November 2025 Archives

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PDP crisis: Devil using some members – Damagum

The acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Umar Damagum, has disclosed that the devil is using members of the party to cause crisis.

Damagum disclosed this when he met with PDP state chairmen in Abuja, led by their forum chairman, Tony Aziegbemi (Edo) and forum secretary, Edward Masha (Kaduna).

The state chairmen had visited Damagum to pledge their loyalty to him.

Speaking, Damagum reminded those causing trouble in the PDP that there is karma.

He said: “I also want to use this opportunity to call on our colleagues that the devil is using, to see wisdom in casting the devil in them because treachery, especially to an institution that has made you what you are today, will not heal. You may be lucky now, but there is a law of Karma.

“What goes around comes around. I think it is not late to see the need to do justice to this party that has given you all.

“Sometimes, when I resort to the ways of God, people think it is weakness. We exist because God exists.

We owe everything that we do to him. He is watching us. He will judge us by our behavior. I will leave this on this note. They say a word is enough for us.”

by Dan Poster — November 7, 2025 in Politics 0

Imo ADC begins membership registration exercise across LGAs

‎African Democratic Congress, ADC, Imo State Chapter has taken a significant step towards consolidating its presence across the 27 LGAs in the State by formally kicking off a membership registration exercise.

The exercise, according to the leadership of the party, is a strategic move aimed at strengthening the party’s grassroots mobilization and organizational structure ahead of the 2027 general elections.

‎The event brought together key stakeholders, party stalwarts, LGA Chairmen, and Ward Chairmen from nine Council areas selected for the exercise.

In his address, the State Chairman of the party, James Okoroma, maintained that the registration exercise signified the party’s commitment to deepening the party presence at the rural areas and advocating for effective democracy through inclusive governance.

‎He remarked that Nigeria was not making genuine progress due to what he termed as being on the wrong developmental track.

The ADC State Chairman added that the party represents a renaissance movement, championed by patriotic Nigerians from all walks of life who have chosen to make sacrifices for the sake of future generations.

“ADC is determined to bring about a new government that prioritizes education, healthcare, technology, security, and improved living standard,” he maintained.

‎Okoroma urged members to remain steadfast, united and loyal to the party’s vision of a new political order, which according to him is being built on integrity, empathy and competence.

by Dan Poster — November 7, 2025 in Politics 0

Tinubu approves establishment of Federal University of Science, Technology in Epe

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the establishment of the Federal University of Science and Technology, Epe, Lagos State, marking the end of a seven-year moratorium earlier imposed by the Federal Government on the creation of new tertiary institutions.

The approval was formally announced by Senate President Godswill Akpabio during Thursday’s plenary session, where he confirmed that the President had signed the Federal University of Science and Technology, Epe (Establishment) Bill, 2025, into law.

“It is my honour to announce that the Federal University of Science and Technology, Epe (Establishment) Bill, 2025, has been assented to by His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” Akpabio declared.

According to him, the Senate had earlier transmitted the authenticated version of the bill to the President, who returned two certified copies bearing his signature, thereby completing the legal process for the institution’s establishment.

“By this assent, the Federal University of Science and Technology, Epe, has officially come to stay,” Akpabio stated, congratulating the people of Epe and Lagos State on the development.

He also praised the President for his continued investment in the education sector, describing the decision as a demonstration of his “commitment to expanding access to quality, specialized higher education across the country.”

The bill’s sponsor, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, explained that the new institution would focus on science and technology-based disciplines critical to national development. These include Mechanical, Electrical, Computer, and Civil Engineering, as well as Computer Science, Software Engineering, Artificial Intelligence, and Data Science, all vital to driving Nigeria’s digital transformation and knowledge economy.

The approval, however, comes just months after the Federal Executive Council, FEC, chaired by President Tinubu in August, endorsed a seven-year moratorium on the establishment of new federal universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education.

by Dan Poster — November 7, 2025 in General News 0

Nigerian lawyer writes open letter to Trump, seeks asylum for Plateau clergyman, Dachomo

A Nigerian lawyer, Awele Ideal, has written an open letter to United States President Donald Trump, seeking asylum for outspoken Plateau State clergyman, Rev. Ezekiel Dachomo, following his stance on Christian genocide in the state and Nigeria in general.

In the open letter, the lawyer appealed to Trump to do everything possible to protect the fiery man of God whom she described as the lone voice speaking against the killing of Christians by Islamic extremists, noting that his life could be in serious danger.

She added that the cleric might be silenced for speaking up about the Christian killings in Plateau due to his boldness in the face of terror.

