Asianet Pakistan Private Limited

The Enugu State government has appointed former national hurdler and AFN Performance Director Victor Okorie as Chairman of the Enugu State Athletics Association Board.

His inauguration conducted by the state’s Commissioner for Sports, Ike Ekweremadu Jr, also saw 10 other members unveiled to drive a fresh era of track and field development in the state.

Meanwhile in a goodwill message, Coach Chukwuashi hailed the appointments and urged the new board to bring passion and integrity to the job.

Okorie, visibly elated, thanked Ekweremadu for the confidence reposed in him, pledging to revive Enugu’s dominance in athletics.

‘We’ll give everything to restore Enugu to the top of Nigerian athletics,’ he vowed.

A respected figure in grassroots sports across the South East, Okorie’s new mandate includes preparing the state’s athletes for the upcoming National Sports Festival and other major competitions.

The board members include:

*Victor Okorie

Coach Elizabeth Chukwuashi

Onovo Boniface

Henry Nwosu

Eze Justus

Agu Justin

Emeka Benjamin Chukwu

Chris Onwuzuruike

Ephrem Ochonma

Ken Onuaguruch

John Ikpechi

It is crucial to start this by acknowledging the importance of Dangote Refinery as a turning point in Nigeria’s oil and gas downstream sector. For nearly 40 years, the country has relied on imports to meet its energy needs, even though Nigeria is a major crude oil producer and the government has built three refineries.

This situation has caused a lot of contention for the country, including the introduction of fuel subsidies to provide a cushion for impoverished citizens in the country at the mercy of international markets.

The completion of the $20 billion Dangote Refinery is a monumental achievement. With a projected capacity of 650,000 barrels per day, it is the largest single-train refinery in the world and a symbol of industrial ambition with the potential to change the lives of Nigerians for the better or worse.

The Dangote Refinery can become a catalyst for healthy competition, accelerating the development of the downstream sector, or a monopolistic force that stifles competition, dictates prices, and undermines the broader goals of economic inclusion. The direction the refinery takes will be decided by the actions of Nigeria’s regulatory agencies.

The Promise and the Peril

The Dangote Refinery promises to transform Nigeria’s energy landscape. We can already see the added benefits of local production in the stabilisation of the naira against the dollar as the country saves billions in foreign exchange and reduces its reliance on imported refined petroleum products. But, there have also been concerns about how the Dangote Refinery, which, despite its scale, intends to achieve vertical integration, will stay profitable without artificial market dominance.

Moves made in the company’s first year of operations suggest the Dangote Refinery is looking to replicate its attempts at a forced monopoly in other sectors in the downstream oil and gas sector. The refinery has already sought to disrupt the complex logistical network that ensures petroleum reaches final consumers by introducing a ‘free’ delivery service targeting major retailers, in a bid to incentivise them to ditch their long-term relationships with importers and depots and to buy products exclusively from the refinery. Industry stakeholders have condemned this move as predatory.

The Dangote Refinery has also been accused of abruptly lowering ex-depot petroleum prices and bearing the cost differential to undercut importers who cannot bear the losses incurred by this tactic. Already, many major importers and depots have been forced to shutter their businesses or risk bankruptcy. When challenged on the integrity of its tactics, the Dangote Refinery has defended its actions as healthy market competition.

A monopoly, even one born from private investment and innovation, can distort markets. It can lead to price manipulation, limit consumer choice, and create barriers for new entrants. In the absence of robust regulatory oversight, the very infrastructure meant to empower the economy could end up concentrating power in the hands of a few.

The Mandate of Regulators

Nigeria’s regulatory bodies, particularly the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), and the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), have a constitutional and moral obligation to safeguard the principles of fair competition.

It is their responsibility to ensure transparency in all business practices, monitor market behaviour and intervene when predatory actions are taken against competitors or consumers, even when they are ‘legal’. They must also enforce anti-trust laws and deter larger corporations from engaging in anti-competitive practices that marginalise smaller marketers. But most importantly, it is their responsibility to provide a favourable environment for new entrants into the downstream sector, and by doing so, ensure the energy sector remains resilient and dynamic.

