The Nigerian Meteorological Agency, NiMet, has predicted sunshine and dust haze from Wednesday to Friday across the country. NiMet’s weather outlook released on Tuesday in Abuja envisaged moderate dust haze on Wednesday in the northern region with horizontal visibility of 2km to 5km over Zamfara, Katsina, Kano, Sokoto, Kebbi, Jigawa and Kaduna.....Read Full Article>>

The agency expected a slight dust haze over the remaining parts of the region during the forecast period. In the North Central region, slight dust haze is expected over the region during the forecast period while in the southern region, sunny atmosphere with patches of clouds is expected over the Inland and the coastal cities in the morning hours with the exception of Lagos where mist is expected.

NiMet said that later in the day, localised thunderstorms with rains are expected over parts of Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Cross River and Akwa Ibom States.

Nigeria’s Dangote Refinery, owned by Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, has begun the export of refined petroleum products to neighbouring West African countries. This is according to a newspaper report by Bloomberg on Tuesday.....Read Full Article>>

However, there are claims that whereas the Refinery is getting crude from the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL, in Naira, it is carrying out the export deal in dollars. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ordered the sale of crude oil to Dangote Refinery in Naira, an order that has been confirmed to have been implemented by the NNPCL.

The Bloomberg publication quoted data sourced from Vortexa, Kpler, Precise Intelligence, a port report, and a ship-tracking platform and noted that a tanker has hauled a shipment of gasoline from the Dangote Petroleum Refinery to waters off the coast of Togo, a neighbouring West African country.

Investigation by Bloomberg showed that the tanker named The CL Jane Austen recently loaded more than 300,000 barrels from Dangote.

The tanker sailed west, according to data from Vortexa, Kpler, Precise Intelligence, a port report, and ship-tracking data compiled by Bloomberg.

“It’s now floating off the coast of Lome, a popular area for ship-to-ship transfers,” the report added.

This comes weeks after the chairman of NPA, Ghana, who spoke at the OTL Africa Downstream Oil Conference in Lagos, said importing from Nigeria rather than Europe would reduce the prices of other goods and services by removing freight costs.

“If the refinery reaches 650,000 bpd a day capacity, all that volume cannot be consumed by Nigeria alone, so instead of us importing as we do right now from Rotterdam, it will be much easier for us to import from Nigeria, and I believe that will bring down our prices,” Hamid said.

Recall that two weeks ago the refinery report emerged that the 650,000 barrels per day refinery was to begin fuel exports to South Africa, Angola, and Namibia.

Speaking on the latest development, sources familiar with the matter said, “I can authoritatively confirm to you that talks are actually at the advanced stage with Ghana, Angola, Namibia, and South Africa. Also, the initial discussion is coming up with Niger, Chad, Burkina Faso, and the Central African Republic.”.

However, Dangote has not officially announced that it has begun petrol exports to West Africa.

This comes as Dangote Refinery and the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria recently sealed an agreement to directly purchase 60 million litres weekly from the Lagos-based refinery.

DAILY POST reports that fuel recorded a marginal drop in price in the past week upon Dangote Refinery and IPMAN deal.

Economists on Tuesday hinted that Nigeria’s inflationary pressures may drop in the coming months if the price of gasoline continues to ease with Dangote refinery.

The owner of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, has claimed that top oil thieves barons in Lagos State and Abuja, the federal capital territory, want his downfall.....Read Full Article>>

Tompolo disclosed this recently during a working visit of the Nigerian Bar Association national executive, led by its President, Afam Osigwe (SAN), to Oporoza, the headquarters of the Gbaramatu Kingdom. He alleged that powerful people outside the Niger Delta are behind oil thieves in the region.

According to him, he has stepped on many toes while carrying out his job to protect pipelines in the Niger Delta.

This comes as Tompollo called for synergy between the Navy and other security outfits to boost surveillance on the country’s crude oil pipelines in the Niger Delta.

“While doing this work, we have stepped on a lot of toes of people over there in Lagos and Abuja. We have stepped on a lot of toes.

“As I am here, after my court cases, I cannot travel anywhere because of me and the key people (barons) fighting this battle.

“If I want to travel to Abuja to visit you, I must go with security. Even with two or three security personnel, none of them are happy with me, and they are now collaborating with top players involved in oil theft,” he stated.

