The Petroleum Products Retail Outlet Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) has announced that petrol from the Port Harcourt refinery will be sold at ₦1,030 per litre, confirming that the refinery is operational as declared by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC).

In a statement released on Thursday night, PETROAN spokesman, Joseph Obele noted that the NNPCL informed the association that the price for a litre of premium motor spirit at the refurbished refinery is N1,030.

Obele stated, “NNPC Retail Ltd has officially announced the PMS price at the Port Harcourt refinery as N1,030 per litre.

“It was also communicated to PETROAN that the product request portal was open for booking/request.”

He added that PETROAN’s strategic pricing team is currently analyzing the most favorable pricing for its members, saying, “we are open to patronizing all the refineries in Nigeria.”

The association also urged NNPCL to consider further price reductions to ensure a joyful Yuletide celebration for Nigerians.

This announcement follows weeks of speculation regarding the petrol price from the refinery.

Recall that the Port Harcourt Refinery commenced operations and truckout of petroleum products on Tuesday.

French President, Emmanuel Macron has sparked conversations online after welcoming Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu to France in a tweet written in Pidgin English.

In the tweet posted on Thursday evening, Macron described Tinubu’s state visit as a “big honour for France,” emphasising the strong partnership and friendship between the two nations.

“Na big honour for France, dear President Bola Tinubu @officialABAT, to welcome you for dis state visit as one big partner and friend of today and tomorrow,” the French president wrote.

The French leader, who interned at the French Embassy in Nigeria earlier in his career, also reflected on his connection to Nigeria, saying, “E still dey sweet me well well as I remember say I be young intern for French Embassy for Nigeria that time.”

Macron’s use of Pidgin — a widely spoken language in Nigeria — has drawn praise from Nigerians online, with many commending him for his effort to connect culturally.

The post, which included a photo of the two presidents shaking hands in front of their countries’ flags, quickly went viral, garnering thousands of interactions.

“Macron dey write for Pidgin. It is high time we make Pidgin our official language,” wrote Twitter user Daviid.O.

Others lauded Macron’s approach.

“Wow. This is absolutely incredible! Nice one, Macron!” tweeted Talba na Kashim.

Muhammadu Dingyadi, the Minister of Labour and Employment, stated on Thursday that Nigerians should not expect his ministry to provide jobs, as this is not part of its mandate.

He made this statement during the annual conference of the Federal Capital Territory chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations in Abuja.

Dingyadi acknowledged the country’s large youth population and the importance of ensuring their engagement in productive activities. However, he stressed that the ministry’s primary role is to create an enabling environment for job opportunities rather than directly providing employment.

“You will agree with me that the mandate of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment is not to offer jobs directly. Instead, it focuses on fostering job creation, promoting inclusive investment, and enhancing productivity for improved service delivery as part of the Renewed Hope Agenda,” Dingyadi explained.

He further shared an anecdote: “The former minister of youths and sports once requested that I provide jobs, and I had to clarify that we only create the environment for employment opportunities; we do not provide jobs ourselves.”

Dingyadi highlighted President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to economic recovery and transformation, citing initiatives such as negotiating a new Minimum Wage for workers and strategic investments in human capital, infrastructure, and institutional reforms.

John Adetola, a witness for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), revealed before the Lagos Special Offences Court in Ikeja on Thursday, November 28, how he delivered $400,000 to the embattled former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele.

Adetola, who served as an executive assistant to the ex-CBN governor, testified before Justice Rahman Oshodi, shedding light on the transaction.

Emefiele and his co-defendant, Henry Omoile, are currently on trial, facing 26 charges related to alleged abuse of office and financial fraud involving $4.5 billion and ₦2.8 billion.

During his testimony as the seventh prosecution witness, Adetola, led by EFCC prosecutor Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), disclosed that he was summoned from his new posting in Ekiti State.

He recounted: “In 2018, I can’t remember the date, Mr. Eric Odoh sent me a message on WhatsApp that I should go and collect the sum of $400,000 from John Ayoh and give it to the former CBN Governor when he came to Lagos.

“I went to the house of John Ayoh at Lekki in Lagos. He gave me an envelope and I came back to the office, and I gave it to the former CBN Governor.”

Adetola elaborated on his role as Emefiele’s executive assistant, detailing his responsibilities, including managing office correspondence, attending to visitors, and handling assignments from his boss.

