The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has reiterated its commitment to promoting patriotism and integrity as vital elements for Nigeria’s progress.

This message was delivered by the Chief Corporate Communications Officer of NNPCL, Olufemi Soneye, after the staging of Prof. Femi Osofisan’s classic play, Once Upon Four Robbers, in Abuja.

Speaking on the significance of the play, Soneye emphasized its alignment with the Federal Government’s “Change Begins With Us” initiative, which aims to encourage moral and civic responsibility among citizens.

“We are honored to be part of this project,” Soneye stated. “This play serves as a reminder that positive change begins with individuals. It highlights the importance of patriotism, moral values, and integrity in building a better society.”

He added, “For our country to develop, we must embody these values in our daily lives. NNPCL will continue to support initiatives like this that inspire positive transformation.”

Expressing gratitude to Prof. Osofisan, the production team, and the audience, Soneye remarked, “We are proud to have contributed to this production and will remain committed to supporting similar endeavors that promote these ideals.”

Prof. Femi Osofisan, the renowned playwright, reflected on the continued relevance of his play, originally written decades ago, in addressing contemporary social issues.

“I’m surprised that this play, written so many years ago, still resonates today,” Osofisan said. “It reflects the enduring nature of the challenges we face as a society.”

The play’s director, Dire Badejo, shared his inspiration for selecting Once Upon Four Robbers as a medium to spark societal introspection.

“At the start of the year, I sought a play that would critically examine the root causes of our societal issues,” Badejo explained. “After much consideration, I chose this work for its powerful message. Thanks to NNPCL’s sponsorship, we were able to realize this vision.”

The three-day production at the NAF Conference Centre in Abuja featured a talented cast, including Tunji Sotimirin, Frances Onwoche, Ropo Ewenla, Bukky Ogunnote, and Yemi Shodimu. Following its successful run in Abuja, the play is set to be staged at the Muson Centre in Lagos, offering another opportunity for audiences to engage with its thought-provoking themes.

Badejo concluded, “This production is a call for self-reflection and a reminder of the power of individual actions in shaping our collective future.”

In a major step to address food insecurity and reduce post-harvest losses, the Federal Government has pledged its support for the Cold Storage Initiative, aimed at improving food storage and enhancing the country’s food security.

The Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, made this announcement during a meeting in his Abuja office with a delegation from the National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF), GENESIS Energy Group, USAID, and KPMG.

Director of Information and Public Relations, Mohammed Manga in a statement indicated that the meeting focused on establishing a strategic partnership to implement solar-powered cold storage facilities and optimize logistics systems across Nigeria.

The delegation shared updates on their ongoing efforts to introduce cold storage solutions in key agricultural hubs nationwide.
The initiative is expected to tackle significant post-harvest losses, improve food supply chains, and ensure a more consistent availability of fresh produce.
Minister Edun commended the project, highlighting its alignment with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to food security.
He noted that recent economic reforms, including fuel and foreign exchange pricing adjustments, have stabilized the economy and opened up opportunities for investment.
He further assured the delegation of the Ministry’s full support for the initiative, recognizing its potential to create jobs, attract foreign investment, and contribute to poverty alleviation.

The meeting was attended by key representatives, including Akinwole Omoboriowo, CEO of GENESIS Energy; Mohammed Ibrahim, Executive Secretary of NADF; and Dimeji Salaudeen of KPMG, among others.

With the Federal Government’s backing, this initiative is set to revolutionize the food storage sector, ensuring the preservation of agricultural produce, reducing waste, and ultimately enhancing Nigeria’s food security. This project marks a major step forward in the country’s goal of achieving long-term food security.

By Ahmed Rufa’i, Dutse

The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has launched a public enlightenment campaign in Jigawa State, urging citizens, especially youths, to abandon shortcuts to wealth and embrace integrity, hard work, and ethical practices.

Speaking at the Federal Secretariat in Dutse, the NOA Director-General, Mr. Lanre Issa, represented by Mr. Williams Dogo, Director of Legal Services, emphasized the importance of addressing societal challenges such as the get-rich-quick mentality, security concerns, and misinformation surrounding tax reforms.

The campaign, part of a nationwide initiative, is aimed to combat the rising trend of fraudulent wealth acquisition.
It is also aimed at raising awareness on security issues and promote public cooperation with law enforcement.
It is also meant to educate citizens on the benefits of the new tax reform and its role in equitable development.

Issa highlighted the detrimental effects of the get-rich-quick culture, particularly among the youth, noting that such practices erode societal values and contribute to criminal activities like internet fraud.
He stressed that the government has criminalized such fraudulent practices and is implementing programs to empower young people through skill acquisition and other initiatives.

“The government is deeply committed to addressing economic hardship by providing opportunities for youth empowerment. However, we need citizens to reject dubious means of wealth acquisition and work with integrity,” Issa said.
On security, the NOA DG commended government efforts to enhance security through better funding, training, and equipment for agencies. However, he called on citizens to report suspicious activities and cooperate with security personnel to create a safer society.
Addressing concerns about the new tax reforms, Issa explained that they aim to ease the burden on hardworking Nigerians while ensuring fairness and increased funding for development projects.
He urged stakeholders, including traditional and religious leaders, media, and civil society groups, to support the reforms by spreading accurate information and encouraging compliance.

In his remarks, the Jigawa State NOA Director, Alhaji Tijjani, expressed concern over the exploitation of the current economic hardship by some individuals to commit crimes. He reiterated the agency’s dedication to guiding citizens towards legitimate means of success and discouraging fraudulent behaviors.

“We are targeting youths and other stakeholders to educate them on the dangers of shortcuts to wealth and encourage them to embrace legal and ethical ways of achieving their goals,” Tijjani said.

The campaign underscores the government’s resolve to build a society rooted in integrity, fairness, and sustainable development, urging all citizens to play their part in realizing this vision.