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  • Oil block Licencing: NUPRC extends deadline for pre-qualification documents submission 

    Oil block Licencing: NUPRC extends deadline for pre-qualification documents submission
    Deadline
    By Emmanuella Anokam
    Abuja, June 18, 2024 (NAN) The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has announced the extension of the deadline for the registration and submission of pre-qualification documents for the 2024 oil block licensing round.
    Mr Gbenga Komolafe, Commission Chief Executive (CCE), NUPRC, announced the extension in a statement issued on Wednesday.
    Komolafe said the registration and submission of pre-qualification documents which was initially scheduled to close on June 25, 2024 had been extended by 10 days, and would now close on July 5,  2024.
    According to him, the data access, data purchase, evaluation, bid preparation and submission initially scheduled to open on July 4 and close on Nov. 29, will now start on July 8 and close on Nov. 29, 2024 as previously scheduled.
    He said all other dates in the published 2024 Licencing Round Schedule remained the same unless otherwise communicated.
    “In pursuit of the Commission’s commitment to derive value from the country’s abundant oil and gas reserves and increase production, the Commission has been working assiduously with multi-client companies to undertake more exploratory activities.
    “This is to acquire more data to foster and encourage further investment in the Nigerian upstream sector,” he said.
    Komolafe said that as a result of additional data acquired in respect of deep offshore blocks, the Commission had added 17 deep offshore blocks to the 2024 Licensing Round.
    He said that further details on the blocks could be found on the bid portal.
    “In accordance with the published guidelines, we had earlier indicated that some of the assets on offer should be applied for as clusters, namely: PPL 300-CS & PPL 301-CS, PPL 2000 and PPL 2001.
    “Bidders are hereby advised to bid for those blocks as clusters or as single units; it is optional,” the statement quoted Komolafe as saying.
    Recall that some deep offshore blocks and other blocks which cut across onshore, were put on offer for the 2022/2023 Mini Bid Round.
    Continental shelf and deep offshore terrains were also put on offer for the Nigeria 2024 Licencing Round.
    In order to vacate entry barriers, the Commission had sought and obtained the approval of President Bola Tinubu, in line with his determination to create enabling and attractive investment regimes in the upstream oil and gas sector.
    Tinubu who is also the Petroleum Minister had approved attractive fiscal regimes and also minimised entry fees for both licencing rounds by putting a cap on the signature bonus payable for award of the acreages.
    “Consequently, it is necessary to ensure that the same bid criteria (in addition to the uniform signature bonus criteria) are applicable for both licencing rounds, to promote transparency and provide a level playing ground for all bidders.
    ”Since the criteria for the award of the oil blocks are now much more attractive than they initially were during the 2022/2023 Mini Bid Round, it is in the interest of equity and fair play to give all investors the same opportunity to bid for the assets.
    ”All blocks in the 2022/2023 and 2024 Licencing Rounds are available to all interested investors on br.nuprc.gov.ng and br2024.nuprc.gov.ng respectively.
    “And the 2022/2023 Mini Bid Round registration phase is reopened to new applicants.
    “The public is therefore invited to take advantage of this development and attractive entry terms and conditions and participate in the exercise,” the statement also quoted Komolafe as saying. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    ELLA/EMAF
    =========
    Edited by Emmanuel Afonne

  • Foundation donates food items to Red Cross orphanage

    Foundation donates food items to Red Cross orphanage

    Donation
    By Joan Odafe

    Lagos, June 18, 2024 (NAN) The Ibidunni Ighodalo Foundation (IIF) has donated food items and clothes to the Abandoned and Motherless Babies Home of the Nigerian Red Cross Society (NRCS), Lagos State branch, to help support children in the orphanage.

    Mr Olakunle Lasisi, Secretary, NRCS, Lagos, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in an interview on Tuesday in Lagos that the donation was part of activities to mark the fourth anniversary of the death of Mrs Ibidun Ighodalo.

    NAN reports that late Ighodalo founded IIF, a non-profit organisation, to raise awareness on issues regarding infertility.

    The organisation also provides grants for couples who require fertility treatments, such as invitro fertilisation (IVF) and intrauterine insemination.

    Lasisi said Pastor Ituah Ighodalo, Chairman of IIF, led the team on the visit.

    According to him, Ighodalo, who is also a Platinum Member of NRCS, inspected the branch; including the school, clinic, laboratory and orphanage, to assess the level of impact of the Red Cross.

    “He was appreciative of every developmental work he saw at the branch.

    “He saw the impact the clinic was making in the community and the refugees who were receiving treatment.

