Minister of State Petroleum Resources Hosts Crucial Meeting to Resolve Dangote Refinery Issues

Abuja, Nigeria - In a bid to address the ongoing challenges surrounding the Dangote Refinery, the Minister of State Petroleum Resources (Oil) convened a high-level meeting with key stakeholders in the industry.

The meeting, attended by Aliko Dangote, Chairman and CEO of Dangote Group; Farouk Ahmed, Authority Chief Executive of NMDPRA; Gbenga Komolafe, CEO of NUPRC; and Mele Kyari, Group CEO of NNPC, aimed to find a lasting solution to the current impasse.

According to a statement by Nneamaka Okafor, Special Adviser Media and Communication to the minister, the stakeholders expressed gratitude to the Minister for his leadership and timely intervention in facilitating the crucial dialogue.

The meeting demonstrated a commitment to collaborative problem-solving, with all parties working towards a sustainable solution to ensure the success and optimal performance of the Oil and Gas sector, crucial for Nigeria's economic growth and energy security.

The Minister emphasized the importance of cooperation and synergy among stakeholders, paving the way for a brighter future for the industry.

Liberia Mourns the Loss of Veteran Journalist Joel Chulo Brooks

On July 20, 2024, Liberia bid a final farewell to a legendary journalist, Joel Chulo Brooks. His funeral, attended by colleagues, relatives, and dignitaries, including the Liberian Minister of Communication, was a poignant reminder of his remarkable life.

 Brooks, a veteran journalist with over 40 years of experience, was laid to rest at his family cemetery in St. Virginia, Liberia.

During his illustrious career, Brooks reported on the Liberian civil war for the BBC, bringing international attention to the conflict. He was a champion of social equality and a dedicated journalist, serving as publisher and editor of the Monrovia Weekend News from 2009 to 2015. At the time of his passing, he was the CEO of Global News Network (GNN) Liberia, a leading media outlet.

Brooks' contributions to Liberian media were immense. He was regarded as one of the most experienced journalists in West Africa, and his mentorship inspired a new generation of journalists in his native country.

Born on August 13, 1959, Brooks leaves behind a legacy of excellence in journalism and a family that will deeply miss him. His children and relatives will cherish the memories of his love, guidance, and dedication to his craft.

57 INMATES AWAITING TRIAL GETS SECOND CHANCED

57 awaiting-trial inmates in Ondo State correctional centers were granted a new lease on life as they were unconditionally released by the state government. This historic event marked a significant milestone in the state's commitment to justice and rehabilitation.

Among those released were:

- Isiaka Momodu, 81, who had been awaiting trial for two years and three months

- Odeh Friday and Peter Ufomadu, who had been awaiting trial for over five years

- Taiwo Komolafe, a 65-year-old prophet

- A teenager, Essan Doland

- Grace Akinsanmi, a 29-year-old nursing mother

- Muhammad Basiru, 63, who was pardoned on health grounds

These individuals, along with 51 others, were given a second chance at life, thanks to the efforts of the Ondo State government, led by Governor Aiyedatiwa, and the Chief Judge, Hon. Justice Ayedun Odusola.

This act of clemency not only upholds the rule of law but also demonstrates the state's commitment to fair treatment, justice, and rehabilitation. It marks a new chapter in Ondo State's approach to humane and equitable legal practices, giving these individuals a chance to reintegrate into society and start anew.

Dr. Olaniyi Olajide Oladapo Receives Lagos Health and Medical Service Award

Dr. Olaniyi Olajide Oladapo, the Coordinator of the School of Anaesthetic Studies, Badagry, has been honored with the prestigious Health Service Commission/Medical Directors’ Award for his exceptional contributions to manpower development in the health sector in Lagos State.

The award was presented to Dr. Oladapo during the Forum of Health Service Commission/Medical Directors and CEOs of General Hospitals, held recently at the Lagos Continental Hotel, Victoria Island. Dr. Oladapo expressed his delight at receiving the award and acknowledged the unexpected presence of the First Lady, Dr. (Mrs.) Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, who has been a significant supporter and a pioneer teacher at the School of Anaesthetic Studies.

In his acceptance speech, Dr. Oladapo dedicated the award to the staff of the School of Anaesthetic Studies for their unwavering support, cooperation, loyalty, resourcefulness, motivation, and dedication to their duties. He emphasized that this recognition is a testament to the collective efforts of the entire team.

Dr. Oladapo was invited to the Forum to make a presentation and was honored for his leadership in providing anaesthetic manpower, which has greatly assisted hospitals in carrying out seamless surgeries. Anaesthesia, a critical sub-discipline in the health sector, faces acute manpower shortages in Nigeria and globally. The establishment of the School of Anaesthetic Studies in Badagry in 2008, under Dr. Oladapo's leadership, has been instrumental in addressing this gap.

The School is currently seeking affiliation with the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomosho, Oyo State, for an M.Sc in Medical-Surgical Nursing (Anaesthesia) to further enhance opportunities for Nurse Anaesthetists.

