Here are few tips that can help you eliminate or repel wall geckos in your apartment:

1. Ensure you fix net in all your windows and doors (for door that is not properly sealed). This is because this creature has the potential to enter your home/office between few inches. The popular aluminium sliding windows isn’t reliable as they stroll to your house with ease from the bottom even after closed.

2. If there is infestation, chase them with garlic. Cut garlic and expose them where you normally see the droplet of the faeces. This will scare them away. Gecko lizards does not like garlic smell, no wonder they are not found in kitchens where there are garlics.

3. Egg shell is another good tool in warding them off. Break the eggs and leave the shells were their activities are common. This work like magic. Gecko lizards have phobia for egg shell. They always appear as their enemy.

4. Eliminate all insect in your house via routine fumigation or use of insect killer. Gecko lizards feed on insects and if insect are not available in your home/office, they won’t like to live there. So regular fumigation or use of insecticides can help eliminate insect in your house.

5. De-clutter your home/office. When there are enough luggage and baggage in your house/office, it gives them a perfect place to dwell. This should should be discouraged. Try to make your house/office as scanty as possible. The same is true with your kitchen: avoid pilling of utensils and cartons in your kitchen so that they won’t have a dwelling place.

The post 5 Ways to Eliminate Wall Geckos In Your Home, Office appeared first on Sunrise News.

Dr. Hauwa Nuru is a renowned administrator. She is not only beautiful, she is defined by the saying – beauty and brain. She is intelligent, serving the good people of Kwara State with vigour and zeal to achieve a balance in Kwara State Public Finance.

Dr. Hauwa Nuru has always been big on serving humanity and giving back to her community in any way possible, so when the opportunity beckoned and she was called by Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq to serve the people of Kwara as one of his Commissioners, she did not hesitate. Dr Hauwa Nuru is discharging her official responsibilities creditably, to the best of her ability and her competence and to the admiration of her boss and the chief executive of the state, who is the Chairman of the Nigerian Governors Forum.

Read Also: Oluremi Tinubu felicitates Muslims, urges sustenance of Ramadan lessons

She is leading a committed management team that works with other agencies to achieve remarkable results and is positively advancing the state’s Public Finance profile through goal setting and their quick-time attainments.

Dr. Hauwa Nuru never misses an opportunity to branch out into new economic frontiers that will be beneficial to the people of Kwara State. This without doubt is changing the narrative of Kwara State and would if sustained, ensure that her name is etched in the sands of time. Silently, she has become a role model and an example to many women that hard work and diligence pays.

Dr. Hauwa Nuru is known for her intelligence, patience and knack for details. This makes her not only a good administrator, but also a better politician. Leading by example with good character, she has made a name for herself as an influential personality and a true daughter of Kwara State, known for her honesty, transparency, doggedness, forthrightness and dedication to the people.

Dr. Hauwa Nuru, the Commissioner for Finance, believes in constructive engagement and optimisation of human and natural resources not only to improve the quality of living of the greater number of Kwarans, but to also preserve the values that makes life meaningful for all.

Dr Hauwa Nuru, remains committed to the mandate of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, serving the State with passion that speaks volume to total commitment and patriotism.

The post From Selfless Acts to Lasting Impact: The Remarkable Story of Dr. Hauwa Nuru appeared first on Sunrise News.

Governor Adeleke also hails President Tinubu for his tough but promising economic decisions, noting that the President’s policies and interventions reinforces hope that a new Nigeria where prosperity flows and aspirations can be met, is possible.

The Governor lauds the president for the pragmatic leadership demonstrated so far in tacking the numerous challenges facing Nigeria, eulogizing President Tinubu’s depth of commitment, resilience and ideas in making the country work for all.

“I heartily rejoice with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on the auspicious occasion of his 72nd birthday.

“President Tinubu is an exceptional leader, taking on the challenges that has stunted the growth of the country for years and opening a path for a future of prosperity. Under his guidance, Nigeria is weaning itself of the culture of waste and unproductivity, reaffirming our collective desire for progress and development.

“On behalf of the good people of Osun State, I congratulate His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on the grace of a new age and appreciate him for his service and leadership for the country.

