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I warned against today’s hardship but was ignored – Obaseki

Published

7 months ago

October 20, 2023

Obaseki

I warned against today’s hardship but was ignored – Obaseki

Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State has expressed his frustration over the current economic hardship in Nigeria, stating that he had previously warned the Federal Government about the impending crisis but his concerns were ignored. In a conversation with journalists in Benin, the state capital, Obaseki attributed the country’s socio-economic challenges to poor leadership decisions made by the nation’s leaders.

Drawing on his background as an investment banker, Obaseki claimed that he had foreseen the economic difficulties that the country is currently grappling with due to unfavourable economic choices. He stated that he had consistently raised concerns about the need for corrective measures, but his warnings went unheeded.

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The governor empathized with the Nigerian populace, acknowledging that the nation was going through a period of severe economic hardship. He encouraged citizens to remain resilient and not lose hope in these challenges.

Obaseki expressed his deep understanding of the economic dynamics and his awareness of the tough times faced by Nigerians. He also highlighted the adverse consequences of certain political decisions made by leaders, emphasizing the need for a change in course.

He further emphasized that Nigeria, with its vast resources and large population, should not be experiencing such severe poverty and suffering. Obaseki pointed out that the nation has the potential to produce everything it needs domestically, but this potential is not being fully harnessed.

The governor’s comments underscore the critical importance of sound leadership and decision-making to address the country’s economic challenges and improve its citizens’ living standards.

I warned against today’s hardship but was ignored – Obaseki

News

Labour blocks IBEDC Osogbo office, says new electricity tariff killing

Published

26 mins ago

May 13, 2024

Trends Admin

Labour blocks IBEDC Osogbo office, says new electricity tariff killing

Members of the Organised Labour in Osun on Monday blocked the main entrance of the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) Business Hub, Osogbo, protesting over the recent hike in electricity tariff.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the action was a result of the joint directive of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC), to picket offices of power distribution companies (DisCos) in their respective state capital.

The action was to protest the recent increase in electricity tariffs approved by the National Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC).

The union leaders locked the entrance gates of IBEDC Business Hub and other sub-offices in Osogbo, with an instruction to security personnel not to allow anyone to gain access into the offices.

Speaking to NAN during the protest, Abimbola Fasasi, TUC State Chairman, said that the protest was to make a statement and let the Federal Government know that the electricity tariff increment was unacceptable to Nigerians.

“The FG must reverse its decision on electricity tariff increment. We don’t want it at this time.

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“The government has to develop and improve on electricity generation and supply.

“How many megawatts is Nigeria generating? They are just pumping money into power without results and they want to heap the expenses on Nigerians.

“We are saying NO to electricity increment and additional burden on Nigerians and that is why we are here today picketing IBEDC offices,” he said.

Fasasi said he expected the labour action to yield results in the next two to three weeks, adding that if there is no reversal, labour will shut down the Nigerian economy with a total strike.

Also speaking, Christopher Arapasopo, NLC State Chairman, told NAN that the position of labour is that the recent increase in the electricity tariff by the NERC should be reversed.

“You will recall that on April 3, NERC announced an increase in electricity tariff, and this is killing Nigerians and Nigerian workers say No to this.

“We ought to enjoy power supply for at least 20 hours, but I can not recollect the last time power was supplied to us for eight hours.

“Recently we had the issue of fuel scarcity and again we are battling with hike in electricity tariff. The Federal Government has to do the needful.

“The Central Working Committee (CWC) of the labour unions met on April 30, to take a stand against the electricity hike and that there should be picketing of DisCos today.

“We hope that the FG and DisCos will do the needful and reverse the tariff, but if they failed, the CWC will give directive on further steps to take.” he added.

Labour blocks IBEDC Osogbo office, says new electricity tariff killing

News

Activist, students arrested for protesting tuition fee hike in UI

Published

42 mins ago

May 13, 2024

Trends Admin

University of Ibadan

Activist, students arrested for protesting tuition fee hike in UI

Security personnel at the University of Ibadan apprehended three individuals, including an activist, during a protest against the rise in school fees.

The detained students are Aduwo Ayodele and Nice Linus, alongside activist Femi Adeyeye. Their arrest on Monday morning stemmed from objections to the recent tuition fee increase.

According to Sahara Reporters, they were being held at the university’s security post.

Attempts to contact the school administration for comments were unsuccessful.

In April, the UI Students’ Union Executive Council, led by Samuel Samson Tobiloba, criticized the 750% tuition hike for new students.

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The council urged an immediate reversal of the increment and sought a meeting with the university management to address the issue. The student union’s stance was prompted by the updated fees displayed on the students’ portal, ranging from N133,500 to N372,500 depending on the courses.

“We note with concern that this increment represents about 450% to 750% of the previous bundle fee which ranged from about N20,000 to N30,000,” the students’ body said, noting that it was not in support of the increment.

It, however, advised fresh students to exercise patience and not rush to pay the new fee.

It condemned the “increment in strong terms, and requested that this proposed increment be reverted to the status quo”.

“We are also requesting for a meeting with the University Management towards resolving this issue,” it said.

Activist, students arrested for protesting tuition fee hike in UI

News

Production begins in new A’Ibom oil well, says NNPC

Published

44 mins ago

May 13, 2024

Trends Admin

Production begins in new A’Ibom oil well, says NNPC

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Exploration and Production Limited (NNPC E&P Ltd.) and Natural Oilfield Services Ltd. (NOSL) have announced the successful commencement of oil production at Oil Mining Lease (OML) 13 in Akwa Ibom State.

The NNPC E&P Ltd. is an NNPC Ltd’s flagship upstream subsidiary, while NOSL is a subsidiary of Sterling Oil Exploration & Energy Production Company Ltd (SEEPCO).

Olufemi Soneye, Chief Corporate Communications Officer, NNPC Ltd., made this known in a statement on Sunday. Soneye said the production, which commenced on May 6 with 6,000 barrels of oil would ramp up to 40,000 barrels per day by May 27, 2024.

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“The first oil flow from OML 13 is a historic milestone in the partnership between NNPC E&P Ltd and NOSL.

“It highlights their dedication to driving growth and development in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, which remains a vital component of the nation’s economy,” he said.

Soneye said the achievement did not only signify the culmination of rigorous planning and execution by the teams involved, but also represented a new era of economic empowerment and development opportunities for the host communities.

Furthermore, for Nigeria, the first oil from OML 13 holds some significance as it contributes to the country’s efforts to increase its oil production capacity, which is crucial for meeting domestic energy needs and driving economic growth.

The NNPC E&P Ltd and NOSL partnership is also committed to operating in a manner that is safe, environmentally responsible, and beneficial to the local communities.