The Dangote Group is only as big and successful as it is today because regulatory agencies ensured indigenous entrepreneurs were protected from monopolistic manoeuvres from international competitors. The same consideration must now be extended to other players in the energy sector to balance industrial ambition and market fairness. The Dangote Refinery represents a significant advancement towards self-sufficiency, but that doesn’t exempt it from the same standards of accountability that any other market participant must adhere to.

A Delicate Balance

Nigeria stands at a crossroads. The emergence of the Dangote Refinery offers a rare opportunity to redefine the country’s energy future. The refinery may be privately owned, but the market it operates in belongs to the people.

The future of the energy sector is the responsibility of the agencies tasked with ensuring that Nigerians reap the benefits of deregulation and that companies maximise the opportunities a free market offers Nigerian entrepreneurs. If local regulators rise to the occasion, they can ensure that this refinery becomes a cornerstone of shared prosperity, not a symbol of concentrated power.

The Federal Government says food security remains a top national priority in the country.

The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari, stated this during the distribution of farm inputs to smallholder farmers on Wednesday in Osogbo.

Kyari, represented by Mr Ayodele Olawumi, Director of Agricultural Extension in the ministry, said the Federal Government remained resolute in its commitment to developing the agricultural sector in alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Kyari said to address the underlying challenges hindering national food security, the Federal Government embarked on bold economic reforms designed to stimulate productive capacity, create jobs, and reduce the cost of living.

The minister also said in addition to the economic reform, targeted humanitarian interventions and emergency responses had been implemented to cushion the effects of the current food crisis across the country.

‘I wish to assure you today that President Bola Tinubu has demonstrated unwavering political will and commitment to transforming Nigeria’s agriculture sector.

‘With food security positioned as one of the central pillars of his administration’s priorities,’ he said.

Kyari said since 2023, the Federal Government had undertaken a thorough review of existing programmes and initiatives to identify what needs to change and how best to realign them with the core mandates of the ministry.

‘Accordingly, the ministry has rolled out several programmes and projects aimed at addressing the challenges faced by farmers while ensuring that food remains available, accessible, and affordable to all Nigerians’, he said.

The minister said the distribution of farm inputs was in fulfillment of the president’s promise to cushion the effects of the prevailing economic situation and to encourage continued food production.

He said the intervention formed part of their broader program aimed at increasing national food production and ensuring stability in food availability and prices.

‘The ultimate goal of every nation is to attain food security, a global priority underscored in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

‘This administration remains resolute in its commitment to developing the agricultural sector in alignment with the SDGs,’ he said.

Kyari called on the beneficiaries to see the gesture as a demonstration of the government’s commitment to their welfare and to reciprocate by increasing productivity and contributing to the country’s food security.

In his remarks, Mr Taiwo Aiyegoro, the state Coordinator of the ministry, said the distribution of farm inputs was a testament to the Federal Government’s unwavering commitment to supporting smallholder farmers.

According to him, the farm inputs will go a long way in enhancing the productivity and livelihoods of the farmers who are the backbone of the agricultural sector.

Mr Tola Faseru, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security in the state, commended the Federal Government for remembering the farmers in the state.

Faseru, represented by Mr Moshood Adepoju, Director of Administration and Supplies in the ministry, said the inputs would assist farmers in ensuring food security in the state.

Mr Wahaab Bello, the Chairman of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), commended the Federal Government for the gesture.

Bello, however, appealed to the government to resuscitate the services of farmers’ extension officers to assist farmers in their food production.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the farm inputs distributed included fertilisers, chemicals, grinders, seedlings, among others.

As part of efforts to expand access to university education across the nooks and crannies of the country, the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) at the weekend inaugurated a special centre in Ilupeju-Ekiti, in the Oye Local Government Area of Ekiti State.

Represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of administration, Professor Shehu Usman Adamu, the university’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Olufemi Peters, said the establishment of the study centre symbolises the institution’s unwavering commitment to bringing education to the doorsteps of every Nigerian, regardless of location, background, or circumstance.

The vice chancellor said the Ilupeju-Ekiti centre became a reality courtesy of the donation of a building by a son of the community and Chairman, Board of Trustees of Ilupeju Development Association (IDA), Architect Sir Dipo Ajayi.

While commending the donor for the gesture, describing it ‘as a monument of hope and a shining example of how individuals can contribute meaningfully to national development,’ the vice chancellor further stated that; ‘Today is not merely about cutting a ribbon; it is about expanding the frontiers of access to quality education, rekindling hope, and celebrating one man’s generosity that will become a legacy for generations to come’.

