General
Stakeholders Insists Imo Must Produce Next NDDC MD
By Adedapo Adesanya
Stakeholders of the Imo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (ISOPADEC) have urged the administration of Mr Emeka Ihedioha to return the Commission to the oil landlords in the state.
They made this call at a meeting with the Governor, who was represented by his deputy, Mr Gerald Irona, at a gathering of stakeholders that comprised members of Ohaji/Egbema/Oguta at Oguta Civic Center, last Sunday.
The stakeholders expressed their displeasure over a sponsored publication that stated that the state, which was one of the oil producing states in the country, was not entitled to produce a Managing Director for the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
They argued that it was the turn of Imo State to produce the Managing Director of the NDDC, agreeing to take steps to advance an advocacy towards achieving same.
A 19-point Communique issued at the meeting urged stakeholders to refute the advertorial on page 26 of Vanguard newspapers, with the false claim that Imo State should not produce a Managing Director for the NDDC.
The Deputy Governor in his address used the occasion to express his discomfiture at the sponsored publication that stated that Imo State was not entitled to the position of the Managing Director of NDDC, describing it as toxic.
Mr Irona said he saw it as the politicization of ISOPADEC by the previous administrations in the state, reiterating the determination of the administration of Chief Emeka Ihedioha to return the Commission to the oil landlords in the state.
Speaking on funding of the Commission, he stressed: “I have extracted commitment from our leader and Governor of Imo State, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha that ISOPADEC shall receive full funding, as provided by the law establishing it.
“The State Government has released all the monies meant for local governments to them. ISOPADEC has received its funds in full. Our people should hold the chairmen and ISOPADEC leadership to account. The Governor has demonstrated faith by releasing the funds, as promised.”
Also, at the meeting, there was the formal presentation of the new leadership of ISOPADEC, Adapalm Nigeria Limited, as well as the ISOPADEC Advisory Committee whom he charged to be non-partisan.
He also used the occasion to urge traditional rulers in the area to take full responsibility for all government Infrastructure in their domain.
Stakeholders praised the administration of Mr Ihedioha and his Deputy for what they described as inclusive governance, assuring them of total support.
The meeting was attended by very important dignitaries, among whom are: Prof. Okee Okoro, Sir Mike Okiro, former Inspector General of Police, Prof. Victor Kogah, Engr. John Otti, former Chairman, Presidential Taskforce on Power, General Kalu Egwuagu (Rtd), Prof. Ike Azogu, Hon. Hilary Eberendu.
Also gracing the event were Chairman, Interim Management Committee, Oguta LGA, Hon. Damian Ezeru, Chairman, Interim Management Committee, Ohaji/Egbema LGA, Engr. Anthony Okwuosha, Managing Director, Imo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission-ISOPADEC, Barr. Magnus Obido, Chairman, ISOPADEC Board, Traditional Rulers, community leaders, opinion leaders, civil society organizations, among others.
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, has been urged to extend the deadline for the payment of Certificates of Occupancy (C of O) by property owners in Abuja.
This plea for an extension was asked by the Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) through a statement signed by its Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Mr James Ezema.
The group said the initial two-week grace period given to the affected allottees, which expired on Friday, January 3, 2025, was insufficient, considering the current economic challenges facing the country.
Recall that after public outcries, Mr Wike, who is the immediate past governor of Rivers State, granted an extension to the owners of the 762 revoked plots of land in Maitama, Abuja.
“We are appealing to the Minister and the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) to tamper justice with mercy and issue an extension in the spirit of the yuletide and in view of the economic challenges in the country,” the association stated.
It stressed that the extension would give the affected individuals and groups ample time to comply with the directive, thereby avoiding any undue hardship or loss.
“We pray that the Minister and the FCTA will grant the allottees an extension to comply with the directive, giving all the affected individuals and groups enough time to have themselves to blame at the end of the final extension,” the statement added.
The CNPP’s appeal comes on the heels of its recent expression of concern over the escalating hunger and suffering faced by millions of Nigerians due to the economic realities in the country.
By Adedapo Adesanya
The All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) has dissociated itself from an unofficial viral statement by one of it members, regarding posters indicating activities of the organisation.
The group dissociated itself from the member in a statement signed by its National President and the National Secretary, Mr Kabiru Ibrahim, and Mr Yunusa Halidu, respectively.
“This post is made by an authorized member, Ado A Ado Kano.
“The opinions and views expressed here are those of the author and do not reflect the official policy or position of the group, its administrators, or other members.
“For official statements, please refer to AFAN official contact or platform,” parts of the statement made available to Business Post stated.
According to AFAN, the unofficial posters flying around doesn’t represent the association, noting that Mr Kano is not authorized by AFAN or its officials but those of the author.
AFAN is the umbrella organisation for all farmers’ commodity associations in Nigeria.
Its vision and mission are to assemble all Nigerian producers into one organization, providing a single interlocutor for the government to address agricultural issues with the farming community.
AFAN was formed by the merger of the All-Farmers Association of Nigeria (ALFA) and the National Farmers’ Association of Nigeria (NAFAN). The merger was recommended by former Nigerian president, Mr Olusegun Obasanjo.
By Adedapo Adesanya
BUA Group has denied widespread reports that its ongoing construction of a 200,000 barrels per day capacity refinery located in Akwa Ibom State is 90 per cent completed.
In a statement signed on Sunday, the group with subsidiaries in food, cement, and energy sectors said that the claims that the structure was at end stage did not come from it.
“Contrary to a misleading report stating that our 200,000 barrels/day refinery is at 90% completion, BUA wishes to advise the public to disregard such misleading reports that did not emanate from us,” a part of the statement read.
It clarified that the project was progressing well and added that it was going to meet the project timeline of 2025.
“As we make remarkable strides on our Akwa Ibom refinery project, we are proud to share that construction is progressing steadily.
“Whilst the refinery is not at 90% completion, we are however on track to meet our delivery timelines in collaboration with our partners.
“This BUA Refinery & Petrochemicals project represents a major milestone in strengthening Nigeria’s refining capacity and energy security,” the group said.
BUA is also carrying out other energy projects, including the construction of a mini-LNG plant and several new hybrid power plants across the country, which it said are also progressing rapidly.
The group says this will add additional capacity to our over 1,000MW installed captive power generation capacity.
“The public is advised to verify any news through our official channels and platforms so as not to be misled by mischievous persons,” the statement said.
“At BUA, we remain committed to transparency and excellence. As we have consistently done with over 12 of our completed mega industrial projects worth over $ 3.5 billion in the past 10 years, we will continue to keep you updated with verifiable and accurate information only where necessary, and as milestones are achieved.
“We appreciate the public’s interest and enthusiasm for this transformative project as we work together in building a stronger industrial and manufacturing base for a self-reliant Nigeria,” it added.
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