    “Pastor Ighodalo pledged his support, that of the foundation, and promised to reach out to friends and well-wishers to help Red Cross respond swiftly to emergencies,” Lasisi said.

    Also, Mrs Adebola Kolawole, Chairman, NRCS, Lagos, told NAN that the donations came at the right time, considering the current state of the economy.

    “The gifts will be of great benefit to the children and will be used judiciously,” she said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    JOJO/FAA
    =====

    Edited by Folasade Adeniran

  • Give your children adequate education, Lagos commissioner urges parents

    Education

    By Raji Rasak

    Badagry (Lagos State), June 18, 2024 (NAN) Mr Ibrahim Layode, Lagos State Commissioner of Home Affairs, has called on parents to ensure their children receive adequate education to enhance their future leadership roles.

    Layode made this call during the 21st Edition of the Ayeye Ileya Ceremony held on Tuesday to commemorate the Eid-el Kabir festival in Badagry.

    Represented by Mr Sesi Pot-Balogun of the Education Committee of Ayeye-Ileya, Layode advised parents to collaborate with the State Ministry of Education in implementing educational policies.

    He presented gifts to the children, stating that the gesture aimed to support education in Badagry.

    Layode mentioned that in previous celebrations, educational materials such as school bags, notebooks, pens, markers and other essentials were distributed to support the children.

    “Children are the foundation of our future. It is our responsibility to ensure they receive the best care, education, and opportunities to achieve their full potential,” he said.

    Layode also commended the people of Badagry for their steadfast support for President Bola Tinubu, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state.

    The Akran of Badagry Kingdom, Aholu Menu Toyi 1, encouraged the Badagry Muslim Community to utilise the Sallah occasion to pray for peace and development in Badagry, Lagos State and Nigeria at large.

    Akran, who was represented by Chief Tunde Giro, the Depegan of Badagry, said that peace, growth, and development thrive when there is security of lives and properties.

    Mr Solomon Bonu, a lawmaker representing Badagry Constituency 1 in the Lagos State House of Assembly, urged Muslims to use the Eid-el Kabir period to pray for national peace and stability.

    “As responsible citizens, we should embrace unity, peace, and love for one another,” Bonu urged.

    He also announced the distribution of free tickets for Hajj to Mecca and Medina to 31 compounds, with three compounds emerging as winners for a free trip to perform Hajj in 2025.

    In his address, Chief Imam of Badagry Division, Alhaji Uwais Akewusola, urged residents to pray for peace, progress and prosperity during the festive period.

    He appealed for continued peaceful coexistence based on Islamic principles, wishing everyone a joyous and peaceful celebration.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the celebration was marked by jubilation, dancing and a strong sense of community as people from diverse backgrounds came together to celebrate this special occasion.

    ROR/AWA
    ==========
    Edited by Olawunmi Ashafa

     

  • Collapsed DMGS building: Anglican Church inaugurates investigative panel

     

     

    Investigation

    By Monday Ajogun

    Onitsha (Anambra), June 18, 2024 (NAN) The Diocese on the Niger, Anglican Communion Onitsha, Anambra, on Tuesday inaugurated a 9-man panel of enquiry to investigate the cause of the Dennis Memorial Grammar School (DMGS) Onitsha Centenary building collapse.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday reports that the five-storey building collapsed within the premises of DMGS on June 12, leaving one dead and two persons rescued.

    Most Rev. Owen Nwakolo, Bishop on the Niger, told newmen at the site of the building collapse, that the committee was given nine terms of reference.

    Nwakolo noted that the 9-man committee comprising architects and surveyors was headed by Justice Pete Ohioto, while Mr Andy Obiamwu would function as secretary.

    He gave the names of other members as Mr Ofodile Anieto, Mr Chukwunonto Igboka, Mr Peter Okpala, Mr Shed Omwuasoanya, Dr Azuka Onweluzo, Mr Samuel Akabogu and Mr Kingsley Ibekwe.

    According to him, we expect your report within one month from June 18, being the date of the inauguration of the panel.

    “You are therefore constituted as a panel of enquiry to investigate and determine the cause of the collapse of the building,” he said.

    Nwakolo listed the terms of reference to include, examining the administrative and technical processes followed during the building to ensure that proper procedures were followed.

    Others are for the committee to study the building plans to ensure that they meet the expected standards, enquire whether approval was sought and obtained from the approving authority for the building to proceed.

    He stressed that they were also to enquire whether the architectural design of the building was done by a qualified architect registered with the Architects Registration Council of Nigeria, amongst others.