Jackson Ude, a former aide to ex- President Goodluck Jonathan and an independent journalist, has criticised President Bola Tinubu for his silence amid ongoing killings in the South- East region of Nigeria. The violence stems from the enforcement of ” sit- at- home” orders by unknown gunmen, who claim to be fighting for the establishment of a Biafran state. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Ude expressed his concerns, which were highlighted by LATEST_NEWS Blog.....Read Full Article>>

He condemned the continuous killings of Igbo people by their fellow Igbos under the guise of enforcing the controversial sit- at- home directive. According to Ude, this directive denies people their means of livelihood and exposes them to unnecessary violence. ” The continuous killing of Igbos by Igbos under the guise of enforcing a ‘ sit- at- home’ order to press for a Biafra State is highly irresponsible and condemned, ” Ude wrote. He called on patriotic Igbos to unite against the violence, describing it as a betrayal of the people’ s rights to seek their daily bread amidst the prevailing poverty and hunger in Nigeria.

Ude further questioned the logic behind harming the same people the agitators claim to protect. ” How does it make sense to continue denying the people you seek to protect their daily means of livelihood by enforcing a ‘ sit- at- home’ order, turn around and kill them, and then claim to be protecting them from ‘ Fulanis’ or a ‘ terrorist government’ ? ”

He proposed a political approach as the most viable and civil means to achieve a Biafran state. This would involve leveraging political platforms to elect representatives into the state Houses of Assembly in the South- East and advocating for a referendum. Ude criticised the use of violence and coercion, labelling such actions as ” childish” and ” criminal. ”

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Ude also directed his disappointment at the Federal Government, accusing it of failing to act decisively to protect citizens in the South- East. He described the government’ s inaction as ” despicable, irresponsible, and dangerous. ” Additionally, he condemned the silence of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the apex socio- cultural organisation of the Igbo people, for its lacklustre response to the crisis.

” The bloodshed is too much, and the suffering of the people who are in double jeopardy must be halted, ” he wrote.
Ude emphasised the urgent need for the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), as a potential solution to end the violent enforcement of the sit- at- home order. He warned that failure to address the issue could lead to the emergence of new groups, further escalating tensions in the region.

He concluded, ” If this does not stop, another insurgent group might begin the protection of our people from the ‘ sit- at- home’ enforcers, a situation that might throw the whole region into serious chaos! Igbos have suffered enough. ”

The situation in the South- East remains tense, with many calling on the government and relevant stakeholders to intervene and restore peace to the region. Ude’ s remarks have sparked discussions on the need for a more strategic and peaceful approach to addressing the grievances of the South- East people.

International students who want to settle abroad should make it a point to look for countries that will provide them with an easy route to permanent residency (PR) after the completion of their studies. Some countries have designed immigration systems to let graduates stay and work, often providing pathways to permanent residency.....Read Full Article>>

Here are five countries that offer permanent residency pathways after study for international students.

Germany
Germany is sought-after for international graduates, with various routes to permanent residency. You could stay with the Job Seeker Visa to look for a job for up to 18 months after graduation. When graduates get a job, they can apply for a Settlement Permit (PR) after some years.

The Blue Card is also available to highly skilled professionals with residency and work permits if they have a job offer that meets the salary requirements. Germany also provides an Employment Visa for individuals with solid job contracts which is issued for the long term. The country offers a good pathway for graduates because of their interest in conserving talents.

Australia
Clear post-study permanent residency pathways make Australia one of the most sought-after destinations for International students. An excellent way to gain experience in your field of study is via the Post-Study Work Visa (subclass 485) which gives graduates rights to work. This is because graduates are eligible for a Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189) or a Skilled Nominated Visa (subclass 190), both of which operate on a visa points-based system that favours applicants with skills in demand by Australian employers.

This will also allow graduates a better chance at permanent residency through the regional pathways designed for anyone who wants to live and work in regional areas. Australia is a desired destination with better opportunities to live over the long term because of its strong economy and multicultural society.

New Zealand
International graduates in New Zealand do not need to search high and low for alternative pathways to permanent residency, because they are simple. Skilled Migrant Category – SMC is a points-based visa for graduates with job offers or relevant experience in skilled areas.

For graduates, New Zealand also has a Post-Study Work Visa that enables them to gain local work experience. With its emphasis on addressing skill shortages in major industries like healthcare and IT, the country is an attractive option for graduates.

