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Moonlightnews carries as its mission the professional commitment to promote universal values of humanity, democracy, peace, social progress, equality, fairness as well as national liberation.
We are candidly committed to uphold the ethical pillars of journalism with the willingness and ceaseless readiness to publish facts not fictions; to give freedom of expression to all as well as the corresponding right of reply to the stakeholders and to say it as if is without fear or the unknown or the favour of the known.
In a bid to encourage good deeds and exemplary leadership in the society , the Catholic Men Organization, Kaduna Archdiocese honoured for lawmaker of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,Senator Shehu Sani with an award of Excellence.
The award titled, “Voice of the Masses ” was in recognition of his invaluable contributions to fight against injustices and resolute disposition about the plights of the masses in the society
Speaking during the presentation ceremony at his Kaduna residence, the Leader of the delegation, Mr. Bature Joel Madaki ,2023 Convention Chairman, Catholic Men Organization of Kaduna Archdiocese said decision to honour the former lawmaker , who represented Kaduna Central Senatorial District in 8th Senate was to encourage him to remain steadfast and do more for the masses.
“On behalf of the Catholic Men Organisation (CMO), Kaduna Catholic Archdiocese we present to you this award of excellence for being the voice of the masses. This is in our own little way of supporting and encouraging you for all you have doing for humanity. We thank you for accepting this award from this family.”he stated.
While noting that Senator Shehu Sani has always represented and spoke for the masses before he was elected as a lawmaker and have continued to do so even out of office,he added ,”This is part of reasons we want him to know that there are people, who appreciate his constant support for the masses .”
In his reaction shortly after receiving the award , Senator Shehu Sani who ,thanked the Catholic Church of Nigeria for invaluable award, said ,” I feel highly honoured to receive such prestigious award for appreciating our own modest contribution to humanity. When an award is given, it is an encouragement, it is a booster and energiser for the recipient in appreciation for what he or she has done. I also believe that an award a path to the future. It is not simply about what you have done in the past. It propels you to do more.
He further explained,”Catholic organisation in Kaduna has been as long as our history. The Catholic organisation has contributed tremendously to the socio-economic life of the people of Kaduna State. We grew up where we saw the hands of Catholic in education, in health, peace and harmonious coexistence in Kaduna State. The Catholic church in Kaduna is part and parcel of our life. Today we have established institutions that has benefited every irrespective of his religion or ethnic identity.
” I can say that there is no indigene of Kaduna State that has not benefitted from the magnanimity of Catholic in the State. Unfortunately as I am receiving this award.
“I will also use this opportunity to say that over the years, religious leaders have suffered tremendously in the hands of bandits and terrorists in the State. We have seen Muslims leaders killed, we have also seen where Christian leaders are killed. But there is no one segment of religious groups that have suffered in terms of targeting church leaders by bandits like the Catholic church.
” We have seen the adoption of many of your Priests, and killings of many of your Priests. There are those of us who have never relented in condemning every aspect of this systemic attack on Catholic church.
“I can remember some years ago, how a terrorist rammed a vehicle into Catholic church in Malali and killed many worshippers and injured several others. I can also recall a number of Priests that I know personally that were killed by terrorists. But for me as one of the major stakeholders in Kaduna State, I can tell you that you still have a role to play by adding more to the efforts to cement the divide that exists between the Northern and Southern part of Kaduna State.
“The river Kaduna that divides the North and Southern part of Kaduna should be a source and a fountain for peace, unity and cordial relationship between the North and South of the State. Kaduna State is one of the top three States that have suffered in the hands of terrorists. There is no part of this State that is immune to terrorism attack.”
Inna Lillahi Wa’inna Ilaihim Raji’un The late Nigerian diplomat ‘AMB. MANSUR NUHU BAMALLI, (MAGAJIN GARIN ZAZZAU)’ had devoted his skill energy to forging peaceful relations between nigeria and Morocco.
