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Economy

NMDPRA urges petroleum operators to comply with regulatory laws

Gas
By Benson Ezugwu
Enugu, April 26, 2023 (NAN) The Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, (NMDPRA), Mr Farouk Ahmed, has urged petroleum products dealers to operate within the regulatory space.
Ahmed said this on Wednesday at a stakeholders engagement on Gas Utilisation in Nigeria held in Enugu, Nigeria.
The CEO, whose speech was read by Ogbugo Ukoha, Director, Distribution System, Facility and retailing infrastructure, said this was necessary for the growth of the sector.
“This epoch making engagement seeks to encourage large operators of petroleum products to not only operate within the regulatory space but also to become aware of the comparative advantages among the different fuels,” he said.
He expressed hope that the stakeholders engagement would create the necessary awareness among the industry stakeholders.
“This is to make the compelling case for industry operators to foster a compliance culture which alone guarantees safer and sustainable facilities,” Ahmed said.
In a keynote, Ogbugo Ukoha, Executive Director, Distribution System, Storage and Retailing Infrastructure, urged industry operators and businesses to take advantage of the evolving business opportunities in the gas value chain.
He said the objective of the engagement was to enlighten the end user category to “urgently obtain the requisite petroleum storage license and to engender the transition from white products to gas at the last mile”.
The executive director said the authority’s regulations defined the licensing regimes, procedures and standards for handling petroleum products which when breached lose increased risks.
“In addition, gas as the transition fuel, represents a cleaner and cost-effective energy source.
“We encourage operators and businesses to take advantage of the evolving opportunities in the gas value chain for sustainable business growth by positioning their energy needs to embrace gas derivatives,” he said.
Ukoha enjoined all petroleum handlers to fully comply with the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act and NMDPRA regulations to avoid strong regulatory enforcement.
According to him, the authority’s statutory mandate remains to enable industry growth.
Also speaking, the Director Safety and Health, Etuk Basset, said that gas usage was safe.
“Some people say that gas usage is risky because it is highly inflammable; but I can authoritatively say that gas usage is very safe,” he said.
NAN reports that the engagement with stakeholders by NMDPRA was being held in the six geo political zones of the country.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
BEN/MNA
Edited by Maureen Atuonwu
Politics

I’ll work for my people – LP assembly member-elect

I’ll work for my people – LP assembly member-elect

Pledge

By Benson Ezugwu

Enugu, April 20, 2023 (NAN) Mr Harrison Ogara, Labour Party (LP) member-elect, Igboeze South State Constituency of Enugu State, says he is ready to work for the development of his constituency once inaugurated in June.
Ogara, who is a veteran Journalist, said this on Thursday while speaking to Journalists in Enugu.
He said that Igboeze South remains the most underdeveloped Local Government Area in the state, adding that the situation will change with him as the representative of the people.
He said: “I can tell you that Igboeze South is the least developed in the entire Enugu State in terms of functional infrastructure.
“We don’t have motorable roads. The outgoing administration built hospital at the local government headquarter but it is just there without equipment and furniture.
“In most rural communities of Igboeze South, there are no electricity, and even where it exist, people pay exorbitant bills and nobody intervenes for them.”
On how he intends to get plans through in the house, he said he would employ the instrument of lobbying and strong, superior argument.
“It is not going to be by boxing and fighting, but through superior and stronger argument.
“Any government that wants to return for a second term will surely work for the people,” he said.
He condemned the style of giving money to political aides and legislators to go and develop their areas without proper monitoring.
“I am against that and the Labour party which we represent does not condone that,” he said.
Ogara, who is the publisher of StarLite Newspapers, solicited the support of his constituent to ensure that all his plans for them come to fruition.
“First and foremost, I need the support of my people to succeed,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
BEN/VAO
Edited by Vincent Obi
“
Economy