He explained that he joined the CBN in June 2014 after starting his career with Veritas Registrars (formerly Zenith Registrars) in 2007. Adetola also mentioned that he had known Emefiele as the Managing Director of Zenith Bank before transitioning to the CBN.

Regarding his communication with Emefiele, Adetola stated, “I communicate with the former CBN Governor through telephone, office line, email, and verbal communication.”

When asked to identify some of Emefiele’s family members, he said, “I know Mr. George, I know Mr. Okanta. They are Mr. Emefiele’s brothers. I know his wife, Mrs. Margaret Emefiele. I know the second defendant, Henry Omoile.”

Adetola also described his encounter with the EFCC, stating, “In February 2023, I received an invitation from the EFCC to come to their office. They interviewed me. I travelled to the EFCC office in Lagos and made voluntary statements.”

When questioned about his interactions with John Ayoh during his tenure at the CBN, Adetola confirmed, “Yes, we work together; John Ayoh was the former Director of the ICT.”

He further noted that his phone had been examined by the EFCC, and he was questioned about certain office documents printed from it.

“In 2018, I can’t remember the date, Mr. Eric sent me a message on WhatsApp that I should go collect $400,000 from John Ayoh and give it to the former CBN Governor when he comes to Lagos.

“I went to the house of John Ayoh at Lekki in Lagos State; he gave me an envelope, and I came back to the office; I gave it to the former CBN Governor,” Adetola reiterated.

The prosecution attempted to tender documents as exhibits, but the defence counsel, Olalekan Ojo (SAN) and Adeyinka Kotoye (SAN), opposed the move.

However, Justice Oshodi dismissed their objection and admitted the documents, which included “a combination of official communication between the witness and Emefiele via WhatsApp, between the witness and John Ogah and Eric Odoh,” as evidence.

The court adjourned the case for further hearing.

Governor Siminalayi Fubara has expressed optimism that Rivers State people, especially civil servants, will look back someday and realize how much difference his administration made in their lives.

Fubara stated this while reaffirming his government’s dedication to meeting its responsibilities to the citizens, safeguarding the state against those who aim to undermine governance, and promoting peace and stability within the region.

Naija News reports that these statements were made by Governor Fubara on Thursday at the Banquet Hall of Government House in Port Harcourt during the inauguration of the Emblem Appeal Fund, in anticipation of the Armed Forces Remembrance Day scheduled for January 15, 2025.

Fubara, who noted that his government is characterized by its focus on people-centric policies and initiatives, underscored significant advancements, including the recruitment of 2,000 professionals in the healthcare sector and the authorization of 1,000 new positions for the Universal Basic Education (UBE) and Post-Primary Schools Boards.

He also noted that the previously intended 10,000 civil service appointments have been put on hold to prioritize more strategic hiring for specialized roles.

“We have employed over 2,000 medical doctors, and we have also approved 1,000 teaching positions for UBE and Post-Primary Schools. We are focusing on professional cadre employment for the state’s growth,” Fubara stated.

The governor also discussed the state’s scholarship programs, highlighting that although the state government has not yet established its scholarship board, students at PAMO University of Medical Sciences and Wigwe University have already received scholarships.

“Rivers State Government has not yet started its scholarship program, but we have offered scholarships at PAMO and Wigwe Universities. When our internal scholarship board is activated, we will expand the opportunities for students,” the Rivers State Governor noted.

Governor Fubara further emphasized the government’s success in improving the welfare of civil servants in the state. He pointed to the increase in salaries, with civil servants now earning between N120,000 and N140,000, a significant improvement from the previous N70,000.

“The greatest joy for any government is to ensure the happiness of its people. Today, our civil servants are jubilating because their salaries have improved. They will remember this and recognize that this government made a difference in their lives,” he said.

On the Emblem Appeal Fund, Fubara reflected on the importance of honouring war veterans and their families, sharing a personal story about his late father, a military officer.

“This event is close to my heart because I am a dependent of a fallen hero. Every January, my mother would return from this event smiling, proud of the contribution my father made. We must support the survivors and families of our fallen heroes, as no amount of money can fully compensate for their sacrifice,” the Governor said.

He urged all to contribute to the cause, recognizing the sacrifices made by the nation’s military in protecting its sovereignty and unity.

The senator representing Borno South, Ali Ndume, has lamented that Nigerians no longer have confidence in the country’s lawmakers.

Speaking on Thursday during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Ndume argued that the parliament has deviated from the people’s expectations.

The former Senate Chief Whip called for the protection of the legislature.

He said, “It is not about these reforms but I am concerned, that institution is supposed to be protected.