“While joining family members and associates in sharing in the joy of the new age, praying for more celebrations in good health, and alertness as he continues to contribute to the progress of Nigeria and beyond”, the Governor noted in a congratulatory message.

The post Adeleke extols President Tinubu at 72 appeared first on Sunrise News.

President of Nigeria’s Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, CON has in faraway Geneva, Switzerland at the ongoing 148th Session of the International Parliamentary Union (IPU) took the bull by the horns when in an audacious display of depth and the Nigerian spirit called for action towards an enduring ceasefire and peace in Gaza. Akpabio was unequivocal in declaring that the time to end the carnage in Gaza is now and all hands must be on the deck.

According to the President of the Senate, there is time for everything and the present circumstances demand all nations to rise above sentiments and invoke the spirit of humanity, by doing all it requires to bring sustainable peace to the region.

Akpabio, whose contributions evoked a whirlwind of emotions at the session, attracted comments from a wide spectrum of the global community. As the head of Nigerian delegation, which included the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu and other lawmakers from both the Senate and House of Representatives, Akpabio unequivocally spoke with clarity of mind and certain terms, setting the tone for robust and fruitful deliberations on the war in Gaza, which has so far left children and women killed, shelling of more than two-thirds of Northern Gaza and annihilation of the entire population.

This contribution has brought out the best of humanity in Senator Akpabio; his milk of kindness and compassion was brought to bare as he sought for the return of humanitarian aid, and restoration of normal life to Gaza, as well as meetings on a permanent truce.

Akpabio’s presentation at the IPU is a testimony to the fact that Nigeria has regained her voice in the comity of nations and is poised to take her pride of place as the giant of Africa. The era of playing second fiddle and being muzzled by smaller nations on the continent is effectively over, courtesy of the ostentatious, courageous and purposeful leadership exemplified in the ilks of the Akpabios.

His presentation was awe-inspiring words and like John the Baptist, the voice of one nation crying in the wilderness that the world should rise up and take a proactive decision. He said “Madam President, this is a lone voice from Nigeria. We tried our best in Angola and we failed to lend a collective voice to what is happening in Gaza. Today, the world is very expectant. We must drop our ego. It has nothing to do with which country brings the proposal. The basic tenets of humanity demands that we leave here with a resolution for the rest of the world, to show that we have human feelings in us.

“The issues are very clear. If you notice the proposal for 12 blocs; they attempted to even marry the proposals from South Africa. Yes! South Africa has a right to be emotional, but we have children who are dying even as we are talking now. We have people who do not have water to drink even as we are talking now. We have people who are going to suffer infection from gunshots”.

Hitting the nail on the head, the leader of the Nigerian delegation submitted that humanity must not be lost on the altar of emotions. Humanity must be expressed, demonstrated and its impact felt. According to Akpabio, “We have to show the world that we are human beings. The cessation of hostilities must be a part of our resolutions. Access to humanitarian aid must be a part of our resolutions. At the same time, release of hostages and even those who are Prisoners of War, because if both sides take steps in releasing the hostages, releasing the Prisoners of War, it means that both sides have agreed that the International Community can go to the next stage, which is negotiation for sustainable peace.

“If they cannot agree, I would urge that from here, we have a three-man drafting committee to come up with those resolutions which we must make before we leave here. We can no longer allow a child to die tonight, without lending our voice. It doesn’t matter which side. We are all parents. If we come here to look for ego and then try to be emotional, it’s not affecting them.

“Nothing is affecting Denmark, there’s nothing affecting South Africa. The people affected are over there and nobody will agree to the lone resolution from Israel. It must be all-encompassing, so that we stand up from here as human beings. That would be my plea.

“Let them go aside, meet and remove those vexatious items. In the course of their discussions, we can have amendments, we can add items that we should add but we must discuss the Gaza issue in this 148th IPU Assembly. That is my position,” he declared.

This is incisive and denotative. It means Nigeria is no longer playing at the periphery but in the mainstream of global legislative politics and it must be heard loud and clear. As the 148th Session of the IPU comes to a close, delegates from the member nations would depart with an indelible message, the call by Senator Godswill Akpabio that sanity must return to Gaza.

