The decision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to reopen the Seme border has been commended as in order since it could stimulate activities in Nigeria’s automotive industry with significant implications for the nation’s economy.

The Head of Economics Department at Bingham University, Abuja, Prof Abayomi Awujola stated on Sunday in an interview with journalists, while emphasizing the importance of understanding the magnitude of the policy and urged the government to conduct ongoing monitoring, evaluation, and analysis to ensure the success of the policy.

He said one of the immediate implications of reopening the border is an increased demand for vehicles. Importers and consumers would have easier access to a wider range of vehicle options, both new and used, from different markets, noting that this surge in demand could stimulate economic activity in the automotive sector, benefiting various stakeholders.

Awujola also said the reopening of the border would also generate revenue for the government through customs duties, taxes, and other fees imposed on imported vehicles, stressing that this additional revenue could contribute to the government’s budget and be potentially invested in infrastructure development or other public services.

The university don said with the government aiming to achieve a 7% average annual GDP growth rate, double the economy to approximately $1 trillion, lift 100 million people out of poverty, create over 50 million jobs, transform Nigeria into Africa’s most efficient trading nation, and deliver sustained inclusive growth, decisions like the reopening of Seme Border need to continuously be taken.

According to Awujola, “the availability of vehicles from different sources may lead to increased competition in the domestic automotive market. Local vehicle manufacturers and dealers may face competition from imported vehicles, influencing pricing, quality, and customer preferences. This could drive improvements in the domestic industry and provide consumers with more options.”

He added that the reopening of the border could create employment opportunities in the automotive sector as jobs would be generated for vehicle importers, distributors, dealerships, mechanics, and other related services. This would contribute to income generation and potentially improve livelihoods for individuals involved in the industry.

He however noted that it is essential for the government to carefully consider the potential implications of this policy.

He said: “The reopening of the border for vehicle importation may impact the country’s trade balance and foreign exchange reserves. If more vehicles are imported than exported, it could result in a trade deficit in the automotive sector. Additionally, the importation of vehicles would require foreign currency, putting pressure on the country’s foreign exchange reserves.

“On the consumer front, increased access to a wider range of vehicles would provide consumers with more choices and potentially better prices. This could lead to increased consumer spending in the automotive sector and improved purchasing power for individuals and businesses.

“The government must be mindful that policy implications can have both positive and negative effects. It is crucial to closely monitor, evaluate, and analyze these effects every six months to ensure appropriate adjustments and interventions are made to mitigate any potential drawbacks.”

Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori on Friday said his administration would ensure that only quality projects that meets specifications would be inaugurated for the use of the people.

Oborevwori stated this while addressing journalists after inspection of some ongoing projects in Asaba and Okpanam areas of the capital territory.

The projects inspected include the State High Court complex, Asaba; Phases I and II of the Flood Control Measures around Madonna College Road, Okpanam and Drainage Channel around Koka through Agbalusia-Ngele Street to Federal Technical College Asaba.

According to him, “we are considering the transition committee’s report and there are things that we can do for Deltans that they will appreciate and we are already working on those things.

“In the transition committee’s report, there are short term, medium term and long term reports which we are also studying to see what we can do.

“That is why I am going round to inspect projects. I know the ones that we can inaugurate. We can’t rush to inaugurate projects that are not properly executed.

“We will inaugurate projects that are executed according to specification so that when people see such projects, they will indeed know that we have inaugurated well executed projects.”

The Governor said a bigger drain should be constructed at the Winners Chapel area along Ibusa road to channel flood water around that corridor through Koka to the Federal Technical College.

At the High Court Complex, the contractor assured that they would deliver the project July ending while the flood control measures along Madonna College Road would be delivered in two weeks.

Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State on Thursday, identified health system gaps and challenges, dearth of qualified personnel, low quality of care, inadequate utilization of available health facilities, and lack of access to essential medicines as factors fueling the high maternal and child mortality rates in the country.

Oborevwori who disclosed this while flagging-off of the first round of the 2023 Maternal and Newborn Health week in Asaba, said that providing accessible and affordable healthcare for mothers, newborns, and children is a critical component of any effective – and sustainable – primary healthcare policy.

Oborevwori noted that successive administrations in the state have provided free healthcare for pregnant women and children under five years in recognition of the importance that is attached to their survival and wellbeing.

He said his administration will not only continue the free healthcare for pregnant women and children under – five, but it will also improve Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health (MNCH) services in the state.

According to him, available data showed that maternal and newborn mortality rates in Nigeria are among the highest globally.

“In fact, in 2015, Nigeria overtook India as the country with the highest maternal and child mortality rates in the world.

“Yet Nigeria’s population is less than one-fifth that of India! That tells you the magnitude of the problem on our hands.

“Generally, the high maternal and child mortality rates in the country are traceable to health system gaps and challenges, dearth of qualified personnel, low quality of care, inadequate utilization of available health facilities, and lack of access to essential medicines.

“Others include poor nutrition, complex pregnancy-related illnesses, and high cost of out-of pocket expenses at the point of service,” he said.

The Governor further said that “to meet the global targets in maternal, newborn, and child health services requires the participation of all, not just the government.