“Out of 109 of us, only 25 of us made it back to the Senate. It means we have lost the confidence of the people. Out of those that didn’t come back, almost all wanted to come back except for few that wanted to be governors.

“Instead of sticking to what is true and right, if you deviate for whatever reason will be tantamount to the confidence given to you by the people.”

Speaking on the uproar in the senate regarding the tax reform bills, Ndume described it as an ambush.

Naija News reports that there was a disturbance in the Senate on Wednesday after Ndume protested the entry of Zacch Adedeji, chair of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), into the red chamber.

Adedeji’s briefing was not outlined in the order paper of the upper legislative chamber, and that prompted Opeyemi Bamidele, majority leader, to move a motion for the suspension of the senate rules.

In response, while citing the rules of the senate, Ndume said visitors were not allowed into the red chamber to speak if the item was not listed on the order paper.

When asked if it was listed on the day’s proceedings during the interview, he said: “That is why I raised the matter. If not, why not?”

“Zacch and Taiwo Oyedele, brilliant guys, I respect them for their intellect but not the way they are doing this thing,” he added.

The Nigerian Army has warned against the use of social media to fuel insecurity in the country.

The commander of the Nigeria Army Cyber Warfare Command, Major General A.A. Ayanuga, gave the warning in Lokoja during the 38th edition of the Nigerian Army Social Media Seminar themed “Cultivating a Culture of Security Awareness Through Social Media.”

According to him, the reckless sharing of harmful messages, videos and voice notes through social media is jeopardising Nigeria’s peaceful coexistence.

"Social media has evolved into a powerful tool that profoundly influences the security landscape of societies worldwide. As we navigate the vast expanse of social media, we must recognise the transformative power.

“Social media has democratised information, connected us across borders, and provided unparalleled opportunities for self-expression. However, this freedom comes with immense responsibility and challenges such as misinformation and disinformation, cyberbullying, online harassment, hate speech and divisive rhetoric, impersonation and identity theft, with their effects on national security.

“It is critical to understand that misuse of social media to propagate damaging narratives has severe consequences for national security,” he said.

The Chief of Civil Military Affairs of the Nigerian Army, Major General N.C. Ugbo, who was represented by B.S. Keji, maintained that social media is a critical aspect of asymmetric warfare being fought in contemporary times.

He said: “The Nigerian Army recognises the importance of social media in shaping public perception and influencing national security. It presents an invaluable opportunity for those who recognise the transformative capabilities of social media to connect and collaborate.

"That is why we are here to explore ways to harness social media’s potential, counter misinformation, and promote national unity. As we delve into the world of social media, let us remember that our actions online have far-reaching consequences for national security. Therefore, we must use social media responsibly, preserving truth, respect, and national interest.”

In his address, the Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Ododo, who was represented by the State Security Adviser, Commodore Jerry Omodara, argued that, as much as social media has the potential to be a force for good, its misuse cannot be ignored.

Continuing, he said: “We must acknowledge the ever-growing role social media plays in shaping perceptions, guiding public discourse, and driving action on important issues like national security.

"The same platforms that enable the rapid spread of life-saving information can also be harnessed to propagate falsehoods, fuel divisions, and escalate tensions. This, as we all know, can have dire consequences for the stability of our communities and our nation as a whole.

"Security awareness is a collective responsibility, one that requires constant engagement, education, and collaboration across all sectors of society. We must understand that social media is not just a space for personal interactions but a global stage for conversations that influence real-world outcomes.

” This makes it imperative for us to cultivate a culture of security awareness that equips our citizens, especially the youth, with the right knowledge to distinguish between fact and fiction, to recognise credible sources, and to understand their role in maintaining peace and security within their communities.”

The Best FIFA Football Awards 2024 nominees announced

Published
29 Nov 2024

Football fans from across the globe can now cast their votes in a host of categories, including The Best FIFA Men's 11 and The Best FIFA Women's 11.

?Voting is now open for the ninth edition of The Best FIFA Football Awards™

?Fans can vote for The Best FIFA Men’s 11 and The Best FIFA Women’s 11 for first time

?New FIFA Marta Award added to celebrate the best goal in women’s football

FIFA has announced the shortlist of nominees for The Best FIFA Football Awards™ 2024, which will recognise the leading lights in another thrilling year of women’s and men’s football at both club and national-team levels.

