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Lara Banjoko Advocates Phased deregulation of the petroleum products sector  to ameliorate the suffering Nigerians

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Lara Banjoko Advocates Phased deregulation of the petroleum products sector  to ameliorate the suffering Nigerians

Lara Banjoko Advocates Phased deregulation of the petroleum products sector  to ameliorate the suffering Nigerians

Lara Banjoko, CEO, of Zone 4 Energy Limited and arguably the leading female force who holds the magic wand to turn the fortunes of any moribund petroleum sector company around has lent her voice to the total deregulation of petroleum products in Nigeria as a massive step for petroleum products availability and massive investment/increased employment in the Country.
Lara Banjoko Advocates Phased deregulation of the petroleum products sector  to ameliorate the suffering Nigerians

Lara Banjoko

Banjoko who is a force to be reckoned with in the oil and gas sector opined that deregulation of the petroleum products in phases is the way forward to ameliorate the suffering of Nigerians masses and enable the country implement cushions that will ameliorate the expected changes such a policy will bring to citizens…. She believes such deregulation must be carried out not in a knee jerk approach but with careful and thoughtful planning over a defined period to enable our citizens be able to accept and live with such policy direction.
Banjoko, who also agreed with Asiwaju Ahmed Tinubu on deregulation made the recommendation today in Lagos while reacting to the recurrent scarcity of PMS, also known as petrol in the country.
According to Banjoko,  currently, petrol (which is the primary mover of people across the different strata of Nigeria) is being subsidized under the recovery process in two different and distinct phases…
1. On the costs of purchase
2. On the foreign exchange component of the importation and supply. The product herein is being delivered using the CBN exchange and not the parallel market for such importation….
As such, the advocacy and advice will be a consideration and push towards a phased-out deregulation of the sector…
“The first step is suggested to be on the purchase pricing option. Wherein the foreign component is retained while the product is imported and sold on the prevailing international pricing benchmark”
Furthermore, she states that the second phase will be to remove the foreign exchange component and allow importation and delivery to be at the parallel market (though the belief is that the incoming government must phase out the current regime of multiple exchange rates.
It would be recalled that the deregulation of economic activities which gathered momentum in this country in 1986 under the general programme of Structural Adjustment has been a matter of intense debate among economists, bankers, and members of the public at large.
The monopolistic tendency of NNPC to provide all the petroleum products created some features which have made justification for the deregulation of the sector. The features include a low level of competition, smuggling of petroleum products, monopolistic and sharp practices, the existence of petroleum subsidies, poor maintenance of infrastructural facilities, distortions in product supply and distribution, inappropriate pricing of products supply, and high level of fraud and corruption. According to the PPPRA, Reginald (2009) and Igbikiowubo (2011), the Federal Government of Nigeria wants to deregulate the downstream sector of Nigeria’s oil industry in order to:
• Ensure that petroleum products are made available to consumers in an uninterrupted manner.
• Eradicate waste and corruption which are consequences of a tightly regulated economy. • Ensure that the supply and distribution of petroleum products are orderly and consumer friendly.
 • Channel money realized from the exercise to development projects that will be beneficial to the majority of the people.
 Notwithstanding the above, the office of the Chief Economic Adviser of the president in collaboration with the NNPC and the budget office of the Federation asserted that the rationale behind the Federal Government’s plan to deregulate the downstream petroleum sector includes:
 • To improve the efficient use of scarce economic resources by subjecting decisions in the sector to the operations of the forces of demand and supply.
 • Deregulation will further reduce economic waste and lightens social burdens caused by government control.
 • To expand opportunities for economic growth, a competitive sector and help achieve greater cost-effectiveness. Furthermore, Allison Madueke (2011) harped on the imperatives for the deregulation of the downstream sector including:
• Saving of cost in petroleum subsidies.
• Job creation opportunities.
• Downtime record in the existing refineries.
• Investment opportunities or foreign direct investment in the sector.
Lara Banjoko is the CEO of Zone4 Energy Limited. An epitome of beauty and brain, she is a successful business-woman who has worked so hard to make a name for herself.

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Oleksandr Usyk Defeats Tyson Fury Again, Solidifies Legacy Among Boxing Greats

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Oleksandr Usyk Defeats Tyson Fury Again, Solidifies Legacy Among Boxing Greats

Oleksandr Usyk Defeats Tyson Fury Again, Solidifies Legacy Among Boxing Greats

Ukrainian boxing sensation Oleksandr Usyk retained his heavyweight championship titles and cemented his place in boxing history with a unanimous decision victory over Britain’s Tyson Fury in their rematch on Saturday night.

The judges scored the bout 116-112 in Usyk’s favor across the board, marking his second consecutive win over Fury. This victory extended Usyk’s flawless professional record to 23-0, with 14 knockouts, adding another chapter to a career already highlighted by Olympic gold and an undisputed cruiserweight championship.