As much as Singapore is selective about its immigration system, there are many pathways for international graduates. If graduated students have received a job in Singapore, the Professionals, Technical Personnel, and Skilled Workers Scheme (PTS) is the pathway.

For entrepreneurs or investors who can contribute significantly to Singapore’s economy, there is the option of the Global Investor Program (GIP). Apart from this, there is an EntrePass visa for post-graduates planning to launch a new business venture in Singapore.

Those are some key reasons why Canada remains the destination of choice for many skilled individuals, given the fact that it has one of the hottest economies around and a business environment that is attracting thousands upon thousands to its shores each year.

Sweden
In Sweden, graduates can apply for a job-seeking visa to look for work in their field of study which is valid for one year upon graduation. During this time, if they find a job or start their own business, they can apply for a work permit or permanent residency after several years of continuous business.

The governments of these countries have clear pathways to permanent residency post-study that international graduates can follow in order to get a PR visa. To retain the talented graduates each of these nations fosters, they have adjusted their immigration policies to allow students to build a future away from home.

The Nigerian Navy has said that its units under the auspices of Operation DELTA SANITY, uncovered and destroyed 23 Illegal Refinery Sites and recovered large quantities of stolen crude oil in October.....Read Full Article>>

This is contained in a statement by the Director of Naval Information, Commodore Aiwuyor Adams-Aliu, on Tuesday in Abuja. Adams-Aliu said the team also uncovered and destroyed 30 ovens, 26 reservoirs, 77 sacks, 19 dug out pits, 21 wooden boats, four jerry cans and two pumping machines.

He said large quantities of crude oil and AGO were successfully recovered during various operations carried out within the month. According to him, the

results had contributed to the increase in Nigeria’s crude oil production, adding that the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL, recently announced that Nigeria’s Crude oil production had risen to 1,8mbd in the month of October.

“On Oct. 8, three illegal refinery sites, 15 ovens, 12 reservoirs, five dugout pits and two wooden boats laden with about 12,000 litres of stolen crude oil were discovered and destroyed around Bakana River, Bukuma axis and Ogaji-Ama of Rivers.

“On October 9, one suspect with one locally made pistol was arrested with three cases of ammunition. Also, three illegal refinery sites, as well as five reservoirs, two ovens, one dugout pit, two wooden boats cumulatively laden with about 900 liters of product suspected to be stolen crude oil were discovered around Otuwo and Ogboinbiri general area of Bayelsa.

“On October 11, five illegal refinery sites with four ovens, three reservoirs and few sacks laden with about 4,000 liters of stolen crude oil were discovered around Ugbokodo and Christian village in Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta.

“Also, a market boat laden with about 2,200 liters of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) in jerry cans and sacks were discovered at Idi-Ogba, Ondo State,” he said.

A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dele Momodu, has debunked the rumoured death of Nigerian billionaire businessman, Mike Adenuga.....Read Full Article>>

Adenuga is regarded as the fifth richest person in Africa according to Forbes. His company, Globacom is Nigeria’s second-largest telecom operator and has a presence in Ghana and Benin Republic.

Reports online had speculated that the billionaire businessman died at the age of 71. In a tweet shared on X by Dele Momodu on Tuesday night, the politician said Adenuga is alive, fit and proper.

He added that he had a telephone conversation with the businessman who mentioned he is still an active stakeholder in the Nigerian economy.

The politician wrote: “Ignore the fake news… The Spirit of Africa DR MICHAEL ADENIYI AGBOLADE ISOLA ADENUGA is hale and hearty. He’s right now at his desk working round the clock in support of the Nigerian economy… He just called me to thank everyone for their concern…” – DELE MOMODU.”

“Ignore the fake news… The Spirit of Africa DR MICHAEL ADENIYI AGBOLADE ISOLA ADENUGA is hale and hearty. He’s right now at his desk working round the clock in support of the Nigerian economy… He just called me to thank everyone for their concern…” – DELE MOMODU pic.twitter.com/w16xqWBIg7

— Dele Momodu Ovation (@DeleMomodu) November 19, 2024

Adenuga made his first million in 1979, at age 26, selling lace and distributing soft drinks.

He was named African Entrepreneur of The Year at the first African Telecoms Awards (ATA) in August 2007.

