Month: June 2024

President Bola Tinubu has congratulated fathers, including paternal figures, who have contributed to shaping the destiny of the nation with their sacrifices.

Tinubu also congratulated fathers for their forbearance, provision, protection and guidance of the young ones, to the noble and true path.

The President made the remarks in a statement issued by Chief Ajuri Ngelale, his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, on the occasion of Father’s Day marked every June 16.

‘The President states that Father’s Day is significant for its purpose as a day set apart to honour all fathers – living, deceased and paternal figures.

‘President Tinubu affirms that society is in better stead with fathers who rise to the great demand of responsibility, guiding the children through the vagaries of existence and preparing them for the future,’ he said.

He added that society was also better off when fathers bequeathed to children pristine values that money or material comfort could not provide, but only by personal example of
discipline, integrity, service, respect, love and allegiance to the nation.

‘The President salutes all fathers, the sung and the unsung, who brave the toil of the day and the soreness of the night to provide for their families, describing them as true heroes.

‘President Tinubu urges fathers to stay true to their bounden commitment of positively shaping the destinies of those to whom the future belongs.

‘The President wishes Nigerians happy Father’s Day,’ Ngalele said in the statement.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Father’s Day has its origins in the middle ages, and official roots in West Virginia, the United States, where an event was held in 1908 to celebrate 362 men who died in an explosion at a coal mining company.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) has moved to clear any confusion regarding its results dashboard update related to the National and Provincial Elections held last month.

‘The Electoral Commission notes the conversation and some confusion with the update of the Elections Dashboard last week to reflect the total number of votes from the two National Assembly ballots and final seat allocation (out of 400 seats) for the 2024 National and Provincial Elections,’ the electoral body said.

The electoral body explained that the change to the results dashboard is done to ensure that the ‘regional strength’ of political parties is taken into account.

‘In the 2024 elections, registered voters received two ballots for the National Assembly elections: 1 National ballot and 1 Regional ballot. [The] 3rd election ballot was for the provincial elections. Just over 16 million registered voters voted, casting some 31.92 million ballots across the 9 regional and 1 national ballot.

‘The Electoral Act prescribes t
hat for the calculation of compensatory seats, both national compensatory (N) ballots and regional (R) ballots are taken into account. Hence the demotion of N + R on the results dashboard.

‘This is done to ensure that the allocation of compensatory seats take into account the regional strength of all political parties – thus, meeting the proportional representation in general demanded by the constitution,’ the statement read.

Source: South African Government News Agency

Some African and Caribbean leaders have stressed the need for Africa to form a united force and end the continuous dependency on non-African countries/continents.

They spoke at the 3rd AfriCaribbean Trade and Investment Forum (ACTIF2024) at Nassau, The Bahamas.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the 3rd Annual AfriCaribbean Trade and Investment Forum (ACTIF2024), organised by the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), was incorporated into the Afreximbank Annual Meetings (AAM2024).

The events focused on the theme ‘Owning Our Destiny: Economic Prosperity on the Platform of Global Africa”.

The events were monitored by NAN.

Mahamadou Issoufou, a former President of Niger, during a plenary session at the ACTIF 2024, said:’Africa must do away with this dependency syndrome, which gets us thinking that the solutions to our problems are outside the continent.’

According to him, there is a need for Africa to trust itself and move away from dependency on external solutions.

Issoufou underscored th
e importance of creating value chains, industrialising the continent, and modernising agriculture to ensure that Africans could trade goods among themselves.

He also called for strengthening democratic institutions to mobilise internal resources and reforming the global financial architecture to make it more equitable.

A former Prime Minister of Jamaica, Hon. Percival Patterson, also asserted the need for self-reliance and unity among peoples of Africa and African descent.

Patterson said it was important for Africa to exercise true sovereign power over its resources, saying ‘Africa must decide that it is the seller who determines the price.’

‘ If we came here and we were fighting among ourselves, it would be headline news.

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‘We have come and we have renewed our pledge to work together as one”

He also highlighted the significance of cultural and academic exchanges between Africa and the Caribbean to develop mutual unde
rstanding and pride in shared heritage.

‘It is very important for us to develop that sense of knowledge, that sense of confidence, that sense of pride in ourselves.’

Hon. Isaac Cooper, Deputy Prime Minister of The Bahamas, harped on unity, resilience, and collaboration, emphasising the importance and potential for joint ventures.

‘You are family, our brothers and sisters, and we love you, but I think this is an incredible opportunity to do more business with you.