“The Delta State Government will continue to do its best to improve health infrastructure across the state and expand the health insurance scheme to capture more people in the informal sector.

“Furthermore, we shall continue to implement policies and programmes that will create wealth for our people so that they can invest in quality nutrition.”

He called for the involvement and cooperation of womenfolk to embrace and practice healthy social habits that improve women’s health, such as breastfeeding, regular physical exercises, and abstinence from illicit drugs.

“It is my earnest expectation that Deltans would take advantage of this week-long programme to receive basic
primary healthcare services at various locations close to their homes and offices.

“Mothers and care givers should endeavour to bring out their newborns and under-5 children to the Primary Health Centres and other outreach facilities to avail themselves of the health services.

“We need to embrace these promotional and preventive health services to avoid unnecessary medical complications, health emergencies, and avoidable deaths.

He called for the support of Local Government Council Chairmen, royal fathers, religious and opinion leaders in the engagement and mobilization of their subjects and followers to participate in this exercise.

He commended various partners in the health sector who have
always collaborated with the State Government in its march to achieve the Universal Health Coverage mandate of the United Nations.

Permanent Secretary Ministry of Health, Dr Philomena Okeowo said the goal of the Maternal Newborn and Child Health Week was to improve the health status of women and children by increasing the coverage of key interventions.

She noted that the state had made considerable progress over the years with Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) dropping from significantly below 200/100,000 live births and Child Mortality Ratio (CMR) reduced to 53/1000 live births.

In her goodwill message, Delta State World Bank Coordinator, Dr Faith Ireye, lauded the State Government for its commitment to mother and child survival as shown in the implementation of Primary Health Care services in the state.

She said Delta State witnessed a reduction in the outbreak of maternal and childhood killer diseases.

“Worthy of note is the significant reduction in the incidences of measles; there was 82 percent reduction in laboratory confirmed measles cases in the state in 2023 when compared with same period in 2022,” Ireye stated.

-From Editors’ Desk:

Blank NEWS Online can authoritatively report that the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Correspondents Chapel Asaba, has formally blacklisted the immediate past Governor of Delta state, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, former Chief Press Secretary (CPS),Olisa Ifeajika and other aides, agents and cohorts in the erstwhile Governor Okowa administration from enjoying members’ reportage and positive media coverage of any sort.

This sanctions was contained in a six-point Communique issued at the end of NUJ Congress held at its secretariat in Asaba, on Tuesday 20th June, 2023.

In a communique issued at the end of its three-hour meeting attended by more than twenty of its members from National Print, Broadcast and Online Media Organizations, the Congress resolved as follows.

1, That no member of the chapel should cover any event or use any press release or statement by media aides to the immediate past Governor of Delta State, Doctor Ifeanyi Okowa, and that such event or release is about the image laundering of Doctor Ifeanyi Okowa.

2, That the Media Adviser to the immediate past Governor, Olise Ifeajika who was a former chairman of the chapel, failed to represent the interest of the chapel during his tenure as Chief Press Secretary.

3, That any member of the Chapel that acts contrary to the resolutions, will be suspended for a period not less than six months without any benefits accruing to members.

4, That the newly appointed Chief Press Secretary to Delta State Governor , Rt. Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, and a member of the chapel as well as National Ex-Officio of NUJ, Comrade Festus Ahon is worthy of the appointment,and is hereby congratulated.

5, That the unity of the Chapel Executive, and members can not be compromised.

6, That members of the Chapel should make themselves available for the NUJ screening with the necessary credentials and documents.

-By Austen Akhagbeme:

One of the most corrupting things about the fight against corruption in our nation is the emergence of an unending circus of discoveries of vicious acts of corruption, and their perpetrators by every successive government, to showboat feigned intentionality to perform and be seen on the side of the unsuspecting masses as one serious set of incoming leaders, as soon as they come into power.

This is gradually becoming a strategy to draw sympathy and undue allegiance to the status quo, especially when such a government is coming in with a baggage of issues that bothers legitimacy and acceptability.

Gen Sani Abacha came up with the Petroleum Trust Fund, PTF, to expose and present the previous regimes as wasters of surplus public funds in the eyes of the Nigerian people, all in a bid to gain acceptability from a tired and angry populace.

The next civilian administration of Gen Obasanjo made “Abacha loots” popular as he went after every trace and track to expose the maximum ruler as being corrupt himself. He set up the Economic and Financial Crime Commission, EFCC, headed by a self-motivated young police officer to chase and harass corrupt Nigerians in their homes, offices, and even in their sleep, all to create a sense of novelty in the fight against corruption.

The Abacha loot became a pseudo-source of “foreign earnings” for successive governments until the last dispensation of Baba Buhari. Yet, no government can confidently and specifically point to how such a humongous amount of “discovered” and recovered monies were put to use for the benefit of the ordinary Nigerian.

It is, therefore, nauseating to think that right in our very eyes, the same strategy of hounding corrupt officials, suspension, and discovery of purportedly stolen monies is being employed by our present drivers to gain popularity of a pleasant jump-starting of the expected redemption of our troubled polity, while we cannot account for the judicious use of the previously discovered and sometimes recovered monies by past administrations.