Enugu residents decry lack of adequate sensitisation for May 3 census

Enugu residents decry lack of adequate sensitisation for May 3 census
Censs
By Alex Enebeli/Benson Ezugwu
Enugu, April 17, 2023 (NAN) Residents of Enugu State have said they were not aware of the forthcoming National Population Census in the country, scheduled to hold from May 3 to 8, 2023, across the country.
A cross section of the residents bared their minds in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Enugu.
According to some of the residents, there have not been enough sensitisation on the census.
Mr. Olu Omotayo, a Civil Rights Lawyer, said he was aware of the exercise, but confirmed that many residents around him were not aware of the census.
According to him, the general awareness among the people was very low, adding that the National Population Commision (NPC) may need to do more in the area of awareness and sensitisation.
He said: “For me, I am aware of the forthcoming census exercise but I am not sure if many people around my area are aware.
“It appears many residents of my area are not aware of the census.
“With just few weeks to the commencement of the exercise, I wish relevant authorities should do more, otherwise the Government should start thinking of postponing the census further.”
Omotayo said that people have not yet recovered from the 2023 elections: “so, they are not really ready to be thinking of another government exercise now.
“We know that anything like census is very critical and controversial and holding it just after a controversial national election, a lot of people may not be interested,” Omotayo said.
Also speaking, Mr Steve Ofilli, a current affairs analyst, said the awareness and sensitisation by relevant authorities in charge, was not enough.
“Apart from some of us who are close to the media and have access to reading newspapers, many other residents are not aware of what is happening.
“I think the NPC needs to do more in the area of sensitisation because I am sure these things were budgeted for by the Federal Government.
“National census is a very important exercise. It aids national economic planning and must not be taken lightly,” he said.
Similarly, a trader at Holy Ghost market, Enugu, Mrs Juliet Ene, said she was neither aware nor intereted about the exercise.
Ene said she had decided not to participate in any government programes until she sees the outcome of the Feb. 25, 2023, Elections.
“They should leave us alone. After all the efforts we put in to change Nigeria for good by standing for hours on the sun to vote.
“Our votes did not count; so, how are we sure that our heads will count,” she said.
Mr Mark Okpo, a politician, said he was fully aware of the census exercise.
He, however, said that the government’s plan of scheduling the census on the same year with the national election was improper.
“I am also disturbed about several items omitted on the exercise, including issues like exclusion of tribe and religion.
“I have been doing my best to sensitise my constituents but it appears that since the election, their morale is low.
“Many don’t believe anything good can come out of the census,” he said.
Meanwhile, in reaction, the NPC Federal Commissioner for Enugu State, Mr Ejike Eze, debunked the insinuation of inadequate sensitisation.
He said that the commission had been on radio stations in the state with jingles and adverts, sensitising the residents.
He said the commission had also visited all the 17 Council Areas of Enugu State severally, telling people about the census.
“Even in the course of our demarcation exercise, we engaged stakeholders and also had a series of stakeholders’ engagements with traditional and religious leaders and government functionaries.
“We have excess applicants for census adhoc staff and in some Local Government Areas (LGAs), we have more than 2,000 applicants.
“So, if people are not aware of it, how did these people get to know about adhoc staff engagements,” Eze asked. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
AAE/BEN/VAO
Edited by Vincent Obi
Health

NHIA woos groups, individuals with GIFSHIP programme at Enugu trade fait

NHIA woos groups, individuals with GIFSHIP programme at Enugu trade fait

NHIA
Benson Ezugwu
Enugu, March 30, 2023 (NAN) The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) introduced a
special programme known as “Group, Individual and Family Social Health Insurance Programme (GIFSHIP)”
to woo individuals, groups into the scheme.
The South East Coordinator of NHIA, Mrs Ahunna Ochor, said this on Thursday at the ongoing 34th Enugu International Trade Fair.
She said that the programme is in line with Federal Government’s mandatory health insurance enrollment policy for
Nigerians, launched by President Muhammadu Buhari in 2022.
Ochor added that the programme is to facilitate easy enrollment of individuals, families and groups into the health insurance ecosystem,
hence the participation of NHIA in the trade fair.
She said that “the product covers everybody, especially those that are not covered in the main scheme.
“According to the programme, the family takes a minimum of four persons with N60,000 annual subscription and maximum of
nine persons for N135,000 subscription.
“The group health insurance covers an association of at least 10 people, with N150,000 annual subscription. The number is endless.”
According to her, an individual under the programme subscribes for N45,000 annually.
The zonal coordinator said that “the programme, since its introduction by the NHIA Director-General, Prof. Nasiru Sambo, has increased private
sector enrollment into health insurance, especially in the South East.”
She further said that the main target of the authority is to achieve the United Nations target of Universal Health Coverage by the year 2030.
She advised people of the region and Enugu State residents in particular to take advantage of the GIFSHIP to enroll massively into the health insurance programme of the government.
Mr Julius Franklin, a member of staff of NHIA, on observation mission from Abuja, said that the authority’s experience at the trade fair had been rewarding and interesting.
He said “it is a rewarding experience to participate in the fair. We hope that other participants will take advantage of our presence here to enroll
their families, friends and associates.”
The acting Coordinator, NHIA, Enugu State, Mabel Ajemba, said the participation of NHIA at the fair is part of efforts to create awareness
and mobilise the private sector to participate in the GIFSHIP.
She said that participating at such trade fair would enable the authority to showcase its activities.
“I commend the director-general for introducing this programme, which makes health insurance compulsory for every Nigerian.
“I urge the residents of Enugu State to take advantage of this opportunity to enroll into the programe,” she added.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
BEN/HA
=======
Edited by Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu
Economy

