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Halt every unregulated mining across Nigeria – CSO to FG

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Environmental activists have hailed the decision of the Cross Rivers government to halt all mining activities in the state following its devastating effect.

Decrying the unwholesome practice of artisanal and industrial miners, the activists called for an urgent halt to every unregulated mining across Nigeria, noting the ecological harm such activities have brought to the environment.

The Executive Director of Health Mother Earth Foundation, HOMEF, Dr Nnimmo Bassey, who applauded the Cross River State government for taking such a step to protect the people and environment, said it was harmful to allow mining in very sensitive areas of that environment.

He noted that the rate of unregulated mining activities in the otherwise protected forests of Cross River State has been very worrisome and posed threats that have repercussions beyond the boundaries of the state and the nation at large.

Dr Bassey, however, urged the governor to further prioritize and sustain the policy, bearing in mind that mining in community forests and other biodiversity hot spots is highly harmful and only enriches individuals and corporations involved in the nefarious activities.

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He also urged governors of other states to emulate the gesture and save the fragile and already threatened ecosystems across Nigeria.

Shehu Akowe, HOMEF’s project lead on mining, on his part, decried the rampant uncontrolled mining in the nation and urged the government to build on this momentum by implementing an all-inclusive reform in the mining sector with the interest of communities as its centrepiece.”

He stressed that the reform should prioritize environmental and socioeconomic impact assessments for environmental sustainability.

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We’ll be forced to export 97% of our petrol – Dangote Refinery warns

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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.

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FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup: Round of 16 fixtures confirmed [Full list]

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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:

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  • 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
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Nigerian Army debunks reported mass resignation of soldiers

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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).

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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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