NigeriaNews24

Category: News

  • Wema Bank Expands SME Empowerment to Ghana with NBC Trade Fair

    Wema Bank Expands SME Empowerment to Ghana with NBC Trade Fair

    As part of its commitment to supporting female entrepreneurs through inter-Africa trade, Wema Bank is extending the reach of women-led businesses with the NBC Trade Fair across Nigeria and beyond.

     The bank is now set to make a bold move with the Ghana edition, scheduled to hold on October 4th and 5th, 2025, at The Palms Convention Center, Accra.

    For the first time, the Wema X NBC trade fair will be bringing together a dynamic mix of fashion, food, skincare, and lifestyle vendors to create a vibrant marketplace in Ghana, where SMEs can showcase their products, attract new customers, and build valuable connections. True to Wema Bank’s tradition, the fair will go beyond commerce, offering free BVN registration, paid NIN registration, on-site account opening, instant virtual naira and dollar cards, spin-the-wheel giveaways, exclusive gift items, and access to the SARA community for women.

    Attendees who shop with their Wema Bank debit cards at the fair will also stand a chance to win exciting rewards. For those who do not yet have a Wema Bank account, opening one ahead of the fair unlocks even more exclusive benefits. Simply download ALAT to get started. These unique offerings from Wema Bank are designed to foster financial inclusion, support women-led enterprises, and equip businesses with the tools to thrive in competitive markets.

    The Ghana edition of the Wema Bank x NBC Trade fair is more than just a fair it is a statement to the bank’s commitment to uniting African entrepreneurs and expanding opportunities beyond Nigeria.

  • Nigeria At 65: PANDEF Salutes Tinubu, Nigerians

    Nigeria At 65: PANDEF Salutes Tinubu, Nigerians

    The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has commended Nigerians and President Bola Tinubu for shouldering the responsibility of leadership as well as his efforts in solving pressing needs as Nigeria marks sixty-fifth independence anniversary.

    PANDEF made this known in a statement titled ‘SIXTY-FIVE CHEERS TO A GREAT NATION IN NEED OF TRUE REFLECTIONS’, and signed by its National Chairman, Ambassador Dr. Godknows Boladei Igali on Thursday.

    The group also hailed “the Governors of Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Edo, and Rivers States for their sterling leadership and unwavering commitment to the development of their states and the entire South-South region.”

    PANDEF stressed the need for the government to urgently address the worsening infrastructure decay in the Niger Delta, noting that the lingering neglect of vital projects such as the East-West Road, the Benin–Auchi Road, the Benin–Warri Road, and the revitalization of the southern ports in Port Harcourt, Calabar, Onne, and Warri must be decisively addressed if Nigeria is to fully harness its economic potential.

    Additionally, PANDEF “reaffirmed its commitment to continue working with the Federal Government and the leadership of the Niger Delta states to ensure that our region and people play their rightful role in the affairs of the nation.”

    Part of the statement reads:
    “The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), on behalf of the peoples of the South-South zone, warmly felicitates with the government and the entire people of Nigeria as we mark the sixty-fifth independence anniversary of our dear country, Africa’s largest democracy. We give thanks to Almighty God for the gift of this outstanding nation and the progress we have achieved despite some daunting challenges.

    “We extend our special salutations to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for the responsibility of leadership entrusted on him at this pivotal moment in our history and acknowledge the efforts of his administration in addressing pressing various issues of national concern. We also commend the Governors of Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Edo, and Rivers States for their sterling leadership and unwavering commitment to the development of their states and the entire South-South region.

    “This milestone anniversary offers us yet another opportunity to reflect on the journey of our nationhood. In that respect, we urge governments at all levels to show greater determination and respect for rule of law in consolidating democracy, pursuing meaningful economic reforms, and confronting the challenges of insecurity, poverty, hunger and youth unemployment that continue to weigh heavily on our people.”

  • DTO Declares for CRUGAA Presidency: “It’s Time to Rebuild the House That Built Us

    DTO Declares for CRUGAA Presidency: “It’s Time to Rebuild the House That Built Us

    The Crawford University Global Alumni Association (CRUGAA) is preparing for its first-ever general election, and one of the strongest voices to step forward is that of Dr. Tofunmi Oludayo Ogunronbi, popularly known as DTO, Unicorn 001 of the pioneer set.

