Author: Francis Francis

Delta State Government, Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited and the UTM Offshore Ltd, Tuesday, signed a Shareholders Agreement for the development of first Floating Liquefied Natural Gas, FLNG in Nigeria.  Secretary to the State Government, Dr Kingsley Emu and Solicitor General and Permanent Secretary Ministry of Justice, Mr Omamuzo Erebe signed for the Delta State Government, while the Group Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Mele Kyari and Group Managing Director Julius Rone signed for NNPC Limited and UTM Offshore, respectively. With the agreement Delta State Government will own eight percent share of the project, NNPC Limited 20 percent and UTM Offshore…

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The Delta State Government is charting a course to usher a wave of opportunities with the ambitious goal of its Special Economic Zone to create jobs for 1000 youths by the dawn of 2024. The Delta State Special Trade Economic Zone, serving as the nucleus of this groundbreaking initiative, is slated to become a hub of economic activities and innovation following modalities to partner with foreign investors. Addressing journalists yesterday in Asaba, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Special Economic Zone, Koko and Kwale, Pastor Godwin Samson Akpovie emphasized the commitment to fostering an environment conducive to sustainable growth…

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In the intricate tapestry of human well-being, the threads of mental and physical health are inextricably woven together. While society often compartmentalizes these aspects, dismissing mental health as an afterthought, the undeniable truth is that the mind and body share a profound and unbreakable connection. Ignoring this symbiotic relationship is not only detrimental to individuals but undermines the very foundation of holistic health. At the forefront of this alliance is the acknowledgment that mental health is not a siloed entity operating in isolation. The state of one’s mind is an architect, sculpting the contours of physical well-being. Scientific evidence now…

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The First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has been decorated as the Grand Patron of the National Council for Women Societies, (NCWS) Nigeria at an impressive ceremony at the Banquet Hall of the State House, Abuja. At the event, Senator Oluremi Tinubu noted that the NCWS has always been a beacon for advocacy addressing systemic issues that affect women in Nigeria even as the nation strives to create a more equitable and empowered society, where women are not just beneficiaries but integral contributors to the nation’s progress and prosperity. She noted that “The NCWS is…

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The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, FNIPR, has called for enhanced strategic communication in achieving effective policing and peaceful coexistence in Nigeria. He made the remark during the annual Police Public Relations Officers (PPROs) Conference in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. Underlining the theme of the conference, “Enhanced Strategic Communication as the Panacea for Effective Policing and Peaceful Coexistence in Nigeria,” the Minister commended the Nigeria Police Force for recognizing the critical importance of communication in today’s dynamic and complex world. He acknowledged the commitment of the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Kayode Egbetokun, to fostering professionalism and respect…

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President Bola Tinubu has said his administration is prioritizing and improving Nigeria’s health sector through massive investments and the allocation of increased funds to the sector in the proposed 2024 budget.  The President made this declaration at the unveiling of Nigeria’s Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative and the signing of the Health Renewal Compact by Federal, State Governments, and Development Partners in Abuja on Tuesday. The event was a part of activities marking Universal Health Coverage (UHC) Day, observed annually on December 12. “Delivering improved quality health is an underpinning factor in my promise of Renewed Hope to Nigerians. That…

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In a scathing commentary, prominent social critic Reno Omokri has vehemently admonished parents for jeopardizing the cultural identity of their offspring in a relentless pursuit of opulence. Omokri, known for his outspoken views, warned against the destructive consequences of raising children who are detached from their African roots. “Don’t destroy your children all because you want them to be posh,” Omokri declared in a stark call to action, imploring parents to strike a balance between affluence and cultural preservation. The commentary, released as a rallying cry for cultural awareness, emphasized the importance of instilling a strong sense of African heritage…

