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 Friday Idachaba, Lokoja

The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has flagged off a nationwide sensitization campaign on five critical issues central to Nigeria’s well-being, unity, and development.

Mallam Lanre Issa-onilu, Director General of the Agency who flagged off the campaign at the weekend in Lokoja urged unity among Nigerians in their commitment to address the issues and foster a more informed, secure, and ethical society.

Represented by Kogi State Acting Director of NOA, Mr Patrick Edogbanya, the Director General highlighted the five Key national issues and the efforts the national government has made so far at addressing them.

Issa-Onilu whose speech was theme, “Promoting Awareness, Ethical Values and National Development”, pointed out that the challenges before the nation required collective action and active participation from all Nigerians.

He identified the five critical issues as issues arising from World HIV/AIDS Day; Security Awareness; Shunning Get-Rich-Quick Syndrome; World Human Rights Day and Tax Reforms.

On the burning issue of Tax Reforms, the Director General said government was taking a holistic approach to make the nation’s tax system fairer and less burdensome for citizens.

“The tax reform bills are four different bills that seek to bring everything about taxation and administration of tax in Nigeria under four different pieces of legislation”, he said.

The bills according to him include: The Nigeria Tax Bill; The Nigeria Tax Administration Bill; The Nigeria Revenue Service Establishment Bill and The Joint Revenue Board Establishment Bill, all with specific functions to ameliorate the burden of tax.

He said that the reforms will benefit everyone by eradicating double taxation and Support for Low-Income Earners as those earning very little will pay little or no taxes adding that simple and transparent processes will be adopted with introduction of new digital systems.

On the issue of HIV/AIDS, he said that aside joining the global community to raise awareness during World HIV/AIDS Day Nigeria had intensified efforts to provide free and accessible HIV testing and counseling services nationwide.

The DG added that among other efforts, the country had ensured that antiretroviral treatment remains available and accessible to people living with HIV/AIDS and went further to partner local and international organizations to combat stigma and discrimination arising from the disease.

He however, noted that the government alone cannot win this fight against HIV/AIDS and therefore, urged citizens to take advantage of services being provided by government and other entities, practice responsible health behaviours, and support those living with HIV/AIDS.

On security, Issa-Onilu reminded Nigerians that Security remains a top priority for the government adding that government was strengthening security architecture through better equipment, training, and increased funding for security agencies.

He said that government was also expanding its policing initiatives to improve collaboration between citizens and law enforcement to combat criminal activities as ge called for active support of citizens.

On Human Rights as one of the critical issues, the NOA Director General said efforts at dealing with the issue include
strengthening of legal frameworks to address human rights violations, including gender-based violence and child trafficking.

The efforts, according to him, also include establishing support centers for survivors of abuse and violence in collaboration with Civil Society as well as Promoting constitutional awareness to ensure citizens understand their rights and responsibilities.

The NOA Director General also identified the “Get-Rich-Quick Syndrome” as part of the nation’s critical issues requiring sustained sensitization campaign for Nigerians to shun in all ramifications.

Issa-Onilu said government has taken cognizance of the erosion of our age-long values and evolved measures to address the situation even as economic hardship often drives individuals toward unethical practices.

He urged citizens to reject shortcuts to wealth and embrace integrity, hard work, and the opportunities provided through government initiatives to make life better for all.

“Addressing these five key areas requires collaboration from all citizens, stakeholders, and institutions. Together, we can build a healthier, safer, and more ethical Nigeria”, he urged.