    DTO, who studied Accounting as part of the first graduating class of Crawford University, has become a respected entrepreneur, consultant, and nation-builder with a remarkable track record of service. He is the CEO of Imperial Glamour Nigeria Ltd, with vast experience in business consulting, mining, and marine logistics. He also leads De-Brian Foods & Farm Ltd, focused on rice production, food packaging, and protein processing. In addition, he is co-founder of Veritas Leadership School and serves on the board of AQBaSE NGO, an organization promoting quality and sustainable education.

    Beyond business, DTO has been deeply involved in leadership and service. He currently serves as the National Youth Coordinator of Prison Fellowship Nigeria and once contested for Governor of Ogun State, a bold step that reflected his belief that young people must play a role in building a better Nigeria.

    Speaking on his decision to contest, DTO said:
    “I am not running for president because of a title. I am stepping forward because I believe it is time to rebuild the house that built us. Crawford gave us a foundation, and now, twenty years later, we owe it to ourselves and to the next generation to give back.”

    DTO emphasized that his first and foremost priority is unity and engagement of all Crawford alumni across full-time, part-time, and postgraduate graduates from inception to date. He has already begun working toward this by reaching out to alumni sets, part-time graduates, and postgraduate alumni, ensuring inclusiveness and representation.

    His vision for CRUGAA is built around his 5Rs Model:

    Reignite: Drive alumni engagement and visibility through a functional alumni database, media presence, and active chapters.

    Rebuild: Establish a permanent Alumni Secretariat, launch the Crawford Business Cooperative, and create an Alumni Investment Club.

    Revive: Roll out structured mentorship, bursaries, and the Crawford Alumni Resource & Innovation Centre (CARIC).

    Restructure: Ensure transparent governance with a digital dashboard, online voting, and inclusive policies.

    Rebrand: Promote Crawford’s image globally with documentaries, branded alumni identity kits, and a “Wall of Legends” to celebrate outstanding alumni.

    He has also committed to quick wins within his first 100 days if elected, including:

    Setting up a Transcript & Certificate Liaison Desk to ease alumni-student frustrations.

    Establishing the Transparency Dashboard to restore trust.

    Kicking off a facelift of Crawford campus (gates, fences, and hostels) through alumni-led projects.

    Launching a mentorship portal and a pilot Crawford podcast to amplify alumni voices.

    Starting the process to remodel Crawford hostels under a business model that creates ROI for alumni investors and better living conditions for students.

    DTO added:
    “This election is not about me, it is about us. The next 20 years must not look like the last. We cannot afford to remain divided or inactive. Together, we can turn CRUGAA into a movement that empowers alumni, uplifts students, and rebrands Crawford University as a name of pride.”

    As Crawford University celebrates its 20th anniversary this year, DTO’s candidacy is already generating buzz among alumni who believe it is time to match words with action.

    “Leadership is not about position, it is about responsibility,” DTO concluded. “With God on our side, and with unity as our strength, we will rise and build together.”

  • NYCN Launches Tinubu CARES, Empowers Traders as Nigeria Marks 65th Independence

    …Rolls out entrepreneurship fund to boost small businesses

    …..Distributes modern machines worth millions to artisans and traders

    The National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) on Wednesday celebrated Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary with a blend of patriotic reflection and practical empowerment, unveiling the Tinubu CARES Initiative and the NYCN Entrepreneurship Development Fund as part of efforts to strengthen youth participation in national development.

    The event, held in Abuja, began with an address by NYCN President, Comrade (Amb.) Solomon Adodo, who paid tribute to the sacrifices that won Nigeria’s independence while urging young people to embrace their role in the country’s economic transformation. He said the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had placed the youth at the centre of Nigeria’s future, stressing that the time had come for Nigerian youths to match government’s confidence in them with action, innovation, and enterprise.

    Adodo declared that the launch of the Tinubu CARES Initiative symbolised the President’s genuine concern for young Nigerians, not only in policy but in practical interventions that would improve livelihoods. He explained that alongside the initiative, the Entrepreneurship Development Fund was being introduced to give young business owners zero-interest financing, enabling them to translate ideas into thriving ventures. According to him, “From markets to garages, from streets to communities, we will carry this hope directly to the people.”

    To demonstrate this commitment, the Youth Council left the ceremonial ground and proceeded to the Area 1 Market in Abuja, where it engaged directly with traders and artisans. Weeks earlier, the Council had consulted with the market community to understand their most urgent needs. On Independence Day, those promises materialised as traders received state-of-the-art equipment, including modern shoemaking machines, industrial tailoring machines, and other business tools, with some items valued at over ₦600,000 each.