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In the kaleidoscope of human relationships, cultural influences play a pivotal role in shaping the very fabric of love and marriage. While cultural diversity enriches our global tapestry, it is imperative to confront the harsh realities that some cultural norms perpetuate within the realms of romantic partnerships. This article delves into the unfiltered truth of how cultural influences impact love and marriage on a global scale, shedding light on both the enriching and often problematic aspects of these traditions. The Dichotomy of Tradition and Progress: Cultural traditions, handed down through generations, often intertwine with the institution of marriage. While these…

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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Tuesday, presented a budget of N76.586billion (Seventy Six Billion, Five Hundred and Eighty Six Million Naira) as its budget proposal for 2024 to the House of Representatives’ Committee on Financial Crimes. The proposed budget represents a 53.48% increase over and above the Commission’s 2023 appropriation of N49.901billion (Forty Nine Billion, Nine Hundred and One Million Naira). In the budget estimate, a total sum of N37.074 billion( Thirty Seven Billion, Seventy Four Million Naira) was proposed as personnel cost, N14.513billion( Fourteen Billion, Five Hundred and Thirteen Million Naira) as overhead cost and N25.000(…

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Superintendent of Customs Akpevwe Ogboru, a dedicated officer of the Nigeria Customs Service, has etched her name in history by becoming the first Nigerian woman to embark on a remarkable journey through 12 African countries on a motorcycle, covering an impressive distance of over 8,000 kilometers. A statement by the Customs said commencing her expedition from Lagos on November 10, 2023, Ogboru navigated her way through Benin, Togo, Ghana, Cote d’Ivoire, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea-Bissau, Senegal, Gambia, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Togo, ultimately arriving at the Seme-Krake Joint Border Post on Sunday, December 3, 2023. Expressing her passion for travel,…

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Secretary to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Muhammad Hammajoda has tasked parents across the country to be more committed to the upbringing of their children and offer good examples in order to raise the bar of Integrity at home. In a statement yesterday, the EFCC said he gave this charge while receiving members of the Advocacy for Positive Behavioral Patterns Initiative, AFPBPI, at the corporate headquarters of the EFCC in Abuja. Hammajoda said the fight against corruption cannot be fought by the Commission alone and that it will require the involvement of parents, role models and other stakeholders.…

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The Minister of State, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, has advocated for National Agriculture Data Centre to attract investors to enhance Food and Nutrition Security in Nigeria. The Minister gave this indication during the meeting with the Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) delegation led by the Director, Office of Emergency & Resilience, Mr. Rein Paulsen in Abuja, recently. He stated that the data governing system would attract and encourage investors, noting that such data would help to define farm types and enable the Ministry know where farms exist. The Minister harped on the need to…

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A Third Prosecution Witness, PW3, in the trial of Godwin Emefiele, former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Oluwole Owoeye, has told a High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Abuja, presided over by Justice Hamza Muazu that all the forty-five (45) contracts awarded by the erstwhile governor of the apex bank, did not go through the Contract’s Tender Committee of the bank. Owoeye, Head of the Secretariat of the Major Contract Tender Committee, MCTC, disclosed to the court that any contract in excess of N10million must go through MCTC, however, the award of the contracts, though…

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In the hustle and bustle of our modern lives, Sundays often seem like the last gasp of a fleeting weekend. The temptation to succumb to the clutches of mindless scrolling or individual pursuits is strong. However, let’s not underestimate the transformative power of a Lazy Sunday spent reconnecting with the roots of happiness – family. In an era where virtual connections often overshadow the real ones, the importance of family bonding has never been more crucial. It’s time to declare war on the relentless march of time and rediscover the sheer joy and satisfaction that comes from sharing a lazy…

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Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s aide, Ossai Ovie Success has again accused the All Progressives Congress candidate in the 2023 governorship election, Ovie Omo-Agege of paying millions of naira to unknown people to blackmail Oborevwori and his predecessor, Ifeanyi Okowa. In a post on Facebook, Ossai bragged that Omo-Agege is sore afraid of losing the governorship tussle at the Appeal Court despite coughing out millions of naira to unseat Oborevwori. Ossai expressed confidence that even if there are manipulations from the ‘powers above,’ Oborevwori would remain the State’s leader. He wrote: Omo-Agege afraid of losing court case despite paying blackmailers Millions of…

