√ Video: Pathetic! Watch how Nigerian Fuel is smuggled to Cameroon, Sold cheap admist Nigerian Fuel crisis
As Nigerians Struggle on long queues to purchase fuel at exorbitant prices, Fuel is being smuggled out of the country and sold for cheap in Northern Cameroon.
In a video circulating on Social Media, It has been revealed that Nigerian fuel is sold illegally and publicly at as low as 350 francs, equivalent of 265 Nigerian Naira.
*Please click on link below to watch video….
https://photos.app.goo.gl/H6PzxWaGJB8RMNMB7
According to the testimony of Abdulazeez, a trader in illegal Nigerian fuel in the report, although smuggled fuel is prohibited in Cameron, authorities turn a blind eye as long as the illegal traders can make unofficial payments. Abdulazeez told reporters that he makes sale of up to 1200 litres of petrol daily.
As of today, Price of Fuel in Nigeria is staggeringly 537 per litre, according to recent increments by the NNPCL, With consequences on Small and Medium Scale Businesses (SMEs)
While removal of subsidy is a commendable move by the government, it is unfair on Nigerians that it’s oil is used illegally and relatively cheap in neighbouring countries due to its compromised borders.
The Nigerian Immigration Services should live up to it’s duties and curb excesses of smugglers.
√2023 World Environment Day: Polaris Bank restates commitment to environmental sustainability in Nigeria
Polaris Bank, Nigeria’s leading digital financial institution, has restated its commitment to environmental sustainability in the country.
The Bank’s commitment is coming on the heels of the 2023 World Environment Day observed yearly on June 5. The annual event is led by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) which is observed globally to encourage awareness and action for the protection of the environment. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the event.
The theme of the 2023 World Environment Day is “Solutions to plastic pollution” with the hashtag #BeatPlasticPollution. Plastic pollution is a major environmental problem. Every year, millions of tons of plastic waste end up in our oceans, landfills, and waterways. This plastic can harm wildlife, pollute our air and water, and contribute to climate change.
Specifically, and in line with the theme of the 2023 World Environment Day, Polaris Bank has taken proactive measures to address challenges of waste management and plastic pollution while supporting the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Nigerian Sustainable Banking Principles (NSBPs) and United Nations Environment Programme Finance Initiative (UNEP FI’s) Principles of Responsible Banking
Polaris Bank as part of its environmental sustainability focus has invested in waste management, plastic collection, renewable energy adoption, education, inclusivity, and carbon reduction. By implementing sustainable practices and guidelines, the Bank contributes to individuals’ needs and societal goals while ensuring a responsible and environmentally conscious business strategy.
“In managing the environmental impact of its activities, Polaris Bank has made significant efforts to reduce carbon emissions and dependence on fossil fuels. Through the use of solar energy to power security lights, some ATMs and business locations, as well as implementing automated systems and digital alternatives to paper output, the Bank actively mitigates waste generation and reduces its carbon footprint.
“To further minimize its carbon footprint, Polaris Bank has streamlined its vehicle fleet, while most meetings and engagement are held virtually. By prioritizing sustainable energy sources and expanding its network of ATMs, including prestigious off-site locations, the Bank ensures convenient and eco-friendly access to banking services,” the Bank explained in a statement on Monday.
The Bank took it’s commitment a step further by partnering with some organizations to help it provide clean water and sanitation in some communities. It’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) projects are clearly spelt out to reflect adherence to environment sustainability.
“Additionally, through partnerships with organizations like the United Nations Association of Nigeria (UNAN), we contributed to providing clean water and enhanced sanitation to local communities in Lagos state.
“We also partnered with the non-profit organization Evolve, to launch the Girl Child Education and the Environment CSR program. This initiative strives to keep the girl child in school, and educated thereby reducing early marriages and population explosion which impacts the Climate. This empowers underprivileged girls through education, providing them with school supplies and personal development tools. By supporting over 3,000 female students from 12 secondary schools nationwide, Polaris Bank fosters individual growth and inspires positive contributions to society.