    On his part, Dr Alexander Ibezim, Archbishop, Province of the Niger, Bishop of Awka, thanked God that the situation did not escalate more than it did.

    “God has done wonderful; it could have been a tragedy, a lot of lives could have been lost, but because God is with his people, God did not allow the wishes of our enemies to come to pass.

    “Anybody seeing this knows that God is a living God, even to say that one life was lost shows that this God is a miraculous God.

    “And shows the children schooling in this school and teachers are innocent.

    “We, as a province, are standing with the Diocese on the Niger in this difficult time in whatever we can do. We are already praying,” he said.

    Those in attendance are; Bishop Obiora Uzochukwu of Mbamiri Diocese, Bishop Prosper Amah of Ogbaru Diocese, Bishop Ephraim Ikeakor of Amichi Diocese and Bishop Ndubuisi Obi of Nnewi Diocese, and many priests of the Diocese. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    AJOM/DE/MNA

    =========

    Edited by Dorcas Jonah/Maureen Atuonwu

     

  • Police confirm arrest of 3 suspected kidnappers in Otukpo

     

    Arrest

    By Emmanuel Antswen

    Makurdi, June 18, 2024 (NAN) The Police Command in Benue on Tuesday confirmed the arrest of three suspected kidnappers in Otukpo Local Government Area of the state.

     

    SP Sewuese Anene, the State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), confirmed the development to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) over the phone from Makurdi.

     

    Anene disclosed that the suspects were apprehended on Monday at a motor park in Otukpo.

     

    She added that further details would be provided later.

     

    Investigations by NAN revealed that the suspected kidnappers were detained by the Benue State Community Volunteer Guards (BSCVG) in Otukpo.

     

    It was further gathered that the suspects were intercepted early Monday at a motor park while attempting to board a vehicle to Makurdi.

    According to reports, the suspects allegedly received ransom from their victims and were on their way to Makurdi, the state capital, when the BSCVG received information leading to their arrest.

     

    Witnesses stated that the suspects were found in possession of a substantial sum of money believed to be the ransom collected from their captives.

     

    The BSCVG promptly handed over the suspects to the Police in Otukpo for further investigation. (NAN) www.nannews.ng

     

    AEB/AWA
    =========
    Edited by Olawunmi Ashafa

     

     

  • AHF Nigeria advocates age-appropriate sexuality education for children

    Sexuality
    By Justina Auta
    Abuja, June 18, 2024 (NAN) AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) Nigeria, an International NGO, has advocated for an age-appropriate Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) to enhance health outcomes and protect children from Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) and abuse.
    The AHF Nigeria Country Programme Director, Dr Echey Ijezie,
    made the call in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja, in commemoration of the International Day of the African Child (IDAC).
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the day is annually celebrated on June 16 to raise awareness and focus on challenges children in African countries face in receiving quality education.
    NAN reports that IDAC is also to honour those who participated in the 1976 Soweto uprising and has since become an observance day about the rights of African children.
    The programme director, therefore, said “AHF’s commitment to fostering CSE stems from extensive global research, which highlights its many benefits – including reduction in early sexual engagement.
    “Others are fostering positive attitude toward sexual and reproductive health issues, reducing the tendency to engage in risky behaviours, and strengthening self-awareness.
    “There is also the need to equip young individuals with knowledge to combat HIV, STIs, and unplanned pregnancies, while challenging harmful gender norms.”
    Ijezie also noted that the #ProtectTheChild campaign aims to address the pushback and misinformation around CSE, which has hindered effective implementation.
    He added that the organisation would be hosting a consultative meeting with students, young people and government officials on how CSE could foster health and education on June 20.
    He announced that AHF Africa will also host series of events under the theme “Fostering Health and Education Through Comprehensive Sexuality Education” as part of its ongoing “#ProtectTheChild” campaign.
    Ijezie said the theme aligns with the global 2024 IDAC theme — “Education for All, and the Time is Now”, to underscore the crucial role that access to education, including Comprehensive Sexuality Education, play enhancing health outcomes for young people.
    He added that “the emphasis on age-appropriate CSE stems from the increasing rates of new HIV infections and teenage pregnancies, highlighting the urgent need to equip young people with proven tools, services and information.
    “Research has demonstrated that age-appropriate CSE can significantly reduce the incidence of HIV, STIs, Gender-Based Violence, and unplanned pregnancies among adolescents and young people.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    JAD/DE/HA
    ===========
    Edited by Dorcas Jonah/Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