What happened to the Mr. Yakubu of NNPC’s recovered loot and that of Mrs. Deziani Alison- Madueke? What about that of the dramatic Prof Pondei, the then acting managing director of NDDC and the Buhari regime’s former Accountant-General who stole billions of Naira? What happened to Ibrahim Magu’s investigation and the monies swallowed by snakes and the others discovered in Ikoyi apartment?

Until and unless we stopped being carried away by the shenanigans and playful antics of succeeding administrations, our eyes will not be clear enough to see the underbelly of negativism inherent in such an assumably do-gooder administration as time goes by. This is why I kept my feeling of déjā vu all these while. It is not all that glitters that are gold.

• Austen Akhagbeme s a Columnist with Blank NEWS Online

Nigerians have been advised to accept freed ex-prison inmates back into the society without suspicion as they have been made to go through reformatory and rehabilitation programmes that have made them no longer dangerous.

The advice was given by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Interior, Oluwatoyin Akinlade during a familiarization tour to the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) Headquarters in Abuja.

She said that the public should welcome and accept ex-offenders, stressing that the inmates have gone through various reformatory and rehabilitation programmes while in custody there-by making them changed and better citizens.

She expressed satisfaction on Inmates welfare particularly their mental health while in custody and the vocational skills programme which gives them good sense of belonging.

She said “my dream for Nigerian Correctional Service is, no offender will go back the same or worse,” while expressing satisfaction on the reformatory and rehabilitation programmes of inmates which help them to be self-employed upon discharged.

Akinlade charged the public to stop stigmatizing ex-offenders; saying rather they should assist in their re-integration to the society as they have a lot to offer to the development of the society.

She said Correctional Staff are doing a lot to see that inmates don’t go back to the society the same way they came, she enjoined members of the public to complement the efforts of NCoS.

Akinlade also said she is passionate about Correctional Service and appeal to the management and Staff to cooperate with her to achieve great height and pledged to put in her all to ensure that the service is well recognized globally.

She called on the Service to blow their trumpets and publicize its activities to the world through documentaries and TV shows so that the society can appreciate and support their efforts.

The PS also promised to promote staff welfare in other to get the best out of them, stressing that ‘’welfare for the inmates, welfare for the staff, let’s start with the staff. If you don’t take care of the Correctors, you will not get Corrections, no morals- no result.”

Earlier in his welcome address, the Controller General of Corrections, Haliru Nababa enumerated the challenges and prospects of the Service. He reiterated his commitment to the welfare of both inmates and staff.

The European Union on Thursday called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to create enabling environment for private sector to thrive in the country.

The Head of European Union Delegation to Nigeria and Economic Community of West African States, Samuela Isopi gave this advice while briefing journalists on the coming Afro-Euro runway in Abuja.

The runway, which is slated for Friday June 16 is organised by EU member states in collaboration with the Abuja Fashion Academy.

Isopi expressed the readiness of the EU to work with the present administration to ensure the success of the private sector, especially in the area of fashion.

Isopi while noting that the EU would be working with Nigerian institutions to build the fashion industry, said: “I hope the new administration will help partner with the private sector to help create an environment where we can really help the sector in general.”

She added that: “Textile is one of those because it really creates a lot of jobs. So this is our first objective.

“My role and that of our member states is to create the platform and then it is up to the Nigeria private sector and of course private companies from Europe.”

Speaking on the coming Afro-Euro runway, Isopi said: “The very first edition of a special event, the afro Euro runaway fashion show will hold on June 16, 2023.

“When I arrived Nigeria a few years ago, I said we should try and see how we can really facilitate dialogue between cultures using fashion.

“Together with our partners, we were able to put together what I consider to be an extraordinary initiative because it brings together so many talents.”

Speaking at the program, a renowned fashion designer, Paolo Sisiano, hailed the seven finalists, urging them to take advantage of the opportunity given to them.

Sisiano said: “I want to appreciate the EU for this because it is such one realistic opportunity for the seven designers that are going into this.

“It sort of propels the next five years of your life and you need to take advantage of it. Nigeria is aware of talents and there are so many things that we bring into fashion in terms of innovation.”

Seven finalists will compete on Friday and four winners would be selected.

-BY ONORIODE ETATSEMI:

Four inmates in the Kwale Custodial Centre have regained their freedom from the prison by the Delta State Chief Judge, Honourable Justice Theresa Dai while additional four were granted bail.

Speaking during the second quarter prison visit to Kwale custodial centre, Honourable Justice Dai said that a total of 293 warrants were reviewed.

She explained that in the next legal year, cases would be filed in their original jurisdiction with a view to referring to the old system.

Justice Dai , however, commended the stakeholders including the deputy controller of prison in the custodial centre, the security agents, Nigerian Bar Association and the Judges as well as the zonal officers for their commitment to duty.

She hinted that she would give award to the judges in the centre for their outstanding performance and assured that every hard work would be rewarded.

Earlier in an interview with newsmen, one of the released inmates,a female, Miss Precious Obinna stated that she was accused of murder of a little boy around the residence of her boyfriend at Abbi in Ndokwa West local Government Area of Delta State.

Miss Precious Obinna, who is from Orlu in Imo State said that the child died a day before she visited her boyfriend, adding that she was wrongly accused and remanded in the prison since March 22, 2023 after she was arrested by the State CID .

