News

IWD: ARH’23 Chairperson, Kemi Olokode-Ayelabola Urges Govt, Stakeholders To Boost Gender Equality*

Published

8 hours ago

March 9, 2025

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

The Chairperson and Convener of Asiwaju Renewed Hope (ARH’23), Kemi Olokode-Ayelabola has congratulated Nigerian women and those around the world on the auspicious occasion of 2025 International Women’s Day.

She also challenged governments at all levels to rise to the global challenge of ensuring gender equality and empowerment for all women and the girl-child.

The United Nations had set aside March 8, of every Year as a day to mark the International Women’s Day. This 2025 edition was themed “Accelerate Action,”

Kemi, a behavioural, developmental and child/young persons care professional in her message on Saturday said, “As the world marks International Women’s Day 2025 with the theme “Accelerate Action,” Nigeria should unconditionally stand out as a model of gender-inclusive governance, where women are not just given a seat at the table but are actively given the opportunity to shaping policies and driving meaningful changes in the scheme of things both in public and private sectors.”

According to her, IWD has provided yet another opportunity to reflect on the condition of women both at the global arena and national level with a view to providing a way forward for the betterment of Nigerian women.

“Today is a historic day in the struggle for the upliftment of Women across the continents. I recall with happiness the series of steps taken by the government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at different levels to drive attention to the plight of women in the areas of health, education and opportunities in the scheme of things.

“However it is my wish therefore to felicitate with fellow Nigerian women and women all over the world on this very memorable and important day,’’ she added.

She also urged the women not to be discouraged by the seeming socio-economic challenges they had been experiencing in their journey towards greatness in the society.

She said: “As you may be aware, records have shown that women are the most vulnerable and poorest group globally. In Nigeria, this gap exists as a result of socio-economic and other factors. Despite these challenges that women face in their journey, however, they must not be deterred as they are the fountain of wisdom and endurance.

“As women commemorate this special day, the occasion should also serve as a reminder to governments at all levels and all critical stakeholders to reaffirm their commitment to promoting women’s rights, dignity, and well-being. It is my prayer and belief that governments will tirelessly create a society where women have equal opportunities to thrive, free from discrimination, violence, harassment, harmful traditional practices and marginalization,’’ the statement concluded.

News

Kalu Urges SEDC Management To Put Partnership, Development Above Politics

Published

4 hours ago

March 10, 2025

Gloria Ikibah

…call for transparency in utilisation of funds

By Gloria Ikibah

Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Benjamin Kalu has called for the need of partnership and collaboration over politics for the success of the South East Development Commission (SEDC).

Kalu also urged the management team of the commission to prioritise collective effort, driven by the values of hard work, integrity, and communal progress.

Speaking at a reception for the board of the SEDC and stakeholders engagement hosted by Prince Arthur Eze, the Chairman of Oranto Petroleum in Enugu to round off the visit of the management team in the region over the weekend, the Deputy Speaker noted that the commission’s ultimate goal is to drive growth and development in the region.

Kalu who was represented by the Deputy Minority Whip of the House, Hon. George Ozodinobi stressed that the commission’s success relies on partnership, not politics, and encouraged collaboration across various sectors, including the private sector, diaspora, villages, cities, traditional institutions, and government.

He said: “The South East Development Commission is not just another institution; it is the engine room of renewal, the architect of a modern South East that matches our spirit of enterprise with the necessary infrastructure and support. It will rebuild what was broken, ignite industries, empower our youth, and give new life to the creative and technological prowess that has always defined us.

“We must remember that a river that forgets its source will soon run dry. As we embrace development, let us remain anchored in our values—hard work, integrity, and communal progress. The greatness of a people is not measured by the wealth of individuals but by the prosperity of the many. That is why this commission is not just for the elite, the politically connected, or the privileged. It is for the trader in Ariaria, the farmer in Abakaliki, the artisan in Nnewi, the startup innovator in Enugu, and the student in Owerri who dreams of a future where talent—not location—determines success.

“An Igbo proverb says there is strength in numbers. If the fingers of one hand come together, they form a mighty fist. Our strength has always been in our collective resolve. The Commission will not thrive on politics; it will thrive on partnership. From the private sector to the diaspora, from the villages to the cities, from the traditional institutions to the halls of government, we must stand together. This is not the time for division—it is the time for alignment”.

Kalu also charged the SEDC Board and the management team to utilize allocated funds wisely, ensuring transparency and projects that positively impact ordinary people’s lives.

“We must remain steadfast, ensuring that this commission delivers on its promise, that funds are used transparently, and that projects touch the lives of ordinary people”, he said.

Noting the tortuous legislative journey of the billl at the national assemby, Kalu however expressed gratitude to his colleagues as well as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for signing the bill that established the commission, ultimately fulfilling the promise of Reconstruction, Rehabilitation, and Reconciliation made to Ndi Igbo by the Gowon led federal government over 50 years ago.

“The journey to this moment was not without its trials, but history is always shaped by those who dare to persist. Along with my esteemed colleagues in the House of Representatives, I championed the South East Development Commission Bill—not as a mere legislative exercise, but as a moral imperative to address long-standing infrastructural deficits, economic stagnation, and the wounds of history that have yet to fully heal. It was a journey of debate, negotiation, and unwavering advocacy.