Rt. Hon Eseme Eyiboh is the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity and the official Spokesperson to the President of the Senate

The post Akpabio’s call for ceasefire in Gaza appeared first on Sunrise News.

The recently released Human Development Report (HDR) paints a harrowing picture of global regression in human development, with Nigeria as one of those at the epicenter of this crisis. The latest data from the report ranks Nigeria as low as 161 out of 193 countries in the world with HDI value as low at 0.548. This huge setback is more frightening as the recorded recovery of Human Development Index (HDI) values since the 2020–2021 decline is projected to be highly unequal.

A statement by ActionAid on Tuesday said “the impact of the findings in the report on the Nigerian populace cannot be overstated and as always, it is the most vulnerable who bear the brunt. Only half of the global population feels in control of their lives, and one-third feel unheard in their political system.

“The National Multidimensional Poverty Index is 0.257, indicating that poor people in Nigeria experience just over one-quarter of all possible deprivations. This disenfranchisement disproportionately affects the marginalised communities of Nigeria, trapping them in cycles of poverty and despair.”

The ActionAid Nigeria Country Director, Andrew Mamedu noted that: ‘‘According to the report, both Libya and South Africa boast relatively high HDI rankings, indicating significant achievements in human development. Libya’s wealth, predominantly derived from its substantial oil reserves, has contributed to its high HDI ranking, while South Africa’s diversified economy and robust infrastructure have propelled its development.

“Despite Nigeria’s vast natural resources and higher GDP compared to Libya and South Africa, its HDI remains comparatively low. This discrepancy underscores a critical issue: the failure of economic growth to translate effectively into improvements in the well-being of Nigerian citizens. While Nigeria’s high GDP figures may suggest economic prosperity, it evidently does not necessarily correlate with improvements in living standards, education, healthcare, or overall human development. In alignment with the federal government’s target to lift 50 million people out of poverty.”

He said ActionAid Nigeria has also set a goal to contribute to lifting 1,000,000 individuals out of poverty within the next five years, stating that achieving these ambitious goals require collaboration from all stakeholders, especially the federal and state governments. It will be disheartening to witness the efforts of civil society organisations in lifting individuals out of poverty being hindered by unfavourable policies and escalating corruption.

ActionAid Nigeria called upon the federal government to heed the urgent call to action outlined in the HDR, demanding immediate measures to address the crises unfolding in education, health, infrastructure, and social safety nets.

ActionAid Nigeria specifically demanded that the Federal Government must make concerted efforts to address poverty, unemployment, and income inequality.

The statement read that: “We demand for the implementation of comprehensive social protection programme to provide a safety net for the most vulnerable, as well as initiatives to create decent and sustainable employment opportunities, particularly for youths and women. This includes having price controls to help stabilise prices and ensure that essential goods remain accessible to all Nigerians. However, since corruption has been prevalent in the social protection programmes in the past, stringent measures must be put in place to combat corruption and ensure the effective delivery of support to those who need it most.

“To address the issue of Nigerians spending between $1.5 billion to $2 billion on health tourism, the Federal Government must prioritise healthcare access and affordability for all citizens. This entails increasing investment in healthcare infrastructure, training, and deploying more healthcare professionals, and ensuring the availability of essential medicines and services, particularly in rural and underserved areas. Additionally, there is a need to prioritise the recruitment of healthcare workers to bolster the country’s healthcare system. By reversing the trend of high spending on health tourism and redirecting resources towards improving domestic healthcare services, Nigeria can provide better care for its citizens and reduce the need for medical tourism.

“Allocate sufficient resources to improve access to quality education for all Nigerians. This includes investing in school infrastructure, providing adequate training and support for teachers, ensuring safe and secure schools for children, and implementing policies to ensure inclusive and equitable education for every child, particularly girls and children with disability.

“Reduce the influence of international financial institutions such as the IMF and the World Bank, which often prioritise austerity measures over investments in social welfare.