A Masterclass Performance

Usyk, 37, showcased his signature precision and relentless pace, repeatedly catching Fury with clean left hooks and dominating the latter stages of the fight. Fury, at 6ft 9in (206cm) and weighing a career-high 281 pounds, attempted to impose his physicality but was unable to break Usyk’s composure.

The fight, held in Saudi Arabia, saw Usyk wearing traditional Cossack attire during his entrance, while Fury entered the arena dressed in a festive Santa-inspired robe to Mariah Carey’s “All I Want For Christmas Is You.”

The early rounds were competitive, with Fury landing powerful jabs and body shots. However, Usyk’s endurance and tactical brilliance began to shine in the middle rounds. The Ukrainian landed sharp combinations and dictated the tempo, including a stunning uppercut in the final round that left little doubt about the outcome.

“I thought I’ve won both fights,” Fury said post-match, sporting a bruised right eye. “But I’ll always believe until the day I die that I won that fight.”

A Legacy Sealed

Usyk’s victory solidified his standing as one of the greatest heavyweights in history. Already the first undisputed heavyweight of the four-belt era, Usyk joins the ranks of legends like Muhammad Ali, Joe Louis, and Mike Tyson.

The bout, reported to have a prize purse of $190 million, also underscored Saudi Arabia’s growing influence in global sports. Usyk, who served briefly as a soldier during Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, celebrated his victory by hoisting a symbolic sabre belonging to Ukrainian nationalist hero Ivan Mazepa.

Fury’s Uncertain Future

The defeat leaves Fury’s future in doubt. Once unbeaten across 35 fights, Fury now stands at 34-2-1. His attempt to reclaim glory after a brief retirement in 2022 has been marred by back-to-back losses to Usyk.

Usyk, on the other hand, continues to add to his already remarkable resume, leaving fans and critics alike in awe of his technical skill, resilience, and determination. As the heavyweight division looks ahead, Usyk’s reign appears unshakable, and his place among boxing’s all-time greats is firmly secured.

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Testimony Jaga Redefines Gospel Music with Fuji Rhapsody

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Testimony Jaga Redefines Gospel Music with Fuji Rhapsody

Renowned gospel artist Testimony Jaga has set a new standard in the genre with the release of his highly anticipated album, Fuji Rhapsody. This innovative project masterfully blends the electrifying rhythms of Fuji music with uplifting gospel messages, offering a unique and transformative musical experience.
With a runtime of approximately one hour, Fuji Rhapsody takes listeners on a continuous, spiritually enriching journey, brimming with energy and inspiration. The album is available for streaming on popular platforms, including Spotify, iTunes, Audiomack, Boomplay, and more.
Whether you’re a fan of vibrant Fuji beats or seeking soul-stirring gospel tunes, Fuji Rhapsody is an album that promises to inspire and uplift. Press play and let its powerful melodies rejuvenate your spirit today!
Stream Fuji Rhapsody Here:

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Governor Monday Okpebholo C.O.N Celebrates His Grace, Bishop Desmond Osazuwa, on His Birthday – December 21

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His Excellency Governor Monday Okpebholo C.O.N Celebrates His Grace, Bishop Desmond Osazuwa, on His Birthday – December 21

 

The Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo C.O.N., has extended warm birthday wishes to His Grace, Bishop Desmond Osazuwa Amasihohu, in recognition of his remarkable contributions to the state and his unwavering support during the Governor’s electoral victory.

In a heartfelt message, Governor Okpebholo expressed his profound admiration for Bishop Amasihohu, acknowledging his steadfast leadership, spiritual guidance, and commitment to the well-being of the people of Edo State.

“I am delighted to celebrate Bishop Desmond Osazuwa on his special day,” the Governor stated. “His tireless prayers and invaluable support during my election campaign played a significant role in our collective success. His dedication to the spiritual and physical growth of Edo State is a testament to his purposeful leadership and unwavering faith.”

Reflecting on the Bishop’s years of service, the Governor added, “On behalf of my family and the entire Edo State, I extend my heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to Bishop Desmond Amasihohu on his birthday. He is a true son of Edo, whose contributions continue to enrich our lives. Today, we celebrate not just his birthday but also his enduring impact on our state and beyond.”

Governor Okpebholo emphasized the importance of honoring individuals who dedicate their lives to service. “Recognizing Bishop Desmond Osazuwa aligns with our shared values of inclusivity, unity, and gratitude. His contributions to the spiritual and social fabric of Edo State are invaluable, and we are truly blessed to have him among us.”

Bishop Desmond Osazuwa Amasihohu has spent decades spreading the gospel and transforming lives both within Edo State and across the globe. His birthday celebration drew dignitaries, community leaders, and well-wishers who gathered to honor his life and legacy.

The occasion stands as a powerful reminder of the values of faith, service, and unity that guide the Governor’s vision for a stronger Edo State.

“Happy birthday, my Bishop,” Governor Okpebholo concluded. “Your wisdom and contributions to the development of our state are deeply appreciated. May the Lord Almighty bless you with good health, strength, and continued prosperity.”

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