Late Amb. Bamalli would perhaps be best remembered for his humility, hard work and straightforwardness endeared him to many, as he was accessible to all manner of people irrespective of creed, religion or political affiliation.
He would be remembered for his diplomatic acumen.
May Almighty Allah forgive the deceased his sins, grant him Aljanatu firdaus and the family, Zazzau emirate, as well as the people and government of Kaduna State and nigeria, the courage to bear the irreparable loss.
HON. BARR. IBRAHIM BELLOFORMER MEMBER FEDERAL HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVE, SSA TO THE EXECUTIVE GOVERNOR OF KADUNA ON CHIEFTAINCY AFFAIRS
Also the biological younger brother to the Emir of Zazzau.
Comrade Musa Mohammed (Moonlight)
Gratitude for the life of the man and sadness at his untimely death.
I extended my deepest condolences to Ambassador Mansur Bamalli’s family, the diplomatic community, as well as Zazzau emirate, the Government and people of Kaduna State.
Late Ambassador Bamalli has dedicated himself in fostering mutually-beneficial diplomatic ties between Nigeria and Morocco, noting his commitment to diplomacy.
He was hardworking, articulate and attentive to all and sundry, he was known and loved for the open-door policy he operated as Nigeria’s diplomat.
He welcomed all to the Embassy.
He injected a high dose of intellectual energy into his job. He maintained the suave diplomat’s veneer while promoting and polishing his country’s interests and image respectively.
He devoted himself fully to his duties during his illustrious time in service as a Nigerian diplomat.
We will always remember Ambassador Bamalli’s profound grasp of geo-political intricacies and how he aptly harnessed his wealth of skill and experience in multilateral diplomacy to advance worldwide peace, security, and development.
Our nation has lost an exemplary diplomat.
I will always hold cherished memories of my interactions with him during a sallah in Zaria.
His unwavering dedication and strong sense of duty left an indelible mark. May his legacy continue to inspire us to strive for a more harmonious and prosperous world.
I prays that Almighty Allah will continue to console Ambassador Bamalli’s family, friends, and colleagues while granting eternal rest to the departed soul.
Comrade Musa Mohammed (Moonlight) National President AREWA MEDIA PRACTITIONERS Editor-In-Chief and Publisher MOONLIHGTNEWS
The state of insecurity; the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Gwabin Musa will definitely coordinate and unify the war on terror being waged by the diverse segments of the Armed Forces to achieve the collective goal of eradicating all traces of threats to our national security.
Nigerians may soon begin to witness a new approach to tackling insecurity in the country as the new chief of Defence Staff (CDS) assumed duty, vowing to raise the tempo of the heat on terrorists, oil thieves and other criminals until they are totally subdued.
Christopher Musa is a general with cognitive experience and exposure in security and intelligence at the highest who make positive impact as the chief of Defence Staff.
The Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, while taking over the command of the Armed Forces from the erstwhile defence chief, Gen. Lucky Irabor, reiterated the determination of the military to go after terrorists, bandits and other criminals in full force.
He said the military under his command would go all out to ensure that there is security of life and property in Nigeria.
“As the CDS, my promise to Nigeria is that we will continue to improve on our mandate of sustaining peace and tranquility in our country.
“I will assure every Nigerian to feel safe that the armed forces are up and doing and are highly professional and will be there for them. Nobody should doubt our determination to bring peace to Nigeria and anybody, especially the criminals, bandits, terrorists who think otherwise should be ready to face the music.
“The Nigerian armed forces will come out in full force while safeguarding the safety and security of the citizenry,” he said.
Gen. Musa also promised to proiritise the welfare of personnel to enable the military get the best from them, saying that a soldier that is well fed, well taken care of would give his best. He will do better than other’s.
Gen. Chris will bring the best brains in national security, defence, and contributes his knowledge that will culminate in the professional enforcement of those important strategies to achieve the objectives for which he is appointed for.
Group under umbrella of Good Governance Forum (GGF) said the protests trailing the appointment of Mr. Ola Olukoyede as the newly appointed Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission are unnecessary considering his experience and capacity.