Awele, who described Rev. Dachomo, who is the regional chairman of the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN) in Barkin Ladi LGA, as a true servant of God who stands for the truth, urged President Trump to, as a matter of urgency, grant the cleric asylum in the United States.

Part of her letter reads:

“Dear President Donald J. Trump, I sincerely pray you come across this post. I’m writing to suggest that granting this man, Rev. Ezekiel, ASYLUM in the USA should be your topmost priority, else he may be silenced for life because he is like a lone voice in the midst of this turbulence.

“Even fellow Nigerian pastors and his contemporaries are cowards who cannot boldly speak truth to power like Rev. Ezekiel is doing. Most of them have soiled their hands with our corrupt politicians, and so are as corrupt as the Nigerian Leaders.

“Please Sir, do all you can to protect this man. May he not lose his life for speaking up. Thank you, Sir.

“To you Rev. Ezekiel Dachomo, I sincerely thank you for your boldness in the face of terror. You are a true servant of God who stands bold for the truth and leads by example. I humbly pray that you and your family be divinely blessed and protected, in Jesus’ Name, Amen.”

However, Awele raised some concerns about Rev. Dachomo accepting asylum in the US if one is offered due to his earlier claims that he has been marked for elimination and that he is not afraid of death.

She said, “I know Rev. Dachomo may not accept asylum if granted. However, it will be good if he accepts because we need him alive for the court trial at the ICC.

‘This is me thinking out of the box like a typical lawyer… I Rise.”

by Dan Poster — November 7, 2025 in General News 0

Court stops anti-migrant group from harassing foreigners in South Africa

The Gauteng Division of the High Court in Johannesburg has restrained the anti-migrant group, Operation Dudula, and its leaders, Zandile Dabula and Dan Radebe, from intimidating, harassing, or assaulting foreign nationals.

Justice Leicester Adams, who delivered the judgment, declared that the group’s actions against migrants were unlawful and unconstitutional.

The court further interdicted Operation Dudula and its members from demanding that any private person produce a passport or identity document to prove their right to reside in South Africa.

The judgment was handed down electronically by circulation to the parties’ representatives by email on Tuesday.

The judgment also bars the group from interfering with the access of foreign nationals to healthcare services, disrupting the operations of schools, or harassing learners, teachers, and parents.

Justice Adams directed relevant government agencies to enforce the ruling, affirming the constitutionally guaranteed rights of migrants.

The verdict followed an application by Kopanang Africa Against Xenophobia and others seeking interdictory and declaratory relief against Operation Dudula and the South African government.

The applicants argued that only immigration and police officers are legally empowered to request identification documents.

Applicants in the case include KAAX, the South African Informal Traders Forum, Inner City Federation, and Abahlali Basemjondolo Movement SA, while respondents are Operation Dudula, the Government of the Republic of South Africa, and 11 others.

The applicants also sought an order restraining Operation Dudula from engaging in unlawful conduct, hate speech, or any acts that amount to taking the law into its own hands.

The court consequently prohibited the group from making public statements that constitute hate speech on the grounds of nationality, social origin, or ethnicity, whether at gatherings, on social media, or elsewhere.

Operation Dudula was further barred from unlawfully evicting foreign nationals, removing them from their trading stalls, or interfering with their employment in shops and businesses.

The order also forbids the group from inciting or encouraging others to carry out such prohibited acts.

The list of respondents includes the Government of South Africa, the Minister of Police, the National Commissioner of Police, and the Ministers of Home Affairs.

Others are Justice and Correctional Services, Health, and Basic Education, the MECs for Health and Education in Gauteng, Zandile Dabula, Dan Radebe, and the South African Human Rights Commission.

The judgment, delivered electronically via email in November, also directed the South African government to implement the National Action Plan to Combat Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance.

It urged authorities to establish an early warning and rapid response mechanism to address threats of xenophobic hate speech and hate crimes.

The government was also ordered to collate and publish disaggregated data on xenophobic hate speech and hate crimes, including prosecutions and convictions.

Justice Adams reaffirmed that only immigration and police officers are authorised to request identification documents from individuals, and that no private person has such powers unless expressly permitted by law.

He added that, in enforcing Section 41 of the Immigration Act 13 of 2002, searches should be limited to public places and not extended to private homes, workplaces, or schools.

Officers, he said, must hold a reasonable suspicion before requesting anyone’s identity status.

by Dan Poster — November 7, 2025 in General News 0

Niger SON DG vows to sustain trade, service delivery

The Standard Organisation of Nigeria has assured Niger State residents of quality products that would meet international standards.