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Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, Sunday, called on political officer holders to continue serving the people with humility to the glory of God. Oborevwori spoke at the thanksgiving service in honour of Majority Leader of the State House of Assembly, Hon. Emeka Nwaobi, at St Paul’s Catholic Cathedral Church, Issele-Uku, Aniocha North Local Government Area of the State. The Governor, who described the celebrant, Emeka Nwaobi, as a good man, urged him to continue serving God with humility. He urged him to use his position to bring the people of Aniocha North together for the good of the local government…

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In a thought-provoking social media post, prominent author and commentator, Reno Omokri, has urged against the sweeping generalization of Nigerian culture, calling for a more nuanced approach to understanding the diverse traditions that shape the nation. Omokri specifically addressed the danger of using the practices of one group to define the entire Nigerian culture, emphasizing the rich tapestry of customs and values that vary across ethnicities. Drawing on his personal experiences, he highlighted distinctions between Northern and Southern Nigerian cultures, as well as differences within specific Southern ethnicities, such as the Itsekiris. In his post, Omokri recounted his time living…

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Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, Friday, said his administration was committed to ensuring excellence, process driven and result oriented governance for the people of the state. Governor Oborevwori stated this at the 2023 Delta State Executive Council Retreat held at Maryam Babangida Leisure Park, Asaba. He said the retreat with Theme: “Delivering the M.O.R.E Agenda for Advancing Delta: Strategies Enablers” was necessary to ensure that Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) of government align their programmes and activities with the administration’s policy focus. He said the strategic imperatives of the MORE agenda have been distilled into deliverables that can be measured,…

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President Bola Tinubu has condoled with the family of retired soldier, broadcaster, and veteran actor, Usman Baba Pategi (Samanja), who died on Sunday at 84. A statement by Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, said Tinubu described the death of the popular thespian as a painful loss, saying he contributed to the country through the various vocations he pursued in his lifetime. “The late Pategi chose to obey the call to national duty when the country needed his service. His television show, Samanja, was must-watch entertainment for decades. Through the show, he taught young citizens…

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A Kano State High Court presided over by Justice Ibrahim Musa Karaye has convicted and sentenced two fraudsters, Benjamin Okechukwu Udeagwu and Benjamin Amos Olamide to three years imprisonment for internet- related offences. They were jailed after pleading guilty to one- count separate charges bordering on internet fraud upon their arraignment by the Kano Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC. The charge against Udeagwu reads: “That You, Benjamin Okechukwu Udeagwu sometime in September, 2023 in Kano within the jurisdiction of the High Court of Kano with intent to defraud, obtained the sum of $50 by fraudulently…

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The National Association of Nigerian Diaspora Organization, NADA, has expressed its wholehearted support to the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Mr. Ola Olukoyede on his appointment and commitment to properly focus the anti-corruption mandate of the Commission, especially in bringing back stolen funds stashed away abroad. NADA expressed this support through a Press Release signed by its President, Dr. Dotun Aliu in the United States of America, USA. According to the organization, Olukoyede’s appointment is timely and strategic in the quest to rid Nigeria of the menace of economic and financial crimes and other acts of…

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In the realm of sports, the spotlight often shines on the physical prowess and the dazzling displays of athleticism. Yet, beneath the surface, there exists a profound and often overlooked facet: the impact on mental health. The psychological ramifications of sports extend far beyond the playing field, offering an array of benefits for both athletes and devoted fans. For athletes, the mental fortitude required is as vital as their physical abilities. The grueling demands of competition test not only their bodies but also their minds. Through the trials of victory and defeat, athletes cultivate resilience, determination, and a formidable mental…