He noted that the new centre would serve civil servants, artisans, teachers, entrepreneurs, retirees, and others seeking knowledge and empowerment in the true spirit of lifelong learning that NOUN represents worldwide.

The vice-chancellor also appreciated the Ekiti State Government, traditional rulers, and the Ilupeju community for their support and collaboration, urging them to take ownership of the centre and ensure its sustainability.

‘The success of this centre will depend on continued partnership. Together, we can make it a model of academic excellence and community development,’ he said.

In her remarks, the NOUN Consultant in charge of the centre, Professor Olubukola Oyawoye, gave an insightful background on how the centre came into existence, noting that it was born out of a shared vision to bring quality education closer to the people.

Professor Oyawoye, who doubles as the Director of Advancement at the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), appreciated the initiative and commitment of the donor, saying his passion and determination made the centre a reality.

She described the project as a testament to what visionary leadership and community partnership can achieve.

She said; ‘Education remains the strongest tool for community transformation and national progress. With this centre, we are giving every willing learner a chance to rewrite their story through knowledge,’

Professor Oyawoye, a former Commissioner for Environment in Osun State, congratulated the people of Ilupeju-Ekiti for hosting a federal university centre that provides opportunities for working-class individuals, entrepreneurs, and youths to further their education without barriers of time or location.

She said all courses are available as the centre has commenced various programmes in the centre

Also speaking at the event, the donor, Sir Ajayi, expressed deep gratitude to God and all who made the project possible. He described the centre as a testimony of divine grace and collective effort.

He said: ‘With a heart overflowing with gratitude, I return all glory to the Almighty God, the giver of vision, wisdom, and strength, who alone makes all things beautiful in His time. Today is not merely a day for commissioning a building; it is a day of thanksgiving, fulfilment, and divine grace. Only God could have made this journey possible, from conception to realisation’.

He said the dream was driven by a passion to expand access to education and ensure that no community is left behind in the quest for knowledge.

He thanked NOUN management, describing the VC, the governing council Chairman, Mallam Isa Yuguda, among others, as outstanding leaders, who, he noted, have demonstrated that education is a right, not a privilege.

He also thanked Professor Oyawoye for what he described as her ‘intellectual dexterity and tireless coordination.’ He also acknowledged his wife, Mrs Alaba Ajayi, for her encouragement throughout the project’s execution.

He dedicated the project to his late mother, noting that ‘the house she left behind has now become the foundation of this centre.’

Sir Ajayi lauded Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, for providing an enabling environment, describing the centre as a modest contribution to the governor’s strides in education and community development.

Meanwhile, the NOUN Registrar, Mr. Oladipupo Ajayi, appreciated the people of Ilupeju-Ekiti, noting that they are fully prepared for the take-off of the centre.

‘We have inspected the facilities and are very pleased with what we have seen,’ he said, even as he urges members of the community to spread the gospel and encourage people to enrol.

The Apeju of Ilupeju-Ekiti, Oba David Sunday Awe, (the Akingbade II) expressed delight over the siting of the institution in his community, saying it would enhance the town’s educational and economic development. He appreciated NOUN management and all stakeholders who made the project a reality.

The monarch prayed for the donor for his contribution to the community and Nigeria at large.

In appreciation of their contributions, various dignitaries, including Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Professor Habibat Adubiaro, NOUN vice-chancellor, and his deputy, Professor Peters and Shehu respectively, as well as the monarch, and Professor Oyawoye, among others, were presented with awards of recognition.

Members of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State yesterday held a solidarity march to back the governorship aspiration of the Managing Director of National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Asiwaju Munirudeen Oyebamiji (AMBO) and re-election bid of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The supporters converged on Osogbo City Stadium and marched through Ayetoro, Igbona, Olounkoro, Old-Garage, Orisunbare, Ola-Iya, Fakunle, to Ogo-Oluwa, which covered five kilometres before they stopped at Tinubu/Shettima Campaign Office.

They described the NIWA boss as the best aspirant, who had the capacity to deliver victory for the party if given the governorship ticket for the 2026 election.

Former Speaker of House of Assembly Timothy Owoeye said the walk was not just a show of strength for Oyebamiji, but also a reaffirmation that APC remained the party to beat in Osun.