    The market empowerment exercise sparked jubilation, with beneficiaries describing the intervention as life-changing. A shoemaker who received one of the machines said it would allow him to take on more apprentices and increase his daily production. A female tailor, almost in tears, described the support as “the kind of empowerment that goes straight to the people, not to political godfathers.” Market leaders also hailed the Youth Council, noting that the initiative would raise productivity, improve household incomes, and inspire more young people to embrace vocational skills.

    Adodo, who personally handed over some of the equipment, reiterated that the interventions were part of a larger plan to ensure that Nigerian youths are not left behind in the country’s development drive. He also used the opportunity to commend President Tinubu for placing young people at the centre of his administration’s agenda, while acknowledging the National Assembly for creating legislative frameworks such as the establishment of Regional Development Commissions, which ensure no community or region is neglected.

    The Independence Day activities concluded with a colourful youth rally, where young Nigerians pledged unity, hard work, and commitment to building a nation where talent thrives and opportunities abound. For many at the event, the combination of patriotic reflection and direct empowerment made this year’s Independence celebration especially meaningful, as it highlighted how national promises could be translated into visible impact at the grassroots.

  • NYCN Launches Tinubu CARES, Empowers Traders as Nigeria Marks 65th Independence

    NYCN Launches Tinubu CARES, Empowers Traders as Nigeria Marks 65th Independence

    • …Rolls out entrepreneurship fund to boost small businesses
    • …..Distributes modern machines worth millions to artisans and traders

    The National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) on Wednesday celebrated Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary with a blend of patriotic reflection and practical empowerment, unveiling the Tinubu CARES Initiative and the NYCN Entrepreneurship Development Fund as part of efforts to strengthen youth participation in national development.

    The event, held in Abuja, began with an address by NYCN President, Comrade (Amb.) Solomon Adodo, who paid tribute to the sacrifices that won Nigeria’s independence while urging young people to embrace their role in the country’s economic transformation. He said the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had placed the youth at the centre of Nigeria’s future, stressing that the time had come for Nigerian youths to match government’s confidence in them with action, innovation, and enterprise.

    Adodo declared that the launch of the Tinubu CARES Initiative symbolised the President’s genuine concern for young Nigerians, not only in policy but in practical interventions that would improve livelihoods. He explained that alongside the initiative, the Entrepreneurship Development Fund was being introduced to give young business owners zero-interest financing, enabling them to translate ideas into thriving ventures. According to him, “From markets to garages, from streets to communities, we will carry this hope directly to the people.”

    To demonstrate this commitment, the Youth Council left the ceremonial ground and proceeded to the Area 1 Market in Abuja, where it engaged directly with traders and artisans. Weeks earlier, the Council had consulted with the market community to understand their most urgent needs. On Independence Day, those promises materialised as traders received state-of-the-art equipment, including modern shoemaking machines, industrial tailoring machines, and other business tools, with some items valued at over ₦600,000 each.

    The market empowerment exercise sparked jubilation, with beneficiaries describing the intervention as life-changing. A shoemaker who received one of the machines said it would allow him to take on more apprentices and increase his daily production. A female tailor, almost in tears, described the support as “the kind of empowerment that goes straight to the people, not to political godfathers.” Market leaders also hailed the Youth Council, noting that the initiative would raise productivity, improve household incomes, and inspire more young people to embrace vocational skills.

    Adodo, who personally handed over some of the equipment, reiterated that the interventions were part of a larger plan to ensure that Nigerian youths are not left behind in the country’s development drive. He also used the opportunity to commend President Tinubu for placing young people at the centre of his administration’s agenda, while acknowledging the National Assembly for creating legislative frameworks such as the establishment of Regional Development Commissions, which ensure no community or region is neglected.

    The Independence Day activities concluded with a colourful youth rally, where young Nigerians pledged unity, hard work, and commitment to building a nation where talent thrives and opportunities abound. For many at the event, the combination of patriotic reflection and direct empowerment made this year’s Independence celebration especially meaningful, as it highlighted how national promises could be translated into visible impact at the grassroots.

