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Community News: Oyo community gets light after 30 years of darkness

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Residents of Orita community, a densely populated area in Eruwa, Ibarapa East Local Government Area of Oyo State  had electricity restored to the area after thirty years of darkness  due to faulty electric transformer.

The residents, who had made several efforts to ensure that they were re- connected to the national grid after their source of electricity, (transformer) developed fault in 1989, lamented that the absence of power in the area had since then crippled their business activities.

They further explained that several efforts made by various groups and associations in the area hit a brick wall, until when they were recently rescued through the intervention of the World Bank.

It was however, excitement galore for the residents on Wednesday when the World Bank and the Oyo state government through its agency, the Oyo State Community and Social Development Agency (CSDA) handed over another 500kva transformer for the community.

According to the Chairman of the the Community Project Management Committee (CPMC), Hon. Olusiji Oyinlola, the project gulped over N8 million.
He added that the community contributed 10 percent of the total cost before the Oyo state government and the world bank supported the community financially.
Projects embarked upon by the committee in the area according to Oyinlola included; Drilling of a unit motorized borehole, renovation and equipment of school dinning -hall, installation of 500kva transformer and electricity extension, and construction of a block of six units VIP toilet.

 

He appreciated the support of the World Bank and the state government for ensuring that they are taking development to the rural areas in the country.
Oyinlola who shared the experience of the residents before the intervention of the CSDA in the community narrated, “On the issue of power, it was another problem before now. Many of the residents, especially the artisans usually move out of the community because of the poor power supply.
“Also, our physically challenged children are now enjoying VIP toilets in their school. We thank the state government and the world bank for their support.
 “Water was a serious problem for our people before now. Our people travel for more than two kilometers before they could get drinking water, but now that we have our community water, we can fetch water at will.
“The projects also create employment opportunities for our people because we have somebody managing the water. The community also employed another person monitoring the transformer and the toilet. They have been managing it effectively”.

Chairman of the Landlord Association in the community, Mr. Adewole Emmanuel noted  that  the issue of power supply in the area was a serious problem before the intervention, stressing  that solving water challenges which seems impossible before is now possible.

 

“We started planning of getting good water and transformer in our community since 1994. We talked to many politicians and associations without a positive solution. In fact, many people have sick while many have died because of poor water consumption but when we heard about CSDA, we applied and its management invited us to a meeting where we sealed the deal.

“Today, our people are now enjoying good water and a constant power supply. Many people are now coming back to our community. Thanks to the management of world bank and CSDA for their support.”

Secretary of the committee, Abiodun Olaosegbe also informed that life was miserable for the residents of the community before the intervention, “but today the story has change because our people need not to travel far before they could get drinkable water”.

 

A resident, Funmilayo Oladiran said before now, women endangered their lives by traveling far to scout for water, even in a thick forest where it is dangerous to walk at night because it is a must for them to get water to prepare food.

Oladiran said, “First of all, let me thank the Oyo state government and world bank for their support towards this community.

“Before now, we traveled for over 2 kilometers to get water but today, as you can see, I am fetching water in front of my house. At my comfort zone. Also, the light was not good for many years but today, the light is very full and constant.”

 

Acting Principal of the school for the deaf and blind Eruwa, where the toilet was built, Mrs Adebisi Deborah Folasade said before the intervention, there was no chairs for the pupils to study while the pupils only defecate in the bush.

“We thank the world bank and the Oyo state government for these great projects”.

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IGP Steps In: FCID to Investigate Death of Man Detained Over N220,000 Debt

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IGP Kayode Egbetokun during his visit to the family of late Jimoh Abdulquadri in Kwara

 

The Kwara State Police Command has confirmed the death of a 35-year-old man, Jimoh Abdulquadri, who passed away in police custody in the early hours of Friday.

 

Abdulquadri, who was arrested on December 19, 2024, reportedly died under controversial circumstances, with his family accusing police operatives of subjecting him to brutal treatment during his detention. Reports indicate that the deceased had been detained over an alleged debt of N220,000 owed to an individual identified as Peter.

 

In response to the incident, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has directed the Force Criminal Investigations Department (FCID) to immediately take over the case. A statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, revealed that the IGP also visited Kwara State to meet with the bereaved family.