“Polaris Bank’s dedication to environmental sustainability is a key component of its broader vision to create a positive and lasting impact on society. As part of the commemoration of the 2023 World Environment Day, the Bank has established dedicated plastic collection hubs across its branches in Lagos. These hubs serve as convenient drop-off points for responsible disposal of plastic waste for onward recycling, while empowering individuals and communities to actively participate in reducing plastic pollution.”
√IPMAN hails deregulation of PMS import, says development will create healthy competition.
The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), has lauded the initiative of the Federal Government in approving importation of petroleum products by private firms.
While reacting to the development on Sunday, Chairman of IPMAN Enugu Depot Community, Mr Chinedu Anyaso in charge of Anambra, Ebonyi and Enugu States, told this to reporters.
Recall that the Managing Director of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Farouk Ahmed, on Friday said private marketers could now import petrol into the country, following the deregulation of the import of premium motor spirit.
Farouk had said that with the new arrangement, the NNPC ceased to be the sole importer of petrol into Nigeria and promised to offer licenses to intending marketers who will like to venture.
“We put the regulation in place, we make sure quality control is complied with, we make sure the product is there and we give license to any prospective importer. The market is now open for everybody that wants to import as far as they meet all the requirements. The NMDPRA will no longer fix prices or release templates for petrol.
According to Anyaso, the development would create the much-needed competitive pricing environment and allow market forces to demand the price of products. He said “two days ago, I repeated the call that the Federal Government should issue import licenses to private investigators, I also said it is wrong for the NNPC, which is a private company, to be the sole importer and determiner of prices.
“I am happy that the same NMDPRA also announced that approval has been given to private importers. This is how it should be in a deregulated Industry. The competition that will begin in the coming days will surely ease the pain of high prices of products,”
He further said that this was the time to address the problem of Enugu Depot which had been moribund for over 15 years and had made the distribution of products in the zone difficult as a result.
“We are appealing that as the government is addressing the issue of supply, they should also address the problem of distribution, Enugu Depot has not functioned for over 15 years, we need the Federal Government to fix it.
“It has not been easy for our members who source products from Lagos, Warri, Calabar and bring by road, the risk, accident, and losses have been too much,” he said.
✓Heir Insurance Limited changes name, appoints Fayemi as M.D
Heirs Insurance Limited has changed its name to Heirs General Insurance (HGI) and made some new appointments to their senior leadership team.
The organization , a subsidiary of Heirs Holdings and a pan-African investment company with operations across 22 countries said the new appointments are part of the company’s long-term strategy to drive future business growth.
According to a statement by its Communications Manager, Timilehin Adebiyi, Wole Fayemi has been appointed as the new managing director/chief executive officer (MD/CEO) of the company, effective May 2.
Mr. Fayemi has over two decades of experience in the Nigerian insurance sector,
Prior to joining HGI, he served as executive director (Technical) of the Old Mutual General Insurance, where he led the operations team to achieve top-line growth. He also reorganized the structural re-alignment of processes for higher efficiency and drove the strategic direction of the operations team. The Board of Directors of Heirs Life Assurance also promoted Tosin Bayo-Yusuf to the position of executive director/chief operating officer, following the retirement of Mr Wasiu Amao, its former executive director (Technical). Bayo-Yusuf has a cumulative 17 years of work experience in the Nigerian Insurance industry.
In his statement, Mr. Adebiyi said that Bayo-Yusuf’s appointment followed the retirement of Mr Wasiu Amao, its former executive director (Technical) and that Bayo-Yusuf had championed the bancassurance partnership with United Bank for Africa. He will support Heirs Life MD/CEO, Niyi Onifade, in driving the operations of the company. Chair of Heirs Holdings, Tony Elumelu, expressed confidence that the new appointments will be able to drive business expansion. According to him the new managing director, Mr. Fayemi, has deep knowledge in the insurance industry and excellent business development skills, which make him the right leader for HGI and the next phase of its business growth.