The organisation made this known during the commissioning of its state headquarters office in Minna, where it noted that manufacturers, traders farmers and consumers would no longer worry about the quality of products that are sold in their markets.

Niger State governor, Mohammed Bago, who commissioned the edifice expressed delight at the project, stating, “This is not just a building, but a symbol of national progress and a testament to our commitment to quality and standards.

“What we are witnessing today is the birth of new possibilities — for better service delivery, stronger consumer protection, and renewed confidence in the quality of products made in Niger State and across Nigeria.

“This project speaks volumes about SON’s dedication to promoting standards and ensuring that Nigerian goods and services meet global expectations.

“It is also a clear demonstration of the federal government’s commitment to strengthening institutions that play a vital role in our nation’s socioeconomic transformation,” Bago said.

The governor noted that the project aligns with his New Niger Angenda, a vision driven by innovation, productivity, and accountability.

“As we continue to industrialise our state, particularly through our focus on agro-processing, renewable energy, and small-scale manufacturing, the role of SON becomes imperative to achieve our set objectives,” he said.

In her opening remarks, Niger State coordinator of SON Hauwa Yusuf said the commissioning represented efficiency and quality, which she said would be closer to Niger State residents.

“This is not just the opening of a new office building. It is the beginning of a new, stronger commitment to quality service and national development. This new facility represents growth, accessibility and efficiency. With it, we are bringing SON’S services closer to our people, our manufacturers, traders, farmers, and consumers,” Yusuf said.

In his remarks, the director General of SON Ifeanyi Okeke said the project would ensure quality and safety for the consumers, just as it aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

“Today’s event marks another milestone in our

. collective efforts to strengthen Nigerian quality infrastructure and also promote a culture of excellence in production, trade, and service delivery.

“This project represents the federal government’s commitment to supporting SON’S mission of safeguarding lives and ensuring that only quality and safe products are available in the Nigerian market,” Okeke said.

by Dan Poster — November 7, 2025 in General News 0

Nigeria risks oil production drop without new discoveries – NAPE

The President of the Nigerian Association of Petroleum Explorationists, Johnbosco Uche, has warned that Nigeria’s oil production could decline in the coming years if new exploration efforts and discoveries are not urgently pursued.

Speaking at a media parley ahead of the 43rd Annual International Conference and Exhibition of NAPE, scheduled to take place from November 9 to 13, 2025, in Lagos, Uche said that renewed investment in exploration is critical to ensuring long-term energy security and sustainable development.

This year’s conference is themed “Revitalising the Nigerian Petroleum Exploration and Production Strategies for Energy Security and Sustainable Development.”

According to him, the theme reflects Nigeria’s pressing need to guarantee energy availability, stability, and affordability while preparing the oil and gas industry to remain competitive in a rapidly changing global energy landscape

“The theme speaks directly to the heart of Nigeria’s national priorities—ensuring energy availability, stability, and affordability, while also positioning our petroleum sector to thrive in a rapidly changing global energy environment,” Uche said.

He noted that as the energy transition accelerates, Nigeria faces a dual challenge of sustaining petroleum exploration and production while laying the groundwork for a diversified, low-carbon energy future.

“We cannot achieve this without deliberate policy alignment, increased investment, and a renewed exploration drive,” he stressed.

Uche emphasised that energy security must remain at the centre of national development planning, warning that without consistent exploration, the country’s production profile could falter in the next decade.

He listed several urgent actions required to reposition the sector, including reigniting mature basin exploration through a review of well classification to attract investment, refocusing exploration strategies among international oil companies and independents, and boosting production capacity through optimised field development and the use of modern technologies.

“These measures are crucial if we are to meet the nation’s 2030 target of three million barrels of oil per day and 12 billion cubic feet of gas per day,” he added.

The NAPE president also urged accelerated gas development as a transition fuel to power industries, drive economic growth, and support Nigeria’s quest for cleaner energy. He called for new seismic data acquisition, stronger geoscience research, and enhanced collaboration among government, industry, and academia to drive innovation and build capacity.

He explained that these issues and more will form the core of discussions at the 43rd NAPE Annual Conference, which will feature an Opening Ceremony and All-Convention Luncheon, Executive and Technical Sessions, and an Awards Ceremony at the President’s Night and Awards Night.

Uche described the 2025 edition as “a pivotal gathering” for stakeholders as Nigeria works toward economic stability and energy independence.

“As we strive to achieve economic stability and energy independence, our actions today must secure the energy of tomorrow. NAPE remains committed to working with all stakeholders to ensure that Nigeria’s petroleum industry continues to be a catalyst for development and sustainability,” he said.