Enugu residents still lament difficulties in bank transactions as cash scarcity persist

Enugu residents lament difficulties in bank transactions as cash scarcity persists

Transactions
By Benson Ezugwu
Enugu, March 28, 2023 (NAN) Residents of Enugu, capital of Enugu State have expressed worries over poor transactions experienced by Bank customers as cash scarcity continues.
Investigation by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) shows that many customers at various banks in the city have continued to face difficulties getting cash out of the banks.
Several banks visited by NAN correspondent in the city shows huge number of customers battling to get access into the banks as the ATMs have remained dry.
In an interview, many bank customers expressed their frustrations over the chaotic situation in their banks.
Mr Mark Eze, a civil servant, said he had been on the queue for over three hours but was unable to find his way inside the bank, talkless of making withdrawal.
“I came here since 6:30am and was given card number 60. Look at the time now, it’s over three hours, yet I have not been called, ” he said.
Eze said he was hoping to get out some cash from the bank and proceed to the office.
“But as it is now, I don’t even know if I will still make it to the office,” he said.
A pensioner, Mr Ambrose Azike, said he was in the bank a third time to complain about his failed transaction at an Point of Sale (PoS) close to his house in Awkunanaw area.
“This is my third time to visiting this bank because of a failed transaction which I made about two weeks ago.
“Last week I was here twice and I was told not to worry that the money will reverse within seven working days.
“Yesterday was the seventh day but nothing happened and I need the money to feed my family. I am just confused, ” Eze said.
The retiree, looking sickly, described the current cash swap policy as unfair to him and others.
“I am a retired military personnel, living on my little pension with my family and here I am not even able to access my money.
“I am sick as you can see me and I don’t have money to buy drug, what a life, ” he said.
Mrs Margerret Ugoh, a teacher, ik also lamented the situation and expressed sadness over the situation.
I
Ugoh said that she was tired of buying money from PoS operators, describing them as wicked and greedy.
“I am tired of going to the PoS; those people are wicked and greedy; very exploitative, ” she said.
Meanwhile, NAN reports that, PoS operators in parts of the city have continued to exploit the confusion in the banks to rip off customers.
Investigation shows that some of the operators charge as much as N1500 for N5000 and N3000 for N10,000.
A staff of one of the banks who spoke in the condition of anonymity said contrary to the promise by the CBN to flood the banks with old naira notes
“We are trying our best, we cannot give what we don’t have,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
BEN/MNA
Edited by Maureen Atuonwu
Education

UNN Convocation: 246 graduands to receive first class honours

 