  • Music practitioner, Femi Esho, dies at 77

    Late Femi Esho, Chairman, Evergreen Musical Company
    Music practitioner, Femi Esho, dies at 77
    Death
    By Taiye Olayemi
    Lagos, June 18, 2024 (NAN) Chief Femi Esho, Chairman of Evergreen Musical Company, is dead, aged 77.
    The deceased’s daughter, Bimbo Esho, in a statement on Tuesday in Lagos said the music practitioner died on Monday after a brief illness.
    She said: “We announce the passing unto glory of our patriarch, Mr Samuel Babafemi Esho, popularly known and referred to as “Baba Esho”, Baba Musician, etc.
    “Baba Esho departed to greater glory on Monday 17th June 2024 after a brief illness at the age of 77.
    “Baba Esho until his demise was the Chairman of the Evergreen Musical Company as well as the Founder of the Evergreen Music Heritage Foundation.
    “Baba Esho was a mentor  and “encyclopedia” to many ‘Highlife music aficionados.
    “He will be remembered as one who gave so much of himself to see to the “immortality” of the musical works of Nigerian Highlife, Juju, Sakara, Apala, Afrobeat and a crop of other Nigerian/African genre of indigenous music.” (NAN) (nannews.ng)
    PTB/FAA
    ========
    Edited by Folasade Adeniran

  • Nigeria’s commitment to good governance morale booster for investors – PAAC chairman

    Prof. Olatokunbo Onabanjo, Chairman of the Pan African American Chamber of Commerce

    Nigeria’s commitment to good governance morale booster for investors – PAAC chairman

    By Adeyemi Adeleye
    Lagos, June 18, 2024 (NAN) Prof. Olatokunbo Onabanjo, Chairman, Pan African American Chamber of Commerce (PAAC), says Nigeria must show more commitment to good governance to attract investors and transform the economy.

    Onabanjo made this remark in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Lagos.

    “Governments should demonstrate their commitment to good governance, transparency and accountability.

    “This will build confidence among investors and create a conducive environment for sustainable economic development,” he said.

    Onabanjo, who was the Director of Computer Services during Tinubu’s administration as governor of Lagos State, said that government has roles to play in enhancing the development potential of economies of the country and the continent.

    “Governments play a crucial role in creating an enabling policy environment that promotes economic development.

    “They should showcase their policy initiatives aimed at attracting investments, supporting entrepreneurship, and fostering innovation.

    “Governments should highlight investment opportunities in various sectors of their economies and provide information on incentives, regulations, and infrastructure development plans.

    “This will attract potential investors and stimulate economic growth,” he said.

    Onabanjo, a seasoned project manager and member of Certified Project Management Professionals, also called for a public-private partnerships in driving economic development.

    “Government should showcase successful collaborations between the public and private sectors, and encourage further engagement,” he said.

    He said that individuals, organisations and governments had specific role to contribute to enhancing the development potential of African economies.

    Onabanjo equally noted that Nigeria had significant renewable energy potential, particularly in solar, wind, and hydroelectric power, which must be developed to bring back the economy.

    “Nigeria’s efforts to increase access to clean and reliable energy create opportunities for investment in the renewable energy sector,” he said.

    Speaking on the forthcoming trade and investment conference in the United States of America, Onabanjo said that the conference would allow for engagement with the Nigerian diaspora and the African-American community.

    The conference with the theme “Hope for Africa” being organised by the Pan African American Chamber of Commerce is scheduled for Sept. 9 to Sept. 13 in Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America.

    “This engagement will also facilitate knowledge transfer, technology exchange, and skills development, supporting economic growth and development.

    “The conference will provide a platform for Nigerian businesses to network with African-American entrepreneurs and explore potential partnerships, trade opportunities, and investments.

    “This will lead to increased trade and economic growth for Nigeria,” he stated.

    He said that the conference would give opportunity for knowledge sharing, global exposure, cultural exchange, capacity building, network and collaboration, trade and investments, promotion of African brands and products.

    The PAAC chairman said: “The conference will feature panel discussions, workshops and presentations on business, entrepreneurship and economic development.