He expressed appreciation to the media for their continued support, describing journalists as critical partners in shaping public understanding of the energy sector.

“Your role in amplifying the national energy conversation remains invaluable. Together, let us continue to ensure that our ideas continue to find oil and gas,” Uche said.

He disclosed that the opening ceremony is scheduled to be held on Monday at Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.

by Dan Poster — November 7, 2025 in Business 0

Ecobank, Proparco seal €10m trade finance deal for SMEs

Proparco and Ecobank Group have signed a €10m trade finance guarantee for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) in Africa.

In a statement made available to The PUNCH on Thursday, the partners said the trade agreement was signed on the first day of the Africa Financial Summit 2025.

The €10m trade finance guarantee facility was signed for Ecobank Chad to facilitate imports of raw materials essential for creating added value in the country.

The programme addresses supply needs not covered by the local market and is part of the Food & Agriculture Resilience Mission (FARM) initiative launched in 2022 by France, together with the European Union, the G7, and the African Union. Its objective is to strengthen food security in the most vulnerable countries.

This guarantee is also part of the Choose Africa programme run by the AFD Group (Agence Française de Développement, Proparco, and Expertise France), which provides financing solutions to small African businesses, start-ups, micro-enterprises, and MSMEs, supporting them through the various stages of their growth via local partners backed by the AFD Group.

Speaking on the agreement, the Ecobank Group Chief Executive Officer, Jeremy Awori, said, “This renewed partnership with Proparco reflects our shared commitment to strengthening the economic resilience of Chad and the wider region, contributing to the implementation of Chad’s new National Development Plan.

“By facilitating access to essential raw materials, we are supporting local industrialisation, food security, and value creation on the continent. Using the combined expertise of our pan-African network and Ecobank International in France, we will continue to support our customers by facilitating trade and strengthening risk management to build sustainable growth.”

Proparco Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Djalal Khimdjee, commented, “We are very pleased to welcome Ecobank Chad to the Trade Finance programme that we have co-developed with the Ecobank Group since 2018. This new partnership will benefit local businesses, enabling them to import raw materials and become part of the international value chain to better meet the needs of local communities. This transaction brings the total volume of trade finance guarantees granted to the Ecobank Group since 2018 to €125m.”

by Dan Poster — November 7, 2025 in Business 0

Nigeria set for oil output surge, says NUPRC

The Chief Executive of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, Gbenga Komolafe, has expressed optimism that Nigeria’s crude oil output will soon witness a significant boost following the completion of a new offshore production facility.

Komolafe expressed his excitement in a statement issued by the commission’s Head of Media and Strategic Communications, Eniola Akinkuotu, on Thursday, after an official visit to Dubai Drydocks World in the United Arab Emirates, where he inspected the EMEM Floating Production Storage and Offloading vessel, which is currently undergoing final conversion works.

The visit formed part of the commission’s regulatory oversight function to assess the vessel’s sail-away readiness ahead of its deployment to Nigerian waters.

The statement read, “The commission Chief Executive of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, Gbenga Komolafe, has expressed delight over the impending increase in oil production.

“The CCE shared his view during an official visit to Dubai Drydocks World in the United Arab Emirates, as part of regulatory oversight of the EMEM Floating Production Storage and Offloading vessel’s sail-away readiness.”

According to the statement, the EMEM FPSO is being converted for Oriental Energy Resources Limited and will be deployed to the Okwok Field, operated by Oriental Okwok Limited, offshore Nigeria.

The NUPRC boss undertook a four-hour detailed inspection of the vessel, examining critical areas including the Oil and Produced Water Treatment Unit, Gas Injection Modules, Seawater Treatment Facilities, Gas Turbine Generators, Electrical House, LACT Unit, Laboratory, Control Room, and Accommodation Quarters.

The walkthrough enabled the commission to assess the project’s compliance, quality, and readiness for sail-away. The EMEM FPSO, once deployed, will handle crude production, processing, storage, and offloading operations for the Okwok Field, one of Nigeria’s key offshore assets expected to add meaningful volumes to the nation’s output target.

The development is timely, given Nigeria’s recent push to ramp up production to meet its OPEC+ quota and restore investor confidence in the upstream sector.

Delivering his remarks after the tour of the FPSO, the NUPRC boss said the FPSO’s planned departure to Nigeria was good news, as it aligns with the Project One Million Barrels initiative, which seeks to increase the country’s oil production by one million barrels.

“This FPSO is coming to Nigeria at a time we are seeking to increase production. It will help us achieve our project, One Million Barrels. From what I have seen, I am very impressed, and as the regulator, we will continue to give support to Oriental Energy,” he said.

