NNPCL begins Utapate crude sale to global refiners
The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited says it has commenced sales of its latest crude oil grade, the Utapate crude oil blend, to international refiners, six months after it began exploration. It said the development is a major boost for Nigeria’s crude oil production, revenue generation and economic growth efforts. Produced from the Utapate field in the Oil Mining Lease 13 in Akwa Ibom State, the Utapate crude oil blend is similar to the Nembe crude oil grade. He said in bringing the new crude oil blend to the global market, the NNPCL wanted to optimise value for both its producers and counterparties across the globe. The entry of the Utapate crude oil blend into the market is coming barely a year after the NNPCL announced the launch of Nembe crude oil, produced by the NNPC/Aiteo operated OML 29 Joint Venture.
Source:Punch
November 21, 2024 10:45 UTC
PSDdF seeks promotion of ethical, socially responsible journalism
As part of efforts to strengthen institutions and hold public officers accountable, Project Lead, Private Sector Development for Democracy (PSDdF), Joy Lawal, has stressed the need to promote ethical journalism in the country. Country Director of the Centre for International Private Enterprise (CIPE), Lola Adekanye, identified other priority areas as capacity development and civic education, corruption and private sector accountability and land tenure reforms. Adekanye added that there is also a need to tell stories of companies that do business with integrity. He added that there must be consequences for good and bad behaviours. The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the American Business Council, Margaret Olele, disclosed that PSDdF’s main objective is to develop and advocate the National Agenda for Democratic Strengthening to foster economic growth and shared prosperity.
Source:The Guardian
November 21, 2024 08:59 UTC
The new basic education curriculum
WHILE reading The Guardian newspaper of Saturday, 26th October, 2024, I was very happy to learn about the rollout of a new basic education curriculum which is coming soon. What made me so happy about this news piece is that I learnt that some new vocational subjects will be incorporated into the new basic education curriculum. The learning and teaching that takes place in Nigerian schools, even at the basic education level, must look beyond simply promoting literacy and numeracy. What is left to be anticipated now is that adequate preparations be put in place for this new basic education curriculum that is planned. It is indeed a laudable initiative that the government is introducing vocational education and training into the new basic education curriculum.
Source:Nigerian Tribune
November 21, 2024 06:41 UTC
North Korean involvement in the Russo-Ukrainian war: A step towards nuclear war
THE Russo-Ukrainian war is the largest military conflict in Europe since the Second World War. However, the recent trajectory of events suggests that the Russo-Ukrainian war is getting worse and not declining. South Korea in particular is peeved about the budding alliance between North Korea and Russia for fear that Russia will align with North Korea if ever there was a war on the Korean Peninsula. However, the active participation of North Korea in the Russo-Ukrainian war has compelled South Korea to revisit its military policies and participation in the war. The world may not survive a nuclear war if the Russo-Ukrainian war escalates.
Source:Nigerian Tribune
November 21, 2024 05:28 UTC
Head of service unveils portal for govt circulars
The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Didi Walson-Jack, has unveiled an online portal to enhance the accessibility of government circulars for civil servants. Speaking at the launch event in Abuja on Wednesday, Walson-Jack described circulars as essential tools for governance and administration within the civil service. This has, at times, hindered institutional memory and disrupted seamless service delivery.”Walson-Jack stressed that the new compendium of circulars would improve transparency, efficiency, and effectiveness in the civil service. “This online compendium of Civil and Public Service Circulars will significantly enhance the civil service’s efficiency, transparency, and effectiveness, directly supporting our goals of a more responsive Service. It reflects our belief that a modern Civil Service is not just about what we do but how we do it.
Source:Punch
November 21, 2024 00:27 UTC
FCCPC warns Nigerians of substandard sugar in markets
The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission has alerted the public to the circulation of substandard and unregistered sugar products in Nigerian markets. It stated that the low-quality sugar, primarily smuggled from Brazil, poses significant health risks to consumers and undermines the integrity of the country’s local sugar industry. “The absence of this fortification exposes Nigerian consumers to serious health risks, including blindness and increased susceptibility to infections,” Ijagwu warned. Beyond the health risks, the FCCPC expressed concern about the economic impact of these illicit sugar products. Consumers have been urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious or substandard sugar products to the FCCPC.
Source:Punch
November 20, 2024 22:48 UTC
Why Osimhen is currently better than Haaland – Okan Buruk
Galatasaray manager Okan Buruk has sparked conversation by naming Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen as the best forward in Europe right now, Soccernet.ng reports. In an interview shared by Assist Analiz, Buruk has named the Super Eagles talisman ahead of Manchester City’s Erling Haaland following his recent performance for his club and country. Buruk acknowledged Haaland’s immense talent but stated that Osimhen’s recent performances have set him apart from the former Borussia Dortmund striker. “There are not many elite strikers in Europe,” Buruk said. Although Haaland remains one of the most prolific goal-scorers in Europe, Buruk shifted his focus towards Osimhen’s overall impact on the pitch, particularly following recent struggles for Manchester City.