“Provide a robust infrastructure network for economic growth and social development. ActionAid Nigeria calls for increased investment in infrastructure projects, including roads, bridges, electricity, and water supply, to improve connectivity and enhance the quality of life for all Nigerians. This will also create opportunities for smallholder women farmers to access markets more easily and transport their goods to buyers. Furthermore, the government should prioritise the maintenance and rehabilitation of existing infrastructure to ensure its longevity and effectiveness. This enhancement will not only improve farmers’ productivity but also reduce post-harvest losses, ultimately leading to improved livelihoods and economic empowerment for smallholder women.

• Implement comprehensive security reforms to address the alarming rise in security threats across Nigeria, including kidnapping, displacement, ritualistic practices, banditry, and other forms of violence. The Federal Government must also strengthen law enforcement agencies, security infrastructure, and intelligence-gathering mechanisms to effectively combat criminal activities and to ensure the safety and security of all citizens, especially students, farmers and those in vulnerable and marginalised communities.”

Mamedu said that: “The Federal Government as the custodians of our nation’s future must act decisively and swiftly and failure to act will condemn millions of Nigerians to a future of perpetual suffering and despair. ActionAid Nigeria stands ready to collaborate with the government and other stakeholders to chart a path towards sustainable development and prosperity for all Nigerians.”

The post ActionAid asks FG to address dire realities confronting Nigeria appeared first on Sunrise News.

It said the hunt for the perpetrators is being intensified but no significant arrest has been made.

Residents of the community who had fled their homes for fear of reprisal are lamenting the horror of starvation and denial they have been going through since the incident.

An ex-Niger Delta militant leader, ‘General’ Endurance Amagbein, who was accused in some quarters as the brain behind the killings, yesterday vehemently denied the allegation.

He said he knew nothing whatsoever about the incident.

The Director Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, told reporters in Abuja that troops were currently conducting clearance operations and cordon and search to recover, among other things, the weapons of the deceased soldiers.

He said their efforts have yielded the recovery of the “decomposing hearts of some of the murdered soldiers.”

Earlier reports had indicated that the people responsible for the soldiers’ death also harvested their hearts and other body parts.

On the list of communities in which troops have already conducted operations are Akugbene, Ukuama and Okoloba in Ugheli and Ugheli South of Delta State as well as Ukuama Amusamo, Akwagbe, Arhavwarien, Pirigbene and Igbomatoro communities also  in Delta State.

He said although no significant arrest had been made yet, the DHQ was not unaware of a viral video of a person “admitting to have perpetrated the killing of the soldiers in Delta State.”

He said one of the advantages of the video is that it “helps to narrow investigations to persons of interest and their cohorts.”

He said: “Accordingly, the state governments and host communities of these personalities are required to assist investigation in flushing them out.

“There can be no hiding place for perpetrators of such dastardly act against our nation. This is a clarion call to duty by members of those communities and the state governments.”

Besides the development in Okuama, Buba said troops across other theaters of operation during the week neutralised 106 alleged terrorists and arrested 103 other suspected criminals.

He said troops also arrested 22 oil thieves and rescued 96 kidnap victims.

Buba said troops recovered 171 assorted weapons comprising 47 AK47 rifles, one PKT gun, 18 pump action rifles, 17 locally fabricated guns, 14 Dane guns, 12 locally fabricated pistols, one fabricated revolver, one hand grenade, 81mm mortar bomb, one mortar tube and four bandoliers

He said troops also recovered 2,452 assorted ammunition, comprising 995 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 468 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 317 live cartridges, 125 rounds of 9mm ammo, 313 rounds of 7.62 x 54mm ammo, 13 rounds of 7.62 x 51mm, 19 rounds of 7.62 x 39mm, 167 empty shells of 7.62mm special ammo, 45 empty shells of 7.62mm NATO, 72 empty cases of cartridges, 14 magazines.

Other items recovered, according to defence spokesperson, are 10 vehicles, 23 motorcycles, 19 mobile phones, one bicycle, four baofeng radios, and the sum of N112,920.00 amongst other items.

He said: “Troops in the Niger Delta area discovered and destroyed 51 dugout pits, 17 boats, 15 storage tanks and 4 vehicles. Other items recovered include 21 cooking ovens, 3 pumping machines and 40 illegal refining sites.