  • CBIAMEC Slams PENGASSAN, TUC Over “Hypocrisy” in Dangote Refinery Dispute

    CBIAMEC Slams PENGASSAN, TUC Over “Hypocrisy” in Dangote Refinery Dispute

    • ..Accuses unions of prioritising dues over workers’ welfare
    • …Warns against sabotage of national energy security

    The Civil Society Budget Implementation Assessment, Monitoring and Evaluation Committee (CBIAMEC) has accused major labour unions of hypocrisy and selfish motives in their confrontation with the Dangote Petroleum Refinery, warning that union actions pose a grave threat to Nigeria’s energy security and economic future.

    In a statement issued on October 1st, 2025, and signed by its Chairman, Amb. Agbonkpolor Splendour, CBIAMEC said while it recognises the constitutional rights of workers to organise, the current moves by PENGASSAN and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) amount to a “shameless weaponisation of union privileges for selfish financial gain.”

    The group criticised PENGASSAN’s swift demand for check-off dues within 24 hours of alleged unionisation at the refinery, describing it as proof that the unions’ focus lies on revenue rather than workers’ welfare.

    “Even more troubling is the hypocrisy of these same unions,” the statement read. “For decades, billions of dollars were wasted on turnaround maintenance of government-owned refineries that never worked. PENGASSAN and TUC never mobilised nationwide protests against that monumental corruption. Their silence speaks volumes of complicity.”

    CBIAMEC said attempts to “cripple the Dangote Refinery Africa’s most significant private sector investment through blackmail, misinformation and threats of sabotage” must be resisted, as the refinery symbolises hope, jobs and economic sovereignty for Nigeria’s over 230 million citizens.

    The committee further challenged PENGASSAN and TUC to publish their audited financial records for the past ten years, arguing that unions cannot demand accountability from others while hiding their own finances.

    “Dialogue, transparency and constructive engagement, not sabotage disguised as activism, should guide union relations with the refinery,” CBIAMEC concluded.

  • UK-Based Governance Report Lists Zamfara, Kwara, Benue Among Nigeria’s Poorest Managed States

    UK-Based Governance Report Lists Zamfara, Kwara, Benue Among Nigeria’s Poorest Managed States

    A new governance performance review has ranked Zamfara, Kwara, and Benue as the worst-performing states in Nigeria between 2023 and 2025.

    The ranking was contained in a midterm report released on Monday in London by the Good Governance Rating Index (GGRI), a UK-based organisation that tracks and evaluates leadership quality, service delivery and accountability in developing democracies.

    According to the report, the three states, under the leadership of Governors Dauda Lawal of Zamfara, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara, and Hyacinth Alia of Benue, performed abysmally across major governance indicators such as health, education, infrastructure, economic opportunities, transparency, and security.

    GGRI said its findings were based on data gathered from official government reports, independent audits, field surveys, and citizen feedback mechanisms between May 2023 and August 2025.

    “The performance of Zamfara, Kwara, and Benue falls well below the national average across all measurable indicators. These states have consistently demonstrated weak leadership, poor policy choices, and a lack of transparency that have compounded the hardships of their citizens,” the report stated.

    Zamfara ranked bottom overall, with GGRI citing the deepening insecurity crisis in the state, where armed banditry and mass abductions continue to thrive.

    According to the organisation, “Zamfara has no clear developmental agenda despite the governor’s rich manifesto at inception. Corruption and the activities of government agents and non-state actors have continued to fuel insecurity even with billions regularly allocated as security votes. The state’s infrastructure is collapsing, workers’ welfare remains poor, and the vast revenues received from the Federation Account are not translating into meaningful development.”

    The report further noted that “Zamfara’s education sector is in ruins, with over 60 percent of school-age children in rural areas either out of school or attending poorly equipped classrooms. Health facilities are chronically underfunded, and maternal mortality rates remain among the highest in the country. Instead of institutional reforms, the government has prioritised political patronage, worsening the plight of ordinary citizens.”

    Kwara, under Governor AbdulRazaq, ranked second-worst. GGRI observed that despite heavy rhetoric on reforms, the state’s economy and social indicators have stagnated.

    The organisation stated that “poverty is deepening in Kwara, while economic activities remain largely stagnant. The state capital and surrounding towns are plagued with dirty streets and environmental decay, symptomatic of corruption and ineptitude in governance. Infrastructure continues to crumble, with Ilorin suffering from bad roads, unreliable water supply, and inadequate public housing.”