Source:The Guardian
November 20, 2024 17:14 UTC
Snubbed by Nigeria, wanted in Spain: Real Sociedad and Celta Vigo target Super Eagles star
West Bromwich Albion forward Josh Maja has become a prime target for La Liga clubs Real Sociedad and Celta Vigo, Soccernet.ng reports. According to Super Deporte, Real Sociedad have added the Nigerian international to their list of potential recruits ahead of the January transfer window, intensifying the race with Celta Vigo, who are currently leading the pursuit. Celta Vigo are believed to be willing to match West Brom’s £16 million valuation for their in-form striker. His performances ended West Brom’s eight-match winless run and brought his tally to nine league goals this season, despite a mini-dry spell. While he remains pivotal to West Brom’s promotion hopes, the potential £16m windfall might be difficult for the Championship side to reject.
Source:The Guardian
November 20, 2024 13:20 UTC
Travel firm pledges ticket price slash
One of Nigeria’s travel agencies, Super International Travels, is bringing the holiday spirit to travel professionals with its upcoming event tagged ‘The Super International Travels Agency Hangout 2024’. The gathering will take place at the agency’s headquarters in Ikeja and provide an opportunity for expert networking, industry insights, and valuable training for travel agents. This was disclosed in a statement signed by the General Manager of Super International Travels, Sanmi Shobayo, and made available to the PUNCH on Tuesday. The statement also promised tickets’ price slash in recognition of clients’ loyalty and yuletide celebrations. “We are also preparing for a fare slash in December, offering even more opportunities for travellers to create lasting holiday memories with family and friends,” it stated.
Source:Punch
November 20, 2024 04:02 UTC
Insecurity: Military remains guardian of Nigeria’s unity, democracy – Gen Abdulsalami, IBB, others
Former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar and other prominent Nigerians have emphasised the crucial role of Nigesaf’s military in safeguarding the nation’s unity and democracy. Abdulsalami commended the author for his patriotism and unwavering commitment to democracy and national unity. He said: “An excellent scholar, Fadile has continued to seek knowledge, stay curious and remain committed to Nigeria’s progress. He emphasized the need for the military to focus on safeguarding peace, human life, and law and order, rather than seizing power. While appreciating all who attended the launch despite their busy schedules, Col. Fadile recounting his struggles through years of service.
Source:The Guardian
November 19, 2024 22:41 UTC
Forum advocates stronger democratic institutions
The Private Sector Development for Democratic Forum has called for the strengthening of democratic institutions such as the media, judiciary, and electoral bodies, saying only through this can Nigeria achieve it desired development. The forum stated this during a one-day briefing session by the National Agenda for Democratic Strengthening with Private Sector leaders in Lagos over the weekend. Speaking at the event, the Country Director of CIPE Nigeria, Ms. Lola Adekanye, emphasised that strong democratic institutions were essential for upholding justice, ensuring transparency, and maintaining public trust. She added that the judiciary, media, and electoral bodies among others were crucial to the sustenance of Nigeria’s democratic principles. The PSDdF noted that corruption remained a major barrier to Nigeria’s democratic and economic development, and had eroded public trust and weakened government institutions.
Source:Punch
November 19, 2024 18:01 UTC
Africa’s Best Player award: Super Eagles star misses out as Lookman joins South Africa GK on final shortlist
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has unveiled the final shortlist for the 2024 Africa Player of the Year award, with Nigeria’s Ademola Lookman and South Africa’s Ronwen Williams making the cut, Soccernet.ng reports. Notably absent from the final shortlist is Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong, who had featured in the initial 10-man roster. South African goalkeeper Williams, whose commanding performances have been pivotal for club and country, has also made a strong case for the award. The winners across various categories will be announced during a star-studded ceremony in Marrakesh, Morocco, on December 16. The event promises to celebrate the best in African football, with honours for both men’s and women’s achievements.
Source:The Guardian
November 19, 2024 14:46 UTC
Group recommits to strengthening Nigeria-India relations
Overseas Friends of BJP (OFBJP) have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening Nigeria and India’s economic relations. This was the crux of the meeting between the Indian political group and Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi during his recent visit to Abuja, capital of Nigeria. According to the group, the meeting was to reflect on the long-standing, historical, and cultural ties between Nigeria and India. Also speaking, the spokesperson, OFBJP, Abuja, Sudhir Rathore, said: “Prime Minister Modi’s visit marks a pivotal moment in strengthening the relationship between India and Nigeria, elevating it to new heights. The group engages in charitable activities such as organizing community welfare programmes to uplift underprivileged groups.
Source:The Guardian
November 19, 2024 13:57 UTC
‘When the water subsided, I saw our house was gone’ – This is climate breakdown
We didn’t know where to go, and so we ended up in the water. View image in fullscreen Leoncia Ibanez Photograph: HandoutMy children panicked, and I didn’t know what to save first. When the water subsided, I saw that our house was gone. We don’t know how we’ll survive or start again. We don’t know where to begin.
Source:The Guardian
November 19, 2024 06:01 UTC
Banking with tears and blood
The following week on September 24, 2019, I wrote a rejoinder titled “Banking with Less Tears.”The sordid situation of bank customers has worsened as they now bank with blood. The reality is that banking business in Nigeria has become a pain for the majority of our people. No bank should be allowed to keep to itself the details of banking transactions of its customers. Then by month end you get to know what you really signed in for, when the debit alerts start hitting your mailbox as follows: “Stamp Duty Charge”, “Account Maintenance Charge”, “Monthly Maintenance Charge”, “SMS Charge”, “ATM Maintenance Charge”, etc. Enough of banking with tears and blood.
Source:The Guardian
November 19, 2024 01:44 UTC