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Be patient with Tinubus’ reforms, Shettima urges citizens
Vice President Kashim Shettima has urged Nigerians to be patient, reassuring them that President Bola Tinubu understands their concerns and anxieties.
The VP also disclosed that the president is aware of the activities of the oil subsidy cabal but added that he is determined to push on despite the difficulties being faced by the country at the moment.
Shetima, who represented President Bola Tinubu at the 2024 African Caucus meeting stated this in response to the nationwide hunger protest.
At the event themed, “Facilitating Intra-African Trade: Catalyst for Sustainable Economic Growth in Africa,” held on Friday in Abuja, Shettima, urged Nigerians to be patient with the president in the wake of the hardship occasioned by the removal of fuel subsidies, unification of the foreign exchange market, and other economic reforms.
He said, “We are gathered here against the backdrop of what happened a couple of weeks ago in Kenya. There is understandable apprehension in the country but here we are, no matter how long the night is, it must give way to the light of the dawn. Surely the weather might be cloudy but it won’t rain forever.
“The president made the painful decisions. Reforms are imperative and we know the consequences of unveiling a masquerade. We are aware of the oil subsidy cabal but we are determined to push on, efforts would be made with human kindness. Please have patience, our heart goes out towards our continent as it goes through the cost of living hardship but we shall overcome.”
On Thursday, Nigerians took to the streets protesting soaring inflation, food prices and economic hardship largely occasioned by policies and reforms embarked upon by the current administration.
The protesters calling for an #EndBadGovernance are demanding a reduction in the petrol pump price to N200 per litre, an end to insecurity, the closure of IDP camps, and electoral reforms, among other issues.
But the rally which began peacefully has taken a violent turn in some cities leading to violent confrontations between the police and the protesters.
Speaking further, the former Borno governor called for global cooperation among African countries to tackle their shared economic challenges and take advantage of opportunities.
He noted that although Africa is grappling with “numerous challenges across economic, humanitarian and social spheres,” countries on the continent must take necessary measures to translate opportunities in natural resources and human capital into growth, innovation and collaboration.
Shettima added, “As a government, we have initiated bold economic reforms aimed at steering our economy away from the downturns caused by multiple shocks in the global economy toward a path of recovery and resilience through significant economic transformation.”
In his welcome address, the chairperson of the Caucus/Nigeria’s Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, said, “It is an honour to convene this year’s African caucus where we can agree upon viable strategies for advancing the development of our continent. After four turbulent years and multiple shocks to the world economy.
On his part, the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Olayemi Cardoso, stated that it was the responsibility of monetary authorities to create policies that would promote trade among countries on the continent.
News
Abia Assembly orders Deputy Governor, Emetu to apologise over assault on House member
Abia House of Assembly directs Deputy Gov Engr Ikechukwu Emetu to issue an unreserved apology to the house over assault on the member representing Ohafia South, Hon Kalu Mba Nwoke.
The motion which was moved by the member representing Ukwa West , Godwin Adiele was supported by other members
Kalu Mba Nwoke was reportedly assaulted at the Ohafia Local government Secretariat on Saturday, 2nd of November 2024( date of the just concluded local government elections)
The lawmaker alledged that he was assaulted on the orders of the Deputy Gov Engr Ikechukwu Emetu because he demanded that election result sheets should be available before the elections.
News
NNPC, Dangote Sign GSPA Agreement To Boost Local Production, Revamp Industrial Growth
The NNPC Gas Marketing Limited (NGML), a subsidiary of the Nigerian National d Gas Sale and Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited, has successfully executed a Purchase Agreement (GSPA) with Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals FZE.
The agreement, according to a statement signed by NNPCL spokesperson, Olufemi Soneye was undertaken by the Managing Director, NGML, Barr. Justat the Ezeala and the President/CEO of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote on Tuesday at Corporate Head Office of Dangote in Falomo, Lagos State, outlines the supply of natural gas for power generation and feedstock at the Dangote Refinery, in Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos State.
This major milestone is in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s policy of utilizing Nigeria’s abundant gas resources towards revamping the nation’s industrial growth and kickstarting its economic prosperity.
This development, which sees a huge investment of this nature penned with zero capital expenditure (CAPEX) outlay, has been described by many as unprecedented in the history of NGML or any gas Local Distribution Company (LDC) in the country.
Under the terms of the agreement, NGML will supply 100 million standard cubic feet per day (MMSCF/D), 5OMMSCF/D being firm supply and the rest 50MMSCF/D interruptible natural gas supply to the refinery for an initial period of 10 years, with options for renewal and growth.
This collaboration is a significant step toward ensuring the operational success of the Dangote Refinery and enhancing Nigeria’s domestic gas utilization.
NNPC Ltd, through NGML, its gas marketing subsidiary, continues to lead efforts in promoting the use of domestic gas to support industries and businesses nationwide.
The agreement represents a milestone for both NNPC Ltd and Dangote Refinery, aligning with their shared commitment to boosting local production and providing vital products for the benefit of all Nigerians.
It is also a further proof of NGML’S unwavering commnitment to business excellence and fulfilling NNPC Ltd’s core mandate of ensuring Nigeria’s energy security through the execution of strategic gas projects across the country.
News
Ecuador Midfielder Dies At 22 After Car Crash
Ecuador international, Marco Angulo has died at the age of 22 a month after being seriously injured in a car crash, his club has announced.
The LDU Quito midfielder had been in hospital since the incident on 7 October in the south of Ecuador’s capital Quito.
Reports in Ecuador, external said he underwent several operations and spent over a week in intensive care, before passing away on Monday night.
“With deep sorrow and sadness, we regret to have to inform you of the death of our dear player Marco Angulo,” LDU Quito, who plays in Ecuador’s top flight, said in a statement on Tuesday morning.
“We convey our condolences to his family and his loved ones.
“His passing is an irreparable loss which will leave an indelible mark in our hearts.”
Angulo’s parent club, Major League Soccer outfit FC Cincinnati, said they were “heartbroken to share” news of his death.
After a single season in the United States, Angulo joined LDU Quito on loan with an option to buy in March 2024.
Angulo made 16 appearances for the club. His last appearance came on 6 October – a day before the car crash.
He made his debut for Ecuador in November 2022, coming on as a substitute in a 0-0 draw against Iraq, and earned three caps for his country.
“The Ecuadorian Football Association expresses its deepest sympathy over the death of Marco Angulo,” a statement from the governing body read.
“Marco was not only an outstanding player but also a great team-mate. He leaves a deep sorrow in our hearts, especially in those of us who went with him on countless trips, and to training camps and matches.
“Rest in peace, Angulito.”
According to Ecuadorian reports, Independiente del Valle footballer Roberto Cabezas and a friend, Victor Carcopa, also died in the accident.
There were two other passengers in the car at the time. Their condition is unknown.
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