News
2024 US elections: At last, President Joe Biden throws in the towel
Apparently responding to pupular calls for his replacement by fellow Democrats over obvious ill-health and recent poor debate performance against Republican candidate and former President, Donald Trump, United States President Joe Biden has bowed to pressure
Biden personally declared his decision on Sunday evening, thereby ending his reelection campaign.
In a letter addressed to Americans, Biden said his decision was “in the best interest of my party and the country.”
He also promised to address the nation within the week to provide more details on the development.
President Biden wrote: “My Fellow Americans,
“Over the past three and a half years, we have made great progress as a Nation.
“Today, America has the strongest economy in the world. We’ve made historic investments in rebuilding our Nation, in lowering prescription drug costs for seniors, and in expanding affordable health care to a record number of Americans. We’ve provided critically needed care to a million veterans exposed to toxic substances. Passed the first gun safety law in 30 years.
“Appointed the first African American woman to the Supreme Court. And passed the most significant climate legislation in the history of the world. America has never been better positioned to lead than we are today.
“I know none of this could have been done without you, the American people. Together, we overcame a once in a century pandemic and the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression. We’ve protected and preserved our Democracy. And we’ve revitalized and strengthened our alliances around the world.
“It has been the greatest honor of my life to serve as your President. And while it has been my intention to seek reelection, I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down and to focus solely on fulfilling my duties as President for the remainder of my term.
“I will speak to the Nation later this week in more detail about my decision.
“For now, let me express my deepest gratitude to all those who have worked so hard to see me reelected. I want to thank Vice President Kamala Harris for being an extraordinary partner in all this work. And let me express my heartfelt appreciation to the American people for the faith and trust you have placed in me.
“I believe today what I always have: that there is nothing America can’t do – when we do it together. We just have to remember we are the United States of America.”
News
Tinubu Reshuffles South East Development Commission Board Twice in 24 Hours, Names New Chairman
In an unprecedented move, President Bola Tinubu has made two significant changes to the leadership of the Southeast Development Commission within a single day.
On December 6, 2024, just hours after his first announcement, Tinubu submitted an updated list of nominees to the Senate for confirmation.
The most notable change was the replacement of Emeka Atuma with Dr. Emeka Nworgu as the new chairman of the Commission.
The reshuffle also saw the overhaul of the executive director:s positions, with all three initially nominated executives being replaced, and two new executive directors added.
Among the changes was the appointment of Stanley Ohajuruka as the new Executive Director of Finance, replacing Anthony Ugbo.
However, in this rejigged nomination, signed by Special Adviser to the President on Information & Strategy, Bayo Onanuga and shared on X on Saturday, other adjustments were made to the board nominees.
The statement read, “The President replaced all the three executive directors initially nominated and named two additional executive directors.”
The reshuffled list also includes a new Executive Director of Finance, Stanley Ohajuruka, who replaces Anthony Ugbo.
News
NNPCL announces Establishment of Five Mini-LNG Plants in Ajaokuta, to Boost Local Content
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) has announced plans to establish five mini-liquefied natural gas (LNG) plants in Ajaokuta Local Government Area, Kogi State, by 2025.
The announcement was made by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Local Content, during the 13th Annual Practical Nigerian Content (PNC) forum.
Describing the project as a historic milestone, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan noted that this initiative represents the largest concentration of LNG plants in a single district in Nigeria.
She emphasized that the plants would serve as a cornerstone for advancing Nigeria’s local content agenda while boosting economic growth and innovation in the region.
“This is not just good news for Kogi but a significant step for Nigeria. Five mini LNG plants in one district are unprecedented and position Ajaokuta as a critical hub for technological and industrial advancements,” she stated.
The senator used the occasion to call for a redefinition of Nigerian content beyond traditional capacity building in the Oil and Gas sector.
She proposed a comprehensive framework for national development focused on innovation, sustainability, collaboration, and global competitiveness.
“For decades, Nigerian content has been synonymous with developing local capacity in the Oil and Gas sector. While this has laid a solid foundation, we must now look beyond and embrace a broader vision that creates value, fosters self-reliance, and establishes Nigeria’s legacy on the global stage,” she said.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan outlined a strategic approach to national transformation, centered on four pillars:
Extending Nigerian content policies to sectors like ICT, renewable energy, and healthcare.