In May 2015, Adenuga made a takeover bid to purchase Ivorian mobile telecom operator Comium Côte d’Ivoire for $600 million.

Following the shooting of its Chairman, the Osun State Transport Management System(OSTMS) has announced the suspension of commercial transport activities for Wednesday, 20th November, 2024 across the State.....Read Full Article>>

The Secretary of the OSTMS, Alhaji Mukaila Popoola in a statement on Tuesday directed motor parks across the State to suspend activities in solidarity with their Chairman who was arrested and short in Police Custody.

According to the statement, all commercial drivers in the State are to converge at Olaiya Junction in Osogbo in the morning of Wednesday, 20th November where members will be addressed.

The statement also called on the Inspector General of Police to ensure that Superintendent of police, SP Moses Lohor who attempted to take the life of the OSTMS Chairman, Comrade Nurudeen Alowonle is brought to book.

Alhaji Popoola through the statement warned that anything must not happen to Comrade Alowonle after reports indicate that SP Moses Lohor actually wanted to take the life of the OSTMS Chairman.

The statement reads, “It is clear that it is an attempt to take the life of our Chairman, the reports we gathered states that SP Moses Lohor aimed his gun directly at Comrade Alowonle with the intention to kill him.

“We are using this medium to tell the Inspector General of Police that nothing must happen to our Chairman and SP Moses Lohor must be apprehended and made to face the law.

“I call on our members across the State to boycot their transport activities and converge at Olaiya Junction in Osogbo tomorrow Wednesday the 20th of November for a solidarity walk and address.

“I must not fail to thank the Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke, the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Alhaji Kazeem Akinleye and the Commissioner for Transportation, Hon. Sesan Oyedele for standing by us through this difficult time. He stated.

Former Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom has demanded that the Special Adviser to Benue State Governor on Research and Documentation, Mkor Aondona, retract the allegations of financial irregularities he recently levelled against him or be prepared to prove the claims before a court of competent jurisdiction.....Read Full Article>>

A demand notice issued by Ortom’s counsel, Barr. S. E. Irabor, addressed to Mkor and routed through the office of the Secretary to the Benue State Government said his action amounted to cyberstalking, criminal defamation, malicious falsehood and libelous online publication against the former governor.

According to Irabor: “On the 8th November 2024, you did cause to be published on your Facebook timeline (Mkor Aondona Donatus) an insidious publication against our client with the headline – “May God Almighty Never Allow The Wickedness Of An Ortom To Overshadow His Glory!”

“What followed this banal headline was a godless cacophony of mischievous, malicious and malevolent webs of lies that bothered on the utterly ridiculous.”

He went further to allege that Mkor’s publication on social media deeply harmed Ortom’s hard-earned reputation in the eyes of the public.

“By your deliberate design, you ensured that these defamatory and libelous falsehoods received prominent attention on social media platforms where gullible persons took turns to pour invectives on our client.

” By your latter Facebook post of 9th November 2024, you sustained your incontinence against our client and even scoffed at the suggestion of legal action against you.

“It is the brief of our client that the said publication is in all material particular false, unsubstantiated, concocted, malicious, mischievous, wicked, offensive, in bad taste and made in utmost bad faith to bring him to public ridicule, hatred and opprobrium,” he stressed.

He said contrary to Mkor’s allegations, the previous administration under Ortom did not expend a single penny of Benue money for both the proposed Cargo Airport at Daudu and the Igumale Cement Factory nor pay for any MOU.

He stated that Ortom also does not own any water factory by the bank of the River Benue and has never been cited in any court of law, either in the state or beyond its boundaries for tax evasion.

He went further to clarify that Chief Ortom did not at any point deploy imported industrial machines meant for Benue State for his private use as claimed by Mkor.

In consequence, the demand notice mandates Mkor to write a letter of retraction and apology addressed to the immediate past governor in respect of the false, defamatory and libelous statements he made against him.

It also demanded that the Special Adviser to the Governor should publish the retraction/apology in at least five national dailies circulating within Benue State, as well as paid advertorials to the same effect on prime time belts of Arise News, Channels Television, AIT, TVC News, Nigerian Television Authority, Radio Benue and Harvest FM Makurdi.

Mkor is also required to write an undertaking not to indulge in any such false publication against Chief Ortom in future.

He is lastly required to pay N1 billion to the former governor as exemplary, aggravated and general damages.