    It added that “the education sector has deteriorated, with many schools lacking qualified teachers and learning materials. Health outcomes are similarly poor, with rural health centres understaffed and ill-equipped. Governor AbdulRazaq has mastered the art of lofty promises and public relations, but the reality is that his citizens are not feeling the impact of government on their daily lives.”

    Benue State, led by Governor Alia, ranked third-worst, with GGRI warning that insecurity, poverty and governance failures have combined to push the state deeper into crisis.

    “Benue has witnessed a collapse in rural infrastructure, with primary schools in many local government areas reduced to ghost structures and hospitals either abandoned or non-functional,” the report noted.

    It added that “the governor has shown little willingness to confront insecurity, leaving thousands of internally displaced persons without hope of resettlement. Poverty levels are climbing, economic activities are stagnant, and corruption among state officials is rife. The surroundings in both rural and urban centres are dirty and neglected, with no major infrastructure projects to inspire confidence. What exists is the entrenchment of despair and a government adrift without a clear development agenda.”

    GGRI warned that the poor performance of Zamfara, Kwara, and Benue carries national implications, particularly for Nigeria’s human development index and overall democratic consolidation.

    “The tragedy is not only that citizens are being denied the dividends of democracy, but also that these failures erode public trust in governance. If unchecked, the long-term consequence will be the deepening of poverty, instability, and disillusionment,” the report stated.

    The organisation called on the federal government, civil society, and international partners to intensify oversight and support for reforms in these states.

    It recommended urgent interventions in the education and health sectors, stronger accountability frameworks for public expenditure, and targeted security strategies tailored to each state’s challenges.

    GGRI further urged citizens in the affected states to demand accountability from their leaders rather than accept excuses.

    “Governors are elected to lead, not to explain away failures. The people of Zamfara, Kwara, and Benue must insist on good governance as a right, not a favour,” it concluded.

    The Good Governance Rating Index is widely regarded as an independent evaluator of governance quality across Africa. Its reports are often used by donor agencies, development institutions, and investment partners as reference for engagement strategies.

  • Why NUPENG and PENGASSAN Must Stop Terrorising Nigerians

    By Kunle Ayo

    Recent actions by the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) and the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) in the oil and gas sector reveal a desperate attempt by certain actors to exploit Nigerians’ sensibilities, perpetuating lawlessness, economic sabotage, and threats to national security for the benefit of a few at the expense of the broader population.

    It is an affront to Nigerians’ intelligence that NUPENG and PENGASSAN, historically complicit in the deliberate and egregious degeneration of the oil and gas sector, have long acted as enablers of self-interest. These unions have been directly implicated in decades of inflicting untold hardship on ordinary Nigerians through their neglect, complicity, and collaboration with enemies of the state. Their sudden posturing as defenders of workers’ rights—when their actions have contributed to the suffering of millions—is both hypocritical and insulting.

    The recent decision by NUPENG and PENGASSAN to embark on strike action aligns with their persistent assault on the foundation of Nigeria’s economy, which President Tinubu’s administration is working tirelessly to revive. This calculated move seeks to drag the nation back to the dark days of fuel scarcity, economic instability, and national embarrassment, orchestrated by a handful of Nigerians and their foreign collaborators, with NUPENG and PENGASSAN as willing participants.

    To call their actions detrimental to Nigeria’s social and economic progress is an understatement. The negative impact on social services is immense, as their strikes have led to the shutdown of thermal power plants, threatening to plunge the nation into physical and economic darkness. This cripples economic and social activities, placing millions of households and small businesses at a severe disadvantage.

    NUPENG and PENGASSAN have made no secret of their self-serving intentions, prioritizing a culture of impunity, primitive wealth accumulation, monopoly, and destructive behavior over patriotism.

    Their actions consistently place personal gain above the needs of the nation and its citizens, undermining Nigeria’s corporate existence, independence, and economic growth.

    Under the guise of unionism and workers’ rights, NUPENG and PENGASSAN have chosen to inflict undue hardship on Nigerians, rejecting platforms for constructive dialogue. Their concerns are not genuine but rather mischievous, selfish, and treasonable, opting for self-help tactics that bring untold suffering to citizens and residents instead of pursuing collaborative solutions.

    The federal government’s efforts to facilitate peaceful resolutions to these disputes have been rebuffed by NUPENG and PENGASSAN, who instead escalate their campaign to promote economic instability. Blinded by self-interest, they have failed to grasp the broader implications of their actions and refused to work toward solutions that benefit Nigerians.