“I extend my deepest gratitude to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whose assent to this bill demonstrates his deep understanding of governance as a tool for national unity and progress. In signing this bill into law, he has not only affirmed his commitment to equity but has also fulfilled, in tangible terms, the long-standing promise of Reconstruction, Rehabilitation, and Reconciliation (the 3Rs) made by General Yakubu Gowon over five decades ago. This is the mark of true leadership—one that listens, understands, and acts decisively in the interest of all Nigerians. Today, the South East is not just seen, but heard. Not just acknowledged, but empowered. And for that, Mr. President, we say thank you”, Kalu said.

News

Reps Secure Pledge from Seven Oil Companies to Pay $37.4m into Federation Account by August

Published

4 hours ago

March 10, 2025

Gloria Ikibah

By Gloria Ikibah

Following an extensive probe by the the House of Representatives, Public Accounts Committee of seven oil and gas firms have committed to paying a total of $37,435,094.52 (₦58 billion) into the Federation Account by August 2025.

This resolution comes after a review of financial records from the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), which exposed significant lapses in royalty payments and overall financial reconciliation within the sector.

In a statement bybthe House Spokesperson, Rep. Akin Rotimi, disclosed that the pledged repayments are part of a much larger ₦9 trillion backlog flagged in the 2021 Auditor General’s report submitted to the National Assembly. Some of these debts have accumulated over four years, further exposing gaps in Nigeria’s revenue collection process within the oil and gas industry.

Rotimi said that beyond the seven companies that have agreed to settle their debts, investigations have uncovered $1.7 billion (₦2.5 trillion) in unpaid royalties owed by 45 oil firms as of December 31, 2024.

1. Companies That Have Agreed to Pay by August 2025

The following companies have acknowledged their outstanding debts and have pledged to clear them before the deadline:

1. Belema Oil

2. Panocean Oil Nigeria Ltd*

3. Newcross Exploration & Production Ltd.

4. Dubri Oil Company Ltd

5. Chorus Energy

6. Amni International

7. Network Exploration

2. Companies Disputing Their Recorded Liabilities

Nine companies, with a total outstanding debt of $429.2 million, have challenged the figures attributed to them. They have requested a reconciliation process with NUPRC to verify the accuracy of their obligations. These companies are:

1. Aradel/Niger Delta

2. Chevron

3. STAR DEEP

4. Shore Line

5. Seplat Producing Unlimited

6. Esso Erha

7. Esso Usan

8. Eroton Exploration

9. Seplat Energy

The Public Accounts Committee has directed that the reconciliation process be concluded within two weeks. After this period, all verified debts must be paid immediately without further delays.

3. Companies That Have Ignored the Committee’s Summons

A total of 28 companies, collectively owing $1.23 billion, have refused to appear before the Committee or respond to public notices. The defaulters include:

1. Addax Petroleum Exploration Nigeria Ltd

2. AITEO Group

3. All Grace Energy

4. Amalgamated Oil Company Nigeria Limited

5. Total E&P Nigeria (OML 100, 102, 52 & 99)

6. Bilton Energy Limited

7. Enageed Resources Limited

8. Waltersmith Petroman Limited

9. Conoil Plc

10. Continental Oil & Gas Company Ltd

11. Energia Limited

12. First E&P Ltd

13. Frontier Oil Limited

14. General Hydrocarbons Limited

15. Green Energy International Ltd

16. Nigeria Agip Exploration Ltd (NAE)

17. Neconde Energy Limited

18. Nigeria Petroleum Development Company (NPDC) – OML 60, 61 & 63

19. Lekoil Oil and Gas Investments Limited

20. Midwestern Oil and Gas Limited

21. Millennium Oil and Gas Company Limited

22. Oando Oil Ltd (OML 60, 61 & 62)

23. Heirs Holding

24. Pillar Oil Limited

25. Platform Petroleum Limited

26. Universal Energy Limited / Sinpec

27. Sahara Field Production Limited

28. Oriental Energy Resources Limited

These firms have been given a one-week grace period to submit the necessary financial documents and appear before the Committee. Failure to comply will attract strict legislative and regulatory actions to enforce compliance.

4. Companies That Have Fully Paid Their Royalty Obligations

Only two companies were confirmed to have no outstanding royalty debts:

1. Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC)

2. Shell Nigeria Exploration & Production

Next Steps: Enforcing Compliance & Revenue Recovery

The House Committee on Public Accounts has reaffirmed it commitment to enforcing compliance with statutory financial obligations under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA). Lawmakers have vowed to intensify oversight efforts to recover outstanding revenues and curb future financial leakages in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.

The House of Representatives insists that all firms operating in Nigeria’s energy sector must meet their financial responsibilities in order to support the nation’s economic stability. The Committee has also assured Nigerians that appropriate legislative actions will be taken to hold all defaulters accountable.

News

2027: Ex-Gov El-Rufai visits Aregbesola, Tunde Bakare in Lagos

Published

5 hours ago

March 9, 2025

Kayode Sanni-Arewa

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

Ex- Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, paid a visit to former Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, and cleric Pastor Tunde Bakare in Lagos.

The visit was disclosed by Muyiwa Adekeye, El-Rufai’s media adviser, in a tweet on Sunday.

“Malam Nasir @elrufai was in Lagos today to visit Ogbeni @raufaregbesola and Pastor Tunde Bakare,” Adekeye wrote.

El-Rufai’s meeting with both men is coming days after visiting former President Muhammadu Buhari in Kaduna.

The former Kaduna governor’s visit to Lagos has fueled fresh conversations about his political future and possible strategic alliances ahead of the 2027 elections.

Aregbesola, a former two-term governor of Osun State and a former ally of President Bola Tinubu recently left the All Progressives Congress after a protracted crisis within the party in Osun State.

Bakare, on the other hand, is a known political voice and a former presidential aspirant under the APC.