Oil Cabals crippled Govt Refineries, now working against Dangote Refinery – Pastor Adeboye

The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye, has urged Nigerians to pray for divine intervention in the face of efforts by unscrupulous oil marketers to thwart the operations of the Dangote Petroleum Refinery, following the previous sabotage of Nigeria’s four state-owned refineries.

The respected clergyman made the call for nationwide prayers during the November 2024 Abuja Special Holy Ghost Service themed ‘Total Restoration’, which held in the capital city. While Adeboye did not explicitly name the Dangote Petroleum Refinery, his remarks echoed the ongoing attempts by oil marketers to prevent the refinery from functioning as it was designed to.

The Dangote Refinery based in Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos is the only facility currently refining petrol in Nigeria, and Adeboye’s comments reflected the dispute between the refinery and oil marketers, who seek to continue importing fuel for personal gain.

Pastor Adeboye reminded the congregation that it was God who raised Aliko Dangote to establish a refinery after years of failed attempts to revive Nigeria’s four public refineries, which had consumed billions of Naira with little result. He questioned the persistence of fuel imports despite Nigeria’s status as a major crude oil producer.

“Are we under a curse?” he asked. “We have four refineries, we poured all kinds of money into them, none of them is working. But God raised someone to build a refinery that works. He is not my relative, he is not from my village. He is not even a Christian, but he is a Nigerian who says, ‘Why should my people suffer when I have the means to build a refinery that can work?’ Now he is refining petrol, and some people want to stop him from selling it, so they can keep importing.”

Adeboye also pointed out the damage caused by the fuel subsidy, describing it as a significant drain on Nigeria’s resources, contributing to the country’s mounting debts and corruption. He stressed that when President Bola Ahmed Tinubu announced the end of the subsidy in 2023, Nigerians largely welcomed the decision, but oil marketers, who benefitted from the subsidy regime, were furious.

These marketers, the renowned pastor claimed, have formed alliances with some International Oil Companies (IOCs) and other powerful interests to obstruct the Dangote Petroleum Refinery. This includes restricting access to crude oil, forcing Dangote to import crude from countries like the United States, among others.

He called for prayer for the total restoration of the country, noting that the Nigerian people are suffering the consequences, as the prices of essential goods have soared, pushing many items beyond the reach of ordinary citizens. “The masses are the ones suffering because these marketers, who are bent on keeping imports alive, already have more money than they can ever spend,” he said.

Despite the Dangote Petroleum Refinery’s capacity to meet Nigeria’s entire demand for petroleum products – and even to export surplus fuel – oil marketers continue to pressurise the government to allow ongoing petrol imports. This has placed additional strain on the Naira, which has continued to depreciate.

Recently, the Crude Oil Refineries Owners Association of Nigeria (CORAN) urged the government to protect local refineries from unfair competition posed by importers and international petroleum traders, in line with provisions in the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).

UBA, Mastercard Introduce 75th Anniversary Card with Exclusive Benefits, Discounts

As part of activities to mark its 75th anniversary, Africa’s Global Bank, United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, has teamed up with Mastercard to introduce a special commemorative Debit Card.

This exclusive card offers UBA customers exciting deals and attractive discounts across multiple platforms, enhancing their banking experience in a memorable way.

The commemorative card which was unveiled at the bank’s corporate head office in Marina, Lagos, on Wednesday, is a custom-built card created with the intention of appreciating customers and other users for their loyalty throughout the seven and half decades of impactful journey.

UBA’s Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Oliver Alawuba, who spoke at the unveiling, emphasised that the card, comes loaded with irresistible benefits aimed at impressing customers, including 25% off purchases on Jumia and $75 cashback on transactions made through AliExpress.

This according to him, symbolizes the shared vision between UBA and Mastercard towards empowering Africans by enhancing customer experience through secure and convenient transactions.

He said, “This new card represents the deepening of our relationship and our shared mission to empower millions of Nigerians and Africans, providing them with access to secure transactions and new opportunities across the continent.

The GMD also disclosed the bank’s plans to unveil similar products across all its subsidiaries, adding, “We are proud of this collaboration, and we are confident that Mastercard’s role in Africa will only grow stronger in the coming years.”

The President, Africa, Mastercard, Mark Elliot, who expressed gratitude to the management of the bank on the partnership, emphasised the importance and potential of the partnership with UBA.

“We are thrilled to be partnering with UBA, which we know is one of the best banks in Africa. For us, it is a privilege to work with a partner that shares our commitment towards digitizing the continent and enhancing customer experience through secure and convenient transactions.”

Elliot who noted the immense opportunities in the African payment ecosystem, said the organisation looks forward to exploring them with UBA. “Africa is currently one of the most attractive payment markets worldwide, and it’s clear that by 2030, the continent will likely become the fastest-growing equity market,” he said.

“Meeting the UBA management is always inspiring, as we always come up with bold and strategic ideas, and today is no exception. We are excited to match our shared ambitions,” Elliot stated.

United Bank for Africa Plc is a leadi

ng Pan-African financial institution, offering banking services to more than thirty-five million customers, across 1,000 business offices and customer touch points in 20 African countries. With presence in New York, London, Paris and Dubai, UBA is connecting people and businesses across Africa through retail, commercial and corporate banking, innovative cross-border payments and remittances, trade finance and ancillary banking services.

COSCHARIS FARMS LEVERAGES BLOCKCHAIN TECHNOLOGY TO REVOLUTIONIZE RICE FARMING

BY
CHINEDU NSOFOR

In a transformative move for modern agriculture, Coscharis Farm, a subsidiary of the renowned Coscharis Group founded by Dr. Cosmos Maduka, is revolutionizing rice farming through its innovative blockchain program. This initiative aims to streamline farming operations and empower local farmers by providing them with essential resources and support. Shepherd Hurudza, the farm operation manager at Coscharis Farm, shared insights into this groundbreaking project during an interview.

Land Development and Infrastructure

Coscharis Farm spans an impressive 2,500 hectares in Ayamelum Local Government, Anambra State, specifically developed for rice farming. The farm has undergone extensive preparations to create a sustainable agricultural environment.

“We have implemented irrigation systems and have conducted precision leveling on more than half of our land to form rice paddies. Currently, 600 hectares are being irrigated to ensure optimal growth conditions for rice cultivation.” Said Shepherd Hurudza

The commitment to modern farming techniques is evident in the array of machinery at Coscharis Farm. The facility boasts 520 horsepower tractors and combined harvesters designed for efficient rice farming. These resources allow for streamlined cultivation and harvesting, ensuring that the farm operates at maximum efficiency.

Empowering Farmers Through Blockchain

Recognizing the challenges faced by individual farmers in accessing land and resources, Coscharis Farm has launched a blockchain farming program aimed at democratizing agriculture. This initiative is particularly beneficial for those with financial backing but lacking the means to cultivate.

Many individuals interested in rice farming struggle to acquire land and the capital required for development. The blockchain program provides a solution. It offers access to land and support throughout the farming cycle.

Under this program, Coscharis Farm collaborates with aspiring farmers, providing them with plots of land to cultivate. The farm handles all aspects of land preparation, planting, and harvesting. Farmers can cultivate up to 10 hectares, with Coscharis team offering guidance on best practices and mechanized planting.

Comprehensive Support Services

The blockchain initiative extends beyond mere land access; it encompasses a full range of agronomy services. Coscharis Farm provides farmers with essential resources, including seeds, fertilizers, and chemical treatments. The support continues throughout the crop cycle. Coscharis Farm offers advice on optimal planting times, crop management practices, and harvesting techniques. After the harvest, the farm guarantees the purchase of the produce, ensuring that farmers have a reliable market for their rice.

Digital Monitoring and Transparency

In a significant stride toward transparency and efficiency, Coscharis Farm has developed an in-house app that allows farmers to monitor their operations in real time. The app provides visibility into all stages of farming, enabling farmers to see the status of their land and crops from the comfort of their homes.

The app offers features that allow users to track planting schedules, fertilization timelines, and overall crop health. This digitalization fosters a greater understanding of farming processes, empowering farmers to make informed decisions. Additionally, Coscharis Farm utilizes satellite monitoring technology to enhance data accuracy.

A Sustainable Future for Agriculture

The innovative blockchain program at Coscharis Farm is not only focused on immediate results but also aims for long-term sustainability in agriculture. This initiative aligns with broader goals of enhancing food security and promoting sustainable agricultural practices in the region. By leveraging technology and modern farming techniques, Coscharis Farm is setting a precedent for the future of agriculture in Nigeria and beyond.

Conclusion

Coscharis Farm is reshaping the agricultural landscape in Nigeria through its innovative blockchain program. By empowering local farmers with access to land, resources, and technology, the farm is not only enhancing productivity but also fostering a sense of community and collaboration.