to be done and that status reports of projects on line pipes would have to be presented and discussed at the workshop so as to determine appropriate measures by all stakeholders to intensify efforts to overcome teething problems if any.
Engr. Ogbe, represented by the Director of Monitoring and Evaluation, Alhaji Abdulmalik Halilu, disclosed that in realisation of the potential of in-country manufacture of line pipes for retention of significant revenue and job creation, the Board had introduced different policies and remains determined to work with industry players for meaningful progress.
In setting the tone for the workshop presentations and deliberations, he posed six questions to which he sought answers from the participants: Should we continue to focus on making line pipes in Nigeria? Where are we on the ‘Made in Nigeria’ line pipes projects? Are there still opportunities for Made-in-Nigeria line pipes? What should be the main considerations for ‘Made-in-Nigeria’ line pipes (infrastructure imperatives, investment incentives, etc.)? Who should invest and who are the buyers? What policies would drive the delivery of ‘Made-in-Nigeria’ line pipes?
In his own remarks, the Director, Capacity Building, NCDMB, Dr. Ama Ikuru, explained that the Board and the entire oil and gas industry are focused on Made-in-Nigeria line pipes, because it is “the key to Nigeria’s industrial development and a critical requirement of the NOGICD Act, 2010, and the Presidential Executive Order on Local Content.”
He noted that Made-in-Nigeria line pipes are a “reputation driver for the NOGICD Act” and are “central to the attainment of the 70 per cent objective of NCDMB’s [Nigerian Content] 10-Year Strategic Road Map.” In addition, the initiative would reduce costs and eliminate mark-up by middlemen.
Dr. Ikuru pointed out that there are major oil discoveries across Africa as well as opportunities in Nigeria and other parts of the continent, supported by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Line pipe opportunities in Africa highlighted include the Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline, African Renaissance Pipeline and Transmed Gas Pipeline.
On interventions by the NCDMB toward establishment of pipe mills in the country, he said the Board, among other things, introduced the Equipment Component Manufacturing Initiative (ECMI) and issued guidelines on it, which “birthed issuance of the Nigerian Content Equipment Certificate (NCEC).”
The NCEC scheme of the Board is designed to promote and enforce the utilisation of locally manufactured goods, services, and equipment in the oil and gas industry.
Before presentations by key manufacturers of line pipes, representatives of the leading IOCs and Independents, all industry holders in attendance had to state their individual responses and viewpoints regarding the six posers earlier raised by the NCDMB Executive Secretary.
In unison, all declared that Nigeria should continue to focus on making line pipes in-country to meet the target of 100 per cent. Key manufacturers then proceeded to explain where they are in their respective projects, highlighting status reports as well as challenges (in some cases), and what should be main considerations.
The Managing Director, Brentex Petroleum Services Limited, Mr. Chidi Nzerem, disclosed that his company has made appreciable progress in developing an LSAW Line Pipe Mill in Calabar, Cross River State, but has faced difficulties in securing long-term funding from the banks after investing over US$64 million. To take the project to completion stage, an additional US$176 million would be required.
He pointed out that “Nigeria sits on oil and gas and there must be commitment to manufacture line pipes” to eliminate capital flight through importation of pipes. He assured stakeholders that “within the next 36 months, line pipes will start rolling out from the mill if the required funds become available.”
For another industry player, Frigate Pipe and Tubulars Limited, whose seamless pipe mill plant has progressed without hiccups, status report was that the bulk of the manufacturing line has been acquired and that installation of the facility would be completed within the next 24 months.
The Chief Financial Officer of the company, Mr. Bankole Olugbile, said industry demand for seamless line pipes in Nigeria is 120,000 metric tonnes per annum, which could be easily met, but he pointed out that “projects like this require long-term cheap funding.” He called for incentives, such as pioneer status, among others, from government.
From Yulong Steel Pipes Limited, a pioneer in the industry that had suspended production operations in Nigeria for five years after supply of 2,000 metric tonnes of line pipes to Dangote Refinery, Lekki, Lagos, was news of its reentry into the country. Its representative declared that the company is looking forward to business from Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline and Shell Petroleum Development Company’s Bonga North, among others.