‘We no longer believe we have to play by the rules we did not create.

‘We were victims of history, but if we stand together, we have the power to change history by fostering connections that will see us stronger, more united than ever before”.

Amina Mohammed, Deputy Secretary General of the United Nations, in a video address, called for stronger alliances.

‘The time is now to strengthen the African Caribbean Alliance and leverage strong historical ties, and reinforce the importance of inclusivity in building a prosperous future for all.

‘As
we plan ahead, let us ensure our efforts reach every corner of our continent, leaving no one behind, especially our women and youth.

‘Together, we can build a future of prosperity and dignity for all.’

Highlighting Afreximbank’s role as a catalyst for change and underscoring the critical role of Africa’s leadership, she noted the urgent need to transform the current global system to meet the needs of the Global South, particularly Africa.

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‘Let us unite to address these challenges and build a resilient, innovative, and prosperous Global Africa,’ she said.

Hon. Philip Davis, Prime Minister of The Bahamas, in his keynote address, highlighted the crucial role of unity and collaboration between Africa and the Caribbean.

Davis commended Prof. Benedict Oramah, President/Chairman, Board of Directors, Afreximbank, for his visionary leadership at the institution and called for a transformation of the global financial architecture.

‘This trans
formation will be aimed at creating a fair and inclusive system that recognises and respects the unique needs and potentials of African and Caribbean regions.’

President William Ruto of Kenya, in his video message, identified the diverse prospects and unique advantages of Africa.

Ruto called for a united approach to reforming global financial systems, suggesting that African central banks and governments dedicate 30 per cent of their national reserves to the development of Africa.

He said the collective action for a prosperous future was very important.

‘Our journey towards economic prosperity is deeply connected to our understanding and appreciation of our shared heritage and the collective strength of global Africa.

‘We must embody the spirit of vigilance and an unbending principle, not only driven by economic interests but by the profound ethical imperative to advocate for a more inclusive and thorough global financial system.’

Hailemariam Desalegn, a former Prime Minister of Ethiopia, highlighted th
e importance of understanding Africa’s history and transforming its political economy.

‘Our civilisation, the global civilisation, has begun in Africa. We can bring about the African Renaissance if we understand our history.’

According to Desalegn, recognising Africa’s role in global civilisation can inspire future generations.

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However, to achieve true prosperity, he said Africa must move from a rent-seeking political economy to one that focuses on production and competition.

‘This shift demands visionary leadership to drive change and unlock Africa’s full potential.’

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday departed Lagos at 11.06 a.m. for Pretoria.

Tinubu is to attend inauguration of re-elected South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa.

The president will return to Nigeria after the ceremony.

Lagos State Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu and other dignitaries saw Tinubu off at the Muritala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja.

The president was transported in a Dassault Falcon 8X aircraft with registration number 9H-GRC.

Tinubu had arrived Lagos on Friday for the Eid-el Kabir festivities.

He had called on Nigerians to make sacrifices that would make the nation great.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has announced the extension of the deadline for the registration and submission of pre-qualification documents for the 2024 oil block licensing round.

Mr Gbenga Komolafe, Commission Chief Executive (CCE), NUPRC, announced the extension in a statement issued on Wednesday.

Komolafe said the registration and submission of pre-qualification documents which was initially scheduled to close on June 25, 2024 had been extended by 10 days, and would now close on July 5, 2024.

According to him, the data access, data purchase, evaluation, bid preparation and submission initially scheduled to open on July 4 and close on Nov. 29, will now start on July 8 and close on Nov. 29, 2024 as previously scheduled.

He said all other dates in the published 2024 Licencing Round Schedule remained the same unless otherwise communicated.

‘In pursuit of the Commission’s commitment to derive value from the country’s abundant oil and gas reserves and increase production, th
e Commission has been working assiduously with multi-client companies to undertake more exploratory activities.

‘This is to acquire more data to foster and encourage further investment in the Nigerian upstream sector,’ he said.

Komolafe said that as a result of additional data acquired in respect of deep offshore blocks, the Commission had added 17 deep offshore blocks to the 2024 Licensing Round.

He said that further details on the blocks could be found on the bid portal.

‘In accordance with the published guidelines, we had earlier indicated that some of the assets on offer should be applied for as clusters, namely: PPL 300-CS and PPL 301-CS, PPL 2000 and PPL 2001.

