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Family Court: Oyo NAWOJ lauds  Makinde, CJ

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Gov. Makinde

Women Journalists under the umbrella of Nigerian Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Oyo State Chapter has commended Governor Seyi Makinde for his efforts at ensuring that the long awaited Family Court becomes functional in the state.

The female Journalists also lauded the State’s Chief Judge, Justice Munta Abimbola and the entire judiciary for ensuring that the state join the league of states with Family Courts in the country.

Recounting all her efforts at ensuring Family Courts are established and becomes operational in the state, especially since the emergence of the Comrade Jadesola Ajibola led Exco came on board in 2018, Oyo NAWOJ noted that the latest development will no doubt help in speedy dispensation of justice on family related matters, especially those affecting women and children.

The Association spoke through a statement signed on Wednesday by Comrade Jadesola Ajibola and Comrade Stella Oyebanji, Chairperson and Secretary respectively.

While also commending the State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Inclusion, Alhaja Faosat Sanni, Oyo NAWOJ warned perpetrators of gender based violence to either turn a new leaf of risk been caught in the arm of law and justice to be delivered by the Family Court which is not in doubt.

“We wish to congratulate His Excellency, Engineer Seyi Makinde for ensuring that the state has a functional Family Court.

“Our great Association had in the last few years since the Comrade Jadesola Ajibola led Executive emerged in November, 2018 clamored for the establishment of a Family Court.

“The Family Court we know will address family issues, gender based violence, molestation, especially as it affects women and children among others.

“We have on several occasions checked up the Family Court and realized that work was constantly going on at the court, which we are aware has been finally completed and to be commissioned.

“Oyo NAWOJ also congratulates the Honorable Chief Judge of Oyo State, Justice Mukhtar Abimbola and his amazing team, for the efforts put in place to ensure that Oyo State Family Court commences operation.

“During our last inspection of the court, we saw a world class Family Court that will duly serve Nigerians in Oyo State, as well as delivering justice to all.

“We use this opportunity to warn violators of our law to be cautious and desist from such act as our confidence in the Seyi Makinde-led government to ensure that everyone gets justice through the family court in the state is not in doubt.

“We also call on Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), relevant government agencies to be prepared for more challenges ahead in ensuring that victims get justice.

“Oyo NAWOJ also commend Our dear Honorable Faosat Sani, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Inclusion and her team for the sleepless nights in giving support to victims of Gender Based Violence in Oyo State.

“For NAWOJ, the existence of a Family Court in Oyo State is success for us and all NGOs working on women and children issues”, the statement added.

 

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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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