Prof. Wumi iledare

By Edith Ike-Eboh

A don, Prof. Wumi Iledare, on Monday, said that there was no need for organised labour to embark on strike over the deregulation of the downstream oil sector.

Iledare, a Professor of Petroleum Economics, in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja, said that deregulation of the sector was a must-do for the growth of the country.

Deregulation is a reasonable thing to do. There is no reason to embark on strike.

Government did not hike the price. Government does not sell premium motor spirit (PMS), also known as petrol, and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) is not the Federal Government.

NNPC is actually getting nothing on PMS per se, at N160 per litre of petrol.

It is selling at a social optimum price, in my opinion, which offers a breakeven at below average total cost, he said.

Iledare added that a check around West Africa and the neighbouring countries would show that the price per litre in Nigeria was about N100 less than those of the cheapest country.

He commended the labour unions for their understanding on what government was trying to do with the oil sector.

On the electricity tariff, the don said that it was a different story, as the PMS market structure was different from that of electricity in Nigeria.

Lumping the two issues together is misleading, he said.

NAN reports that the labour unions had, in the early hours of Sept. 28, announced the suspension of the proposed indefinite strike over hike in petrol pump price and electricity tariff.

Labour had, among other things, demanded a reversal of the new electricity tariff and the petrol pump price. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu

By Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

Lagos State Government on Sunday unveiled plans for the 2020 Lagos Economic Summit, popularly known as EHINGBETI.

Mr Sam Egube, Lagos State Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget, said at a media interaction in Lagos that the summit had been resuscitated by Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu for enhanced economic growth and development.

Egube said that the summit would address pertinent issues that beset Lagos as an evolving mega city and chart a course for actualisation of the dream of the current administration.

He said that the government had implemented 109 out 119 resolutions reached at past editions of the summit.

The summit has a rich history and is firmly established as a credible forum for stimulating economic growth for Lagos State.

It is our belief that you cannot lead a place like Lagos with one mind, you have to bring together all the minds.

So far, about 119 resolutions were taken in the history of EHINGBETI and 109 of them implemented.

What Lagos State Government is trying to do is to stimulate contributions from the private sector, get them interested in the governance of the state, and lead the way in terms of the outcomes.

For example, the whole idea about the blue line, the red line, the rail master plan are things that came out of EHINGBETI, he said.

Egube, also the Chairman EHINGBETI, said that major developments in the state were key decisions reached at past editions of the summits.

He said that the summit was introduced to stimulate contributions from the private sector and corporates for a better Lagos.

Egube noted that the platform was primarily driven by the private sector and backed by government to show vibrancy of Lagos.

We are proud that the private sector in Lagos is active and responsible and takes positive outcomes with the government in development of ideas, he said.

Mr Olayemi Cardoso, Co-Chairman EHINGBETI, commended Sanwo-Olu for bringing back the summit in line with his campaign agenda.

Cardoso said that the summit introduced in 2000 had yielded a number of positive results and should be maintained.

It is timely that this is happening. I say that because COVD-19 and its aftermath wreaked havoc in economies around the world and we are no exception to that, and when it going to end, nobody knows.

All we know is that countries around the world, paid dearly from being on lockdown, and for any lockdown, you have a corresponding loss in gross domestic product.

With the challenges ahead, and Lagos being the economic nerve centre of the country, there is a large responsibility to ensure that it protects the citizens of the state, and this is something that cant happen unless it is planned for.

It is a great opportunity for us in the private sector to come together with the government again to show what Lagos is truly made off and show what Lagos can truly do in the most difficult and challenging circumstances which we are in, Cardoso said.

Cardoso said that the virtual summit slated to begin from Nov. 10 and end on Nov. 12, would make it easier for enhanced participation of the private sector, local and foreign investors.

Mr Muda Yusuf, Director-General, Lagos Chamber of Comerce and Industry, said that EHINGBETI was about inclusiveness.

Yusuf said that investment was very important for the developement and growth of any economy.

We know that making the economy progress is about promoting investment, and that is what makes the difference between Lagos and many other states.

The focus on investments is very key and is top priority for Lagos State Government, and we appreciate that a great deal.

This has been the context of the very strong public/private partnership that we have witnessed in the state.

We are part of this and we know it is going to create a lot of value. We are committed to partnering with Lagos State Government to ensure that we continue to push this forward, Yusuf said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the summit would have the theme: For Greater Lagos: Setting the Tune for the Next Decade.

The summit held last in 2014. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

Gov. Simon Lalong of Plateau State

By Martha Agas

Gov. Simon Lalong of Plateau has called for special prayers for leaders of the country and against the current security challenges bedeviling the nation, especially in the Northern region.

Lalong made the call on Sunday during a special Thanks Giving service to celebrate 60 years of Nigerias independence at St. Monicas Catholic Church, Rantya, Jos.

He said prayers were necessary to enable leaders of the country at different levels to govern well, and to ensure the well being of the people.