UNN
By Benson Ezugwu
Enugu, March 22, 2023 (NAN) The Vice Chancellor, University of Nigera, Nsukka, (UNN), Prof Charles Igwe, says that no fewer than 246 graduands will receive First Class Honours at the 50th graduation holding on March 24 and March 25.
The convocation covers 2019/2020 academic session.
The vice chancellor made the disclosure on Wednesday at the pre convocation press briefing held in the main auditorium of the Enugu campus of the university.
He said that 14,308 Bachelor’s degrees of the University of Nigera would be awarded at the convocation.
“I am proud to announce that a total of 246 of these graduands have bagged the First Class Honours degrees of the university, ” he said.
He disclosed that 5,092 graduated with second class upper, 7,865 second class lower while 1,088 graduated with third class and 17 persons bagged pass degree.
According to him, a total of 96 Diplomas of the university will also be awarded the same day.
Igwe said that on Saturday, March 25, the university would award PostGraduate degrees to 2,482 graduands while 618 persons will be awarded Doctorate degree of the university.
He said that 1,690 would receive the Masters degree in various disciplines.
“Similarly, Postgraduate diploma of the university will also be awarded to 174 persons.
“For the records, these figures represent significant improvements in the numbers we graduated at the 49th convocation,” Igwe said.
The vice chancellor disclosed that the university would confer Honorary Doctorate degrees on four eminent Nigerians who have distinguished themselves in their chosen carriers and in service to humanity and Nigeria.
They include Justice Mary Odili, a retired Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria; Mr Obioha Okoroafo, Chairman and Group Managing Director of Hob-ark  International Limited, and Mr Ebenezer Onyeagwu, Managing Director, Zenith Bank.
Igwe also listed former Gov Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State to be conferred with Doctor of Public Administration (DPA).
The convocation holds at the Nsukka campus of the university.
The VC highlighted  some of the achievements of the management since the last convocation in 2021 including the completion of UNN medical center complex at Nsukka through IGR.
“Also, a new Central Laboratory, fully equipped with ultra modern and analytical and research equipment, funded by TETFund
“I am also excited by a new Electrical Engineering building donated hy Engr Obioha Fubara among other important projects funded by other alumni, ” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
BEN/MNA
Edited by Maureen Atuonwu
General news

Wike led G-5 governors pledge support for Enugu PDP candidates 

PDP

By Benson Ezugwu

Enugu, Jan. 27, 2023 (NAN) Gov. Nyesom Wike of Rivers has pledged to support the governorship candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Enugu State, Dr Peter Mbah and other PDP candidates in the state.

Wike made the pledge on Friday in Enugu at the unveiling of the party’s governorhip candidate and other candidates of PDP, including Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, who is vying for senate in Enugu North Senatorial Zone.

“We will give you all the necessary support to ensure that you all win during the election,” he said.

Wike, who is the leader of the G-5 Governors, said that Ugwuanyi was a trusted ally, adding that he was always reliable and dependable.

He said they were in the state to show solidarity with Ugwuanyi and other PDP candidates.

The Rivers governor urged Enugu residents to show their love for their governor by voting all the party candidates in the state during the elections.

In his speech, the Enugu State governor thanked his colleagues that included Gov. Samuel Ortom of Benue and Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo respectively for their love and care.

Ugwuanyi said that Enugu State had remained a PDP state since the advent of the current democratic rule in 1999.

“We have remained a PDP state and it is not going to change,” he said.

Speaking after his unveiling as governorship candidate, Mbah said that if elected, he would continue the economic and social foundations put in place by Ugwuanyi’s administration.

He said the state had enjoyed peace and tranquility under Ugwuanyi, adding that the state had remained one of the safest states in Nigeria.

“We will sustain the peace currently being enjoyed in Enugu State,” Mbah said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

BEN/OIF/MNA
Edited by Ifeyinwa Okonkwo/Maureen Atuonwu

 

General news

PVC collection peaceful in Enugu-INEC, others

PVC

By Benson Ezugwu/Maureen Ojinaka

Enugu, Jan. 18, 2023 (NAN) The ongoing collection of Permanent Voter Card (PVC) in parts of Enugu is progressing smoothly and peacefully, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports.

NAN investigation shows that in Awkunanaw area, Wards 8 and Ward 9, situated at Union Secondary School and Anglican Girl’s Secondary School, in Enugu South Local Government Area, the exercise was going on smoothly.

An INEC official, Mrs Rosemary Onyia, said the initial challenge of transportation from the INEC office at Amaechi Awkunanaw has been taken care of.

“The exercise is going on well as you can see; people are coming and collecting their cards.

“Yesterday, I distributed 1,488 cards and this morning I have distributed over 500. So, there is no problem,’’ she said.

She said that Ward 8 comprised voters who registered in Mount, Meniru and One-day areas of Awkunanaw, while Ward 9 comprised those who registered within Mayor, Kenneth Road and Amaechi junction areas.

Speaking, one of the voters, Miss Agnes Nwobodo, said she was happy with the way the exercise was moving.

Also speaking, Mr Ugochukwu Egbo commended INEC for the orderly way the exercise was going.

“I am satisfied with the way the exercise is going smoothly,” he said.

Meanwhile, some residents of the city have expressed worry over the inability of INEC to distribute PVCs at ward levels as earlier announced by the commission.