According to the group,those behind what was described as ‘frivolous protest’ over his qualification across the country have little or no knowledge about his experience in same EFCC.
It would be recalled that President Tinubu announced the appointment of both Olukoyede and Hammajoda on Thursday, October 12, 2023. The appointment came four months after the suspension of the former EFCC chairman, Abdulrasheed Bawa.
However,members of the Centre for Democracy and Human Rights, on Tuesday, stormed premises of the National Assembly to kick against the choice of Olukoyede as EFCC chairman.
The National Secretary of the Human Rights group,Mr Adebayo Ogorry, during the protest, alleged that the choice of Olukoyede contravened the extant laws guiding the appointment of the EFCC chairman.
But in a swift reaction to the protest, National Chairman of Good Governance Forum ,Comrade Mustapha Ibrahim Gimba in a statement made available to Journalists in Kaduna today said, “Those kicking against his appointment didn’t consider relevant position of EFCC Act that states that the Chairman must at least be an Assistant Commissioner of police or equivalent in security service or law enforcement .
The statement further reads ,”As a pressure group,known for our stand against injustice for over six years in Nigeria,We wouldn’t have any reason to kick against the sponsored protests,but for purposes of clarity and need for progress, the choice of Olukoyede is best for this country if we want to tackle the problem of corruption in our government agencies.
“The major issue raised by the prostesters are issues of qualification and cognate experience. We make bold to say he’s qualified in all sense to led the anti-graft agency having served as Chief of Staff to EFCC Chairman and Secretary of the Commission at different times.”
” EFCC requires someone with “Inside Knowledge” about the operations of the anti-graft agency to able work deliver on the mandate or ridding the country of acts of corruption.
“And those talking about cognate experience and issue of legality and constitutionality of the appointment should know that the President who appointed him knows better, reasons for his choice.
“We strongly believe that people saying Olukaoyede is not a career security or law enforcement personnel with up to 15 years of experience as EFCC act demands have not read EFCC Act.
The group however urged the the Senate to go ahead and confirm Olukoyede and Muhammad Hammajoda as the substantive Chairman and Secretary, respectively, of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
Students of Government Day Secondary School Gyewana in Numan LGA of Adamawa State in North-eastern Nigeria have expressed gratitude to the Dangote Group for building new three administration Blocks in the school.
They aired their appreciation while fielding questions from over fifty (50) Journalists who were on a working visit to some of the intervention projects executed by the Dangote Suger Refinery which is located at Numan and the school is also part of the benefitting host Communities of the company.
Some of the students who are in SS2, Mercy Pwauden, and Galilee Lawson who told the Journalists that the school has about two (200) students said “The new nine additional classrooms that Dangote built for us has made a great impact on our teaching and learning because, before their intervention, the environment was not conducive for learning.
“We really lack words that can define our appreciation to the Dangote but we pray for God to reward him and his team with abundant blessings and we are also appealing to the Adamawa State Government to come to our aid to construct a Laboratory Hall for us,” the students added.
Also responding to the Journalist’s questions, the Principal of the School, Mrs. Josephine Pius commended the Dangote Group for the gesture, adding that the company had also constructed an examination hall that the science students are using as a laboratory for practicals.
She further commended Governor Ahmadu Ummaru Fintiri for his administration’s commitment to the transformation of the educational sector among others, and urged the state government to come to the aid of the School.
According to Mr. Andrew Daniel, the Government and Community Manager of Dangote Suger Refinery, the school was not having an examination hall for more than ten (10) years but Dangote Group built it for them in 2020.
Daniel, while at the Kwapukai, also a community within Numan LGA took the Journalists to a new Primary Healthcare Center (PHC) that was constructed by the Dangote Group, which he said was all part of their social responsibilities.
He said the company had done a lot of intervention projects that have had direct impacts on the communities in the five (5) LGAs of Adamawa State that they are dealing with so far including Numan, Sheleng, Lamurde, Demsa, and Guyuk.