Mr. Fayemi expressed his readiness to take up the mantle of leadership and steer the company toward its next milestones. Heirs General Insurance (HGI) is a leading insurance company in Nigeria, providing life and non-life insurance products to individuals, families, and businesses. HGI’s vision for the future is to become a 21st Century insurer, establishing itself as a leading innovative and customer-centric insurance company in Nigeria and across Africa.
√World Bicycle Day : FCTA to Lay Bicycle tracks in Abuja.
The Permanent Secretary of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), Mr Olusade Adesola, has stated that bicycle tracks will be developed in the Abuja metropolis.
While speaking at the opening of the 2023 World Bicycle Day in Abuja, he said that bicycle tracks are already part of the Abuja city master plan but they need to be developed so that more people can take up cycling as a means of transport and to deepen the campaign for reducing the effect of climate change.
Mr Adesola also stated that cycling is a beneficial sport that helps to improve heart health and strengthen the limbs. He encouraged Nigerians to embrace cycling as a culture, both as sport and exercise, and to take advantage of its benefits.
The Indian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr Shri Balasubramanian, also urged Nigerians to embrace cycling in the interest of good health and a healthier environment.
The event which was titled as: ”Cycling – A Better Way to Enjoy the City” hosted The Indian High Commission has supported the celebration of the ‘World Bicycle Day’ in the FCT for the past five years.
√Bode George never reconciled with Tinubu, Media Reports Fake — Dare Adeleke
Dare Adeleke, a Chieftain of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo State, has refuted a recent news report claiming that Chief Bode George, a founding member of the same party, is willing to offer support for President Tinubu should he be called upon to do so.
According to the reports in previous news article it was alleged that Bode George was ready to assist Tinubu to work towards a better Nigeria, given his military background and sense of obligation. However, Adeleke has denied this claim, describing it as a figment of the imagination of a mischievous journalist.
Adeleke expressed his amazement over the report, as he noted that Bode George never granted an interview on the matter, let alone made such statements. He stressed that this was a complete falsehood created by the journalist for unknown reasons.
The PDP chieftain went further to recognize Chief Bode George’s merit within the PDP. He pointed out that Bode was the Governor of old Ondo State at 42 years old and that he had been in politics before President Tinubu ventured into Nigerian politics. Furthermore, he stated that George has held other prominent public service positions and has never been known for making erroneous statements or being disloyal.
“He never wavered throughout the years of the All Progressives Congress’ (APC) rule as a sturdy opposition leader,” emphasized Adeleke.
Adeleke also cited a public statement made by Chief Bode George, in which he said he would resort to acknowledging Tinubu as the President of Nigeria should the tribunal announce him as such. He questioned the truthfulness of the journalist’s story and urged Nigerians to totally disregard it.
In conclusion, Adeleke cautioned the public to treat the reports as entirely baseless and fictional.
√Falana Criticizes Increment of Fuel Pump Price, says decision is illegal.
Human Rights Lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana has stated that the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has acted unlawfully by raising the price of petroleum motor spirit (PMS). Falana explained that NNPCL, as a limited liability company, does not have the legal power to increase the fuel pump price, thereby rendering the decision illegal.
During an emergency meeting of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) National Executive Council, which took place in Abuja, Falana expressed these views, with further emphasis that there is a need for the government to come up with alternative solutions to this problem. One of the solutions, as highlighted by Falana, is the need to address the dollarization of Nigeria’s economy.
He has also called on the government to return to the drawing board as it seeks to address the issue of fuel prices. The decision of the NNPCL has received widespread condemnation, and Falana’s comments have further fueled debate on the legality and morality of the fuel price increase.
√See reasons Kunle Afod says he will not Japa from Nigeria.
Actor Kunle Afod has stated that despite the overwhelming number of people, including entertainers, leaving the country, he has no plans to pursue this option.
