TheNewsGuru

Tag: July

  • Boko Haram: Nigeria takes delivery of six Super Tucanos in July – Presidency

    Boko Haram: Nigeria takes delivery of six Super Tucanos in July – Presidency

    The Presidency says Nigeria will take delivery of six of the ordered 12 Super Tucanos fighter aircraft in mid-July 2021 to enhance the fight against insurgency and terrorism in the country.

    The President’s Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu, revealed this on his twitter handle on Thursday in Abuja.

    He stated that the remaining six would be arriving in the country shortly after the arrival of the first set.

    The presidential aide further disclosed that 14 Nigerian pilots are being trained at Moody Air Force Base in Georgia, USA, on these planes.

    ”The Super Tucanos came off the production line in Jacksonville, Florida, and are now being equipped and flight tested.

    ”The Air-Ground-Integration school is the training hub on targeting and minimization of civilian casualties.

    ”At present, five Nigerian Super Tucanos are at Moody AFB in Georgia for pilot and maintainer training.”

    He said fhe two companies had released images of the sixth aircraft, which also would be flown to Moody, in a jungle camouflage scheme.

    ”The painted jungle scheme NAF A-29 now moves on to mission modification at Moody Air Force Base.

    TheNewsGuru.com, TNG reports the foreign military sales contract from the US government to build 12 A-29s for the Nigerian air force was awarded in Nov. 2018 at the cost of US$329 million.

    ”The armed turboprops are intended for use against Boko Haram and Islamic State militants,” the presidential aide further maintained.

  • Akwa Ibom Govt sharing COVID-19 palliatives received since July as Christmas gifts – APC

    Akwa Ibom Govt sharing COVID-19 palliatives received since July as Christmas gifts – APC

    The All Progressives Congress in Akwa Ibom has accused the state government of sharing Covid-19 palliatives as Christmas gifts, describing the alleged action as an act of impudence.

    The party in a press release signed by its state publicity secretary, Nkereuwem Enyongekere on Friday alleged that the Covid-19 food items by donated in July by a coalition of private sector players led by Alhaji Aliko Dangote.

    The press release reads in part, ”Another end-of-year folly from the administration is its decision to share, as Christmas gifts, the truck loads of COVID-19 food items sent to the state since July by the nation’s private sector coalition led by Dangote Group and other donors.

    ”The sight of these food items being shared in the country home of the governor’s Chief of Staff, Mr. Ephraim Inyangeyen, to PDP members as Christmas gifts is galling. How selfish, mean and wicked could these people be to have hoarded these items since July, deny Akwa Ibom people of its use during the lockdown, and now turn around to share it to their party members only. It is the height heartlessness.

    ”We also recall that the federal government had sent a truckload of rice to the state earlier in the year. The governor had claimed in a radio interview then that the rice didn’t appear good for consumption, and that he was going to send it for laboratory tests. Is the test result out? We are sure that the rice has been surreptitiously distributed to PDP members in the state.”

    But the state government in a press release signed by the commissioner for information and strategy, Comrade Iniobong Ememobong explained that the sharing of the palliatives has nothing to do with the yearly Christmas gifts.

    ”The State Government had earlier in November this year intimated on the arrival of palliative materials from CACOVID (Coalition against COVID) which is a private sector driven corporate social responsibility contribution to the fight against the ravaging COVID-19 pandemic. It was also announced that when the full consignment from the donors berths in our state, distribution will commence.

    ”The structure for the distribution of these palliatives at the LGA level is very inclusive, having representation from people living with disabilities, women, youths, religious organizations, professional bodies and opposition parties under the platform of the Inter-Party Advisory Committee.

    ”This committee supervises the distribution of these palliatives to the people passing through the intermediary ward distribution structure. The distribution, which is largely decentralized to conform to COVID-19 protocols, has started and is ongoing.

    ”The focus of this batch of palliative distribution apart from the LGAs are media, orphanage homes, medical workers, security personnel, traders, Labour, entertainers and students.

    ”This distribution of palliative is clearly different from the usual end of year goodwill gift of rice to different categories of people,” the government said.

  • NNPC Records ₦20.36Billion Trading Surplus in July

    NNPC Records ₦20.36Billion Trading Surplus in July

    The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has recorded an increased trading surplus of ₦20.36billion in July 2020 compared to the ₦2.12 billion surplus in June 2020 in its operations.

    Dr. Kennie Obateru, Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division of the corporation, in a release in Abuja, explained that details of the figures captured in the July 2020 NNPC Monthly Financial and Operations Report (MFOR) indicated that the 858 per cent overall upswell in performance was largely due to the 178 per cent rise in the surplus posted by the Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NPDC), NNPC’s flagship Upstream entity.

    The release stated that the NPDC’s impressive result was bolstered by the continuous improvement in global crude oil demand for the third consecutive month.

    Similarly, the report said the corporation’s fortune was further enhanced by the 739 per cent increased profit posted by the Integrated Data Services Limited (IDSL) and a 51 per cent growth in performance by Duke Oil Incorporated, both companies of NNPC.

    Returns from NNPC Retail Limited and Nigerian Gas Marketing Company (NGMC) during the period under review also grew by 28 per cent and 24 per cent respectively, owing to increased sales and improved debt collection.

    In the Gas sector, Gas production in July 2020 increased by 2.19 per cent at 236.34Billion Cubic Feet (BCF) compared to output in June 2020; translating to an average daily production of 7,623.98Million Standard Cubic Feet of gas per day (mmscfd). Likewise, the daily average natural gas supply to gas power plants stood at 707mmscfd, equivalent to power generation of 2,421MW.

    For the period July 2019 to July 2020, 3,079.64BCF of gas was produced, representing an average daily production of 7,812.11mmscfd during the period.

    Period-to-date Production from Joint Ventures (JVs), Production Sharing Contracts (PSCs) and NPDC contributed about 70.88 per cent, 20.37 per cent and 8.75 per cent respectively to the total national gas production.

    In the Downstream Sector, to ensure continuous stability in Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) supply and effective distribution across the country, 1.02billion litres of PMS translating to 32.95mn liters/day were supplied for the month.

    The July NNPC MFOR stated that the corporation has continued to diligently monitor the daily stock of PMS to achieve smooth distribution of petroleum products and zero fuel queue across the Nation.

    The report noted that during the period under review, 36 pipeline points were vandalized, representing about 9 per cent increase from the 33 points recorded in June 2020.

    Atlas Cove-Mosimi and Aba-Enugu network accounted for 28 per cent each, while PHC-Aba and the other locations recorded 14 per cent and the remaining 31 per cent respectively. NNPC in collaboration with the local communities and other stakeholders continuously have strived to reduce the menace of pipeline vandalism.

    The July NNPC MFOR is the 60th edition in the series meant to sustain effective communication with stakeholders.

    The report is published monthly on the corporation’s website, national dailies and online media.

  • JUST IN: Nigeria’s inflation increases by 12.82 per cent

    JUST IN: Nigeria’s inflation increases by 12.82 per cent

    The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has said that inflation rose by 12.82 per cent in July, 2020.

    According to the Bureau in its “Consumer Price Index (CPI) and Inflation Report July 2020,” the increase is 0.26 percent points higher than the rate recorded in June 2020 (12.56) percent.

    NBS said in the period under review, increases were recorded in all Classification of Individual Consumption by Purpose (COICOP) divisions that yielded the headline index.

    The report said on month-on-month basis, the headline index increased by 1.25 percent in July 2020.

    This, said the NBS, is 0.04 percent rate higher than the rate recorded in June 2020 (1.21) percent.

    The corresponding twelve-month year-on-year average percentage change for the urban index was 12.66 percent in July 2020, it said.

    The report said this is higher than 12.50 percent reported in June 2020, while the corresponding rural inflation rate in July 2020 is 11.49 percent compared to 11.36 percent recorded in June 2020.

    The Bureau said the urban inflation rate increased by 13.40 percent (year-on-year) in July 2020 from 13.18 percent recorded in June 2020, while the rural inflation rate increased by 12.28 percent in July 2020 from 11.99 percent in June 2020.

    On a month-on-month basis, the report said, the urban index rose by 1.27 percent in July 2020, up by 0.04 from 1.23 percent recorded in June 2020, while the rural index also rose by 1.23 percent in July 2020, up by 0.04 from the rate recorded in June 2020 (1.19) percent.

    The report added that “On month-on-month basis, the Headline index increased by 1.25 percent in July 2020. This is 0.04 percent rate higher than the rate recorded in June 2020 (1.21) percent.

    “Increases were recorded in all COICOP divisions that yielded the Headline index. The consumer price index, (CPI) which measures inflation increased by 12.82 percent (year-on-year) in July 2020. This is 0.26 percent points higher than the rate recorded in June 2020 (12.56) percent.

    “The percentage change in the average composite CPI for the twelve months period ending July 2020 over the average of the CPI for the previous twelve months period was 12.05 percent, representing a 0.15 percent point increase from 11.90 percent recorded in June 2020.”

  • ENVISIONED 4TH OF JULY

    ENVISIONED 4TH OF JULY

    By WISDOM O. DAFINONE

    As we celebrate this 4th of July

    Envisioning a new 4th of July

    Removing the blindfolds of enmity

    Revealing the hideous truths untold

    Monuments of malice, symbols of discord

    Upending the persistent racist call

    In order to avert an impending fall!