Recalled that the working visit to various intervention projects executed by the Dangote Group at the Communities where its Suger Refinery is situated under Numan LGA was part of the activity of the two-day workshop organized for Journalists across North-eastern Nigeria.
The workshop was organized by the Dangote Group in conjunction with the Climate Africa Media Initiative Center (CAMIC) on Environmental Journalism, held at Vortex Hotels and Resort in Jimeta, Adamawa State.
Those who were among the media team during the visit included the Editor-in-chief of NatureNews which is a foremost newspaper on the environment and climate change, and he is also the Executive Director of Climate Africa Media Initiative and Centre, Mr. Aliu Akoshile, the Chairman of TEXEM UK, who is also a Senior Lecturer in International Business at Sheffield Business School, Dr. Alim Abubakre.
Others are Mr. Pius Alabi, Chief Growth Officer of Climate Africa Media Initiative and Centre, Mr. Okey Nwankwo, Corporate Communications, Dangote Group, and Mr. Rasheed Yusuf, Programme Manager of Climate Africa Media Initiative and Centre (CAMIC), and the Adamawa State Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Comrade Ishaka Donald Dedan, as well as a veteran Journalist, Alhaji Adamu Sadiq of (NAN) among others.
During the working tour, the team paid a courtesy visit to HRM. Hama Bachama, Dr. Daniel Isma’ila Shaga, CON, at his palace in Numan.
However, Dr. John Ngamsa, a Senior Lecturer from Moddibo Adama University, Yola, and Dr. Shedrach Idi, who is also a Lecturer from the Taraba State University were among the Facilitators at the workshop.
I want to respond to the certificate issue over president Bola Ahmed Tinubu. It’s so surprising to me that many Nigerians today are crying foul of the certificate of the president we have, even when we have idea of those we elected as president.
Even when we know them we still vote them to power and continue to complain.
I must first establish this that I am not a supporter of President, Bola Tinubu. I never supported him and I am not still supporting him. But where he is right, I will talk and where he is wrong I will also talk. I am set to remain a voice of robust opposition to the government, even if I will be the lone voice. Though we are not out to work f against the government, but to put the government on their toes. And act as checks and balances where it is needed.
Now on the case of the Chicago CSU certificate. First and formost, even according to the constitution, any one intending to contest as president only need secondary school certificate to be qualified. That shows the value placed on education in our dear country. Meaning that a lot is even wrong with our political process or political requirements. If we must have a nation and want to take the issue of certificate very important. Then we are going to start the correction from our political process and precisely, our political requirements. That is when we can now boldly talk and fight on anything that has to do with the issue of certificate of our politicians
Within the last 20 years, so many politicians have come with certificates that are fake or none existence. But in the case of president Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the certificate is becoming an issue now, because the person fronting the certificate saga, precisely, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar was a man that lost in the Tribunal. After loosing at the Appeal Court Tribunal, in his desperation, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar thought of what else to use to fight, then he took up the issue of the certificate. Yet this same issue of the certificate is already a case before the Supreme Court in Nigeria. And without even waiting for the court to make judgement they already started persecuting, maligning and doing different kinds of things on social media space and political space. Because they just want to malign our president.
Now that Chicago State University CSU has finally confirmed that there is a Tinubu that attended the university, and that the court is yet to decide why not wait for the court to decide rather than passing judgement on social media?
Obviously Atiku is only looking for those to join him to malign the president then he will return to Dubai only to come back to Nigeria again to take presidential ticket as usual.
My advice to Mr. Peter Obi is that he should focus on resolving the internal crisis in the Labour Party that has divided the party into two rather than joining Atiku on this issue before the verdict of the court.
Fellow Nigerians we still have 2027 ahead of us, let’s focus on preparing on how to take over our dear country.
BY ENGR. DR. KAILANI MUHAMMAD, former NNPC Workers representatives Writes in from Kaduna
Recently, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), and it’s Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO), Mallam Mele Kyari, have come under series of attacks from different faceless groups and individuals.