    “It will equally lead to increased trade partnerships, investments, and business collaboration, promoting economic growth and job creation in Nigeria and across Africa.” (NAN) (www.nannnews.ng)
    AYO/IKU

    Edited by Tayo Ikujuni

     

     

     

  • U.S. wants to avoid ‘greater war’ along Lebanon-Israel border – Envoy

    U.S. wants to avoid ‘greater war’ along Lebanon-Israel border – Envoy

    War

    Beirut, June 18, 2024 (Reuters/NAN) The United States is trying to avert a greater war between Israel and Lebanon’s Hezbollah movement, U.S. envoy Amos Hochstein said on Tuesday.
    He spoke in the wake of an escalation in cross-border fire between the foes along Lebanon’s southern frontier.
    Iran-backed Hezbollah has been trading fire with Israel for the last eight months in parallel with the Gaza war.
     Last week, the group fired the largest volleys of rockets and drones of the hostilities so far at Israeli military sites, after an Israeli strike killed the most senior commander yet.
    Hochstein, special envoy to U.S. President Joe Biden, said he had been dispatched to Lebanon immediately following a brief trip to Israel because the situation was “serious”.
    “We have seen an escalation over the last few weeks. And what President Biden wants to do is avoid a further escalation to a greater war,” Hochstein said on Tuesday.
    He had met the head of Lebanon’s army earlier on Tuesday and spoke to reporters following a meeting with parliament speaker Nabih Berri, who heads the armed Amal movement, which is allied to Hezbollah and has also fired rockets on Israel.
    The U.S. and France are engaged in diplomatic efforts to secure a negotiated end to the hostilities along Lebanon’s border.
    Hezbollah says it will not halt its attacks unless there is a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.
    “Whether diplomatically or militarily one way or another, we will ensure the safe and secure return of Israelis to their homes in northern Israel.
    “That is not up for negotiation. Oct. 7 cannot happen again anywhere in Israel or on any of Israel’s borders,” Israeli government spokesman David Mencer said.
    He added that Israel was “impeding Hezbollah’s military buildup and their stockpiling of weapons for terror against Israelis”.
    Hezbollah began trading fire with Israel on Oct. 8, a day after its Palestinian ally Hamas attacked southern Israel, sparking the Gaza war.
    Tens of thousands of people have fled both sides of the border.
    Hochstein urged Hamas to accept a U.S.-backed proposal for a ceasefire in Gaza, which he said “also provides an opportunity to end the conflict across the Blue Line”, a reference to a demarcation line between Lebanon and Israel where parts of the international border are disputed.
    Hochstein met caretaker Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati, who told him that “Lebanon does not seek escalation”, according to comments issued by Mikati’s office.
    The increase in attacks last week was followed by a brief respite during the Eid al-Adha Muslim holiday, which concludes on Tuesday.
    Hezbollah announced a drone attack against an Israeli tank on Tuesday afternoon – its first announced attack since Saturday.
    The group used more of its extensive arsenal against Israel last week, prompting United Nations officials in Lebanon to warn over the weekend that the “danger of miscalculation leading to a sudden and wider conflict is very real”.
    UN human rights chief Volker Turk said on Tuesday that he too was worried about the escalation, and called “for a cessation of hostilities and for actors with influence to take all possible measures to avert a full-scale war”. (Reuters/NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    YEE
    ====
    (Edited by Emmanuel Yashim)

  • Police arrest man for car theft in Jigawa

    Theft

    By Muhammad Nasir Bashir

    Dutse, June 18, 2024 (NAN) The Police in Jigawa have arrested a 43-year-old man for allegedly stealing a Honda CRV in Gwaram Local Government Area of the state.

    According to a statement by DSP Lawan Shiisu, the Police Public Relations Officer in Dutse on Tuesday, the suspect, whose name was not disclosed, was apprehended in Gwaram town after stealing the Honda CRV in Kano State.

    Shiisu said that the suspect, a resident of BUK quarters in Kumbotso LGA of Kano, was intercepted with the stolen Honda CRV bearing registration number DKD 10 AG while enroute to Maiduguri.

    “The arrest came after police received a report from Mr Abba Yahya of Gano town, Dawakin Kudu LGA, Kano State, regarding the theft of his vehicle,” Shiisu said.

    He further said, “Upon receipt of the report, the Divisional Police Officer in charge of Gwaram Division and a patrol team mounted a stop and search along Sara-Darazo road, leading to the interception of the vehicle and subsequent arrest of the 43-year-old suspect.”

    Shiisu noted that both the suspect and the stolen vehicle were taken into custody for preliminary investigation and would be transferred to the Kano Police Command for further investigation and prosecution.

    “The Commissioner of Police, Mr Ahmadu Abdullahi, commended the officers for their diligence in apprehending the suspect and urged them to sustain the effort,” Shiisu added.

    Abdullahi also appealed to residents to collaborate with the police by reporting any suspicious activities promptly to ensure the security of lives and property in the state. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    MNB/VE/AWA
    =============
    Edited by Victor Adeoti/Olawunmi Ashafa