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The Federal Ministry of Women Affairs has expressed its willingness to collaborate with the National Population Commission (NPC) with a view to identifying common grounds for the development of reliable data that will guide the implementation of government policy and initiatives for the improvement of the welfare of women and vulnerable children in the country The Minister of Women Affairs, Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye disclosed this yesterday in her Office in Abuja when she received in audience, a delegation from the National Population Commission, led by its Chairman, Hon. Nasir Kwarra. She stated that the move was in line with the Renewed…

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The Governor of Delta State, Sheriff Oborevwori, Thursday, said his administration would continue to patronise competent indigenous contractors while also engaging foreign ones for critical projects. Governor Oborevwori disclosed this during the inspection of some completed and ongoing projects in Ika North-East and Aniocha South Local Government Areas of the state. The projects inspected include the Faculties of Engineering and Environmental Sciences at the University of Delta, (UNIDEL), Owa-Alero Campus, Ute-Okpu – Ute-Enugu Road and Isheagu – Ewulu Road. He commended the immediate past Governor of the state, Senator (Dr) Ifeanyi Okowa, for initiating the projects, adding that his administration…

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The Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar has assured the Nigeria Veterans of Federal Government’s commitment in the provision of better welfare to them and their families. The Minister gave the assurance when he received the Executives of the Veteran Association of Nigeria on Wednesday, 8th November 2023 in Ship House, Abuja. He stated that Federal Government was working on an existing structure that would be all inclusive in terms of the welfare of the Veterans and their families. Speaking on the Security Debarment Allowance (SDA), the Minister stated that the (SDA) would be paid in two trenches adding that…

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President Bola Tinubu will today, depart Abuja for Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to attend the Saudi-Africa Summit, which is scheduled to take place in Riyadh on November 10, 2023. A statement by Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President said at the Saudi-Africa Summit, Tinubu will underscore Nigeria’s commitment to attracting more Foreign Direct Investment and expanding business partnerships, which are strongly reinforced by his administration’s ongoing domestic economic reforms. “Discussions at the first Saudi-Africa Summit will revolve around supporting joint action, enhancing political coordination, addressing regional security threats, facilitating economic transformation through research and the local development of new energy…

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu yesterday, sympathized with the Canadian government, diplomatic community, and all persons affected by a fire incident which occurred on Monday at the Canadian High Commission in Abuja. In a statement by his special assistant on media and publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, the President assured the Canadian authorities of the full support of the Nigerian government in the aid of diplomatic and local staff of the High Commission who were particularly affected by the incident. Tinubu prayed for the repose of the departed souls and wished all injured persons a rapid and full recovery.

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The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Police Affairs Dr. Nasir Sani-Gwarzo has called on corporate and non-government Organizations to extend their humanitarian services to the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) as a support to officers and men providing security for lives and property in the country. He made the appeal during a courtesy visit of the Alhabibiyah Islamic Society led by Mallam Ibrahim Idris to the Headquarters of the Ministry recently. The Permanent Secretary expressed his appreciation to the organization for their selfless service and humanitarian duty to the society urging them to extend these services to the Nigeria Police Force as…

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The Ekiti State Independent Power Project (IPP) has commenced operations with a successful test run. A statement by the government said the IPP project has been tested successfully for two weeks, distributing 700 kW out of the total 3.5 megawatt capacity, leaving room for expansion. According to the statement, the IPP project was initiated by the previous administration led by Dr. Kayode Fayemi and completed by Governor Biodun Oyebanji. “This initiative aims to address the shortage of electricity supply in the state and reduce sole dependence on the national grid for electricity generation. “The power generation concept, under the Public-Private…

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The Minister of State for Defence, Muhammad Bello Matawalle has commended the triumphant Cadets for winning many medals and trophy in the Sailing games held in China. While commending the Cadets, he assured them of the Ministry’s support in future competition. The Minister made the commendation and assurance for support when he received the Commandant of Nigeria Defence Academy (NDA) and Cadets for their outstanding performance in the sailing competition held in China in his office, in Ship House, Abuja. Matawalle expressed his excitement for the trophies the cadets won, saying that their performance has put Nigeria on the international…

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