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‘Bidders are hereby advised to bid for those blocks as clusters or as single units; it is optional,’ the statement quoted Komolafe as saying.

Recall that some deep offshore blocks and other blocks which cut across onshore, were put on offer for the 2022/2023 Mini Bid Round.

C
ontinental shelf and deep offshore terrains were also put on offer for the Nigeria 2024 Licencing Round.

In order to vacate entry barriers, the Commission had sought and obtained the approval of President Bola Tinubu, in line with his determination to create enabling and attractive investment regimes in the upstream oil and gas sector.

Tinubu who is also the Petroleum Minister had approved attractive fiscal regimes and also minimised entry fees for both licencing rounds by putting a cap on the signature bonus payable for award of the acreages.

‘Consequently, it is necessary to ensure that the same bid criteria (in addition to the uniform signature bonus criteria) are applicable for both licencing rounds, to promote transparency and provide a level playing ground for all bidders.

‘Since the criteria for the award of the oil blocks are now much more attractive than they initially were during the 2022/2023 Mini Bid Round, it is in the interest of equity and fair play to give all investors the same opportunit
y to bid for the assets.

‘All blocks in the 2022/2023 and 2024 Licencing Rounds are available to all interested investors on br.nuprc.gov.ng and br2024.nuprc.gov.ng respectively.

‘And the 2022/2023 Mini Bid Round registration phase is reopened to new applicants.

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‘The public is therefore invited to take advantage of this development and attractive entry terms and conditions and participate in the exercise,’ the statement also quoted Komolafe as saying.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The Actors Guild of Nigeria(AGN)has organised a candlelight procession to pay tribute to late Nollywood actors John Okafor, popularly known as ‘Mr Ibu’, Amaechi Muonagor and Zulu Adigwe.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the thespians, alongside fans and friends of the late veterans gathered for the procession at the Unity Fountain on Monday night in Abuja.

The procession was led by Emeka Rollas, National President of the AGN ,alongside veteran actors Kenneth Okonkwo, Zack Orji, Sidney Idiala, among others.

In a heartfelt display of respect and emotions, the attendees took turns to pay tribute to the fallen heroes for their contributions to the Nigerian film industry.

Mercy Salma, FCT mayor of AGN, said the event was to show appreciation and honour for the life and times of the late actors.

‘These are Nollywood veterans that put smiles in the faces of Nigerians during their lifetime, so we should celebrate their legacies and memories.

‘They have both the young and the old Nigerians, and even
across Africa and beyond as their fans.’

‘So this procession is to show that we love them and appreciate their sacrifices and contributions to our industry and nation at large,’ she said.

In his speech, Emeka Rollas said the procession was to demonstrate the solidarity that exist in the actors guild and to reflect on the moments they shared with the late thespians.

According to the AGN helmsman, the candlelight service was also an occasion for actors to reflect on how they want to be remembered at the end of their works.

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‘This is a season of sorrow for us at the AGN, our hearts are filled with grief over the loss of our three veteran members.

‘But as the saying goes, when someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure.

‘The Late John Okafor, Amaechi Monaugor and Zulu Adigwe lived life that exemplified brilliance and inspired emulation.

‘They also lived a life that burned so that others’ paths were lit, and th
ey made impact on the society through their profession.

‘Today we are here to honour them, not only by profoundly feeling and expressing our loss, but also to remember their amazing personalities.

‘They all played unique and special roles in all of our lives and the acting profession and they were loyal colleagues and special friends to many of us.

‘Today, we honour these men as we recall special moments ,they were living proof of how fine a person can be, caring hearts to their friends and colleagues, loving and devoted father to their children.

They gave their all in their acting careers as they worked with passion, integrity and energy and our hearts and prayers are with their families at this most difficult time,’ he said.

On his part, Kenneth Okonkw, foremost Nollywood actor said their commitment to their profession were part of what made the Nigerian film industry a toast of fans.

According to him, they were driven by passion to join the industry that was why they rose to their peak and made indel
ible marks.

He urged young artistes to focus on value delivery and shun the rush for quick monetary gains for them to make their marks in the industry.

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‘As one of the pioneer actors in the industry, I was connected personally to each of them that came to Nollywood at that time, and I can tell you that they were all driven by passion for acting.

‘Wherever they are today, we should appreciate what they have contributed towards they growth and development of our industry,’ he said.

NAN reports that the high point of the event was prayers for the repose of the departed souls and for Nollywood industry, and as well as prayers for Nigeria.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria