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APC: As the pendulum swings from Osun to Lagos

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APC: As the pendulum swings from Osun to Lagos

That the Nigerian voters are becoming increasingly politically savvy, in the choices of the candidates they trust is patently obvious. Performance of individuals, rather than political party patronage is a determining factor in who gets what. Those who doubt this assertion may have to take a critical look at the two recent elections held in Nigeria-the Senatorial one in Osun state and the just concluded local council polls in Lagos state.

For the former, Dr Ademola Adeleke of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)  clinched the Senatorial seat to represent  Osun West, in the July 8, 2017 bye-election. The post was  made vacant by the sudden demise of his brother, late  Senator Isiaka Adetunji Adeleke.  It is on record that Aregbesola had promised to resign should Adeleke win.  But when he  saw the hand writing on the wall, he had to throw in the towel.

Sadly, the politician who has borne the toga of a progressive in words could not put that to action. “The people have spoken. Democracy has won and we respect the people’s choice”. That is the beauty of democracy. The people’s dreams, aspirations and choices, rather than that of a few power-poaching politicians always hold sway.

Expectedly, the  candid opinion  of seasoned political analysts is that if Aregbesola had performed creditably well and  paid workers their salaries as at when due, as well as  put solid infrastructure in place to bolster youth employment, his party, All Progressives Congress(APC) would have had a landslide victory. That is, just as it has recently played out, in Lagos state, the acclaimed Centre of Excellence.

Interestingly, it was a clean sweep for all the 57 chairmanship candidates of the APC in the July 22, 2017 local council elections in Lagos state. They were all declared winners by the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) as they clearly defeated all their rivals, particularly from the PDP and Accord parties in the keenly contested election.

To underscore the significance of this electoral feat it should be remembered that during the last similar polls held over five years ago in the same state, APC lost some councillorship posts to the PDP. Also, in 2015 APC lost nine House of Representatives members to the PDP. Indeed, one honourable Kakoare won his election on the platform of the Accord Party (AP). The compelling question therefore, is to find out who, or what has made the difference?

The answer is Governor Akinwunmi Ambode! The young, humble, hardworking, visionary, resourceful leader has cautiously keyed his administration’s policies in tandem with the wishes of the good people of Lagos state. He knows, unlike some of his counterparts strewn all over the country that leadership is all about trust. That is the key element in every human relationship.

At every point of decision making since he assumed office over two years ago he reminds himself of the electoral promises he made during the 2015 campaigns. And he has gone ahead, through the Town Hall Meetings to reinforce the belief of the people in his government’s capacity and capability to deliver on their mandate rather than his.

He has therefore, excelled because he has kept an abiding faith with the promises he made to the people. Talk about the critical issues of security, infrastructural development, youth empowerment, job creation, tourism and the entertainment industry, Ambode’s Midas touch is there for all to see. And all because he is building bridges of trust, faith and loyalty with the people; to facilitate the common cause of good governance.

Said he:”This victory for us is nothing more than a confirmation of the trust that Lagosians have placed on the party.”Only that would explain the sweeping victory of the APC in an election conducted in an atmosphere of peace and harmony, in spite of the heavy rain. He noted that the party did not only emerge victorious for the chairmanship positions but also the councillorship, which is the closest to the people. That again, is democracy at work.

It should serve as a moral and political lesson not only to Aregbesola but other APC governors, that their performance rather than their belief in the name of the party would always get them the victory. Things have since changed iin Nigeria’s effervescent political landscape. The politicians may have their say but the people now have their way. As the pidgin English phrase goes, ”eyes don open! ”

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UBA GMD Calls for Public-Private Collaboration, Joins Aviation Minister to Commission New MMIA Departure Section

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UBA GMD Calls for Public-Private Collaboration, Joins Aviation Minister to Commission New MMIA Departure Section

The newly renovated departure section of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, refurbished by United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, was officially commissioned on Friday, December 20th, 2024.

The laudable project, which marks a transformative moment in Nigeria’s aviation sector, underscores UBA’s unwavering commitment to national development and highlights the immense value of strategic public-private partnerships (PPPs).

The ceremony was graced by distinguished stakeholders, including the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN; the Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku; other Directors, and Heads of Agencies operating at the Airport.

Speaking at the event, UBA’s Group Managing Director/CEO, Oliver Alawuba,lauded the collaboration that brought the project to fruition as he emphasised the need for public and private institutions to come together to build and revamp the nation’s assets.

“This renovation is a testament of UBA’s belief in the transformative power of investing in national assets. By modernising our airports, we not only enhance infrastructure but also position Nigeria as a global hub for tourism, trade, and investment,” he stated.

Alawuba took time to highlight the broader economic impact of such initiatives, urging increased private-sector participation in national development. “Public-private partnerships like this demonstrate what can be achieved when we unite for a shared vision of progress and investing in infrastructure catalyses economic growth, improves travel experiences, and creates opportunities across various sectors of the economy,” he added.