    Nigerians are neither fools nor gullible enough to fall for their deceptive tactics. The unions’ attempt to sell a false narrative about mass layoffs at Dangote Refinery is a fraud, mirroring their own duplicity. Their efforts to mislead Nigerians for selfish ends have failed. These misguided actors, driven by corrupt motives, remain insensitive to the decades of suffering caused by oil subsidy profiteers.

    For years, NUPENG and PENGASSAN remained silent during fuel scarcity crises, ignoring the plight of Nigerians who were reduced to economic servitude in one of the world’s richest oil-producing nations. Yet, they now claim to champion workers’ rights at a time when fuel prices are stabilizing, the forex market is steady, the naira is strengthening against the dollar, and inflation is declining. They suddenly find fault when fuel is widely available, governors can pay salaries and pensions, and viable competition thrives in Nigeria’s upstream petroleum sector, attracting foreign investment due to economic stability.

    How can any sincere labour union, concerned with the welfare of its members and the nation’s economic viability, remain silent when massive fraud is perpetrated by a few citizens in collaboration with foreign actors? Billions of dollars in Nigerian funds have been laundered under fictitious pretexts by union officials, and the fraudulent fuel subsidy scheme, orchestrated through a corrupt Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), has caused immense harm.

    Yet, NUPENG and PENGASSAN now claim to fight for workers’ rights with a fabricated narrative.
    NUPENG and PENGASSAN should be well aware of labor laws and their applications. They cannot claim ignorance that the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) does not compel staff of private universities to unionize, nor does the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) force workers at private transport companies like GUO or God is Good Motors to join its union.

    Similarly, the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) does not mandate teachers in private schools to become members. Union membership is an individual’s private and exclusive right, not a mandatory or national obligation. How many times have NUPENG and PENGASSAN gone on strike to address the failures of Nigeria’s refineries despite billions spent, or to end the fuel subsidy scam?

    NUPENG and PENGASSAN have no right to interfere in the internal administration of Dangote Refinery or any other private corporate entity. Their consistent role as saboteurs, aimed at derailing national progress, reveals them as stooges of sedition and terrorism. In a foolish attempt to serve their paymasters, they have declared war on the common man, making a mockery of themselves.
    How does halting crude oil and gas supplies serve justice if workers are laid off?

    Can self-help and blackmail assist affected staff or benefit ordinary Nigerians? Dialogue and legal avenues, not reckless actions, are the appropriate means to resolve disputes. Ironically, the processes NUPENG and PENGASSAN oppose are the very ones that have brought relief, alleviated suffering, and restored hope. These processes have stabilized fuel costs, promoted deregulation, reduced foreign interference in the oil and gas sector, and delivered numerous benefits.

    We must echo the voice of Hon. Dr. Philip Agbese, Deputy Spokesperson of the Federal House of Representatives, who rightly declared this affront against Dangote Refinery as an attack on national security, the economy, and the common man. NUPENG and PENGASSAN must cease acting as tools of saboteurs to derail Nigeria’s progress. They must stop making a caricature of themselves, as times have changed, and a new era of accountability has begun.

    The Dangote Refinery has come to stay, driving Nigeria’s economic independence and progress through its transformative impact on the oil and gas sector. Nigerians stand united in resolute support of this vital enterprise, rejecting the sabotage of self-serving actors posing as trade unionists. With the people’s backing, Dangote Refinery will prevail against these economic adversaries, securing a future of stability and prosperity.

    *Ayo writes from Lagos

  • Nigeria @65: Aondoakaaa urges Nigerians to keep hope alive

    Nigeria @65: Aondoakaaa urges Nigerians to keep hope alive

    A former Minister for Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Chief Mike Kaase Aondoakaaa, SAN has congratulated Nigerians on the 65th Independence Day Celebration of the country.

    In his goodwill message to celebrate Nigerians on the special occasion, Chief Aondoakaaa, a frontline 2027 governorship aspirant in Benue State called on Nigerians to keep their hope in the administration of President Bola Tinubu alive.

    He called on Nigerians to be patient with President Bola Tinubu, stressing that with time, they will understand that the administration means well for the country.

    According to him, October 1st is more than just a public holiday, noting that it’s a time for Nigerians everywhere to celebrate freedom, reflect on how far the nation has come, and look forward with hope.