Pipe coating companies, including Solewant Group, Monarch Alloy, and Tenaris, also gave their respective status reports and highlighted what they expect from oil and gas industry operators.
International oil companies affirmed that there are opportunities for Made-in-Nigeria line pipes and expressed keenness to do business with manufacturers in the country. Mrs. Chioma Okpoechi, Supply Chain Manager (Production and Logistics) of Shell Petroleum Development Company, provided procurement data on line pipes from her company indicating that US$43 million was spent between 2019 and 2014.
According to her, “steadily our operational requirements are growing” and that US$115 million is to be spent in the next four years. Mrs. Okpoechi expressed hope that “this should encourage Made-in-Nigeria manufacturers,” although she cautioned that quality and timeliness of delivery cannot be compromised.
Assurances were also received from Exxon Mobil, which urged local manufacturers to strive for cost competitiveness and ensuring that they understand what the oil and gas industry upstream needs. TotalEnergies also gave assurance of support for local manufacture.
Seplat Energy Plc, a leading Independent operator from among the indigenous upstream players, represented by its Nigerian Content Development Manager, Mr. Simeon Ogari, declared “We are 100 per cent in support of Made-in-Nigeria line pipes,” stating that the company is “a product of local content.” Another leading indigenous oil company, First Exploration & Production (First E&P), represented by its Project Manager, Engr. Soyemi Ayodeji, also pledged total support.
In rounding off presentations and deliberations, Dr. Ikuru, reminded participants that responsibilities for advancement of the programme for Made-in-Nigeria line pipes needed to be assigned.
Manufacturers commended NCDMB for its practical role as business enabler, citing a number of the Board’s interventions that have facilitated the emergence of many big indigenous companies, but said the Board could do more by helping to eliminate illegal importation of coated line pipes, particularly by marginal field operators. Also that the Board should play a role in facilitating access of manufacturers to credit facilities from banks.
Dr. Ikuru acknowledged that the suggestions made were appropriate but advised that the manufacturers could employ whistleblowing as a way to bring such illegal importation to the knowledge of the Board and Government. “We’ll follow up,” he assured.
Also contributing, the Director, Project Certification and Authorisation Department (PICAD), of NCDMB, Engr. Abayomi Bamidele, said the Customs and Excise Department has a role to play, and that manufacturers and coaters of line pipes could team up and prepare a draft bill, which should be submitted to the National Assembly for a law to bring in the Customs Department to play a role.
The NCDMB and all stakeholders agreed that platforms like the Stakeholders Workshop should hold regularly, and that it would be desirable for similar platforms where financial institutions could participate, given the critical importance of funding.
Akinyefa’s inefficiency and pride influenced his resignation.
Every organization has set standards, processes, and procedures that shape its operations and administration.
The radio is a unit within the conglomerate of businesses that constitute Ilaji Hotels and sports resort.
Every unit is administered and managed with diligence, competence and strict adherence to professional ethics without compromise or any form of disregard to constituted authority or act of dishonesty. The hallmark of our corporate culture as a group includes discipline, teamwork and sense of ownership.
Mr. Akinyefa exited voluntarily from the company not because of any intimidation as claimed by him. He simply discovered that his flagrant disregard to the constituted authority, self destructive pride and inflated ego would have no place in our well structured establishment.
A change of name in designation from GM to HOS done in good faith for his development in management having failed woefully in the discharge of his duties was the main reason for his decision.
Let us remember that every position requires a duty, and every duty,a responsibility, and every responsibility an obligation. At Ilaji, anything short of this is unacceptable.
We ask you all to disregard any news or information contrary to this. Thank you,
Management
Oniponda-elect, Prince Dr. Adedotun Adeboyejo, Celebrates Osun Commissioner, Rev. Bunmi Jenyo, on His Birthday
The Oniponda of Iponda-Ijesa (Elect), Prince Dr. Adedotun Adebola Adeboyejo, has joined numerous friends and well-wishers in celebrating the Honourable Commissioner for Commerce and Industry in Osun State, Reverend Bunmi Jenyo, on the occasion of his birthday.
