News
New Enugu City: No homes demolished, land grabbers instigating problems – Govt
The Enugu State government refutes allegations of demolitions and forced evictions of Nchatancha Nike residents, a community affected by the ongoing construction of New Enugu City. It attributes protests and disturbances, including the recent attack on a bulldozer at the construction site, to land speculators within the community. These speculators sell portions of already acquired and gazetted lands to unsuspecting buyers. The government emphasizes that previous administrations initiated the land acquisition process, but the current administration, led by Governor Peter Mbah, aims to approach the project with empathy, ensuring proper compensation and relocation before any demolitions occur.
Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, the Secretary to Enugu State Government, clarified these points during a site visit with journalists at Nchatancha Nike. He vowed that the government would remain resolute in achieving the first phase of the New City within 24 months, as agreed with the China Communication Construction Company (CCCC) in October.
Onyia explained that the governor, having already engaged in discussions with and gained the support of the communities, instructed contractors to work around the clock. He highlighted that some community members took advantage of the governor’s commitment to building the New Enugu City by selling lands to unsuspecting individuals. However, he emphasized that the land acquisition process started long before the current government and that affected individuals were given notice years ago.
Regarding the relocation of the affected Nchatancha community, Onyia stated that the current governor integrated plans for compensation and relocation into the project, despite it not being initially included. He assured that proper infrastructure, including schools and healthcare facilities, would be provided in the new location. Onyia also cautioned property buyers to conduct due diligence to avoid being defrauded by those selling lands acquired and gazetted by the government.
Governor Mbah, during the project’s launch in October, expressed his vision for New Enugu City to rival global metropolises like Dubai and Singapore. He outlined plans for essential infrastructure and services, including dedicated power projects, sewage systems, and high-speed internet, to be centralized and provided by the government.
News
We’ll be forced to export 97% of our petrol – Dangote Refinery warns
Dangote Refinery has announced that it will need to export 95-97 percent of its Premium Motor Spirit (petrol) due to low interest from Nigerian marketers. The refinery, which processes 650,000 barrels per day, revealed that only 3 to 5 percent of petrol marketers are purchasing its fuel.
Devakumar Edwin, Vice President of Oil and Gas at Dangote Industries Limited, shared these details during an X Space session hosted by Nairametrics on Wednesday. He highlighted the challenges facing both the Dangote Refinery and Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.
Edwin explained, “I’m selling 2 to 3 percent to small traders who are willing to buy, while the remaining 95 to 97 percent has to be exported,” referring to the local sales of the refinery’s products.
This situation arises as the NNPCL’s deadline for adjusting the Dangote Refinery’s fuel distribution approaches without a clear plan in sight. It is worth noting that while Aliko Dangote, President of Dangote Group, has announced the refinery’s initial petrol rollout, its distribution to marketers is contingent upon NNPCL’s decisions.
News
FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup: Round of 16 fixtures confirmed [Full list]
The final sixteen teams for the 2024 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Colombia have been determined following the conclusion of the group stage.
In recent matches, Ghana triumphed over New Zealand with a score of 3-1, and Japan secured a 2-0 victory against Austria.
As a result, Japan has advanced to the Round of 16, joining the other 15 teams in this knockout stage.
The Round of 16 matches are scheduled for Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday.
The full lineup for the Round of 16 is as follows:
- Spain vs Canada
- Brazil vs Cameroon
- Colombia vs South Korea
- Mexico vs USA
- North Korea vs Austria
- Germany vs Argentina
- Netherlands vs France
- Japan vs Nigeria
News
Nigerian Army debunks reported mass resignation of soldiers
The Nigerian Army has refuted claims of widespread resignations among its soldiers due to issues like corruption and low morale.
In a statement, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, Director of Army Public Relations, dismissed these reports as unfounded.
A news outlet had alleged that numerous Nigerian soldiers were resigning because of corruption and low morale. However, the statement condemned these allegations as misleading and a deliberate attempt to create discontent and undermine the Nigerian Army’s reputation and the dedication of its personnel.
Major General Nwachukwu clarified that, similar to other military organizations worldwide, service in the Nigerian Army is voluntary rather than mandatory. This means that personnel have the freedom to resign following established procedures.
He explained that the resignation process allows personnel to prepare and manage their entitlements, including pensions and gratuities, as outlined in the Harmonized Terms and Conditions of Service (Officers/Soldiers).
Contrary to the report’s implications, the statement emphasized that Nigerian Army personnel are highly motivated, and their welfare is a priority under the leadership of Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja.
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