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JUST IN: An End To Crude Oil Theft in Nigeria Underway – Uzodinma

The Chairman of the National Executive Council (NEC) Committee on Crude Oil Theft and Management, Hope Uzodinma, said Thursday, ‘there is an end in sight to crude oil theft in Nigeria.”
Uzodinma – the Governor of Imo State, who gave this assurance, described crude oil theft in Nigeria as a “monster”, that the menace is particularly worrisome, and tackling it decisively will improve the oil production profile of the country.
Uzodinma , had after a meeting of the Committee in Abuja, also ruled out the importation of crude oil in Nigeria but expressed optimism of an end to it.
He said that the report of the committee, if implemented by NEC will stop crude oil theft in Nigeria.
The committee had during its last meeting in January 2024 developed an action plan and roadmap that would be used to confront crude oil theft head on, and resolved to identify the areas of leakages, likely causes and way forward.
He said, “This is Sub-Committee on National Economic Council and our job is really to look into crude oil theft, and prevention of the theft. Arising from that, we did a lot of fact findings, we made a lot of consultations. We spoke to critical stakeholders and we are beginning to see light at the end of the tunnel.
“It is our hope that at the end of this assignment, we will put together a report that is very bold and courageous that will be useful to NEC, and if implemented, will stop this monster called crude oil theft. Then, our natural resources endowed by God, oil and gas, we will be able to tap into it and develop our country.
“The implications of increasing production and reducing losses is that we will become more solvent, our Naira will also be stronger and access to foreign exchange easy. In consequence of that, the cost of living will come down, and prices will begin to come down, inflation will also begin to reduced.”
“Nigeria Not Importing Crude Oil”
Uzodinma said, “I don’t think and I have never seen it anywhere that Nigeria is going to import or is importing crude oil. Of course, the sector is gradually being deregulated.
In our private refineries, of course under the open market system, private refineries can buy their crude oil from any market, anywhere in the world.
But for Nigeria as a country, currently we are exporting crude oil, I pray that there will be a day when we begin to import crude oil to augment what we have for the purpose of manufacturing and stimulating our economic activities.
“In South Korea, they have 22 refineries, and they don’t produce one barrel of crude oil. All the crude oil they use for processing or for servicing the refineries are all imported and it is defined and developed economy.
News
Dangote Feeds 40,000 Families in Borno

No fewer than 40,000 families may benefit from the Aliko Dangote Food Intervention Programme.
Borno State Governor Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum said the donation of 40,000 bags of 10kg rice to the people of Borno State by the Aliko Dangote Foundation(ADF) will help cushion economic hardship in these families.
The Governor made the statement at the flag-off of the Food Intervention Programme on Wednesday in Maiduguri, Borno State capital.
The Aliko Dangote Foundation penultimate week commenced the distribution of one million bags rice worth N16billion across the 774 local government areas in Nigeria.
The Governor was represented by the Director General of Borno State Emergency Management Agency(SEMA) Mr. Ali Abdullahi Isa.
He said: “Today marks a significant milestone in our collective efforts to alleviate the suffering of our people, particularly during the holy month of Ramadan.”
The Governor said the generous donation is a testament to the Foundation’s commitment to supporting vulnerable communities and promoting social welfare.
“We are deeply thankful to Alhaji Aliko Dangote and the entire foundation for their kindness and philanthropy.
”He urged the people of Borno State to continue to pray for peace, stability, and prosperity of the state and country.
In his early remarks, representative of the Aliko Dangote Foundation, Mr. Usman Muhammad, said the gesture is aimed at supporting government effort, adding that the Foundation focuses on improving the living conditions of Nigerians.
Mr. Muhammad said the donation is targeted at the poor and the vulnerable persons in the State.
A beneficiary, Ms Aisha Modu, 50, said as a displaced person, the donation of rice by the ADF will go a long way in alleviating her economic hardship.
In the same vein, another beneficiary, Umaru Aliyu, 60, said he will use the rice to feed his six children, while praying God to continue to bless the chairman of the Aliko Dangote Foundation.
News
JUST IN: Tinubu commiserates with Florence Ajimobi over daughter’s death

President Bola Tinubu has expressed condolences to Mrs. Florence Ajimobi, wife of the late former Governor of Oyo State, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, over the passing of her daughter, Mrs. Bisola Kola-Daisi.
In a statement issued on Friday and signed by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President described the death as an unexpected and heartbreaking loss.
“In a poignant conversation with the bereaved mother on Thursday, President Tinubu conveyed his deep sympathy to the family during this time of profound loss, acknowledging the unexpected and heart-wrenching departure of a cherished daughter, devoted wife, and mother of three,” the statement read.
The President also extended his prayers and support to Mrs. Kola-Daisi’s husband, family, friends, and associates, describing the deceased as warm-hearted, industrious, and charitable.
Highlighting her achievements, Tinubu noted her contributions as a successful businesswoman and trusted public servant.
“Her wise counsel in budgeting and finance was invaluable,” the statement added.
Tinubu prayed for divine comfort and strength for the bereaved family while asking God to grant the deceased eternal rest.
“President Tinubu prayed for Almighty God’s grace to receive her soul and provide comfort and strength to her survivors,” Onanuga stated.
Mrs. Kola-Daisi’s passing has been met with widespread condolences from family, friends, and political associates, many of whom have described her as a compassionate leader and dedicated professional.
News
Governor Oyebanji Raises State’s monthly Subvention By N438.9 million
Similarly, the Governor has also approved payment of the outstanding 2020 leave bonus to local government workers

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji has approved a major increment in the monthly subvention to the Judiciary and the legislative arm of government as well as the subvented institutions in the state.
The increment which amounts to N438.9 million monthly is to enable the institutions take care of the new minimum wage and the attendant consequential adjustment for workers.
In a statement,Olayinka OyebodeSpecial Adviser (Media) to the Governor, disclosed that the
beneficiaries of the increment include the Ekiti State Customary Court of Appeal, Ekiti State High Court of Justice; Ekiti State Judicial Service Commission, and Ekiti State House of Assembly Service Commission.
Others are Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti, (EKSU); Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital (EKSUTH); Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology (BOUESTI), Ikere Ekiti; Ekiti State Polythecnic, Isan Ekiti; College of Health Technology, Ijero-Ekiti and Non Academic Staff Union of Educational and associated Institutions.
Similarly, the Governor has also approved payment of the outstanding 2020 leave bonus to local government workers, in fulfilment of his promise to defray all outstanding entitlements of workers inherited from previous administrations.
While restating the commitment of his administration to the wellbeing and welfare of workers and retirees, Governor Oyebanji says efforts are being made to ensure payment of all outstanding entitlements including gratuities in line with the continuity and shared prosperity agenda of the government.
He urges workers in the state to remain focused on excellent service delivery and to see themselves as strategic stakeholders in the Ekiti Project.
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