Cloned Nigerian Anchor

Author: Doris Israel Ijeoma

  • Muslims Asked to Watch for Sha’aban Moon on Wednesday

    Muslims Asked to Watch for Sha’aban Moon on Wednesday

    As the global Muslim Umma prepare for the commencement of Ramadhan fasting, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, has called for the observance of the crescent moon of Sha’aban 1446 AH on Wednesday, January 29. 

    In a statement from Sokoto, the Sultanate Council’s Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs encouraged Muslims to report moon sightings to their local district or village heads. 

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    This observation marks the start of Sha’aban, the Islamic calendar’s eighth month, which precedes Ramadan.

    The Sultan offered prayers for divine blessings and guidance as Muslims prepare for their spiritual duties.

  • FG gives ten companies 25-year gas distribution licenses

    FG gives ten companies 25-year gas distribution licenses

    The Federal Government has issued 25-year gas distribution licenses to 10 companies, marking a major step in expanding Nigeria’s gas infrastructure.

    The licenses, awarded by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), cover franchise areas in Lagos, Ibadan, Port Harcourt, and Benin.  

    The issuance ceremony, held in Abuja, was overseen by the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo.

     He explained that the initiative aligns with the government’s efforts to improve gas accessibility and support the country’s energy transition.  

    According to Hon. Ekpo, the licences grant the companies the rights to construct and operate gas distribution systems in designated zones, ensuring efficient gas supply to industries and households.

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     The beneficiaries include major players such as NNPC, Shell, Axxela, NIPCO, Falcon, and Central Horizon Gas Company.  

    NMDPRA’s Chief Executive, Engr. Farouk Ahmed, stated that the licences will enable the distribution of over 1.5 billion cubic feet of gas daily through a 1,200km pipeline network and 500 customer stations. 

    He added that this development would create investment opportunities, boost domestic gas markets, and enhance economic growth.  

    In a bid to support this expansion, NNPC Limited and its partners announced plans to invest $500 million in five Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) plants in Ajaokuta, Kogi State.

    Ogunleye Olalekan, Executive Vice President of Gas and Power for NNPC, promised license holders a steady supply of gas throughout the franchise territories.  

    The Federal Government called on stakeholders and investors to collaborate in advancing Nigeria’s gas infrastructure, with a focus on job creation, investment attraction, and a sustainable energy future.

  • Why terrorism, Violent conflicts persist – CDS Musa

    Why terrorism, Violent conflicts persist – CDS Musa

     The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, explained that the prolonged Boko Haram and other violent conflicts stem from their unconventional nature. 

    Speaking on a TV program, he noted that unlike traditional wars fought over territories, Boko Haram and operates based on ideology, making it harder to combat.  

    According to Musa, insurgents believe they gain rewards for their actions, making them fearless and difficult to distinguish from civilians.

     Their tactics, such as using human shields and blending with communities, further complicate operations. 

    The military’s adherence to international laws contrasts with the insurgents’ disregard, creating additional challenges.  

    Musa also highlighted improved transparency in arms procurement, thanks to collaboration with the National Assembly. 

    He mentioned progress in repairing and maintaining equipment locally, strengthening the military’s capacity. 

    Additionally, plans are underway to produce weapons domestically following a newly signed bill.  

    The military remains committed to ending the conflict and enhancing its operational effectiveness.

  • Buhari returns to Nigeria after testifying in $2.3bn corruption case  

    Buhari returns to Nigeria after testifying in $2.3bn corruption case  

    Former President Muhammadu Buhari is back in Nigeria following his testimony in a $2.3 billion arbitration case involving Sunrise Power.

     The case, heard at the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) Court of Arbitration in Paris, France, centers on a dispute over the 2003 Mambilla power plant contract.

    A video shared on social media confirmed Buhari’s return, showing him stepping off an aircraft. 

    READ ALSO: Why Nigerians should not pay tax

    The presidency clarified that Buhari voluntarily testified to defend Nigeria in the ongoing case, dismissing claims of coercion.

    The dispute began in 2017 when Sunrise Power sought damages over alleged breaches of the 2003 agreement to construct the 3,050MW power plant in Taraba State. 

    The project, valued at $6 billion, faced setbacks, with the company also claiming the government failed to uphold a 2020 settlement agreement.  

    READ ALSO: Akwa Ibom fights hunger, malnutrition

    Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has also been involved, testifying in the same case. 

    Both leaders have denied authorizing any controversial agreements linked to the project.

  • Tinubu Appoints Opeifa as NRC Managing Director

    Tinubu Appoints Opeifa as NRC Managing Director

    President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday named Kayode Opeifa as the new Managing Director of the Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC). 

    Opeifa takes over from Ben Iloanusi, who had been serving in an acting capacity after the departure of Fidet Okhiria in October 2024.

    Opeifa, known for his work as Lagos State’s Commissioner for Transportation under Governor Babatunde Fashola, played a significant role in transforming the state’s transport system. 

    His efforts improved traffic management and earned Lagos recognition as a model for urban transport in Africa. Opeifa also served as Transport Secretary for the Federal Capital Territory during former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.

    As Vice-Chairman of the Presidential Task Team, Opeifa worked alongside former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo to ease the traffic congestion in Lagos’ Apapa area. 

    Now, as the head of the NRC, Opeifa faces the task of enhancing Nigeria’s rail infrastructure.