Komolafe also advised Oriental Energy to participate in the next licensing round, as the company had shown that it had the capacity to take on more projects in Nigeria’s vibrant oil and gas sector.

“We advise that you participate in the next licensing round, at least to optimise your capacity. We are convinced that Oriental Energy has the capacity to contribute to our national development,” he added.

Also speaking, the Executive Vice Chairman of Oriental Energy Resources Limited, Engineer Goni Sheikh, thanked the CCE for encouraging investments in the oil sector.

“We have engaged with your team and they have been working around the clock, including Saturdays and Sundays, to beat the timelines and attain this. And we must also say that since the start of this project, we have received 100 per cent support from the NUPRC. We thank the regulator for the support, oversight, and guidance that the regulator gives us. You are truly a business facilitator,” he stated.

The Okwok Field Development Project represents a strategic milestone in Nigeria’s upstream petroleum industry, demonstrating growing indigenous technical capability.

The project entails the conversion of Nordic Mistral, a double-hulled crude tanker with a one-million-barrel storage capacity, into a fully integrated FPSO with a 15-year operational lifespan.

The EMEM FPSO boasts a processing capacity of 40,000 barrels of oil per day, 70,000 barrels of liquid per day, and includes systems for produced water treatment (60,000 barrels of water per day, water injection (60,000 BWPD), gas processing (15 MMSCFD), gas lift (7.5 MMSCFD), and gas injection (3.5 MMSCFD).

by Dan Poster — November 7, 2025 in Business 0

FirstHoldCo Sustains Growth Momentum As Gross Earnings Rise 17% To N2.6trn

FirstHoldCo Plc has sustained its growth momentum across core business segments, reporting a 17.1 percent year-on-year increase in gross earnings to ₦2.64 trillion for the nine months ended September 30, 2025, compared to ₦2.25 trillion in the corresponding period of 2024.

According to the unaudited results released by the Group, interest income rose sharply by 40.4 per cent to ₦2.29 trillion from ₦1.63 trillion in September 2024, reflecting improved asset yields and loan book expansion. Net interest income also climbed 71.7 per cent year-on-year to ₦1.5 trillion, buoyed by stronger core banking operations.

However, non-interest income declined 49.2 percent to ₦296.9 billion, while impairment charges for credit losses surged 68.6 percent to ₦288.9 billion, reflecting prudent risk provisioning in a volatile operating environment.

Operating income rose 23.2 percent to ₦1.80 trillion, though profit before tax slipped 7.3 percent to ₦566.5 billion, down from ₦610.9 billion a year earlier. Profit after tax also fell by 15.5 percent to ₦450.9 billion, largely due to reduced fair value gains and higher operating costs, which jumped 39.3 percent to ₦942.7 billion.

Despite the profit decline, the Group maintained balance sheet stability, with total assets at ₦26.4 trillion, marginally lower than ₦26.5 trillion as of December 2024. Customer deposits rose 4.2 percent year-to-date to ₦17.9 trillion, while net loans and advances increased by 9 percent to ₦9.6 trillion.

Key performance ratios show that FirstHoldCo maintained a post-tax return on average equity of 19.9 per cent and a post-tax return on assets of 2.3 percent. The Group’s cost-to-income ratio stood at 52.4 per cent, compared with 46.4 percent a year earlier, while the non-performing loan (NPL) ratio improved to 8.5 per cent from 10.2 percent in December 2024.

Group Managing Director, Adebowale (Wale) Oyedeji, described the results as a reflection of the Group’s underlying resilience and commitment to sustainable growth.

“FirstHoldCo has once again demonstrated solid earnings capability,” Oyedeji said. “Our interest and operating income grew strongly by 40.4 percent and 23.2 percent, respectively, supported by a 26.9 percent rise in fees and commission income. The decline in profit before tax was due to the normalisation of fair value gains and balance sheet strengthening initiatives.”

He noted that the Group’s strategic risk management measures were already yielding results, as seen in the improved asset quality.

On the recapitalisation of FirstBank, Oyedeji disclosed that the first phase of its private placement capital raise had been successfully executed and is awaiting final regulatory approvals.

“We expect to conclude this phase in November 2025, ensuring FirstBank’s full compliance with the new minimum capital requirements by year-end,” he said. “Subsequent capital raising rounds will further enhance our financial solutions and support value-accretive initiatives.”

Oyedeji reaffirmed the Group’s commitment to achieving its 2029 financial targets, noting that FirstHoldCo remains well-positioned to deliver stronger shareholder value through operational scalability and prudent capital management.

by Dan Poster — November 7, 2025 in Business 0

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