Paradise News

Tag: Nigeria

  • NNPC Ltd Highlights Progress on Port Harcourt Refinery Amid Clarifications

    NNPC Ltd Highlights Progress on Port Harcourt Refinery Amid Clarifications

    By Ben Nsemo

    The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) has addressed Nigerians, expressing gratitude for their support following the successful restart of the Old Port Harcourt Refinery, which had faced years of inactivity.

    In a statement by Olufemi Soneye, Chief Corporate Communications Officer, the company dismissed claims alleging that the refinery is not operational. It confirmed that the facility currently operates at 70% of its 60,000 barrels-per-day capacity, with output including:

    • Straight-Run Gasoline (Naphtha): Blended into 1.4 million litres of Premium Motor Spirit (petrol).
    • Kerosene: 900,000 litres daily.
    • Diesel (AGO): 1.5 million litres daily.
    • Low Pour Fuel Oil (LPFO): 2.1 million litres daily.
    • Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG): Additional volumes.

    The refinery’s gasoline production involves blending components sourced from Indorama Petrochemicals to meet required specifications—a standard industry practice.

    NNPC also announced significant progress on the new Port Harcourt Refinery, set to begin operations soon, while urging Nigerians to focus on the milestones achieved under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

    The company stressed the need for collective support to strengthen Nigeria’s energy sector and counteract misinformation.

  • Senate Confirms Omolola Oloworaran as PENCOM Director-General

    Senate Confirms Omolola Oloworaran as PENCOM Director-General

    By Ben Nsemo

    The Senate on Thursday confirmed the appointment of Omolola Oloworaran as the Director-General of the National Pension Commission (PENCOM). Her nomination by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu received approval following the consideration of the report presented by the Senate Committee on Establishment and Public Service.

    During the plenary session, the Chairman of the Committee, Senator Cyril Fasuyi, stated that Oloworaran met the requirements stipulated under sections 19 (2), (5)(6), and 26 of the Pension Reform Act-2014, Act No. 4.

    Fasuyi noted that there were no adverse security reports or petitions against the nominee. “The nominee has satisfied the requisite requirements and is affirmed to be qualified, fit, and proper for appointment as the Director-General of the National Pension Commission,” he said.

    The Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin, who presided over the session, put the Committee’s recommendation to a voice vote, which received unanimous approval from the lawmakers.

    Credentials and Experience

    Omolola Oloworaran holds an accounting degree from the University of Ilorin and an MBA from Manchester Business School. A Fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), she has over 20 years of experience in the financial services sector.

    Oloworaran has held leadership roles in prominent Nigerian banks, including FirstBank Nigeria, where she served as Head of Transaction Banking Operations, and Stanbic IBTC, where she led the International Business Center. Additionally, she worked as a Consultant with FDHL Group.

    Her extensive experience and qualifications are expected to drive transformative reforms at PENCOM, enhancing Nigeria’s pension system.

  • Troops Eliminate Top Terrorist Commander, Neutralize 114 Others in North-East

    Troops Eliminate Top Terrorist Commander, Neutralize 114 Others in North-East

    By Ben Nsemo

    The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) announced on Thursday that Nigerian troops have successfully neutralized 115 terrorists, including a notorious commander named Munzur Ya Audu, in various operations across the country last week.

    Major General Edward Buba, the Director of Defence Media Operations, revealed this during a press briefing in Abuja. He emphasized the ongoing efforts to dismantle the networks of terrorist groups and eliminate their logistical support systems.

    The military operations resulted in the following significant achievements:

    • Neutralization of 115 terrorists
    • Arrest of 238 suspects
    • Rescue of 138 hostages
    • Recovery of 145 assorted weapons and 3,825 ammunition

    The DHQ detailed the specific operations in different regions:

    North-East:

    • Operation Hadin Kai: Neutralized 61 terrorists, arrested 34 suspects, and rescued 32 hostages.

    North-Central:

    • Operations Safe Haven and Whirl Stroke: Neutralized 18 violent extremists, arrested 48 persons, and rescued 48 hostages.

    North-West:

    • Operation Hadarin Daji: Neutralized 28 terrorists, arrested 77 persons, and rescued 57 kidnapped hostages.

    South-East:

    • Operation UDO KA: Neutralized six terrorists, arrested 13 violent extremists, and rescued one hostage.

    The Air Component of the Armed Forces also played a crucial role in these operations, conducting air interdiction missions against terrorist hideouts and logistics bases.

    The DHQ commended the troops for their bravery and dedication, assuring the public that the military remains committed to ensuring the safety and security of all Nigerians.

  • WMO Pledges Climate Support to Nigeria at COP 29

    WMO Pledges Climate Support to Nigeria at COP 29

    By Ben Nsemo

    The World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) has pledged to provide technical support to Nigeria in addressing climate change challenges, with a focus on the aviation sector.

    This commitment was made by WMO Deputy Secretary-General, Ms Ko Barrett, during a session with Nigeria’s delegation at the ongoing COP 29 climate conference in Baku, Azerbaijan, according to a statement by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo.