  • Boko Haram Attack in Borno, Patrol Vehicles and Tanks Destroyed

    Boko Haram Attack in Borno, Patrol Vehicles and Tanks Destroyed

    As Nigerians pray for an ending to the menace, Boko Haram terrorists struck again on Sunday night in Kawuri village, Konduga LG, Borno state, leaving tails of woe.

    They set fire to three patrol vehicles of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) and three military armored tanks. 

    Residents fled to the bush as the military confronted the attackers. 

    The troops pushed back the terrorists, and no casualties were reported during the fight.

     However, the attackers planted explosives on the Konduga-Kawuri road to block reinforcements. 

    On Tuesday morning, while navigating the route, CJTF member Abba Godori accidentally triggered one of the devices and lost his life. 

    Efforts to reach the police for confirmation were unsuccessful, but a retired community member confirmed the renewed attacks in the area.

  • Tinubu gets a Federal Polytechnic in Abuja

    Tinubu gets a Federal Polytechnic in Abuja

     

    The federal government has approved the creation of a new polytechnic in Abuja, to be named Bola Tinubu Polytechnic. 

    This decision was announced by the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, in a letter sent to Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, on January 9.  

    The move is part of a nationwide effort to ensure each state has a federal polytechnic.

     The polytechnic will focus on vocational and technical training, aligning with the government’s plans to boost education in these fields.  

    The FCT minister has been asked to recommend locations in Gwarinpa for both temporary and permanent campuses. 

    A technical team from the Ministry of Education and the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) will conduct inspections.  

    The government has also expressed willingness to convert existing tertiary institutions in the FCT into the new polytechnic if they meet required standards.  

    Meanwhile, the NBTE has launched a foundation aimed at addressing challenges faced by polytechnics, including improving capacity, fostering industry collaboration, and building global partnerships.

  • WHO Calls on Trump to Reverse Withdrawal Decision

    WHO Calls on Trump to Reverse Withdrawal Decision

    The World Health Organization (WHO) has urged U.S. President Donald Trump to reconsider his recent decision to withdraw the United States from the global health body. 

    This move follows Trump’s executive order, signed shortly after his inauguration, formally starting the process of ending the country’s membership.  

    Trump justified his decision by citing concerns about the WHO’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and the organization’s alleged failure to implement necessary reforms. 

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    He also criticized what he described as the unequal financial contributions, claiming the United States pays significantly more compared to China.  

    In a statement, the WHO expressed regret over the decision, noting the United States has been a key member since its founding in 1948. 

    The organization highlighted the decades-long partnership between the U.S. and WHO in tackling global health challenges, including the eradication of smallpox and efforts to eliminate polio.  

    WHO emphasized its role in protecting global health through disease prevention, health system strengthening, and crisis response in vulnerable areas. 

    READ ALSO: Oxfam challenges governments to bridge extreme wealth gap

    It also pointed to ongoing reforms aimed at improving accountability and effectiveness.  

    The organization expressed hope for renewed dialogue with the U.S. to maintain their partnership, which it described as vital for global health security and the well-being of millions around the world.

  • Tinubu, meets Rivers Gov, Ogoni leaders, at the Aso Rock

    Tinubu, meets Rivers Gov, Ogoni leaders, at the Aso Rock

    President Bola Tinubu met with Governor Sim Fubara of Rivers State and prominent leaders from Ogoniland at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

     The meeting, attended by top federal officials and stakeholders, is believed to focus on critical issues affecting the Niger Delta region.  

    Governor Fubara was accompanied by Senators Magnus Abe, Lee Maeba, Olaka Nwogu, Chief Victor Giadom, and other prominent figures from Ogoniland.

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    Federal officials present included the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC), Mele Kyari; Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abba; Minister of Information and National Orientation, Idris Mohammed; Minister of Regional Development, Abubakar Momoh; and National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.  

    Though the agenda was not officially disclosed, discussions are expected to address the cleanup of Ogoniland and the potential resumption of oil exploration in the area. 

    These issues have sparked debates in recent months, with civil society organizations demanding a $1 trillion allocation for environmental restoration and compensation before oil activities resume.  

    The 2011 UNEP report highlighted extensive pollution in Ogoniland, affecting land, water, and air, and recommended comprehensive cleanup efforts.

     Activists have expressed disappointment over delays in implementing the report’s recommendations and called for urgent action to address the environmental and economic concerns of the region.  

  • NCC approves 50% tariff hike for Telcos  

    NCC approves 50% tariff hike for Telcos  

    The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has approved a limited increase in telecommunication tariffs for network operators. 

    The decision was made after engaging with stakeholders to address the rising costs of operations while maintaining consumer interests.  

    The adjustment, capped at a 50% maximum increase, is lower than the requests made by some operators. 

    The aim is to enable operators to manage operational expenses, invest in infrastructure, and improve service quality.  

    Telecom tariffs in Nigeria have remained unchanged since 2013, despite economic challenges such as inflation and the depreciation of the Naira. 

    This has strained operators like MTN Nigeria and Airtel, which have reported significant financial losses due to escalating costs and regulatory restrictions on tariff changes.  

    To protect consumers, the NCC has directed operators to implement the adjustments fairly and transparently.

     They are also required to inform the public about the new rates and ensure measurable improvements in service delivery.  

    The Commission assured Nigerians that it remains committed to creating a balanced environment where consumer protection, industry sustainability, and sector growth are prioritized.