The attacks, from sponsored opinion articles, news reports, paid adverts, and editorials among others, aimed at painting the National Oil Company and it’s top management executive led by Kyari in bad light, have been consistent, as well as vicious.
The sole purpose of these sponsored campaigns of calumny, against the NNPC and it’s top management team, is to reset President Bola Tinubu, (who is the Minister of Petroleum Resources), to disengage Mallam Kyari as Group Chief Executive Officer and replace him with someone who will do the biddings of the oil cabals.
These developments have clearly shown that, corrupt individuals and groups in the oil industry, who hitherto have enriched themselves to the detriment of the nation, are not comfortable with the positive reforms the GCEO has put in place to revamp the oil and gas industry since his assumption of office about four years ago.
Bearing in mind the Nigerian factor, these scenarios have fundamentally put Kyari on the spot. The fact that, Kyari’s appointment is a game-changer, with a clear mission – to revitalize the struggling corporation, is being interpreted by these saboteurs as a challenge to them and an affront to their unethical means of robbing the country and her over 200 million citizensNigerians of the right to their common wealth.
Despite the numerous challenges be-deviling the sector, Kyari has grown crude oil production to an enviable level of 1.7 million bpd of crude oil and condensate combined as at September 2023.
According to the fourth quarter of 2022 figures released, Nigeria has regained its position as the largest crude oil producer in Africa, ahead of Algeria’s 1.021 million barrels/day and Angola’s 1.088mb/d in November 2022.
With oil theft and pipeline vandalism overwhelming Nigeria’s oil business in recent weeks, the NNPC Ltd, under the leadership of Mallam Mele Kyari, adopted the Saudi Aramco’s model of using video surveillance to monitor its pipelines carrying crude oil from wells to flow stations in the Niger Delta region. The NNPCL in collaboration with security agencies, has also put up a Control Centre, to provide surveillance of all the country’s oil and gas assets in the Niger Delta.
The surveillance system, known as the Central Coordination, Data Integration and Activation Control Room, just like the Saudi Aramco, uses video visibility to monitor the country’s Niger Delta pipeline networks, where more than 90 percent of the country’s crude is explored. Through the Data Control Centre, the NNPC, has the capability to see and monitor the movement of vessels in the coast of Nigeria’s territorial waters in real time.
From the facility, officials of the NNPCL, working with operatives of the Nigerian Navy and other security agencies, can determine, in real time, if a vessel is carrying out operations within Nigeria’s coastal waters legally.
Beyond arresting crude oil thieves and shutting down illegal refineries, the NNPCL under his leadership, has expanded the frontiers for crude oil production. One of the most impressive accomplishments of Kyari’s stewardship at NNPCL, was the flag-off of the Kolmani Integrated Development Project in Bauchi State in November 2022. This marked the first ever, commencement of effort to commercially exploit oil in the Northern part of Nigeria. The OPL 809 and 810, which lies in the Gongola Basin of the Upper Benue Trough, straddling Bauchi and Gombe States, seen as one of the most massive projects as the Kolmani Oil Field, is estimated to have a reserve of about one billion barrels of crude oil.
The project will enable the country to transport two billion standard cubic feet of natural gas daily to power plants in Abuja, Kaduna, Kano, and various gas-based industries, thus, boosting the nation’s socio-economic growth.
It is instructive to note that, the implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act, which transitioned the NNPC into NNPC Limited, being a CAMA company, has enabled the National Oil Conglomerate, to have a very strong governance structure that cannot be manipulated.
NNPC Limited currently, strictly operates under three principles of profitability, energy transition, and sustainability drive for its survival
This template has been strictly exhibited and adhered to by Kyari, through deeply innovative commitment to the highest standards of transparency and global best practices in all its activities, including its contracting process. As at now, contracts are being awarded based on rigorous evaluation criteria and in line with industry norms.