Voting is now open on FIFA.com across a number of award categories, with fans set to play a key role in choosing the winners. Voting for The Best FIFA Men’s Player, The Best FIFA Women’s Player, The Best FIFA Men’s Coach, The Best FIFA Women’s Coach, The Best FIFA Men’s Goalkeeper and The Best FIFA Women’s Goalkeeper will be equally weighted between fans, the current captains and coaches of all women’s/men’s national teams, and media representatives.

The winner of the FIFA Fan Award will be chosen entirely by fans, while the recipient of the FIFA Fair Play Award will be decided by an expert panel. Voting for the new FIFA Marta Award and the FIFA Puskás Award will be split equally between fans and a panel of FIFA Legends.

The biggest change in terms of voting for this year’s edition of The Best FIFA Football Awards is that fans will have their say in selecting The Best FIFA Men’s 11 and The Best FIFA Women’s 11. They will be able to choose from a list of 77 nominated players – 22 defenders, midfielders and forwards apiece, plus 11 goalkeepers – slotting them into one of several preset tactical formations to build their team. Votes will be weighted equally between fans and an expert panel.

The FIFA Puskás Award has been redefined as being bestowed on the scorer of the best goal in men’s football regardless of championship or nationality. To honour the best goal scored in women’s football in any league around the world, the FIFA Marta Award, named after the Brazilian legend, will be presented for the very first time.

Voting is open on FIFA.com until 23:59 CET on Tuesday, 10 December 2024. The rules of allocation for all awards are available at the FIFA Digital Hub.

FIFA MARTA AWARD
(Best goal by a female footballer)


Asisat Oshoala
Barcelona v. Benfica | UEFA Women's Champions League | 14 Nov 2023


Delphine Cascarino
Olympique Lyonnais v. Benfica | UEFA Women's Champions League | 27 Mar 2024.


Marina Hegering
Essen v. Wolfsburg | Google Pixel Frauen-Bundesliga | 29 Jan 2024


Sakina Karchaoui
France v. Sweden | UEFA Women's EURO qualifying | 12 Jul 2024


Paulina Krumbiegel
Duisburg v. Hoffenheim | Google Pixel Frauen-Bundesliga | 02 Feb 2024


Marta
Brazil v. Jamaica | Friendly | 01 Jun 2024


Nina Matejić
Serbia v. England | UEFA Women's Under-19 Championship | 17 Jul 2024


Beth Mead
Arsenal v. West Ham | Barclays Women's Super League | 26 Nov 2023


Giuseppina Moraca
Lazio v. Bologna | Divisione Serie B Femminile | 15 Oct 2023


Mayra Pelayo
Mexico v. USA | Concacaf W Gold Cup | 27 Feb 2024


Trinity Rodman
USA v. Japan | Olympics | 03 Aug 2024

The Best FIFA Women’s Player nominees

Aitana Bonmati (Spain), Barcelona

Barbra Banda (Zambia), Shanghai Shengli/Orlando Pride

Caroline Graham Hansen (Norway), Barcelona

Keira Walsh (England), Barcelona

Khadija Shaw (Jamaica), Manchester City

Lauren Hemp (England), Manchester City

Lindsey Horan (USA), Olympique Lyonnais

Lucy Bronze (England), Barcelona/Chelsea

Mallory Swanson (USA), Chicago Red Stars

Mariona Caldentey (Spain), Barcelona/Arsenal

Naomi Girma (USA), San Diego Wave

Ona Batlle (Spain), Barcelona

Salma Paralluelo (Spain), Barcelona

Sophia Smith (USA), Portland Thorns

Tabitha Chawinga (Malawi), Paris Saint-Germain/Olympique Lyonnais

Trinity Rodman (USA), Washington Spirit

The Best FIFA Men’s Player nominees

Dani Carvajal (Spain), Real Madrid

Erling Haaland (Norway), Manchester City

Federico Valverde (Uruguay), Real Madrid

Florian Wirtz (Germany), Bayer Leverkusen

Jude Bellingham (England), Real Madrid

Kylian Mbappe (France), Paris Saint-Germain/Real Madrid

Lamine Yamal (Spain), Barcelona

Lionel Messi (Argentina), Inter Miami

Rodri (Spain), Manchester City

Toni Kroos (Germany), Real Madrid (now retired)