Providing incentives for local firms to innovate and adopt sustainable practices.
Utilizing technology for real-time monitoring of compliance with local content laws.
Establishing industrial clusters, such as Ajaokuta’s proposed technology hub, to integrate research, manufacturing, and exports.
Facilitating access to advanced technologies for local enterprises to enhance global competitiveness.
Encouraging local processing of raw materials, such as refining crude oil domestically and producing petrochemicals.
Incentivizing Nigerian firms to provide high-value services like engineering and consultancy.
Supporting local enterprises in accessing international markets and reducing export bottlenecks.
Leveraging the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to strengthen Nigeria’s position as a regional leader in trade.
Ajaokuta as a Technological Hub
Highlighting the economic potential of Ajaokuta, the senator noted that the district could become a center for innovation and manufacturing, particularly in the production of essential industrial equipment like rigs.
“For every deep-water operation, rigs are indispensable, and the cheapest rig costs about $10 million. Imagine the impact if we manufactured these rigs locally, using steel produced in Ajaokuta. This would save the country billions and create thousands of jobs,” she explained.
Learning from Global Examples
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan referenced countries like Malaysia, South Korea, and Brazil, which have successfully used localized content to drive national transformation. She pointed to Malaysia’s PETRONAS and South Korea’s Hyundai as examples Nigeria could emulate.
“Nigeria has the resources and talent to achieve similar success. What we need is the will to act decisively and the strategic vision to implement transformative policies,” she said.
A Call for Sustainability and Inclusivity
The senator underscored the importance of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles in redefining Nigerian content, advocating for green technologies, social inclusivity, and ethical practices.
“Our journey to redefine Nigerian content must prioritize sustainability, ensuring that the wealth we create today benefits future generations. By empowering women, youth, and marginalized communities, we can achieve a more inclusive economy,” she added.
A Path to Global Relevance
With the establishment of the LNG plants in Ajaokuta and a broader push to redefine local content, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan expressed optimism about Nigeria’s potential to lead in global markets.
“This is not just about compliance but about building a legacy of innovation, competitiveness, and sustainability. Together, we can create a Nigeria where industries lead globally, youths innovate for the future, and resources generate long-term wealth,” she concluded.
News
Anambra State on Edge as Archbishop Goes Missing
Anambra State is currently gripped with tension following the disappearance of Most Rev. Prof. Godwin Okpala, the retired Archbishop of the Niger Province and Bishop of Nnewi.
The Archbishop was last seen on Friday when he embarked on a journey to Umuchu with his driver. Unfortunately, they have not been heard from since, and their vehicle is also missing.
The Bishop of Nnewi Diocese, Rt. Rev. Ndubuisi Obi, has issued a heartfelt plea for prayers, urging the faithful to intercede for the safe return of the Archbishop and his driver. He emphasized the distressing nature of the situation and called for divine intervention.
Authorities have been notified, and investigations are underway, though no official confirmation of abduction has been made. This incident adds to the growing concerns over the security situation in Anambra State, which has seen a rise in criminal activities recently.
The community is hopeful and united in prayer, trusting that the Archbishop and his driver will be found safe and sound.
-
Crime1 year ago
Police nabs Killer of Varsity Lecturer in Niger
-
News11 months ago
FCT-IRS tells socialite Aisha Achimugu not to forget to file her annual returns
-
Appointment1 year ago
Tinubu names El-Rufai, Tope Fasua, others in New appointments
-
News From Kogi1 year ago
INEC cancells election in 67 polling units in Ogori-Magongo in Kogi
-
News From Kogi1 year ago
Echocho Challenges Tribunal Judgment ordering rerun in 94 polling units
-
News1 year ago
IPOB: Simon Ekpa gives reason for seperatists clamour for Biafra
-
Metro9 months ago
‘Listing Simon Ekpa among wanted persons by Nigeria military is rascality, intimidation’
-
News11 months ago
Kingmakers of Igu/ Koton-Karfe dare Bello, urge him to reverse deposition of Ohimege-Igu