News
Nigeria’s VP, Osinbajo commissions projects in Kano
Vice President Yemi Osinbajo Osinbajo on Thursday inaugurated Kano state’s micro, small and medium enterprises clinic for viable enterprises.
Also, he inaugurated the special training for vulcanizers and tricycle repairers as well as the solar power project at the Abubakar Rimi Market, Sabon Gari.
Osinbajo inspected the on-going construction of Zaria Road, Dangi Underpass and Overhead Bridge and the state’s skills acquisition centre.
At the ceremonies, the Vice President said that the empowerment of Kano artisans would define Nigeria’s future.
He described the programmes as very special for the 21 century vulcanizers and tricycle mechanics, urging the trainees to take it seriously as they would pass on the skills to others in different states of the federation.
“Just listening to the governor, it is very clear that what he has in mind is the plan that will help the future not just the future of Kano state but the future of Nigeria.
Osinbajo lauded Governor Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano for initiating the programmes and for promising to provide tools, funding and workshops after the training, so that every beneficiary could settle in a workshop and carry out his or her duties.
He also commended the Simba group for the work it had done in the state and for the special programme.
“Let me say to you that this opportunity is a very great one and I want you to take full advantage of it so that when you finish, you can train other people not just in Kano but in every other state of Nigeria.
“You must then be able to train people because we will send people from Lagos, Anambra, Imo and other states to Kano for special training.
“I want you to make sure that you take this training seriously so that you can be the trainers of the future,’’ Osinbajo advised.
Gov. Ganduje had earlier noted that Kano had keyed into the Federal Government’s Empowerment and Enterprise Programme (GEEP) in order to derive maximum benefits.
“We are keying into this programme religiously; this programme will give them skills and at the end, we give them tools and some empowerment money.
“For the tricycle mechanics, new repair technology and techniques are being introduced and we are partnering motorcycle manufacturers for effectiveness.’’
The governor disclosed that no fewer than 400 artisans were involved in the training which is designed to empower them to provide efficient services to the society.
Commenting, a trader at the Sabon Gari Market, Malam Almustapha Sadiq, informed that the traders were happy with regular power supply to the market.
He observed that the solar power was regular and efficient but pleaded with the government to bring down its cost to enable more traders to access the power.
News
IGP Steps In: FCID to Investigate Death of Man Detained Over N220,000 Debt
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.
News
FG Lifts Five-Year Ban on Mining in Zamfara, Eyes Economic Boost
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.
News
NNPCL Refutes Shutdown Claims: Port Harcourt Refinery Fully Operational
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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