We should pray for our leaders, the unity of this country and wisdom to help us take control of the insecurity in the country, take care of crises that are happening because it calls for divine intervention, he said.

Lalong, who is also the Chairman of the Northern Governors Forum,said concerted efforts were being made to combat banditry and terrorism in the region, saying resources had been mobilised for the success of the fight.

He urged Nigerians to contribute to the development of the nation , saying he was doing his best to make Plateau secure as The Home of Peace and Tourism.

He said Nigerians should be thankful for being alive to mark the 60th independence anniversary of the nation, saying the gesture would open more doors for abundant blessings.

With prayers and dedication, God will guide us to surmount the current challenges in Plateau and the country, the governor said.

In his remarks, the Chairman of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Plateau chapter, Rev. Fr. Polycarp Lubo, urged Christians and Muslims to pray for the leaders of the country, for better governance.

Lubo commended Lalong for his efforts at combating the COVID-19 pandemic in the state through the establishment of a research committee which was using indigenous plants in the state to find cure of the disease.

In his homily, Rt. Rev. Cletus Gotan said the Diamond Jubilee celebration of Nigeria was a period for prayers for the leaders of the country, for God to use them as useful instruments to discharge their duties diligently.

Gotan said there was hope for Nigeria in spite of the current challenges in the country, saying prayers were critical to break the barriers inhibiting progress in the country.

He prayed for a Nigeria where justice was given irrespective of status; leaders were accountable; poverty reduced and the socio-eonomic sector boosted for improved standard of living of the people.(NAN)

Source: NAN News

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo

The vice President, who spoke on the theme: Together, come let us rebuild, urged Nigerians to contribute their quotas to national development through renewed vigour.

According to him, the story of of Nehemiah and his role in building the wall of Jerusalem should be a lesson to every Christian in Nigeria, who is desirous of building Nigeria.

The concern of Nehemiah was borne out of the love he had for his nation that prompted him to seek permission to rebuild the walls.

We need such love to rebuild the cracks that we have in our nation. Such Nehemiah will cry to God to use the opportunities in the country to address our challenges.

Fortunately for us our walls are not yet broken but have cracks that could break if not properly addressed.

We need to seek the face of God to address the broken walls. The significance of wall signified purity, prosperity, peace and contentment, he said.

He called on the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) to provide leadership to its faithful in making Nigeria a great nation.

Also, Rev. Samson Ayokunle, President, Christian Association of Nigeria, in his sermon titled: The Crucial Need of Nigeria to Attain Greatness at 60, called for true love among all segments to move the nation forward.

Source: NAN News

Organised labour at a news conference on Sunday in Lagos

By Esenvosa Izah

The Organised Labour in Lagos State has said all sectors including aviation, banks and others would be shut as workers would take to the streets to protest on Sept. 28.

The Deputy Vice President, Nigeria Labour Congress, Mr Amaechi Asogwuni, made this known at a news conference on Sunday in Lagos ahead of the strike.

No airport will be in operation in Nigeria; banks are not expected to function, so no business owners should risk himself for Nigerian workers have taken that decision.

We are the workers and we are withdrawing our services; we have the right to do so because protests are our constitutional right.

And I believe we will enforce it; schools shall remain closed until this action ends, he said.

Asogwuni called on Nigerians to join the protest, saying it was part of their quota to democracy.

We must ensure that all sectors remained shut as a voice to the government to respond to the cry of Nigerians.

On the issue of PMS, what was expected of government was to engage its socio-partners which include labour as a stakeholder.

The government did not do that at a time it ought to; it failed in its duty to engage labour before time.

On the issue of electricity, government had earlier had an interaction with labour in Kano and we discouraged it from proceeding.

It was a big shock that it still went ahead to dare Nigerians; people depend on power and you cannot wake up over night and strengthen suffering.

We resist it and call on Nigrians to join, because in democracy it is our voice that makes the difference, he said. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

Coronavirus update

hile Ogun, Rivers Abia, and Oyo recorded 27, 19, 10 and 6 casesrespectively.

Wear a mask properly; covering your nose and mouth, gaps secured with straps and stay safe for everyone.

Source: NAN News

President Muhammadu Buhari

By Ismaila Chafe

President Muhammadu Buhari has condemned the ambush on entourage of Gov. Babagana Zulum of Borno, which led to the death of security men and some operatives of Civilian-JTF.

The President made the condemnation in a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu, in Abuja on Saturday.

He described the attack, on Maiduguri-Baga route, as an orchestrated sabotage against long planned return of displaced persons to their local communities.

Buhari noted, with deep sympathy, the loss of lives of security men on the convoy, ahead of the return of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), commiserating with their families and loved ones.

The president advised the government of Borno, working with security and intelligence agencies, to remain firm in their determination to restore normalcy to all communities liberated from Boko Haram terrorists.

He urged security and intelligence agencies to intensify efforts to check sabotage, sanitise the roads, venues and locations well in advance of returning IDPs, while working closely with local communities.