While calling on children to always listen and obey their parents and abstain from immoral life style, Precious Obinna said that she had learnt her lessons by going into relationship with the boy against the advice of her mother.

-Left to right is the Solicitor-General/ Permanent Secretary Ministry of Justice, Asaba, Omamuzo Erebe in a heart to heart discussion with Hon Justice Godwin Briki-Okolosi of High Court 2 Asaba on the occasion of the Chief Judge of Delta State Hon Justice Theresa Diai second quarter visit to Kwale custodial centre

Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori has congratulated the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor and his deputy, Rt. Hon. Arthur Akpowowo on their emergence as presiding officers of the 8th Delta Assembly.

Oborevwori while congratulating the leaders, reiterated his readiness to partner with the legislature to ensure full implementation of his administration’s M.O.R.E Agenda.

He stated this when he received the new Speaker, his deputy and their spouses on a courtesy visit to him at Government House, Asaba.

The governor who underscored the importance of executive- legislative relations in a constitutional democracy, said he would leverage on his experience as a former speaker of the State House of Assembly to ensure continued partnership with the legislature.

Oborevwori who expressed confidence in the ability of the 8th Assembly to meet the expectations of Deltans, said; “I have no doubt in my mind that the 8th Assembly will perform very well.

“The returning members that we served together are very experienced, knowledgeable and have the capacity to do well.”

He advised the new leadership to carry all members along and work for the unity of the state, saying, “you are first among equals and you are a witness to how I was able to manage the 6th and 7th Assembly as the longest serving Speaker of the State House of Assembly.

“Manage your colleagues very well and you will have no problems with them. Delta State is a peaceful state and we will continue to remain united for the peace and progress of this state.

“As we have promised Deltans, we will run a transparent administration with full adherence to separation of powers and we will continue to partner together to advance this state to greater heights,” Oborevwori said.

Earlier, Guwor had told the Governor that they were in his office to inform him of their emergence as presiding officers of the 8th Assembly.

He assured the Governor of the continued support and cooperation of the House to his administration’s M.O.R.E Agenda.

Guwor said: “We thank God for the opportunity to lead Delta and for granting us the opportunity to become Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the 8th Delta State House of Assembly.

“First we thank God and our constituents who made it possible for us to be elected to represent them and we also thank our colleagues who found us worthy to be presiding officers of the House.

“We want to assure you that as leaders of the 8th Assembly the legislature will have a robust relationship with the Executive Arm to ensure that your M.O.R.E. Agenda is implemented fully.

“As the immediate past Speaker of the House, you already know the workings of the House more than we do because you served for six years.

“We want to assure you and all Deltans that we will not fail in our responsibilities to serve the people of the state. We will listen and do more just like you have promised Deltans.

“We will not be a rubber stamp neither will we be antagonistic to the executive, but we will work with the executive and not for the executive, we will have a symbiotic relationship for the general good of Deltans.

“I was in the 7th Assembly and I witnessed how you carried every member along and there was no discrimination, we all worked in unison and I will borrow a leaf from your leadership,” Guwor stated.

-By Michael Ekokoruwe:

The president and general overseer of Christ Chosen Deliverance Church Irri, Isoko South local government area of Delta State, Apostle Thompson Oki, has appealed to the new executive council and Christian’s of Isoko Nation, to support him pilot the affairs of Isoko Christian Association of Nigeria and Oversea’s (ICAN).

Apostle Oki made the appeal after his election and inauguration as president of the executive council of Isoko Christian Association of Nigeria, held at Christ Chosen Deliverance Church Irri, Isoko South local government area of Delta State.

Oki stated that, he was elected as president of the Association on the 13th of February 2023 for one tenure of four years, and immediately commenced work on the secretariat of the Association.

The clergyman disclosed that, he personally bought 6 plots of land, sunk borehole, bought 15 trips of sand and mounds 100 bags of cement, amounting to over N6 million naira, just as he promised to lay the foundation of the secretariat in August 2023 and complete the building by December 2023.

While inaugurating the new executive council of Isoko christian Association of Nigeria and Oversea’s, Archbishop Prof. S.G.A. Onibere said, “It’s not a mistake to select Apostle Oki” even as he asked the Bishop’s to pray for the council as he performed the inaugural service.

In his remark, high Chief Iduh Amadhe, patron Isoko Development Union and chairman of the occasion, enjoined the ICAN executive to be role model in character and discharge of duties.

He urged the people to be foster unity amongst the Orthodox and Pentecostal Christians in Isoko Nation, jettison their differences and focused on ideas of love.

Amadhe urged Christians to be the symbol of light and liberate Isoko land from darkness and retrogression. He charged the new executive to handle the mandate with wisdom, adding that “building the secretariat of ICAN is a task that must be done”.

The highpoint of the event was award and decoration of Apostle and Rev. Mrs. Oki, as ambassador of peace to the United Nations and members of Sustainable Development Goals (S.D.G’s) for Africa Nations, and the handover of administration documents to Apostle Thompson Oki by the immediate past president of the Association, Apostle Dr. David Jebba.

