News
Oyo Rep, Oseni tasks Nigerian engineers on sustainable, beneficial projects
As Nigeria is yearning for infrastructure renewal, growth, and development, a member of the House of Representatives, representing Ibarapa East/Ido federal constituency, Oyo state, Hon. Aderemi Oseni, on Saturday, tasked engineers to maintain ethics, professionalism, and quality service delivery.
The Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA), who gave the charge at the 2023 Conferment of Academic and Honorable Doctorate Degrees/Professorial induction of the European-American University in Lagos, noted that projects should not only be groundbreaking but also sustainable and beneficial to society as a whole.
“As engineering and project management professionals, we must always remember the importance of ethics and social responsibility as we march forward with our ambitious projects and visions. Let us strive to make a positive impact on the world, to leave a legacy that future generations will look upon with admiration and gratitude”, he urged.
Oseni, a structural engineer, who has contributed immensely to the field of engineering in Nigeria over the past 30 years, was also conferred with the degree of Doctor of Science honoris causa (HON. D.SC) in Engineering and Project Management by the university.
The lawmaker further urged fellow engineers to ensure that their achievements align with ethical practices, sustainability, and the well-being of all stakeholders.
“As we navigate the exciting terrain of engineering and project management, we must not forget the responsibility we carry towards society and the environment. Let us be guided by integrity, compassion, and a deep-rooted commitment to making the world a better place”.
He challenged future engineers and project managers, to dream big, think boldly, and always remember the tremendous impact they can have on the world.
Oseni, however, urged fellow honourees and awardees to leverage their knowledge, skills, and newfound authority to tackle the myriad social, economic, political, and security challenges facing Nigeria at the moment, finding innovative solutions that uplift humanity and the world.
The lawmaker added, ” As we celebrate today, let us remember that this Honorary Doctorate degree is not an end in itself but rather the beginning of a new chapter. It is an endorsement of our capabilities, an affirmation of our dedication, and a call to action to become catalysts for change”.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Chancellor European – American University, Prof. John Kersey said the ceremony is particularly special for the institution as this year marks its twentieth anniversary since foundation in 2003.
Represented by the University’s international partner, Dr Luke Okojie, the Chancellor said the eminent personalities who have distinguished themselves by academic, creative achievement, and chosen careers were bestowed with the award of honourary degrees.
The awardees include the General Overseer of Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministry, Dr. Daniel Kolawole Olukoya, and his wife, Pastor (Mrs) Folashade Olukoya, and the Deputy Director, Financial Services with Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) Mr. Taiwo Mathew Ausi; among other prominent Nigerians.
News
FG Targets 15m Households for Conditional Cash Transfer Scheme
The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development, Nentawe Yilwatda, has announced the Federal Government’s plan to reach 15 million households, representing 75 million people, through its conditional cash transfer scheme.
Speaking on Monday during an interview on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief, Yilwatda explained that the initiative is part of President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to mitigating the economic hardships faced by vulnerable Nigerians.
“The president was so specific,” Yilwatda noted.
“There are policies that he brought in to see if that can ease those challenges for people at the lower end of the pyramid. One of those policies is to reach out to 15 million beneficiaries under the conditional cash transfer, targeting households rather than individuals. Each household will receive ₦25,000 monthly, paid three times a year.”
Yilwatda further clarified that the 15 million households being targeted translate to 75 million Nigerians, assuming an average of five persons per household.
So far, the Federal Government has reached five million individuals but is facing challenges in fully sanitizing the social register, particularly with the implementation of the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) policy mandating digital identities for transparency and traceability of payments.
“Currently, only 1.4 million people on the social register have digital identities. Many of those we are targeting are outside the formal banking system,” the minister disclosed.
Yilwatda emphasized that women are specifically targeted as household leaders under the program to ensure the funds are used effectively for the benefit of children and other vulnerable members of society.
The conditional cash transfer programme, which is administered under the National Social Investment Programme, had earlier been suspended by President Tinubu in January due to allegations of corruption. However, the scheme was reinstated in February, with plans to extend the initiative to an additional 12 million households.
News
Fuel Price Relief: PETROAN Promises Pump Price Drop This Week
The Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) has assured Nigerians of a reduction in the pump price of petrol within the week, following adjustments to the ex-depot price by key players in the industry.
Last week, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited and the Dangote Refinery announced a reduction in the ex-depot price of petrol to ₦899 per litre in Lagos. Despite this, the pump price at many filling stations across the country has remained unchanged.
However, PETROAN President, Billy Gilly-Harry, during a Monday appearance on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily, expressed optimism that the price change would soon reflect in retail outlets.
“But I believe from today when members start loading from both NNPC and Dangote at this new price reduction, it will reflect in the market,” he said.
Gilly-Harry lauded some members of PETROAN, particularly in Abuja, for proactively reducing their pump prices to below ₦1,000 even before the official announcement. He emphasized that while members strive to serve Nigerians by providing affordable fuel, they must maintain marginal profitability to sustain operations.
“We don’t encourage our members to try to sell products at a loss because our focus is to serve Nigerians. And the only way we can serve Nigerians is when we have the resources to do so. The resources can only be there if we’re making marginal profit enough to pay for the cost of money and ensure continuity in business,” he noted.
Addressing concerns over the delay in implementing the price reduction, Gilly-Harry explained that some retailers are still selling old stock purchased at higher prices.
“This reduction, if you apply it immediately, don’t forget that some of them bought at ₦970, paid transportation costs and logistics that have taken it quite high,” he said. “By the time it gets to their retail outlets, it’s quite much more than that. And so they must also sell at a profit – minimal marginal profit as provisioned by the PIA. So, that’s the reason.”
The PETROAN boss commended both the NNPCL and Dangote Refinery for their efforts in reducing the ex-depot price, which he described as a significant step toward easing the burden on Nigerians.
Nigerians are now hopeful that the price adjustment will translate into tangible relief at filling stations in the coming days.
News
FG Declares Festive Public Holidays
The Federal Government has declared Wednesday, December 25, and Thursday, December 26, 2024, as public holidays to mark Christmas and Boxing Day, respectively. Additionally, Wednesday, January 1, 2025, has been declared a public holiday to celebrate the New Year.
This announcement was made by the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, in a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Magdalene Ajani. The minister extended warm greetings to all Nigerians, urging them to embrace the festive period as an opportunity to reflect on the values of love, peace, and unity that the season represents.
Tunji-Ojo emphasized the significance of the season in fostering harmony and strengthening family and community bonds.
“The Christmas season is a good moment for both spiritual reflection and national renewal. As we celebrate the birth of Jesus, the Prince of Peace, let us demonstrate kindness and extend goodwill to one another, irrespective of our differences,” he stated.
He further encouraged citizens to remain committed to peace, unity, and progress for the development of the nation, stressing the Federal Government’s dedication to ensuring security and prosperity across the country.
While wishing Nigerians a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year, the minister expressed confidence in the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
He assured citizens that the coming year would usher in a stronger and more prosperous economy that would set Nigeria on a global pedestal.
The minister concluded by calling on Nigerians to celebrate responsibly, maintaining peace and unity throughout the festive season.
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