    11

    Coalesced waves of refreshed passions

    Waxing strong in many hearts and minds

    Bestrode the Nation’s major cities and towns

    A tidal wave of rising social unrest

    Evident in America’s Spring of Discontent

    A populace now concerned about

    Indoctrinated racial prejudice and injustice!

    111

    Stirring afresh old Freedom Fighters’ hearts

    Who had propelled these struggles

    Growing tired of outcomes and unfulfilled promises

    Enlisting idle bystanders to extirpate a system

    Limiting the true meaning of freedom

    Rekindling a collective dream

    The Nation’s golden tenets!

    1V

    Collectively shared ideals and set of beliefs

    Therefore, for all to celebrate

    This Land of the Free

    And the Home of the Brave

    Requires an envisioned 4th of July

    Bequeathing a more balanced legacy

    For posterity!

     

     

    HAPPY ENVISIONED 4TH OF JULY!!!!

     

     

  • Lagos likely to reach COVID-19 peak in July with 120,000 cases – Commissioner

    Lagos likely to reach COVID-19 peak in July with 120,000 cases – Commissioner

    Commissioner for Health in Lagos, Prof. Akin Abayomi said the state may record between 90,000 and 120,000 cases of Coronavirus [COVID-19] disease by July or August when it reaches the peak.

    Abayomi, spoke Friday at a news conference in Alausa, Lagos, Southwest Nigeria, where he gave an update on Coronavirus in the State.

    He said the state is yet to reach the virus peak, which will likely be around July and August.

    Abayomi stated that Lagos has ramped testings to reach large number of people in a bid to flatten the curve.

    He attributed the increase in cases being recorded to the decentralisation of sample collection to the 20 Local Governments.

    According to him, if government had not been proactive, the Lagos would have by now recorded 6,000 cases rather than the 1,491 cases it has now.

    Abayomi disclosed that Alimosho, Oshodi and Isolo have begun to record more COVID-19 cases.

    He, however, noted that 97 percent of positive cases at its isolation centres were mild and moderate cases.

    Only three percent were severe cases.

    The commissioner said COVID-19 mortality rate has been mainly among males.

    He said males with pre-existing ailments such as diabetes, cancer, hypertension and others are prone to die.

    He said the 10 positive staff of the State House, Marina, have been taken to isolation centres.

    He said 80 people at the State House, Marina, including the governor and his family were tested.

    It was only 10 people who were found to be positive, he said.

  • Court adjourns hearing in SEC, Oando case till July

    Justice Ayokunle Faji of the Federal High Court in Lagos on Monday adjourned until 22 July a case brought by Oando to halt management changes ordered by the Securities and Exchange Commission.

    The SEC’s action followed an investigation in which it allegedly found evidence of financial infractions by the company.

    Earlier this month, a court blocked the SEC from replacing Oando’s chief executive and taking other action against the oil firm, pending further hearings on the case.

    Legal fireworks and arguments were expected today between the sacked Oando directors, Jubril Adewale Tinubu and Omamofe Boyo and the Securities and Exchange Commission(SEC).

    Tinubu and Boyo are fighting to retain their control of the oil company after SEC appointed an interim management headed by Mutiu Sunmonu, a former head of Shell Nigeria.

    SEC has filed preliminary objection as well as counter-affidavit against the fundamental rights enforcement suit which Tinubu and Boyo, as applicants filed against it.

    In the preliminary objection, SEC urges the court to dismiss the suit on several grounds: lack of jurisdiction, non-compliance with condition precedent prescribed by the investment and Securities Act, no, 29, 2007 for instituting an action against the respondent and failure to exhaust administrative remedy available.

    SEC lawyers will argue that the suit by the sacked Oando directors is incompetent and an abuse of the process of the court.

    “The entire action is frivolous, vexations, malicious, tantamount to forum shopping, an abusive use of the processes of the court, with the aim of interfering with the SEC’s discharge of regulatory duties and responsibilities”, SEC said.

  • Inflation drops to 11.14 per cent in July

    Inflation drops to 11.14 per cent in July

    …as Food Index Hits 12.85%

    The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has released the headline inflation rate for the month of July 2018.

    In its data released on Wednesday morning, the stats office disclosed that the consumer price index (CPI), which measures inflation, moderated to 11.14 percent year-on-year in July from 11.23 percent recorded in June 2018.

    This represents 0.09 percent drop in the rate, the 18th consecutive disinflation in headline inflation year-on-year.

    The NBS said in its report today that increases were recorded in all COICOP divisions that yielded the Headline index.

    On month-on-month basis, the Headline index increased by 1.13 percent in July 2018, down by 0.11 percent points from the rate recorded in June 2018 (1.24 percent), representing the first-time month-on-month headline inflation has declined since February 2018.

    The percentage change in the average composite CPI for the twelve months period ending July 2018 over the average of the CPI for the previous twelve months period was 13.95 percent, showing 0.42 percent point from 14.37 percent recorded in June 2018.