“Troops recovered 772,350 litres of stolen crude oil, 80,530 litres of illegally refined AGO and 1,500 litres of DPK.”

Buba said the troops would continue to put themselves in harm’s way in order to protect and secure the citizens of this country.

The Defence Headquarters, in a chilling update on the recent killing of 18 Army officers and men in Okuama, Delta State, confirmed, yesterday, the recovery of the decomposing hearts of some of the victims.

It said the hunt for the perpetrators is being intensified but no significant arrest has been made.

Residents of the community who had fled their homes for fear of reprisal are lamenting the horror of starvation and denial they have been going through since the incident.

An ex-Niger Delta militant leader, ‘General’ Endurance Amagbein, who was accused in some quarters as the brain behind the killings, yesterday vehemently denied the allegation.

He said he knew nothing whatsoever about the incident.

The Director Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, told reporters in Abuja that troops were currently conducting clearance operations and cordon and search to recover, among other things, the weapons of the deceased soldiers.

He said their efforts have yielded the recovery of the “decomposing hearts of some of the murdered soldiers.”

Earlier reports had indicated that the people responsible for the soldiers’ death also harvested their hearts and other body parts.

On the list of communities in which troops have already conducted operations are Akugbene, Ukuama and Okoloba in Ugheli and Ugheli South of Delta State as well as Ukuama Amusamo, Akwagbe, Arhavwarien, Pirigbene and Igbomatoro communities also  in Delta State.

He said although no significant arrest had been made yet, the DHQ was not unaware of a viral video of a person “admitting to have perpetrated the killing of the soldiers in Delta State.”

He said one of the advantages of the video is that it “helps to narrow investigations to persons of interest and their cohorts.”

He said: “Accordingly, the state governments and host communities of these personalities are required to assist investigation in flushing them out.

“There can be no hiding place for perpetrators of such dastardly act against our nation. This is a clarion call to duty by members of those communities and the state governments.”

Besides the development in Okuama, Buba said troops across other theaters of operation during the week neutralised 106 alleged terrorists and arrested 103 other suspected criminals.

He said troops also arrested 22 oil thieves and rescued 96 kidnap victims.

Buba said troops recovered 171 assorted weapons comprising 47 AK47 rifles, one PKT gun, 18 pump action rifles, 17 locally fabricated guns, 14 Dane guns, 12 locally fabricated pistols, one fabricated revolver, one hand grenade, 81mm mortar bomb, one mortar tube and four bandoliers

He said troops also recovered 2,452 assorted ammunition, comprising 995 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 468 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 317 live cartridges, 125 rounds of 9mm ammo, 313 rounds of 7.62 x 54mm ammo, 13 rounds of 7.62 x 51mm, 19 rounds of 7.62 x 39mm, 167 empty shells of 7.62mm special ammo, 45 empty shells of 7.62mm NATO, 72 empty cases of cartridges, 14 magazines.

Other items recovered, according to defence spokesperson, are 10 vehicles, 23 motorcycles, 19 mobile phones, one bicycle, four baofeng radios, and the sum of N112,920.00 amongst other items.

He said: “Troops in the Niger Delta area discovered and destroyed 51 dugout pits, 17 boats, 15 storage tanks and 4 vehicles. Other items recovered include 21 cooking ovens, 3 pumping machines and 40 illegal refining sites.

“Troops recovered 772,350 litres of stolen crude oil, 80,530 litres of illegally refined AGO and 1,500 litres of DPK.”

Buba said the troops would continue to put themselves in harm’s way in order to protect and secure the citizens of this country.

The post Delta Killings: Army announces recovery of decomposing hearts of killed soldiers appeared first on Sunrise News.

The Association of Scrap and Waste Pickers of Lagos (ASWOL) joined comrades around the world in celebrating International Waste Pickers Day 2024, themed “Zero Waste Sensitization Campaign and Awareness on How to Separate Wastes from Source”.

Waste pickers play an essential role in the waste management system. They are individuals who collect and segregate recyclable materials from waste to earn a livelihood.

The event, which was organized by the association (ASWOL) in conjunction with the Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), took place on Friday, March 1st, in Lagos, where members of the association and some of their partners walked through the Excellence Round about Aguda to Omole, sensitizing the residents on how to separate their waste from its source and how to start making money with their waste before assembling at the Ojodu Local Council Development Area for more orientation about the event.

In his address, the National President of the Association of Scrap and Waste Pickers in Nigeria, Comrade Friday Oku, stated that the journey started in 2020 and that this is the first time the association is celebrating International Waste Picker’s Day as an outdoor event, noting that it is very important to honour the past heroes who were murdered in Columbia in 1992.

Friday explained further about the significance of the event. He said, “The significance of today’s event is the Zero Waste Awareness Campaign, focusing on the community and teaching households to separate their waste from its source.

He talked about the formalization of informal waste and how the association has gone into negotiating with regulatory authorities like LAWMA to ensure that cart pushers are not continually seen as endangered species.

“We are discussing this with LAWMA and as I am talking to you now, we have started what we call remuneration data collection for our members from one local government to another in conjunction with LAWMA.
“So it is after that that we are going to pronounce the integration of the informal waste into the recycling value chain, so we are doing that and it is just a break for now. We started it in October last year and we have a break because, you know, government policy, the challenges—they will tell you there are no funds and all those things are where we are now. We are waiting for the new budget, according to the MD that will start the second stage of the remuneration and data collection.”

In the same context, the President rates Nigerians’ responses regarding waste management in the country.

According to him, ” Many things have changed because people started knowing that waste is money, from waste to wealth. Some of the households have started recognizing the importance of waste pickers. That stigmatization that they always call us rogues and many names have started changing because since we started to organize ourselves and our people, what we are waiting, for now, is the government, as I said before, and on the federal level, we are working so hard that even the federal minister of labor and employment has called in through an international labor organization that they want us to be formalized and we are working on that.

“We contribute to the GDP of the country and by the grace of God, if they formalize us, we will also contribute to the internal generation, the revenue generation of the states and the local government. From there, we will get more employment and this insecurity will reduce because by the time people start knowing the work and doing it, the insecurity will reduce.”

Mr. Friday also emphasised that the association will set up a place in the Ojudu Local Government where residents can bring in their waste plastic in exchange for money.

In the same light, the Executive Director of Sustainable Research and Action for Environmental Development (SRADev Nigeria), Dr. Lesley Adogame, also stated the important role of waste pickers in society.

“Waste pickers are very important in the entire value chain of plastic waste management, particularly because for you to aggregate any waste, the waste has to, from the source, get to any point of aggregation or any collection point.

“We’re moving to a circular economy where you want to just keep turning around waste to wealth and that entire concept. So you need people at the grassroots who can help take those wastes.”

He noted how waste management fits into their line of programs: “There’s what we call the zero waste initiative. And that is the reduction of waste at the source, you know, before the waste becomes very voluminous. And the waste pickers are playing a big role in waste reduction at the source. So we have a program, a national program, where we are trying to promote waste pickers in Nigeria because they are not so well recognized. So we are launching a national program where waste picking should begin to be recognized. The government will need to recognize them.

“All the policy processes in the value chain of plastics or waste management will make sure that waste pickers are a critical stakeholder in the entire process and their voice must be heard. So what we are doing is promoting the work of waste pickers. And that’s why we see that their work is very valuable to what we do. And we are always partnering with them.

“SRADev has also been promoting a ban on single-use plastics and sees a future where single-use plastics are phased out in Nigeria. The Lagos State Government has already taken steps towards this goal by banning styrofoam, he noted.

The environmental head officer of Ojodu LCDA, Mrs. Shotomiwa Victoria, also urges Lagosians to maintain total hygiene and ensure they take care of their health by not littering their environment with waste plastic but rather seeing it as an opportunity to turn their waste into money.

Mr. Deji Akinpelu, the co-founder of Rethinking Cities, advises individuals to gather waste from the source for easier recycling and also calls for a better reward system from the government to incentivize recycling.