    Furthermore, Chief Kaase Aondoakaaa urged Nigerians to continue to grow together in unity and strength. He also urged them to keep the spirit of unity and love alive.

    In his prayer for the nation, Chief Aondoakaaa prayed to God to make Nigeria’s future brighter than the past

    He however implored Nigerians to continue to pray for all the leaders in the country as they are the ones God has chosen to lead.

  • Dangote Refinery: CSOs kick against DAPPMAN, Labour Unions’ Strike Threat

    Dangote Refinery: CSOs kick against DAPPMAN, Labour Unions’ Strike Threat

    The Coalition of Civil Society Organisations in Nigeria (COCSON), Nigerian Interfaith Forum (NIF), National Coalition for Market Men, Women and Artisans (NACOMWA), and Petroleum Consumers Protection Alliance (PCPA) have expressed bitterness with the Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN), as well as strike threats by PENGASSAN, TUC, and NUPENG, saying it represent nothing short of a direct assault on the Nigerian people.

    The coalition, in a press statement during their rally to the Presidential Villa, National Assembly and NMDPRA in Abuja on Tuesday, signed by the President, Coalition of Civil Society Organisations in Nigeria (COCSON), Comrade Ibrahim Suleiman; National Chairman, Nigerian Interfaith Forum (NIF), Rev. Dr. Mathew Ayodele; National President, National Coalition for Market Men, Women & Artisans (NACOMWA), Comrade Boma Agbede, and Chairman, Petroleum Consumers Protection Alliance (PCPA), Barr. Yusuf Danladi, called on President Bola Tinubu to hold leaders of these unions responsible if there is a breakdown of law and order in this country and they should be immediately arrested for disobedience to court order.

    The coalition said: “For decades, Nigerians have been held hostage by a cartel that thrives on import dependency, round-tripping, subsidy scams, and artificial scarcity. DAPPMAN, an organisation that should be a partner in progress, has chosen instead to undermine the Dangote Refinery and other indigenous refining initiatives because they fear competition, transparency, and efficiency.

    “DAPPMAN’s opposition to Dangote Refinery’s emergence as a major force in local refining is not about policy, not about patriotism—it is about preserving their stranglehold over Nigerians. Their agenda is to keep fuel importation alive, so they can continue profiteering at the expense of ordinary citizens who are already battered by poverty, unemployment, and inflation.

    “We are equally disturbed by reports that PENGASSAN, NUPENG, and the TUC are planning to embark on an industrial strike to back DAPPMAN’s destructive agenda. At a time when Nigerians are groaning under the weight of economic hardship—when families are choosing between food and school fees, when transportation costs already swallow meagre salaries—these labour unions want to compound the suffering by shutting down oil and gas operations.

    “Let us be clear: this is not a strike for workers. It is a strike for cartels. This is not a fight for fairness. It is a fight against Nigeria’s independence in refining. History will not forgive any union that aligns with saboteurs against the very people they claim to represent.”

    The coalition said they welcome with relief the ruling of the Federal High Court which barred PENGASSAN from stopping gas supply to Dangote Refinery, saying the judgment validates their position that the strike threats were not in the interest of workers or Nigerians, but a calculated move to sabotage Nigeria’s refining revolution.

    They said the judiciary has spoken clearly that no union or cartel has the right to hold 200 million Nigerians hostage in pursuit of selfish interests, and called on security agencies to enforce this ruling decisively and ensure that no group undermines the court’s order.

    They further stated that, “ASUU is the union of university lecturers in Nigeria, but it does not go after Covenant, Baze, Babcock, JABU, or Crescent universities to force their lecturers into membership. NURTW is the union of road transport workers, yet it does not force the drivers of God is Good, GUO, Ekeson, or Chisco into its ranks.

    “NUT is the union of teachers in primary and secondary schools, yet it does not march into Chrisland, Grange, British International School, or Charterhouse to compel teachers to join.

    “So why should Dangote Refinery, a private enterprise built with private sweat and risk, solving our collective refining crisis—be forced into the grip of PENGASSAN or any union that can shut it down at will?

    “If any worker at Dangote Refinery is unhappy and feels the need for union protection, let them seek employment elsewhere or test their grievances in court. Nigerians cannot allow a situation where, after decades of suffering from fuel imports, one man builds a world-class refinery, and a union claims the power to cripple it at will.”