According to Afod, he has been traveling for a long time and views it as a form of education. He believes that if people have easy access to visas, they will travel without taking the route of relocating.
In an Interview with ‘Sunday Scoop’ afod said “I don’t see myself relocating. I have been traveling for a very long time and my last trip was the longest. I was away for a month. I believe travelling is a form of education, so, if the access is there, why not?
“If visa is easy to access, people will go out of the country and come back. In that situation, I believe it is only a few that would want to relocate.
The Nollywood actor however said that he does not blame anyone for wanting to relocate, due to the situation of the country, but “if we build this country together, I believe things can get better.” he added.
√Alleged Domestic Violence : Deputy Governor, Ondo state under fire for alleged battery of wife
Society For Women Empowerment (SWE) has called out the deputy governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa on alleged battery of his wife, Mrs Oluwaseun.
The group in a statement, by its national coordinator, Damilola Charles, issued a seven-day ultimatum for an public apology from the deputy. According to it, investigations revealed that the deputy governor physically assaulted his wife twice in the last four months.
“It is shocking to discover that the deputy governor assaulted his wife severally to the point that the wife had to escape to the United Kingdom to save her life.
“The deputy governor has broken moral decorum and acted in a manner that brings his office into disrepute. We are, to say the least, disappointed with this embarrassing conduct.” The chairman said.
The group has called on the First lady of the state, Chief Betty Anyanwu Akeredolu, and the commissioner for women Affairs and Social Development in the state to look deeper into the situation and represent the ok interest of the Nigerian women.
While reacting to the allegations, press secretary to Aiyedawa, Kenneth Odusola maintained that the case was a family matter and will be handled as such. In his words “There is no reaction. Family matters should be left for family matters. That is not for your own consumption. So, I don’t know about it. I don’t look at family matters, so I don’t know about any domestic violence.”
√Union Bank Reaffirms Commitment to Sustainability; Partners NCF to Commemorate World Environment Day 2023
As part of its continuous efforts to champion environmental responsibility and promote sustainable practices, leading financial institution Union Bank of Nigeria partnered with the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) to celebrate World Environment Day 2023.
World Environment Day, observed annually on June 5th, is a global platform to raise awareness, and mobilise action towards pressing environmental issues. The 2023 campaign #BeatPlasticPollution; Solutions to Plastic Pollution, calls for global solutions to combat plastic pollution.
Plastic pollution has become a global crisis, threatening our ecosystems, wildlife, and human well-being. This year’s World Environment Day aims to raise awareness and mobilise individuals, communities, and organisations to take action and make a positive impact on the environment by reducing their plastic consumption, embracing sustainable alternatives, and advocating for responsible plastic waste management.
To create awareness on environmental responsibility and encourage collective action, Union Bank employees, together with the Nigerian Conservation Foundation volunteered to educate students at Aguda Junior Grammar School, Surulere, Greg Girls Junior High School, Surulere, and Okun Ajah Community Senior Secondary School, Okun Ajah.
The students were educated on the detrimental effects of plastic pollution on the environment, highlighting the importance of reducing plastic consumption, reusing plastic, and practical tips for sustainable recycling. The Bank also donated waste bins to each school to encourage recycling and make it easier for students to do their part in reducing plastic waste.
Speaking on the Bank’s activities to mark World Environment Day, Union Bank’s Chief Brand and Marketing Olufunmilola Aluko said:
“At Union Bank, we are resolute in our commitment to be a sustainability champion. This year’s focus on tackling the pervasive issue of plastic pollution resonates deeply with our commitment to environmental sustainability. We proudly partner with NCF to educate students on solutions to beat plastic pollution. By raising awareness and advocating for responsible plastic waste management, we can collectively and significantly preserve our planet for future generations.”
With its focus set on the future, Union Bank continues to lead the way in shaping a better, more sustainable future for generations to come.