The post PHOTOS: ASWOL Celebrates International Waste Picker’s Day in Lagos appeared first on Sunrise News.

Speaking with stakeholders in the oil and gas industry on the historic start of domestic refining of petroleum products that will eliminate dependence on importation of refined products in Nigeria, Dangote thanked President Tinubu, the federal government, its agencies, and all Nigerians for believing in him and supporting the mega project despite all odds.

The renowned entrepreneur recalled the support, encouragement, and thoughtful advice he got from President Tinubu towards the actualisation of the refinery project.

President Tinubu, while addressing Nigerians on New Year Day had alluded to the fact that the federal government and indeed Nigerians were eagerly awaiting the start of production at Dangote and Port Harcourt refineries to ease the attendant hardship on citizens after the fuel subsidy removal.

Specifically, Dangote also thanked the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Limited), the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) for their support and belief in the historic project.

According to Dangote, “I want to thank President Bola Tinubu for his support and for making our dream come true. This production, as witnessed today, would not have been possible without his visionary leadership and prompt attention to details. His intervention at various stages cleared all impediments thereby accelerating the actualisation of the project.

“I also want to express my appreciation to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority for their support. These organisations have been our dependable partners in this historic journey. We also thank Nigerians for their belief and support in this project. We have started the production of diesel and aviation fuel, and the products will be in the market within this month once we receive regulatory approvals.”

“This is a big day for Nigeria. We are delighted to have reached this significant milestone. This is an important achievement for our country as it demonstrates our ability to develop and deliver large capital projects. This is a game changer for our country, and I am very fulfilled with the actualisation of this project,” he added.

The refinery has so far received six million barrels of crude oil at its two SPMs located 25 kilometres from the shore. The first crude delivery was done on December 12, 2023, and the 6th cargo was delivered on January 8, 2024.

The Refinery can load 2,900 trucks a day at its truck-loading gantries. The products from the Refinery will conform to Euro V specifications. The refinery design complies with the World Bank, US EPA, European emission norms, and Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) emission/effluent norms. Employing state-of-the-art technology.

“I must extend our sincere appreciation to our Bankers and financiers, both local and offshore, who demonstrated a great deal of patience, in seeing us through many difficult times. In the same vein, we thank the Government of Lagos State, under the leadership of Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who has been incredibly proactive in ensuring that the many challenges we encountered in the course of executing this project were quickly resolved. I thank him immensely,” Dangote stated.

“I also sincerely thank our host communities and their Traditional leaders for their sustained patience, forbearance, and admirable willingness to work with us to find amicable and win-win resolutions to the many issues we have had to deal with as the construction of this huge facility progressed. Our staff have also contributed so immensely to the success of this project. I thank them profusely,” he added.

The post Dangote thanks Tinubu, Nigerians over his Refinery’s start of production appeared first on Sunrise News.

Many keen watchers of the political scene in the state wonder why the agelong secret of Lagos was being ignored by supposed leaders, who were not oblivious of the positives addition this said culture of inclusive governance has brought to the state in times past.

Looking back in history people like Ben Akabueze, Commissioner for Budget and Planning from Anambra State, Aurthur Worrey Commissioner for Land from Delta State, Hon. James Abiodun Faleke, third term Federal House of Representatives member, Representing Ikeja Federal Constituency – From Kogi State and Alhaji Lai Mohammed, Chief of Staff from Kwara, were good hands who peopled then Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Governor of Lagos State executive cabinet along others all assembled to deliver the good.

This continued in the era of Babatunde Raji Fashola SAN, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode and even in the first term of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu but was abruptly stopped in this second term.

The most disturbing development is the seemingly use and dump style adopted by the Sanwo-Olu led government lately, for instance it is on record that the Arewa Community in Lagos gave massive support all through the election, delivering their bulk votes to the All-Progressives Congress candidates across board.

Even President Bola Ahmed Tinubu attest to the fact that Lagos Arewa Community, have been up to task and deserves a comfortable environment to fare much better in the Lagos polity and Nigeria, when the said group gave their unflinching endorsement prior to the presidential polls in 2023.