    Keyamo noted that as a WMO Peer Advisor, Nigeria stands to benefit from enhanced strategies to strengthen climate resilience, particularly within the aviation industry.

    He underscored the crucial link between aviation and climate change, stressing the importance of adopting sustainable practices across all sectors.

    Speaking during Nigeria Day at COP 29, Keyamo outlined the government’s efforts to align aviation and aerospace policies with global climate goals. These include initiatives to reduce carbon emissions and transition to cleaner energy in the sector.

    “Nigeria is fully committed to addressing the global climate crisis. Our aviation sector is undergoing transformative reforms to align with international sustainability standards. The commitments we secure here at COP 29 will drive our vision for a resilient and eco-friendly aviation ecosystem,” he said.

    Keyamo also highlighted Nigeria’s potential as a hub for green investments in aviation and aerospace, reaffirming the government’s resolve to position the country as a leader in sustainable aviation.

    He reiterated Nigeria’s dedication to global partnerships that support the Paris Agreement and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

  • PDP Hails Goodluck Jonathan as a National Icon on His Birthday

    PDP Hails Goodluck Jonathan as a National Icon on His Birthday

    By Ben Nsemo

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has congratulated former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan on his birthday, describing him as a national icon of stability and democracy.

    In a statement released on Wednesday by the PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, the party praised Jonathan’s significant contributions to Nigeria’s democratic growth and global peace efforts.

    Ologunagba lauded Jonathan as a symbol of participatory democracy and peaceful governance, noting his international recognition as a stabilising figure and a promoter of democratic principles, particularly across Africa.

    He highlighted Jonathan’s dedication to free, fair, and credible elections, which have been celebrated globally.

    Reflecting on Jonathan’s presidency from 2010 to 2015, the PDP referred to his tenure as a “golden era” of economic progress.

    Ologunagba cited Jonathan’s Transformation Agenda, which propelled Nigeria’s economy to a $550 billion valuation, making it the largest in Africa and the 26th largest globally by 2015.

    The party expressed pride in Jonathan’s achievements and prayed for his continued health, wisdom, and happiness as he serves humanity.

  • Expert Advises Nigerians to Protect Mental Health Amid Hardship

    Expert Advises Nigerians to Protect Mental Health Amid Hardship

    By Ben Nsemo

    Dr Adedotun Ajiboye, a Clinical Psychologist at Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, has urged Nigerians to prioritise their mental health amidst the nation’s ongoing economic challenges.

    Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja, Ajiboye highlighted the adverse effects of economic hardship on mental well-being, including increased stress, anxiety, and depression.

    He explained that financial stress caused by reduced income, debt, and uncertainty can leave individuals feeling overwhelmed, while emotional challenges such as anxiety, irritability, and mood swings often follow.

    Additionally, economic hardship may lead to social isolation and physical symptoms like insomnia, headaches, and digestive issues.

    Strategies to Maintain Mental Health

    Ajiboye recommended several strategies to help Nigerians maintain good mental health during tough economic times:

    1. Self-Care and Emotional Acknowledgment

    • Recognise and express emotions through journaling, conversations with trusted individuals, or creative outlets.
    • Practice self-compassion and mindfulness to manage stress.

    2. Healthy Lifestyle Practices

    • Engage in regular exercise, maintain a healthy diet, and establish a consistent sleep routine.
    • Reflect on life’s positive aspects to cultivate gratitude.

    3. Social Connections and Support

    • Stay connected with family, friends, and community support groups.
    • Seek professional help through therapy or counselling, including online resources.

    4. Practical Coping Mechanisms

    • Create a realistic budget and manage debts effectively by negotiating payment plans.
    • For job seekers, update skills and explore new opportunities.

    5. Time Management

    • Prioritise tasks and set achievable goals to manage time effectively.

    Ajiboye stressed the importance of seeking professional support when needed, reiterating that doing so is a sign of strength.

    “Economic hardship can challenge mental health, but proactive strategies can help individuals navigate these challenges while preserving their well-being,” he concluded.

  • Buhari Lauds APC’s Victory in Ondo Governorship Election

    Buhari Lauds APC’s Victory in Ondo Governorship Election

    By Ben Nsemo

    Former President Muhammadu Buhari has praised the All Progressives Congress (APC) for its triumph in Saturday’s governorship election in Ondo State, which returned Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa for another term.

    In a statement by his spokesperson, Garba Shehu, on Sunday, Buhari highlighted the confidence of voters in the APC and its leadership, describing their decision as a clear and resounding mandate.

    He urged all stakeholders to respect the electorate’s wishes, which were expressed through the ballot box.

    Buhari noted that the outcome demonstrated the resilience of democracy in Nigeria, despite the country’s size and diversity.

    The former president tasked Governor Aiyedatiwa to focus on economic growth, tackling unemployment, reducing inflation, and implementing welfare initiatives to improve citizens’ livelihoods.

    He also commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies for addressing lapses observed in previous elections, contributing to the election’s success.

    Buhari wished Aiyedatiwa a productive and impactful tenure.