He hailed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his leadership and performance, saying his achievements had rekindled faith in the party across the country.

‘This Unity Walk is to tell Osun people that APC is united and ready for 2026. Asiwaju Oyebamiji stands out as a competent, tested and trusted aspirant with a track record of performance as a two-time commissioner and as managing director of Osun Investment Company Limited,’ Owoeye said.

Addressing reporters, a former commissioner under the administration of ex-Governor Adegboyega Oyetola, Adebayo Adeleke, said the large turnout of APC members to support Oyebamiji was a testament that he was loved by all ahead of December 13 primary.

‘It is obvious that Oyebamiji is an aspirant to beat in the APC primary election. We are happy for this large turnout. We are ready and prepared for the primary election. There is no aspirant in APC that is not competent. They are all competent. But what we are saying is Bola Oyebamiji is above all when it comes to APC. He is more acceptable, a gentleman, knowledgeable and a financial expert. He is the one that can strengthen the economic situation of Osun State.’

ýKehinde Ayantunji, special adviser to former Governor Oyetola, lauded President Tinubu, Chief Bisi Akande and Oyetola for their continued support for the APC since 2022.

He said their efforts had strengthened the party and rekindled public trust.

Cameroon’s opposition leaders rejected presidential election results that extended President Paul Biya’s rule for another seven years, saying the outcome did not reflect the will of the people in a country already battling a separatist conflict.

The central African nation’s constitutional council on Monday declared Biya, 92, as the winner of the disputed vote with over 53% of the ballots, triggering violent protests in several cities in the oil- and cocoa-producing nation.

The court’s ruling, which is final and cannot be appealed, signals a potentially prolonged post-election standoff.

Issa Tchiroma Bakary , Biya’s main challenger, had earlier declared victory and warned he would not accept any other outcome. His supporters have angrily taken to the streets, clashing with riot police and blocking roads in the commercial capital Douala with burning tires and debris.

The protests killed at least four people over the weekend and two others on Monday, according to the opposition.

There were scattered celebrations in Biya’s strongholds and government ministers held a party. The usually bustling streets of Douala remained quiet yesterday as rain and riot police kept protesters away.

The European Union expressed ‘deep concern’ about the recent violent repression of protests and called on authorities to tackle the excessive use of force. It also urged leaders to engage in dialogue to preserve national stability.

Genesis Energy said it is finalizing plans to issue a N500 billion local bond to expand clean energy projects across the country, building on the success of its N13 billion bond issued in 2019.

Chairman, Genesis Energy Group, Akinwole Omoboriowo II, who disclosed this while speaking with reporters on the sidelines of the Nigeria Energy Conference in Lagos, also commended the Federal Government for enacting the Electricity Act 2023. He described it as a game-changer that has fixed long-standing regulatory bottlenecks and opened the sector to broader participation.

‘Every kobo of that ?500 billion will go into power infrastructure – gas, solar, hydro, and hybrid projects in different states. In Port Harcourt, we’re scaling an 84 Mw gas plant in partnership with NNPC to 200MW, while Katsina will get 100MW of solar capacity,’ he said.

He noted that the Electricity Act 2023 has created an enabling environment for aggregation and economies of scale, making energy investment more viable and affordable.

‘Fixing the regulatory framework is key. When you aggregate power, you achieve economies of scale that lower investment costs and lead to competitive energy prices,’ he said.

He highlighted three major impacts of the Act to include the empowerment of subnational, private sector participation in transmission, and market-driven tariffs and forex stability

Omoboriowo II noted that the law allowed state governments to generate, distribute, and manage power within their territories.

‘Nigeria’s 36 states can now take charge of lighting up their communities. Katsina, for example, powers its hospital and school complex with solar, saving over ?3 billion. That’s real impact,’ Omoboriowo explained.

He said the Act democratises investment opportunities across the value chain-generation, distribution, and now transmission-making it possible for both small and large investors to participate.

He praised the government’s courage in introducing market-reflective tariffs and unifying foreign exchange platforms, which he said are crucial for investor confidence. ‘Before now, it was impossible to recover investments in the power sector. These reforms have restored credibility,’ he added.