STOLEN LUXURY CARS FLOOD LEKKI AUTO MARKET (See list)

More than 350 luxury cars stolen from Canada have found their way into Nigeria, and it is been proven that the bulk of that lot is located in Lekki Peninsula, Lagos. 

According to an ongoing investigation jointly conducted by the Economic and Financial Crime Commission and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCM), Preliminary results from the analysis revealed the vehicles were largely located across Lagos State metropolis, particularly Lekki at different car stands and places, and some are still at the Nigerian ports pending clearance into the country.

The vehicles, which the Royal Canadian police listed out on an excel sheet with their respective vehicle identification Number (VIN), were stolen from various locations in Canada and shipped to Nigeria, and have been sold and/or being sold by some online vendors/agents,while others are displayed for sale at various car stands.

Some of the Vehicles are:   Black colour SUV 400, White 4MATIC Mercedez Benz; SUV MDX SH-AWD Acura; Grey colour SUV RS 350L Lexus; Deep Blue SUV RX 350 Lexus, White Toyota 4Runner 2015; White 2020 model Lexus RX 350; White 2019 Lexus RX 350, Black 2020 Model Lexus RX350, and Black Honda Ridgeline 2017 Model. 

Others are: White Lexus RX 350 SPORT 2019 Model; Grey Lexus RX 350 2019 Model; Grey Toyota 4Runner 2018 Model; White Lexus RX 350 FS Sport 2019 Model; White Toyota Highlander XLE AWD 2017 Model; Black Toyota Highlander 2020 Model; Black Toyota Highlander 2018 Model; Black Mercedez Benz G550 2019 Model; Red Lexus Rx 350 2016 Model and White Mercedez Benz GLA 250 2018 Model.

They also include: a 2017 Model Toyota Rav 4 Ash colour; 2019 Toyota Tacoma Model, silver colour; 2019 Lexus RX 350 Grey Colour, Lexus RX350 Black Colour; 2019 Model 5 FORD FI50 Black Colour; 2018 Model Honda CRV black colour; 2020 Toyota Tacoma black colour; Dodge Black Colour; Land Rover and 2020 Lexus RX 350 Jeep.

Others are a 2016 Toyota 4Runner, black colour; Range Rover, Maroon black; Lexus 460 Saloon black colour; Ford F150 2018 Model, Grey Colour; 2019 Lexus RX 350, Gold colour; 2020 Lexus RX 350, White Colour; 2021 Lexus RX 350 Sport, grey colour; Honda Civic Touring, red colour; Honda Pilot Suv, grey colour; 2020 Range Rover Suv, grey colour; Toyota 4Runner SUV, Ash Colour; Toyota Highlander, Grey Colour and 2018 Toyota Tacoma, Black colour.

The list also includes; Toyota 4Runner white colour; Lexus RX 350 Jeep, white colour; Lexus RX 350 Jeep White colour; 2016 Toyota 4runner, ash Colour; 2019 Toyota Tacoma, gray Colour; 2017 Lexus RX 350 Jeep, white Colour; 2018 Toyota Highlander Jeep black colour; 2018 Honda CRV, Ash Colour; 2006 Toyota Yaris, black colour; 2008 Honda Accord, black colour; 2005 Toyota Camry, Gold colour and 2016 Toyota Corolla, Black colour.

 Acura MDX Saloon Car, gray colour; 2018 FORD FISO Model, black colour and Ford Model F150, Pickup Ass, white Colour.

LAGOS CELEBRATES WOLE SOYINKA @90

Lagos, Nigeria - In a grand celebration at Lagos House, Marina, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu hosted a special birthday dinner to honor Professor Wole Soyinka's 90th birthday on Tuesday, 16th July 2024. The event saw the attendance of dignitaries, literary enthusiasts, and well-wishers who gathered to celebrate the life and achievements of the renowned playwright and Nobel laureate.

Wole Soyinka, born on July 13, 1934, in Abeokuta, Nigeria, is a distinguished playwright, poet, essayist, and critic. He became the first sub-Saharan African to be awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1986 for his profound contributions to literature and his unyielding stance against political oppression.

Another House of Rep Member Dies, Making 2 in Less than 4 days, and 4 Total

Member of the House of Representatives, Ekene Abubakar Adams is dead. 

Representative Ekene Abubakar Adams becomes the 4th member to pass on in the life of the 10th House of Representatives.

He died in the early hours of today Tuesday, at the age of 39.

His death is coming less than a week after the loss of Representative Olaide Akinremi from Oyo state in the Green Chamber. 

Until his death, Ekene Adams representated Chilun/Kajuru Federal Constituency of Kaduna State and was the Chairman House Committee on Sports.

Adams was also one-time General Manager of Remo Stars Football Club in Ogun State before contesting and winning the House of Reps election on the platform of the Labour Party in 2023.