Some residents, who spoke to NAN, said they were deceived by the earlier announcement made by INEC as no official was seen at their wards.

Miss Uju Ogbodo, a resident of Achara Layout, said she had been at her ward in Igbariam Primary School many times to collect her PVC but was later told to go to Emmanuel Church, Achara Layout for the collection.

Ogbodo said it took her three days asking for where to go for the collection of her PVC, before she was informed to go to Emmanuel Church, where she got it.

Mrs Chiamaka Emenike told NAN that she had lost hope of getting her PVC as none of the INEC official was present at her ward.

She added that a neighbor told her to go to Emmanuel Church as PVCs of all the wards in Achara Layout were kept there for collection. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

BEN/OJI/OIF/MNA
Edited by Ifeyinwa Okonkwo/Maureen Atuonwu

 

 

General news

Cleric charges Nigerians: Get your PVCs, be ready for real change

Cleric charges Nigerians: Get your PVCs, be ready for real change
Election
By Benson Ezugwu
Enugu, Jan. 15, 2023 (NAN) The Anglican Archbishop of Enugu Archdiocese, Most Rev. Emmanuel Chukwuma, has charged Nigerians to get their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) to vote out bad leaders in the upcoming General Elections.
Chukwuma gave the charge on Sunday during an interactive session with newsmen at the end of his 69th birthday and 43rd year Ordination Anniversary Service held at the Cathedral of the Good Shepherd, Enugu.
He said that the elections offer Nigerians the golden opportunity to elect new leaders across board, saying, “without your PVCs that cannot be possible”.
“Nigerians should go and collect their PVCs to enable them to effect the real change and vote out bad leaders and elect credible, competent and God-fearing leaders,” he said.
The archbishop also advised Nigerians to continue to pray patiently for God to give them good leaders through the polls.
“They should pray for God’s intervention but first, they should get their PVCs,” he said.
Chukwuma, who celebrated his last birthday as an archbishop, presented a compendium of his selected speeches at the service.
The work was compiled in his honour by Dr Ernest Gad-Nwosu, an Anglican clergyman.
Earlier, the Primate and Metropolitan of the Anglican Church, Most Rev. Henry Ndukuba, described Chukwuma as a good person and a true man of God.
“A very simple good man.
“He loves everyone and everyone loves him. A very jovial personality.
“He tells it the way it is, and the next minute he has forgotten about it.
“He hardly bears grudges against anyone,” Ndukuba further said.
Some other clerics of the Anglican Church in Nigeria at the service also spoke glowingly about Chukwuma.
It would be recalled that he was appointed the Archbishop of the Enugu Anglican Archdiocese in 2014. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
BEN/KSN/USO
Edited by Stanley Nwanosike/Sam Oditah

General news

Campaign: We’ll unite to secure a better Nigeria says Peter Obi

 

Obi

By Benson Ezugwu

Enugu, Jan. 12, 2022 (NAN) Mr Peter Obi, the Presidential Candidate of Labour Party (LP), says his administration will unite and secure Nigeria if elected on February 25.

Obi said this on Thursday at a political rally held in Michael Okpara Square Enugu, capital of Enugu State.

“I assure you that if elected president of Nigeria, our administration will unite and secure Nigeria,” he said.

He said that one of the priorities of his government would be to recruit more youths into all security agencies.

“We will put Nigerians into the security agencies, pay them well and provide them with insurance cover,” Obi said.

The LP Presidential flagbearer further said that his emergence will lead to the end of disruption of academic activities in tertiary institutions in Nigeria.

“I will end ASUU strike and make sure that no student in any Nigerian University stays beyond his/her approved period of study, ” Obi said

He said that his administration would pursue economic policy production instead of consumption, adding that this would enable Nigerian youths to be gainfully employed.

“We will go into mass production which will create jobs for our teeming unemployed youths,” he said.

Also speaking, the State Chairman of Labour Party, Mr Casmir Agbo, said that Enugu State was 100 per cent obedient.

Agbo said that in spite of efforts by the ruling party in the state to derail the LP, the party had continued to move from strength to strength.

A former Governor of Anambra, Mr Chukwuemeka Ezeife, urged the people of Enugu and the South East in general to vote Obi for equity, justice and fairness.

He said that the unity of Nigeria was paramount than any other  individual or group consideration.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

BEN/JOY/MNA

Edited by Joy Mbachi/Maureen Atuonwu