In a statement, Prince Dr. Adeboyejo described Reverend Bunmi Jenyo as a man of dignity, integrity, and deep passion for humanity. He lauded his unwavering dedication and loyalty as an executive cabinet member in the administration of His Excellency, Senator Ademola Adeleke, acknowledging his immense contributions to governance and development in Osun State.
Reflecting on his personal journey, Prince Dr. Adeboyejo expressed profound gratitude for Rev. Jenyo’s invaluable support in his path to kingship, noting that his impact has been immeasurable and commendable.
Furthermore, the Oniponda-elect highlighted Reverend Bunmi Jenyo’s steadfast loyalty to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Osun State. He praised the Commissioner’s dedication to public service, emphasizing that his role in the Commerce and Industry sector has spurred remarkable transformation, fostering growth, development, and economic progress across the state.
As he marked this special occasion, Prince Dr. Adeboyejo offered fervent prayers for Reverend Bunmi Jenyo, asking God to grant him more wisdom, divine favor, and unending joy. He also prayed for continued good health, strength, and prosperity for the Commissioner and his family.
OORBDA boss, Otunba Engr. Dr. Adedeji Asiru visits Iponda Ijesha, pledges sporadic Transformational Development
The Managing Director/CEO Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authority, Otunba Engr. Dr. Adedeji Asiru, alongside his management team paid a courtesy visit to Iponda Ijesha community in Osun State.
Ably received by Oniponda designate Prince Dr. Adedotun Adebola Adeboyejo, on behalf of the good people of the sprawling town, Otunba Ashiru was given a befitting hero’s welcome by sons and daughters of Iponda.
While speaking on the purpose of the visit, the OORDBA topshot affirmed that the landmark visit of his management to Iponda town is aimed at fostering and attracting sustainable development in the community.
During the visit, Dr. Asiru, a long-time friend and associate of the Oniponda designate, Prince Dr. Adedotun Adebola Adeboyejo, made a firm commitment to supporting Iponda-Ijesa’s growth and infrastructural advancement through several impactful projects which are in concomittant with the developmental agenda of His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR. Otunba Engr. Ashiry highlighted the need to enhance agricultural productivity, improve access to clean and drinkable water, and boost community security, outlining the following key initiatives:
1. Dam Construction with Irrigation System
Recognizing the importance of agriculture to the local economy, Dr. Asiru pledged to construct a dam equipped with an irrigation system. This project will ensure a steady and reliable water supply for all-year-round farming, significantly boosting agricultural productivity, food security, and economic empowerment for the people of Iponda-Ijesa.
2. Industrial Power Boreholes
Access to clean and safe water remains a critical challenge for many rural communities. To address this, Dr. Asiru committed to installing industrial power boreholes, providing a sustainable and dependable water source for the people of Iponda-Ijesa. This initiative aims to enhance public health and improve daily living conditions.
3. Solar-Powered Street Lights
To enhance safety and security, Dr. Asiru promised to install solar-powered streetlights across strategic locations in Iponda-Ijesa. This initiative will not only improve nighttime visibility but also foster a safer and more secure environment for residents, promoting economic activities even after dark.
A Commitment to Progress
While expressing his appreciation for the warm reception, Dr. Asiru reaffirmed his dedication to the development of Iponda-Ijesa and Osun State as a whole. He assured the Oniponda-elect and the community that these promises will be fulfilled in due course, marking a new era of progress and prosperity.
In response, the Oniponda designate, Prince Dr. Adedotun Adebola Adeboyejo commended Dr. Asiru’s visionary leadership and generosity, emphasizing that these projects will have a lasting impact on the lives of the people. He further expressed confidence that such collaborations will transform Iponda-Ijesa into a model community, setting a precedent for other regions.
With these commitments, the future of Iponda-Ijesa, Osun State looks brighter, as the community eagerly anticipates the implementation of these transformational projects.