 

During the visit, the IGP was received by the Balogun Fulani of Ilorin, Alhaji Sadiq Atiku Fulani, who represented the family. The IGP expressed his condolences and assured them of a thorough investigation.

 

“The IGP expressed his profound condolences and assured the family that no stone would be left unturned in uncovering the circumstances that led to the tragic incident. He has ordered the FCID to handle the case with utmost diligence and ensure a conclusive and impartial investigation,” the statement read.

 

The IGP reiterated the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to upholding accountability, professionalism, and respect for human rights. He further called on all stakeholders to remain calm and allow the due process of law to take its course.

 

 

 

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FG Lifts Five-Year Ban on Mining in Zamfara, Eyes Economic Boost

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The Federal Government has officially lifted the five-year ban on mining activities in Zamfara State, citing improved security and the potential for economic growth in the mineral-rich region.

The announcement was made on Sunday by the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, through his representative, Segun Tomori, during a press briefing in Abuja.

“The Federal Government has lifted the ban on mining exploration activities in Zamfara State, citing significant improvements in the security situation across the state,” the minister said in a statement.

Security Gains and Economic Promise

The ban, imposed in 2019 due to escalating insecurity and illegal mining, was described by Alake as a necessary but temporary measure to protect lives and resources. However, he noted that the ban inadvertently created a vacuum exploited by illegal miners, leading to resource plundering.

Alake praised recent security advancements under the Tinubu administration, highlighting the neutralization of notorious bandit commanders and other strategic wins, including the capture of Halilu Sububu, one of the state’s most wanted criminals.

“The existential threat to lives and properties that led to the 2019 ban has abated. The security operatives’ giant strides have led to a notable reduction in the level of insecurity,” Alake said.

He added that with the restoration of mining activities, Zamfara’s mineral wealth—ranging from gold and lithium to copper—could now be harnessed under strict regulation to contribute significantly to national revenue.

Boosting Regulation and Combating Illegal Mining

The minister emphasized that lifting the ban would pave the way for better regulation and monitoring of mining activities. This, he said, would enable authorities to tackle illegal mining more effectively and ensure Nigeria benefits fully from Zamfara’s mineral resources.

“By reopening this sector, we are prioritizing not only revenue generation but also intelligence gathering to curb illegal mining,” he said.

Addressing Controversies

Alake also addressed concerns surrounding Nigeria’s recent Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with France, which had sparked controversy. He clarified that the agreement focused solely on capacity building and technical support for the mining sector.

“The high point of the MOU is on training and capacity building for our mining professionals. Similar agreements have been signed with Germany and Australia. Misinformation about ceding control over our mineral resources is uncalled for,” Alake said.

Press as Partners in Progress

Commending the media for their role in promoting reforms in the mining sector, Alake urged continued collaboration to drive transparency and attract foreign investments.

 

 

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NNPCL Refutes Shutdown Claims: Port Harcourt Refinery Fully Operational

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The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has dismissed media reports suggesting that the recently resuscitated old Port Harcourt refinery has been shut down, labeling such claims as baseless and misleading.

In a statement issued in Abuja on Saturday, the Chief Corporate Communications Officer of NNPCL, Olufemi Soneye, clarified that the refinery, with a capacity of 60,000 barrels per day, is “fully operational.”

The facility resumed operations two months ago after years of inactivity.

“We wish to clarify that such reports are totally false, as the refinery is fully operational, as verified a few days ago by former Group Managing Directors of NNPC,” Soneye said.

He added that preparations for the day’s loading operation are currently underway, emphasizing that the public should disregard the claims.

“Members of the public are advised to discountenance such reports as they are the figments of the imagination of those who want to create artificial scarcity and rip off Nigerians,” Soneye stated.

The old Port Harcourt refinery is part of the country’s efforts to revive its local refining capacity. Three years ago, the Federal Government approved $1.5 billion to rehabilitate the plant, which was initially shut down in 2019 due to operational challenges.

Despite being one of the largest oil producers globally, Nigeria has long relied on fuel imports to meet its domestic needs, swapping crude oil for petrol and other refined products. This dependency, coupled with government subsidies, has strained the nation’s foreign exchange reserves.

The recent return of the Port Harcourt refinery to operation follows the commissioning of the Dangote refinery, which began petrol production in September 2024. These developments are expected to reduce Nigeria’s reliance on imports and address long-standing issues in the petroleum sector.

 

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