The president commended the gallantry of service personnel who repelled the deadly ambush, as well as the sincere determination of Zulum, who has been working with armed forces to end the menace of terrorists, rebuild homes and return IDPs to regular life.

He prayed that God would grant the souls of the departed security men and operatives of Civilian-JTF eternal rest, and comfort their families.

Source: NAN News

The combination of Real Madrid and VAR was too much for Real Betis to contend with in Saturdays 3-2 home defeat.

Coach Manuel Pellegrini said after his team came away empty-handed in spite of outplaying the La Liga champions for parts of the game.

Betis overcame an early goal to take a 2-1 lead over Madrid at halftime.

But three interventions went the way of the champions after the interval, leading to Madrid drawing level, Betis having defender Emerson sent off and the visitors winning a late penalty which Sergio Ramos converted to win the match.

When you are up against Real Madrid and VAR it is too much, Pellegrini told a news conference.

We were much better than Real Madrid in the first half, we scored two goals and had three clear chances to score.

The second half was more equal, then there was the red card, the penalty, and playing so much time with a man down was tough.

When you are playing against Real Madrid and you concede a penalty and get a man sent off because of VAR it is very difficult. But I value how well we played when it was 11 against 11.

Pellegrini, who coached Real Madrid in the 2009/10 campaign, led Betis to two wins in their first two matches of the season and was still pleased with his sides performance in spite of the manner of the defeat.

The positive thing is that Im more sure than ever that we are on the right path. When we both had 11 players on the pitch, we were much better than Real Madrid, he added.

Real coach Zinedine Zidane grew tired of the constant discussions about referees in last seasons title win and clearly did not wish to weigh in on the debate on Saturday.

Theres a referee and its his job to review the plays. I think what happened today was fair, Zidane said.

The referee is in charge, I never get involved with the referees and Im not going to do so today.

The most important thing is how we played, and we gave everything at a very difficult ground.

We are happy, satisfied with the work we have done, we worked our socks off and got three important points. (Reuters/NAN)

Source: NAN News

Runners-up last season and seen as the main challengers to the dominance of Juventus this term, Inter suffered one of their familiar slumps as they fell 3-2 behind to a Fiorentina side inspired by 37-year-old Franck Ribery.

But an 87th minute equaliser from Romelu Lukaku followed by Danilo DAmbrosios header two minutes later gave them the points and possibly spared them one of coach Antonio Contes infamous dressing-downs after the game.

Inter could not have made a worse start as they gifted Fiorentina the lead in the third minute with a goal worthy of a playground kickabout.

Cristiano Biraghi floated the ball into the area, the Inter defence stopped and waited for an offside flag which never came, and Christian Kouame and Giacomo Bonaventura were left unmarked in the six-metre area.

The two exchanged passes in front of goalkeeper Samir Handanovic and Kouame turned the ball into the net.

Inter levelled from a counter-attack on the stroke of halftime when Nicolo Barella burst forward from just inside his first half and found Lautaro Martinez who found the bottom corner from the edge of the area.

Martinez was also involved in Inters second goal seven minutes after the break when his shot was turned into the net by Fiorentina defender Federico Ceccherini.

But Fiorentina turned the game around with two moments of Ribery inspiration.

The Frenchman ran down the left and laid the ball back for Gaetaeno Castrovilli to equalise in the 57th minute and threaded an exquisite ball through the Inter defence for Federico Chiesa to dink over Handanovic six minutes later.

Dusan Vlahovic missed a chance for Fiorentinas fourth in the 80th minute and it proved extremely costly.

Lukaku, Inters topscorer last season, turned in a cross from debutant Achraf Hakimi in the 87th minute and DAmbrosio headed in from an Alexis Sanchez cross two minutes later to complete a remarkable comeback. (Reuters/NAN)

Source: NAN News

Jos airport renovation 95 per cent completed Manager

By Zainab Oyekan

The renovation work on the Jos Airport is 95 per cent completed, the Airports Manager, Mr Ayinla Olufemi, has said.

Olufemi told News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Jos that the project when completed would give the airport a face lift and attract more airlines and passengers to it.

He said that the contractors handling the work had returned to site after the lockdown necessitated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

He said that the renovation work included paintings, roofing, tiling and provision of additional facilities.

The manager said that facilities such as conveyor belt , sensor taps , soap dispensers and hand dryers would be installed, adding that it was necessary to ensure a reliable system for social distancing amid the Coronavirus pandemic.

We have installed sensor taps ,hand dryers and sanitisers in all the toilets, already, but the conveyor belt will be installed soon, he said.

We have also marked the floor to ensure social distancing to maintain up to two-meter space between passengers, he said.

Olufemi said that the recent signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Plateau Government and MaxAir for commercial flight operations between Jos and Abuja would give passengers a faster and easier connection and further open up the airport.

He, therefore, advised passengers to comply with all safety measures and help to maintain the facilities made available.(NAN)

Source: NAN News