Omoboriowo 11 dismissed concerns about defects in the new Electricity Act, saying it represents a significant improvement over the 2005 reform law. He, however, noted that the law will evolve with time.

On why he remained passionate about the energy sector, he said: ‘Energy is life, and life is energy; without energy, there can be no life. My mission is to give life to energy.’

Tragedy struck along the Otedola Bridge, inward Berger-Ojodu corridor of Lagos, on Wednesday, following a violent collision between two heavy-duty trucks, leaving one driver critically injured.

The incident, which occurred involved a 14-tyre Scania truck loaded with tonnes of wheat and a 6-tyre Iveco mini-truck carrying cartons of Gala sausage rolls.

LASTMA said both drivers were locked in a reckless struggle for the Right of Way (ROW) before the fatal impact occurred.

Operatives of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), led by the Director of the Incident Management and Enforcement Unit, Mr. Akeem Adeoshun, swiftly arrived at the scene to conduct rescue operations.

According to Adeoshun, the driver of the 14-tyre Scania truck sustained severe injuries to legs and head.

‘Our foremost duty in any rescue mission is the preservation of human life,’ he said, confirming that the victim was carefully extricated from the mangled vehicle with assistance from officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and the Nigeria Police Force before being rushed to a nearby hospital for urgent treatment.

He added that the magnitude of the crash necessitated the temporary closure of the expressway from Otedola Bridge inward Berger to allow for safe recovery operations. Rescue personnel and heavy-duty machinery were deployed to transload the truck’s contents and clear the wreckage. Normal traffic flow was restored after the successful evacuation.

The General Manager of LASTMA, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, condemned the crash, describing it as ‘an avoidable tragedy that should never have transpired.’

He lamented the increasing recklessness among truck drivers who engage in dangerous manoeuvres and unlawful competition for the Right of Way, noting that such indiscipline continues to endanger lives and disrupt order on Lagos roads.

The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has reaffirmed that its greatest asset lies not only in infrastructure and technology but in its people, who drive the nation’s maritime growth.

Its Managing Director, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, stated this yesterday, during the maiden edition of the National Mentoring Day celebration held at the Authority’s headquarters in Lagos.

Represented by the Executive Director of Finance and Administration, Vivian Richard-Edet, Dr. Dantsoho said the event marked a significant milestone in the Authority’s commitment to nurturing future leaders, promoting knowledge transfer, and entrenching a culture of continuous learning and professional growth.

‘This occasion marks an important milestone in our commitment to nurturing future leaders, promoting knowledge transfer, and institutionalising a culture of continuous learning and professional development,’ he said.

He added that while NPA continues to invest in world-class infrastructure and advanced port technology, its most valuable strength remains its workforce.

‘As an organisation at the heart of Nigeria’s maritime economy, we recognise that our true strength lies not only in infrastructure and technology but, more importantly, in our people,’ he emphasised.

Dantsoho also applauded the contributions of young professionals serving under the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) at the NPA, describing them as the next generation of innovators and change agents who will shape the future of the maritime industry and Nigeria’s economy at large.

‘The young professionals serving here under the NYSC are not just temporary participants; you represent the next wave of innovators, administrators, and change agents who will shape the future of the maritime sector and, by extension, our national economy,’ he said.

Established in 2014 and inaugurated in London in 2016, National Mentoring Day is celebrated globally on October 27 each year. The observance encourages individuals and organisations to participate in mentoring, ensuring equal opportunities for people to realise their potential.

The initiative aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 10 (SDG 10), which seeks to reduce inequalities by promoting inclusion and breaking down barriers through mentorship.

Performer ‘Fake Flavour’ has responded to allegations of impersonating award-winning highlife artist Flavour N’abania.

Fake Flavour claimed that his stage name is a tribute to the artist he admires and he has no intention of scamming anyone.

‘I’m not using Flavour’s name to scam people; I just love him,’ he said in part.

According to Fake Flavour, his booking fees range from N700,000 to N800,000, which he believes is significantly lower than what the genuine Flavour would accept for performances.

He stated confidently: ‘Flavour would never perform for that amount. People who book me know I’m doing my own thing, and I’m not pretending to be him to get money.’

He maintained that his brand is built on respect and admiration, not deception.

The controversy has sparked mixed reactions on social media, with some users finding his honesty amusing and others questioning the potential for public deception.