Alawuba reflected on the power of unity and collaboration, quoting Helen Keller: “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” The commissioning of the renovated departure section serves as a reminder of what strategic partnerships can achieve in driving national development and elevating Nigeria’s global standing.”

While commissioning the project, Keyamo commended UBA for executing the project, a feat he termed a landmark achievement in Nigeria’s aviation sector. “This renovated departure section exemplifies the bank’s commitment to elevating aviation infrastructure, improving passenger experiences, and fostering international partnerships. It is a proud moment for the ministry and all stakeholders involved, and I thank the management of UBA for pioneering this initiative,” he remarked.

The minister highlighted other key achievements of his ministry, including compliance with the Cape Town Convention, the launch of a consumer protection portal, and advancements in major infrastructure projects such as the second runway at Abuja Airport and solar energy integration in airport operations.

The Managing Director/Chief Executive of FAAN, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, commended UBA and other stakeholders for their contributions, adding, “This project reflects FAAN’s dedication to delivering world-class aviation infrastructure. The enhanced departure section not only elevates passenger experiences but also strengthens Nigeria’s competitive position in global aviation,” she said.

She called for more private-sector participation, emphasising that “partnerships like these are essential to transforming the aviation sector into a beacon of excellence.”

The newly renovated departure section boasts cutting-edge facilities designed to enhance efficiency and passenger comfort. This upgrade reaffirms the Murtala Muhammed International Airport’s status as a critical gateway to Nigeria and a major hub for international travel in Africa.

United Bank for Africa is Africa’s Global Bank. Operating across twenty African countries and the United Kingdom, the United States of America, France and the United Arab Emirates, UBA provides retail, commercial and institutional banking services, leading financial inclusion and implementing cutting edge technology. UBA is one of the largest employers in the financial sector on the African continent, with 25,000 employees group wide and serving over 45 million customers globally.

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Dangote Hails Tinubu on Impact of Crude for Naira Swap Deal

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Dangote Hails Tinubu on Impact of Crude for Naira Swap Deal

 

 

…As Dangote Refinery partners MRS to sell PMS at N935 per litre nationwide at its retail outlets

 

 

Sahara Weekly Unveils That The Foremost entrepreneur and President of the Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the positive impact of the naira for crude swap deal on the Nigerian economy, which has led to reduction in prices of petroleum products in the country.

 

Dangote Hails Tinubu on Impact of Crude for Naira Swap Deal

 

To provide succour to Nigerians, Dangote recently reduced the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) from N970 to N899.50 at its Refinery loading gantry and provided generous credit terms to marketers.

 

 

“To ensure that this price reduction gets to the end consumer, we have signed a partnership with MRS to sell petrol from its retail outlets nationwide at N935 per litre” he added. This price has already commenced in Lagos, and it will be offered nationwide from Monday.

 

 

In his statement, he called on other oil marketers such as the NNPC Retail and all other marketers, “to work with us to ensure that Nigerians enjoy high-quality petrol at discounted prices.”

 

 

According to him, “The Dangote Refinery is for the benefit of Nigeria and Nigerians. We will therefore continue to work with various value chain players to deliver high quality petrol at cheaper prices. Our aim is for all Nigerians to have ready access to high quality petroleum products that are good for their vehicles, good for their health, and good for their pockets.

 

 

Recall that in September, the Federal Executive Council (FEC) under the leadership of Mr. President approved the sale of crude to local refineries in Naira and corresponding purchase of petroleum products in Naira. The move, which commenced on October 1, led to reduced pressure on the dollar and ensured the stability of the local currency.

 

 

Dangote thanked Nigerians for their unwavering support and the government for creating an enabling environment for the domestic refining industry.

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Port Harcourt Refinery Stays Active: NNPC Denounces Sabotage Rumors

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Port Harcourt Refinery Stays Active: NNPC Denounces Sabotage Rumors

NNPC Debunks Shutdown Rumors, Confirms Port Harcourt Refinery Fully Operational

 

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) has dismissed reports circulating in certain media outlets claiming that the Old Port Harcourt Refinery, which was re-streamed two months ago, has been shut down.

In a statement released by Olufemi O. Soneye, the Chief Corporate Communications Officer of NNPC Ltd, the company clarified that the refinery is fully operational. The statement noted that the facility’s operational status was recently verified by former Group Managing Directors of NNPC during a site inspection.

“Preparation for the day’s loading operation is currently ongoing,” the statement confirmed, emphasizing that allegations of the refinery’s shutdown are baseless and intended to create panic or artificial scarcity in the fuel market.

NNPC Ltd urged members of the public to disregard such misleading reports, labeling them as the work of those seeking to exploit Nigerians.

The Old Port Harcourt Refinery has been in operation since its re-streaming, and the company remains committed to ensuring stability in the supply of petroleum products across the country.

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