    The urban inflation rate eased by 11.66 percent (year-on-year) in July 2018 from 11.68 percent recorded in June 2018, while the rural inflation rate remained flat at 10.83 percent in July 2018 from 10.83 percent in June 2018.

    Furthermore, on a month-on-month basis, the urban index rose by 1.23 percent in July 2018, down by 0.01 from 1.24 percent recorded in June, while the rural index also rose by 1.18 percent in July 2018, down by 0.05 percent from the rate recorded in June 2018 (1.23) percent.

    The corresponding twelve-month year-on-year average percentage change for the urban index is 14.33 percent in July 2018. This is more less 14.71 percent reported in June 2018, while the corresponding rural inflation rate in July 2018 is 13.64 percent compared to 14.08 percent recorded in June 2018.

    Also, the NBS said the composite food index eased to 12.85 percent in July 2018 compared with 12.98 percent in June 2018. This represents the tenth consecutive decline in year on year food inflation since September 2017.

    This rise in the food index was caused by increases in prices of Potatoes, yam and other tubers, Vegetables, Bread and cereals, Fish, Oils and Fat and Fruits.

    On month-on-month basis, the food sub-index increased by 1.40 percent in July 2018, down by 0.17 percent points from 1.57 percent recorded in June. This represents the first-time month on month food inflation has declined since February 2018.

    The average annual rate of change of the Food sub-index for the twelve-month period ending July 2018 over the previous twelve-month average was 17.10 percent, 0.65 percent points from the average annual rate of change recorded in June (17.75) percent.

  • Nigeria’s oil exports rise by 1.9 per cent in July

    The volume of crude oil exported by Nigeria in the month of July 2018 increased by 1.90 percent compared to last month’s.

    According to a report by Bloomberg, the total exports grew to 1.64 million barrels per day (b/d) last month from the 1.61 million b/d recorded the previous month.

    The increase in the volume of oil exported by the Africa’s largest market was the highest in four months.

    The rise was attributed to Shell’s lifting of export restrictions on key Bonny Light grade during the month of July.

    recalls that on Friday, July 14, 2018, barely two months after declaring force majeure on the Bonny Light Export, Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited (SPDC) announced the lifting of the force majeure, indicating resumption of normal loading activities from its Bonny terminal in Rivers State.

    SPDC had declared the force majeure on May 17, 2018, following the shutdown of the Nembe Creek Trunkline (NCTL) by the operator, Aiteo Eastern E&P Company Limited.

    Aiteo also declared force majeure on the NCTL production which necessitated the subsequent action by SPDC on Bonny Light exports.

    The NCTL is one of the two major production lines feeding the Bonny Terminal, the other being the SPDC-operated Trans Niger Pipeline (TNP).

    The NCTL is a 97 kilometre, 150,000 barrels of oil per day pipeline constructed by Royal Dutch Shell Plc, but handed over to Aiteo Eastern E&P Company Limited about three years ago.

    According to the reports, last month, Akpo condensate shipments, which are not included in the figure above, rose to 123,000 b/d in contrast to 95,000 b/d in June. Combined crude and condensate exports rose to 1.762m b/d from revised 1.688m b/d.

    It was gathered that the biggest crude export rises were for Brass, Bonny and Forcados, Bonny Light increased to 127,000 b/d in July from 87,000 b/d in June Forcados flows were 204,000 b/d versus 162,000.

    Furthermore, Brass exports rose to 98,000 b/d from 32,000 in June.

  • July burial date for Ras Kimono

    July burial date for Ras Kimono

    Reggae music icon, Ras Kimono who died on the 10th of June will be laid to rest on August 25, 2018.

     

    A statement issued by the family made available to newsmen reads:“We wish to inform the general public that the Burial Ceremony for late Ras Kimono has been slated for the 25th day of August, 2018.

     

    “The program of the events leading to the funeral will be made available in due course.

     

    “We wish to thank everyone who has individually and collectively supported us during these trying times and we pray the Almighty God to guide and protect us all.”

     

    Orits Wiliki who was a close friend of the deceased said a part of him died with the late reggae musician.

    In his words:“Ras Kimono was an easy going man who was always full of energy. He was a jolly good fellow who hardly had an enemy. We were always together every day. We were together till his final hours on earth. The last thing he said to me was that he was happy everyone came around to wish him the final goodbye. We all had to shout at him not to say that; we were not pleased that he made that statement. It is only the doctor that knows what caused the nature of his death and we do not need to probe further because it would not change anything. He is already gone and we are the only ones that feel pains and emotion. We are the ones thinking about the election and how Nigeria would be better but Ras Kimono is resting now. I would miss his company a lot and I can tell you that half of me is gone with his death”.