To ensure compliance to Due Process, the NNPC has subjected the selection process to a competitive tender guided by Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) standards, Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission expertise, and the active involvement of a Transaction Advisor.
The contract bidding process also has representations from NEITI and the Ministry of Justice in the project development team and the evaluation exercise.
These contracts are on the terms of Build, Operate and Transfer agreements. Selected partners are to finance the rehabilitation, as the contracts do not entail the transfer of control of these assets to any particular company. The NNPC’s objective is to enhance the integrity and functionality of the pipelines to facilitate the efficient transportation of crude oil to refineries and the distribution of its products across the country. The terms of these contracts of strategic national assets clearly stipulates that ownership remains with NNPC Limited and would be operated in the interest of over the 200 million Nigerians. Arguably, the signing of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), in August 2021 by former President Muhammadu Buhari, has opened up significant changes as it gave birth to the new, refreshed, and rejuvenated NNPCL. With the PIA in place, the company now operates like any private company in Nigeria. In September 2022, NNPCL sealed the acquisition of OVH Energy, making it to add to its assets reception jetty of 240,000MT monthly capacity, 8 LPG Plants, 3 Lubes Blending Plants, 3 Aviation Depots, and 12 warehouses. Also, Oando’s 380 fueling stations were added to NNPC’s existing stations, making it the largest in Africa. Through the deal, NNPC leveraged Oando’s coverage across Africa to become a leading energy company.
The acquisition, under the leadership of the GCEO, Mele Kyari, shows his vision has transformed the company to a force to be reckoned with in the global energy market.
The acquisition of OVH Energy in 2022 by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited has boosted the profitability of one of its subsidiaries, NNPC Retail to N18.4bn in the first three months of this year.
The acquisition of OVH, has boosted the profit margin of NNPC Retail which has jumped astronomically. For instance, in 2021 before the acquisition, NNPC Retail made N6.93bn profit. This has now jumped to N18.4bn in the first quarter of the year.
Not to mention that, the NNPCL under Kyari, in June this year, sealed another deal with four National Oil Companies on the $25bn Nigeria-Morocco Gas Pipeline Project.
These MoUs were successively signed between the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC), the Office National des Hydrocarbures et des Mines (ONHYM) of Morocco on one hand, and the Société Nationale des Opérations Pétrolières of Cote d’Ivoire (PETROCI), the National Oil Company of Liberia (NOCAL), the Société Nationale des Hydrocarbures of Benin (SNH-Benin), and the Société Nationale des Pétroles of the Republic of Guinea (SONAP) on the other hand.
The Nigeria-Morocco Gas Pipeline (NMGP) Project, executed in 2017, was initiated between the Federal Government of Nigeria and the Kingdom of Morocco during the of King Mohammed VI of Morocco to Nigeria in December 2016.
Once completed, the project will boost the monetization of the natural gas resources of the affected African countries, while also offer a new alternative export route to Europe. This is an important milestone in the quest to tackle energy poverty that has been limiting the potential of the African continent for industrialisation.
As a commercial enterprise, the NNPCL, under the eagle’s eye of Mele Kyari, sees this project as an opportunity to monetize Nigeria’s abundant hydrocarbon resources. This he intends to achieve through expansion access to energy to support economic growth, industrialization, and job creation across the African continent and beyond. Another monumental achievement of the GCEO, was securing a $7bn fresh investments from India for Nigeria’s petrochemical industry for Nigeria’s petrochemical industry during the G20 summit which was held from September 9 to 10 in New Delhi, the Indian capital, attended by Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu.
The visit was on attracting investments to Nigeria, with lucrative opportunities for investors, but most importantly, jobs for Nigerians and new revenue opportunities for the country. Recall that India is one of the growing markets for Nigeria’s Liquified Natural Gas and through this deal, the government will be able to create job opportunities for Nigerians. In the area of gas infrastructure, Kyari also led the NNPCL to achieve a $300 million reduction in the cost of the AKK Gas Pipeline contract, via contract renegotiation from the initial $2.8 billion. In December 2019, Kyari achieved the close-out of the Final Investment Decision of the multi-billion-dollar NLNG Train 7 Project. This project has been the drawing board for over a decade, during the Covid-19 which took the its toll on the global economy.
He also successfully re-negotiated the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK), Gas Pipeline contract; an integral part of the Trans-Nigeria Gas Pipeline (TNGP), with a capacity to transport about 2.2 billion cubic feet of gas per day. The contract was renegotiated from the initial $2.8bin to $2.5bn, achieving cost savings of $300m in favour of the Nigerian government. Construction work on the project was flagged-off in June 2020. He also led the signing of a $260m Financing Agreement for the Assa-North Ohaji South (ANOH) Gas Project with Seplat, to deliver 300 million standard cubic feet of gas per day and 1,200 megawatts of electricity to the domestic market.
Shortly after the removal of fuel subsidy and in line with the directive of President Tinubu, to provide alternative fuel option, the NNPCL led by Kyari entered into partnership with NIPCO Gas Limited, to develop Compressed Natural Gas stations across the country. The move is part of the NNPCL’s commitment to reducing carbon footprint and providing cheaper alternative fuel to motorists. The current initiative is in addition to the phased deployment of 56 CNG stations planned by NNPC Retail across the country.
This landmark collaboration aims to expand the country’s CNG infrastructure, improve access to CNG, and accelerate the adoption of cheaper and cleaner alternative fuel for buses, cars and Keke NAPEP. This is to significantly reduce the cost of transportation and engender sustainable national economic growth. The first phase, comprising 21 CNG stations, will support intra-city transportation and will be ready by the first quarter of 2024, while the second phase, comprising 35 CNG stations, is to support inter-city transformation and will be ready by the first quarter of 2025. Under the NNPC-NIPCO strategic partnership, 35 state-of-the-art CNG stations will be constructed nationwide, including three Mother stations. Once fully operational, the stations can service over 200,000 vehicles daily, and significantly reducing carbon emissions and associated impact on climate.
Those criticizing Kyari for non- functionality of the refineries do not have their facts right. In the first place, since the era of Gen Sani Abacha Junta up to Former president Olusegun Obasanjo tenure, the refineries were lying fallow. It was former president Muhammadu Buhari, that secured a PPP contract with DAEWOO, a South Korea firm, for the rehabilitation of the refineries before he left office.
Mele Kyari is working round the clock on the nation’s refineries based on the contract terms, and the Port Harcourt refinery is about 98% completed.
We know those and those like them, who ran away terrified and wet their pants backstage when the going gets tough. We know the factors relating to these blackmail misadventures by some disgruntled disengaged NNPCL top management staff and those who lost out at the pipeline surveillance contract. There are about 200 million Nigerians and it is impossible for all of us to secure the pipeline surveillance contract. We appeal to those who lost out in that venture, to seek for other opportunities that are so many in the country.
Those who might have lost out, should not allow their grievances to becloud their sense of reasoning to the extent, they become distractions to the GCEO while performing these critical responsibilities to the nation. It is not in doubt that Mallam Mele Kyari’s giant strides, positive contributions and focused leadership, in the oil and gas sector these four years is too numerous to mention. This is why President Bola Ahmed Tinubu reposes so much confidence in him.
Those scheming to bring him down, through cheap blackmail will fail. They will not only fail, but will meet failure awaiting them at the gate of success. Instead of these rumblings, we solicit for all well – meaning Nigerians to rally round Mele Kyari, so that together, we can witness the re- birth of a new NNPCL that offers job opportunities to our teeming unemployed youth, boost our GDP and enhance the economic status of our beloved country.
ENGR.DR.KAILANI MUHAMMAD, former NNPC Workers representatives Writes in from Kaduna
Journalists have been advised to develop an interest in Environmental reporting to safeguard and sustain nature for future generations.
The Executive Director of Climate Africa Media Initiative Centre (CAMIC), who is also the Editor-in-Chief of NatureNews Africa, Mr. Aliu Akoshile made the call during a Two-day workshop for Journalists from northeastern Nigeria.
The workshop was organized by the Dangote Group in conjunction with the Climate Africa Media Initiative Center CAMIC on Environmental Journalism, held at Vortex Hotels and Resort in Jimeta, Adamawa State.
The Theme: “Reporting the Environment for Sustainability”.
Mr. Aliu Akoshile noted that every life depends on the environment hence the need to protect it for future generations.
Acknowledging the role of journalists in protecting and preserving the healthy environment of the community, Aliu urged them to put into practice the knowledge acquired during the workshop.
A Senior Lecturer with Modibbo Adama University, Yola, Dr. John Ngamsa while presenting a paper lamented that about 90 percent of the air people inhale, is no longer pure, and advised people to brace and promote a healthy environment.
He called on the Journalists to focus more on environmental reporting to address the challenges associated with the environment.
Dr. Shadrach Idi, another resource person at the event, who is also a Lecturer from the Taraba State University focused on Investigative Environmental Journalism (IEJ) describing it as challenging and dangerous.
He encouraged the Journalists to engage in practicing IEJ with caution and stressed the need for the public to always safeguard and ensure the sustainability of the environment for the well-being of future generations.
Earlier, in an address of welcome, the Media Manager Relations of Dangote Group, in charge of Northern Nigeria, Jibrin Abubakar said the workshop aimed to equip the selected Journalists from both the Print, Electronics, and Online platforms with the necessary skills on environmental reporting to protect the nature for the next generations.
Some of the participants in an interview expressed gratitude to the Dangote Group for the opportunity and pledged to use the knowledge acquired by changing the narrative on the environmental reportage.
Moonlight Online gathered that day two of the workshops will include a field trip to tour some of the intervention projects executed by the Dangote Group for its host Community in Numan LGA of Adamawa State, as well as visit the Dangote Suger Refinery at the same location.
However, a certificate will be issued to the participants at the end of the training.
Hon. Bello El-Rufai deciding to sideline Governor Uba Sani on issue of Insecurity’ is evidently a bad step, which will definitely come with grave consequences.
I discovered lately how Bello wants to dictate what happens in Kaduna State. He now acts as a lawmaker on his own by refusing to interface with the Governor, which is most unfortunate. Apparently,Bello is beginning to exhibit the signs of ” I’m an Island”; a legislature on his own working outside his State Governor.
The big question is why is it so? For me , I think he’s under the illusion that Kaduna State is still controlled by his father, the former governor, therefore there is no need to consult with Governor Uba Sani before visiting the Chief of Defence Staff of Nigeria, General Christopher Gwabin Musa on the insecurity challenges.
It was reliable gathered that Bello El-Rufai, on Tuesday visited the Chief of Defence Staff of Nigeria, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, discussed critical legislation that can help tackle the insecurity challenges in Kaduna and the north west states .
” A bad decision and I hope it’s not going to continue. Bello should stop, rather than tow the lane of drawing a battle line to fight … but he should know that we’re always willing to have a fight if he wants to fight us …”
He should know before he starts that he does not have the kind of political goodwill needed.
Let advise Bello El-Rufai not to start an uphill battle that he couldn’t finish. It’s no longer news that Bello does not listen to advice when he makes mistakes.I feel he has crossed our line and that is why we reacted this way. Uba Sani has been too patient, so that’s why we have taken this decision to show that being patient is not cowardice.
Enough is enough, Uba Sani is the political leader, because we believe in leadership. Bello should always listen to Uba Sani’s advices and suggestions. Bello is always behaving like an emperor and must be checked.
There needs to be a more rubost communication lines between the governor and the Legislatures and the earlier Bello El-Rufai the better for him.
From Comrade Musa Mohammed (Moonlight)
APC chieftain, Shaba Ward, Kaduna North LGA, Kaduna State.
REACH-24 