Vinicius Jr (Brazil), Real Madrid

The Best FIFA Women’s Coach nominees

Arthur Elias (Brazil), Brazil

Elena Sadiku (Sweden), Celtic

Emma Hayes (England), Chelsea/USA

Futoshi Ikeda (Japan), Japan

Gareth Taylor (England), Manchester City

Jonatan Giraldez (Spain), Barcelona/Washington Spirit

Sandrine Soubeyrand (France), Paris FC

Sonia Bompastor (France), Olympique Lyonnais/Chelsea

The Best FIFA Men’s Coach nominees

Carlo Ancelotti (Italy), Real Madrid

Lionel Scaloni (Argentina), Argentina

Luis de la Fuente (Spain), Spain

Pep Guardiola (Spain), Manchester City

Xabi Alonso (Spain), Bayer Leverkusen

The Best FIFA Women’s Goalkeeper nominees

Alyssa Naeher (USA), Chicago Red Stars

Ann-Katrin Berger (Germany), Chelsea/NJ/NY Gotham

Ayaka Yamashita (Japan), INAC Kobe Leonessa/Manchester City

Cata Coll (Spain), Barcelona

Mary Earps (England), Manchester United/Paris Saint-Germain

The Best FIFA Men’s Goalkeeper nominees

Andriy Lunin (Ukraine), Real Madrid

David Raya (Spain), Arsenal

Ederson (Brazil), Manchester City

Emiliano Martinez (Argentina), Aston Villa

Gianluigi Donnarumma (Italy), Paris Saint-Germain

Mike Maignan (France), AC Milan

Unai Simon (Spain), Athletic Club

FIFA PUSKÁS AWARD

(The best goal by a male footballer)


Paul Onuachu
Trabzonspor v. Konyaspor | Trendyol Süper Lig | 10 Nov 2023


Alejandro Garnacho
Everton v. Manchester United | Premier League | 26 Nov 2023


Mohammed Kudus
West Ham United v. Freiburg | UEFA Europa League | 14 Mar 2024

Federico Dimarco
Inter Milan v. Frosinone | Serie A Enilive | 12 Nov 2023


Jaden Philogene
Rotherham United v. Hull City | English Football League Sky Bet Championship | 13 Feb 2024


Denis Omedi
KCCA v. Kitara | FUFA Super 8 tournament | 06 Aug 2024

Michaell Chirinos
Costa Rica v. Honduras | Concacaf Nations League presented by Qatar Airways | 23 Mar 2024


Walter Bou
Lanús v. Tigre | Torneo Betano 2024 | 04 Aug 2024


Yassine Benzia
Algeria v. South Africa | FIFA Series | 26 Mar 2024


Terry Antonis
Melbourne City v. Western Sydney Wanderers | Isuzu UTE A-League Men | 12 Mar 2024

Hassan Al Haydos
Qatar v. China PR | AFC Asian Cup | 22 Jan 2024

Ndume said he taught in the polytechnic for 20 years before joining politics.

He spoke on Channels TV’s Politics Today while faulting those against his stance on President Bola Tinubu’s tax reform bills.

Ndume said people see him as ignorant because he wears Agbada.

The lawmaker said despite schooling in Nigeria and the United States, while two of his daughters are married to Yoruba men, some people still consider him ignorant.

He said: “I’m 65 years old. I schooled in Nigeria and in America. Because I’m wearing Agbada and because I’m from Borno State, some people call me ignorant. I taught in polytechnics for 20 years before I joined politics. I married two of my daughters to Yoruba men.”

On Thursday, there was an uproar and a shouting match on the floor of the Senate over the tax reform bills.

Ndume had kicked against the bills, identifying timing as one of the elements drawing antagonism to the proposed bills.

He said introducing such a bill at the moment was bad timing, noting the current perception of the present administration by the populace.

The Federal Government, through the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, has announced the approval of a licence for the construction of a new refinery.

The approval given to a company named Process Design and Development Limited is to establish and construct a new 27,000 barrels per day refinery.

It said the facility will be located in Dole-Wure, Akko area of Gombe State.

The authority in a post on its official X handle on Thursday, said, “Authority Chief Executive presented a Licence to Establish a 27,000 BPSD Refinery to the Managing Director/ CEO of Process Design and Development Limited.

“The refinery is to be located in Dole-Wure, Akko, Gombe State.”

The latest development signifies that Nigeria now officially has about 10 modular and regular refineries, adding to the nation’s refining capacity.

However, despite this increase in the number of refineries, most of them remain moribund, with many not functioning at full capacity or efficiently.

A background check using NG.Checks showed that the company is located in Kano with registration number 487883.

Its directors are Adamu U. Sanda, Abdulkadir Umar, Umar S. Umar and Bashir Umar.