“I am glad to receive your endorsement today, we live in harmony, we live in joy, we live in peace, we must do our business and bring prosperity to Nigeria, every part be it Zamfara, Katsina, Kano,Bauchi,Adamawa,Kaduna,every where, any where all of us we belong to the same Allah.

“We belong to the same land, we belong to the same country, we must live together in peace and harmony.” Tinubu said.

The concerted effort of the community’s state Chairman Alhaji Saadu Dandare Gulma cannot be ignored in his attempt to ensure peaceful coexistence amongst the different divides of Arewa Community in the state which includes; Igala, Tiv, Sango Kataf, Kanuri, Shuwa Arab and others and this singular unity rallying move translated to victory even in the far north.

Right at the endorsement rally in the main bowl of Onikan stadium, Lagos, Saadu said: “Arewa by God’s grace is going to give you massive support not only in Lagos even in the northern Nigeria. I tell you categorically sir anybody you see here are the representatives of their people in the north.

“We have sat down to discuss and agree that Arewa is one now headed by me. The Igala, Tiv, Sango Kataf, Kanuri, Shuwa Arab and all others represented here, we are ready to work together to ensure victory for Asiwaju, Shettima, Sanwo-Olu, Hamzat emerge winners.” Saadu promised.

Interestingly, all these promises by Saadu came to fruition but the community remain ousted from the polity. One would have expected a recompense for all the support received from Arewa Community by the Governor of Lagos State Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the community from the feelers made available to sunrise.ng is not too comfortable with this development.

It is important for Mr. Governor to revert and include this community for further harmonious relations going forward. The council polls are close by and given the bulk votes this community is known for, it is anti-progressive for them to be ignored. Lagos has enjoyed a stable polity for so long a time, it is instructive that the secret of this visible positive vibe be kept intact by Governor Sanwo-Olu.

The post LAGOS AREWA COMMUNITY, A SACRIFICIAL LAMB? appeared first on Sunrise News.

Asisat Lamina Oshoala, the pride of African women’s football, secured her place in history at the Confederation of African Football (CAF) 2023 Awards Gala in Marrakech, Morocco.

Born on October 9, 1994, to Iya Asisa and Alhaji Oshoala in a polygamous family, Oshoala’s journey from the slums of Ikorodu to becoming Africa’s best female football player is nothing short of inspirational.

Her early education at Air Force Primary School, Victoria Island, Lagos, laid the foundation for a remarkable journey. Aunty Ayo International School, Ikoyi, witnessed her secondary education, setting the stage for her relentless pursuit of football greatness.

Playing as a striker for Barcelona in the Spanish Liga F and leading the Nigeria women’s national team, Oshoala’s skill on the pitch has elevated her to legendary status. The recognition she received at the 2023 CAF Women’s Footballer of the Year award is a testament to her exceptional talents and unwavering dedication.

Not only does Oshoala embody excellence in football, but her recent presentation of the award to the President of Nigeria, Ashiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and the First Lady, Chief Mrs. Oluremi Tinubu, on December 28, 2023, adds a new chapter to her story.

The symbolism of a girl from humble beginnings sharing a moment with the nation’s leaders sends a powerful message to youths across Nigeria.

The image of Oshoala standing with the president and the first lady not only honors her achievements but also underscores the possibility for anyone with exceptional skills or outstanding academic achievements to aspire to such heights.

It transcends football, inspiring the youth to believe that their dreams can lead them to dine with leaders, whether within their own country or on a global stage.

In a world where sports and academia often stand as separate realms, Oshoala’s journey serves as a bridge, demonstrating that determination, talent, and hard work can pave the way to recognition on the highest platforms. Her story echoes beyond the football field, resonating as a beacon of hope for those who dare to dream against all odds.

As Africa celebrates Oshoala’s triumph, her narrative becomes not just a sports success story but a compelling testament to resilience, breaking barriers, and inspiring future generations. As she continues to etch her name in the annals of football greatness, Asisat Oshoala remains an embodiment of the extraordinary possibilities that can arise from humble beginnings.

The post Beyond Football: Oshoala’s Powerful Message to Nigerian Youths appeared first on Sunrise News.