Earlier, while speaking on the message titled, “All Hands Must be on Deck”, Bishop Oroh Iteheri admonished christians to contribute towards the development of the Association, just as he charged the new executive to be active in administration.

In attendance was some members of Isoko traditional rulers council, hon. Bino Owhede, member – elect, Delta State House of Assembly, representing Isoko South constituency 1, heads and members of various denominations across Isoko Nation and dignitaries across Nigeria and Abroad.

Immediate past Minority Leader at the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Ndudi Elumelu OON, has tasked Nigerians on the tenets of Democracy by imbibing equity, justice, fairness to all, mutual respect, tolerance, adherence to Rule of Law and respect for the Will of the people.

Hon. Elumelu stated this n a repress statement signed by him and made available to Blank NEWS Online on June12, 2023.

The statement reads:

“As the nation marks this year’s June 12 Democracy Day, it is imperative that Nigerians, the leaders and the led alike, to imbibe the culture and democratic tenets of equity, justice, fairness to all, mutual respect, tolerance, adherence to Rule of Law and respect for the Will of the people.

“It is instructive to state that these are the essentials for a united, stable, peaceful, secure, and economically prosperous nation that we all desire.

“June 12 embodies a national resistance to injustice, oppression and divisive tendencies; to impunity, violation of set rules, abuse of the rights of citizens and high-handedness by those in authority, which Chief MKO Abiola fought against and died for.

“It is therefore significant that we do not lose sight of the essence of the June 12 Democracy Day but use the occasion to reawaken a national consciousness towards the entrenchment of true democratic practice that guarantees unity, peace, mutual understanding and harmonious living in our country.

“On this note, leaders, government officials, agencies and their operatives must use the Democracy Day to rededicate themselves towards the service of the people to whom sovereignty truly belong by adhering to rules, engendering more participation by the people and ensuring that their expressed Will prevailed at all time.

“I urge Nigerians to remain peaceful, united, and law-abiding as we work together in the hope of a better nation that we all yearn for.

Signed:

Rt. Hon. Ndudi Elumelu OON”

–By Austen Akhagbeme:

In the last two decades of the return to civil rule, democracy seems to have offered us nothing beyond the motions of ritualistic and hollow political engagements as we transcend from one government to another, carrying along the same baggage of crises and disillusionment.

This looming democratic backsliding has become an existential threat to the actualisation of the laudable ethos of democracy on one hand and our peaceful coexistence as a people, on the other.

Yet, Democracy presupposes citizenship inclusion in governance through progressive and periodic electioneering processes; and above all, respect for the rule of law and the supremacy of the constitution.

But what we have so far is the irony of a democratisation process that is practically midwife, controlled and delivered to us by a handful of privileged but powerful elites who more often than not, latched on our familiar fault lines to perpetuate their selfish hegemony.

Year in and year out, the citizen’s desires, experiences and expectations remain the same in that realm of disappointment and hopelessness amidst a consensus elite who seems to have confined our collective political future into their sizable imaginary pockets through their actions and inactions.

How has the ordinary Nigerian benefitted from the humongous amount of money being spent on elections and campaigns in Nigeria, other than the crumbs that come to the greedy few, who helped in endorsing their slavery through their compromises in subverting the system that was supposed to deliver hope for a greater number?

With a century-old history of general elections in Nigeria, we are still grappling with the rudimentary stage of representative governance, the worse being the paradoxical outcome of the introduction of technology in the last election. Electoral violence, voter intimidation, ethnic bigotry, institutional malfeasance and ineptitude remain the order of the day.

As we celebrate Democracy Day today, let us not be carried away by the mere fact and feat that political power was successfully wrestled from the military almost a quarter century ago. Rather, let us interrogate the factors that kept us subjugated and make Democracy counter-productive in our clime.

If we must practice Democracy, let it be that which encourages citizens’ inclusion in governance, rights and obligations and not this ritualistic and violent electioneering process that put us on overdrive while threatening our very existence as a sovereign nation every other four years.

• Austen Akhagbeme is a Columnist with Blank NEWS Online

The Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Dr Ahmed Audi has read the Riot Act to Commandants in the Niger Delta States to get of economic saboteurs, vandals, criminals, oil thieves in the area, even as he ordered for round the clock surveillance of all oil facilities.

The order followed earlier matching order by President Bola Tinubu that the oil rich region should be rid of all criminal activities inimical to the growth of the oil sector.

A statement by the spokesman of the NSCDC, Olusola Odumosu on Friday read: “Given the Presidential order to rid the nation’s oil sector of economic saboteurs, vandals, criminals, oil thieves, and other nefarious activities inimical to the growth of the sector, the Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Dr Ahmed Abubakar Audi, mni, OFR, has read the Riot Act to Commandants of the Niger Delta States to ensure full compliance.

“Having summoned the concerned State Commandants to the National Headquarters of the Corps in Abuja, the CG gave them marching orders to immediately rejig their Anti-vandal units as a measure to arrest oil theft and vandalism of critical national assets.”

The spokesman said the CG warned that the President had declared zero tolerance for crude oil theft, illegal oil bunkering, and other frivolous dealings in petroleum products, therefore, anyone found aiding and abbeting economic saboteurs will face the full wrath of the law.

“This meeting became necessary to convey President Bola Tinubu’s directive on the absolute need to end all sharp practices in the nation’s oil sector.

Audi was quoted to have said: “Oil remains the mainstay of our economy, you must therefore rejig your Anti-vandal Units to end the problem of oil theft in compliance with Federal Government’s directives.

“We have a duty to protect our oil and gas sectors from vandalism and prevent illegal bunkerers from destroying our oil installations, infrastructure and earnings.”

The CG also charged the State Commandants to maintain 24 hours surveillance of the oil facilities across the country, work with host communities and gather enough credible information and intelligence to checkmate the menace.

He emphasised the need for safe keeping of all exhibits, security of exhibits centres and strict adherence to the code of ethics and standard operating procedure of the Corps.

The Corps helmsman warned that his administration will not condone any compromise or unethical conducts from any command or personnel, promising to hold any State Commandant accountable for oil theft, acts of indiscipline, breakdown of law and order in their domains.

He said: “As the lead agency in the protection of critical national assets and infrastructure, there is a need to be determined and reselient in the fight against crude oil theft.

“His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is already changing the narrative for good and we cannot afford to let the President and the entire nation down.”

Audi equally charged the personnel on synergy and collaboration with other security agencies as well as critical stakeholders to reduce crude oil theft to its barest minimum.

Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum, has directed the Ministry of Health to investigate and fish out medical staff on duty who were alleged to have rejected victims of accidents.

The governor gave the directive on Thursday during a visit to the Accident and Emergency Unit of the Umaru Shehu Ultra Modern Hospital in Maiduguri, followed a viral video which showed that some accident patients were rejected at the hospital.

The governor gave 24 hours for a probe team to identify the medical workers involved and to recommend appropriate sanctions.

Zulum who addressed health workers at the hospital, said what happened is “inhuman and unacceptable,” said:
“A situation where patients are left crying for help, yet a hospital rejects them? We will not allow such a situation to repeat itself. I see no reason why disciplinary action will not be taken against the erring staff in this hospital.”

He said: “If any medical doctor or any personnel in any of our facilities is not willing to attend to patients without cogent reason, he or she should equally be fired without hesitation.”

He instructed that: @Within the next 24 hours, the Hospital Management Board and the Ministry of Health should investigate the incident and ensure disciplinary measures are enforced against all those on duty that refused to admit victims of the accident brought here.”

Meanwhile, he revealed that the state government has invested heavily in the health sector, including the welfare of the medical officers, across the state, and called on medical officers to reciprocate the gesture by providing quality healthcare services to all patients without discrimination.

Nigeria and the Kingdom of Netherlands are in talks over establishing a Joint Bi-National Commission to boost existing trade and investment ties between both countries.

This latest action is coming on the heels of President Bola Tinubu open invitation to countries that may be interested in doing business with Nigeria.

Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Adamu Lamuwa, made the interest known on Wednesday while welcoming a delegation from Netherlands which was in Abuja for the Nigeria- Netherlands Economic Consultation meeting that aims at strengthening bilateral ties in various sectors of the economy.

Lamuwa, who was represented by the Director Economic, Trade and Investment Department in the Ministry, Bolaji Akinremi, at the meeting said the Joint Commission has become necessary following the remarkable economic cooperation between both countries.

He said that the volume of trade between both countries is very significant as several Dutch Companies have their operational base in Nigeria.

According to him, some of the Dutch Companies include; the Royal Dutch Shell Petroleum, Friesland Campina, Heineken, Pladis, DAF Trucks, P Phillips, TNT, KLM, Royal Haskoning, Primstar, VliscO, Unilever, Fugro, VanVliet, APM Terrmincl and Bosman van Zaal.

Lamuwa said: “iIn spite of our longstanding bilateral relations with the Netherlands there is no Joint/Bi-National Commission Agreement between the two countries. Negotiation for the establishment of a Joint Commission has been inconclusive since 1987.

“Against this background, the Government of Nigeria would like to reopen the negotiation for the establishment of a Joint/Bi-National Commission Agreement, as this would further consolidate and boost the relations between the two countries.”

He added that the Nigeria- Netherlands Economic Consultation is a demonstration of the commitment of the Governments of Nigeria and the Kingdom of the Netherlands in fostering the bilateral relations between the two friendly countries.

He said: “The present administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has set a vision of building a thriving and sustainable economy that will generate wealth, create employment, boost Foreign Direct Investments (FDIs) and diversify the Nigerian economy. In this regard, the Government of Nigeria is open to exploring other areas of economic cooperation with the Kingdom of the Netherlands.”

He further added that Nigeria is willing to explore areas of economic cooperation with the Netherlands in agricultural value chain, secular economy, renewable energy, waterways management and water security, oil and gas, special economic zones.

The Vice-Minister for Foreign Trade of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, who led the Dutch Delegation to meeting, Ms. Hanneke Schuiling, in her remark, said the consultation was apt as it opens opportunity to modernize the Bilateral Investment Treaty between both countries, adding that a reformed treaty will help to further strengthen investment relations.

“Our economies are strongly connected through a multitude of trade and investment relations. These relations are strong and often go back many years. Several Dutch companies are a household name in Nigeria and are a source of employment and income together with their Nigerian partners. The strength of our economic relations is also clear when we look at our trade statistics; the Netherlands continues to be one of Nigeria’s five most important trading partners.”

She added that both countries see a high potential in four areas in particular: –agriculture, IT, healthcare and renewable energy, stressing that the Dutch private sector can add value for the mutual benefit of Nigeria and the Netherlands.

She said: “I am pleased that we are now starting the renegotiation of the existing bilateral investment treaty as a means to further strengthen mutual economic interest and opportunities. As you may be aware, the current treaty was signed in 1992. Since then, both countries have experienced significant changes in their approach to international investments which can be adopted into a new treaty.
“It is important to modernize our treaty to reflect these changes. A modernized treaty can also foster stronger economic relations between our two nations.”

The Consultation meeting had many Federal Government Agencies and Parastatals in attendance. They Include: the National Office For Technology Acquisition and Promotion (NOTAP), The National Agency For Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), Raw Materials Research and Development Council, Nigerian Data Protection Bureau (NDPB) among others.

• Appeal for Confirmation as substantive CG

The Yoruba Heritage Group has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the appointment of a Yoruba Comptroller General for the first time since the establishment of the Nigeria Immigration Services in 1963.

The President of the group, Omo’ba Segun Adesemoye, while addressing a press conference in Abuja, stated that the Yoruba has been unjustly deprived of the position of the CG and has never been allowed to serve in that capacity since the service was established 60 years ago.

The new CG took over on merit as the most senior officer after the exit of the last CG which has been over due for over a year now.

The group hailed the President for breaking the jinx by allowing this to happen during this critical time when Nigeria is in dire need of healing and national restoration.

The group said: “It is record breaking and symbolic that the appointment happened in your first day in office.

“This is a pointer to greater things to come, We thank the President for his courage and selflessness.”

The group also appealed to President Tinubu to confirm the appointment of Mrs Adepoju as the substantive CG of Immigration.

They restated the group’s confidence in the competence and capacity of the new CG to push reforms that will transform the service and serve diligently in line with the vision of the President to ensure effective and efficient border security, enhance passport regime and migration management.

–From SUNNY A. DAVID:

The Maiden Synod of the Methodist Diocese of Nnewi has ended with a call on the delegates and Christians worldwide to defend and be true soldiers of Jesus Christ on earth.

The newly installed Methodist Bishop of Nnewi, the Right Reverend Emmanuel Nnaji gave the charge while delivering an address during the Diocesan Synod at Wesley Cathedral Uruagu, Nnewi, Nnewi North Council Area.

The Synod reports that it attracted delegates from all the circuits of the new Dioceses, as well as friends of the Diocese.

Speaking on the theme of the Synod,” Contending for the Faith,” the Bishop who called on people of God to have absolute faith in God, no matter the circumstances stressed the need for all to help in propagating the gospel of God to the world, urging them not to surrender to Satan.

The Prelate who expressed satisfaction with the massive turn out of different parishes to the Synod said it is an avenue where the Clergy and lay faithful gather to discuss on how to evaluate, evangelize and assess their performances and make amends where necessary.

Bishop Nnaji further urged Christians to reject the teachings of false prophet and guard against it, emphasising on the need for christians irrespective of denomination or tribe to be true soldiers of Jesus Christ and live holy life.

Delivering a keynote address, the Guest Speaker, Professor Madu Iwe, who dwelt on the theme “Contending for the Faith” urged the participants to believe that what is not seen is possible to happen and that what is difficult to human, is possible before God, urging them to have faith and believe in God.

Delivering a sermon during the Synod thanksgiving service, the Bishop of Aba Diocese, the Right Reverend Obioma Ezeh, charged Christians to stand firm in their faith at all times, noting that many have been misled by false prophets thereby making them to derail in their faith.

In their separate speeches, the Synod Secretary, Very Reverend Emmanuel Chukwu, Bishop’s wife, Mrs Modester Nnaji, and the Lay President, Sir James Uche expressed satisfaction with the successful hosting of the Maiden Synod and called on delegates to hold onto God, no matter the tribulations facing them knowing that God alone has the solution to them all.

Expressing their joy, some of the delegates including Elder Shadrack Edeh, Mrs Jane Mbah for Awada circuits and Professor Ibeh promised to carry the good messages of salvation to their various circuits and help to propagate the gospel to all nooks and crannies of the Diocese.

–BY SUNNY A. DAVID: 

Anambra State Governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo has stated that APGA as a party will work with the government of President Bola Tinubu and the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).

The Governor who spoke during the inauguration of the Regional Headquarters of APGA in Awka, was reacting to his attendance of the inauguration of President Tinubu on Monday.

Governor Soludo was alleged to have been stopped by DSS operatives from entering the state box, during the inauguration in Abuja.

Prof Soludo while speaking descended heavily on the peddlers of the rumour, saying he was approaching the VIP box, but was stopped and redirected to the VVIP box. He berated those who peddled rumours of his being sent out.

The Governor said: “I tell our people that elections have come and gone and APGA did not go to the tribunal even though we had a Presidential candidate because APGA has always worked with the government or party at the center and it has always collaborated with the party at the center.

“When it was the PDP, APGA collaborated with the party and government at the center and we as it were did not field any candidate because APGA worked with the party at the center.

“We have not reviewed that position and if we will, that would be in future but for now. We shall work and collaborate with the party and government at the center and that was what we met and what was written and even when our brother Mr Peter Obi was Governor the party collaborated with the PDP and it has not changed and that was what we met in APGA,” he said.

Speaking on his being sent out from the state box, Governor Soludo said: “We were at the Eagle Square, venue of the inauguration in Abuja. The sitting arrangements at the right where the VIPs were and we went there and they told us that we have a sitting arrangement and they directed us to where we were supposed to stay, which was even VVIP.

“So we left there and went along with the CBN Governor, the Governors, the Dangotes and Oni of Ife only for me to get out of the square and hear that Soludo was bounced off the VIP and asked to go and stay with the masses.”

He said if he was aware that such a rumour would creep in, he would have comfortably gone to where the masses sat, because APGA is party of the masses.

The Governor said: “Actually if I knew that it was what was going to happen, I would have preferred to stay with the masses and that is where I belong. I am for the masses, and to demonstrate that what happened on that day is a thing of the masses.

“It is the masses because my party is the party of the masses not party for the rich and big people but party of the common people and if they don’t talk about Soludo who would they talk about?”

–BY MICHAEL EKOKORUWE:

Members of Itesa Oil and Gas landlords families in Oleh, Isoko South local government area of Delta State, has staged a peaceful protest over employment marginalization by Heritage Energy Operational Services Limited, manager of Cluster 5 of OML 30.

Women and Youths of Itesa family in their numbers blocked the entrance of the Logistics office of Heritage Oil Firm along Oleh / Olomoro road and the flow station with erected canopies and displayed placards with various inscription.

Some of the placards reads, “Oleh need their base supprintendent”, “Oleh need their job slots”, “No employment, No operation”, and ” Oleh need their fair share”, amongst others.

The protesters chanted song’s of oppression, neglect, deprivation and marginalization from the Oil Company pump maintenance section, noting that the contractor employed 4 indigenes of Olomoro community and non from Oleh Itesa Oil and Gas landlords families.

Speaking to newsmen, the chairman of Itesa Oil and Gas landlords families, Mr. Emmanuel Okpaudhu said, several letter’s of demand were submitted to the management of Heritage Operational Services Limited, but the company failed to respond, which according to him was the reason for the protest.

Okpaudhu disclosed that, the DSS / ASS contractor of Heritage Oil Firm only employed indigenes of Olomoro and Owhe communities, but failed to employ members of Itesa Oil and Gas landlords families. He added that a Base supprintendent sacked, was shortchanged with a stranger from Edo State, now in charge of Oleh and Ughelli communities.

He demanded for a replacement of the Base supprintendent with Oleh indigene, noting that Oleh community should not be deprived from the facilities of cluster 5 of OML 30, emphasizing that few Oleh indigenes employed as casual staff has not been promoted.

Okpaudhu maintained that, Oleh community was omitted in the job slots of auto sample machine, just as he said, strangers were employed by Heritage Oil Company. He asked for fairness and equity and demanded to know the numbers of Oleh indigenes working in clusters 5 of OML 30.

The Itesa Oil and Gas landlords chairman, urged the management of Heritage Oil Firm to stop employment of strangers and engage Oleh indigenes in catering and cleaning services as well , and requested for a peaceful dialogue between Heritage Oil Company and the Oil and Gas landlord’s families.

While corroborating Mr. Emmanuel Okpaudhu, the secretary of Itesa Oil and Gas landlords families, Mr. Oboba Festus, decried the pains of non employment that has resulted to youth restiveness and drug abuse, adding that Oleh community is peaceful and has about 22 oil wells in clusters 5 of OML 30.

He noted that the landlords will remain at the entrance of the Oil Company until the management of Heritage Energy Operational Services Limited respond.

Reacting to the protest, the president general of Oleh Kingdom, Chief Comrade Believe Alakri said, he is aware of the protest, noting that the pump maintenance is jointly owned by Olomoro and Oleh communities. He added that in cluster 5 of OML 30, Oleh community has highest percentage and urged the Oil Company to balance the employment status quo.

He demanded that the job slots of Oleh must be given to Oleh community, adding that the flair and camp site is owned by Oleh community .

He stated that Oleh. Olomoro and Emede communities in clusters 5 of OML 30, jointly owned the pipelines and Oleh should have equity in job slots, emphasizing that the company should not deprive Oleh community right to the facilities.

All efforts to reach the management of Heritage Energy Operational Services Limited for response failed as phone lines called were not reachable.

The immediate past Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC), Bashorun Askia Ogieh, FCNA, CrFA, has reaffirmed his belief, trust and commitment to the leadership prowess of Rt. Hon. Elder Sheriff Francis Oborevwori, to govern Delta State.

In a congratulatory video message made available to Blank NEWS Online, Bashorun Askia JP, the Udu of Isoko nation said “I believe and trust in your ability to perform, believing that you would do more for the people in taking Delta to greater heights. I congratulate you on this feat that you have attained and pray God Almighty to guide and protect you as you carry the mantle of leadership of Delta State in moving us forward always.”

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