US oil imports from Nigeria to drop as Trump plans energy emergency order
THE President Trump planned an executive order and declaration of a national energy emergency, targeted at enhancing the United States oil and gas production could impact on Nigeria’s oil demand and revenue generation.
This was even as prices of oil, including Nigeria’s Bonny Light dropped to $80 per barrel from $83 per barrel, yesterday, as traders await U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration in the hope of some clarity on his policy agenda.
However, the United States used to import a bulk of its crude oil from Nigeria, but the commencement of shale oil, deliberate government policy and other factors, reduced the nation’s oil and gas import in recent times.
Despite the reduction, recent data indicated that the United States oil and gas import from Nigeria was worth $4.73 billion in 2023.
According some experts, the revenue would likely decrease in 2025 and beyond following President Trump executive order and declaration of a national energy emergency.
In an interview with Vanguard, yesterday, an economist and Chief Executive Officer, Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise, CPPE, Dr Muda Yusuf, said: “Naturally, if investments in oil and gas increase in the United States and the US of course is a major oil producer that will increase the global supply. If global supply increases, energy prices are likely to fall.
“So, if energy prices fall, of course, that has implications for our own revenue. So it’s likely to negatively impact on our oil price, on our oil revenue but it may be positive for businesses because a reduction in crude oil price or commodity or global oil price typically reduces the cost of petroleum products, including the Premium Motor Spirit, PMS, also known as petrol, diesel and jet fuel.
“However, it’s a double-edged sword as changes, if the price increases; it will favour the government and penalize the private sector, who uses energy. If the price drops, it penalizes the government and benefits the citizens and investors because their energy costs will drop.
“That is one implication of the Trump presidency. The second implication is, if he’s able to calm down the situation between Russia and Ukraine. Russia is a major oil producer as well, a major gas producer.
“So, he’s able to calm down Russia and Ukraine and he has the potential to do that because it is part of the commitment that he has made.
Trump revokes ‘nearly 80 destructive radical executive actions’ of Biden administration “If he’s able to do that, then we are likely to see more production of oil. We are likely to see the lifting of sanctions on Russia and if that happens, oil production will increase and prices will fall. Again, that will affect revenue negatively, but it will benefit businesses because cost of energy will drop.
“So, that is the nexus for me between what is happening with Trump policies and our domestic economy, especially the oil and gas sector.”
On his part, a Port Harcourt-based energy analyst, Dr. Bala Zakka, said: “Major importers from Nigeria, indirectly encourage our nation to be lazy, exporting crude oil instead of processing to add more value to the economy.
“I strongly believe that by reducing importation through his policies, President Trump would encourage increased refining in Nigeria and other African nations. We need to expand our refining capacity to refine more petroleum product and derivatives, capable of adding value to the domestic economy.”
Also, the National President of Oil and Gas Service Providers Association of Nigeria, OGSPAN, said: “Every nation continuously reviews its environment and takes decisions on the best ways and means to grow its economy. Nigeria should do the same in order to reduce dependence on oil and other economies.”
Meanwhile, the Petroleum Products Retail outlets Owners Association of Nigeria, PETROAN, has assured consumers that the coming on stream of the Dangote Refinery and the NNPC Limited owned Port Harcourt refinery would ensure easy flow of petrol during the Yuletide season.
PETROAN in a statement by its National Public Relations Officer, Dr Joseph Obele said the petrol supply agreement reached with the 650,000 barrels per day Dangote Refinery would avert any possible shortage of premium motor spirit during the period.
This, according to Dr Obele, is due to the efforts of PETROAN distribution technical committee incharge of planning and execution of zero-fuel scarcity strategy.
“We are happy that Nigerians are going to travel effortlessly during this period of the year”, the Group added.
Recall that the National President of PETROAN, Dr Billy Gillis-Harry, on Monday 2nd December 2024 led the negotiation team of the association to a fruitful strategic business meeting with the management of Dangote Refinery in Lagos.
PETROAN noted that the “sealing of a transactionary deal with Dangote Refinery was the aftermath of a successful buyer-seller negotiation and agreement secured by PETROAN at the strategic meeting.
“PETROAN National President commended the Vice President of Dangote group & Managing Director of Dangote Refinery, Mr. Devakumar V. G. Edwin, for his cooperation and strategies deployed so far to make petroleum products available to all Nigerians throughout the end of year festivities and beyond.”
yarimo: It was nuhu rebadu the NSA that invite them to talk about pipeline vandalism in that area, the meeting has nothing to do with politics going on in rivers state
Listen and learn, the war chest Wike had was River's treasury. He is no more in charge of it and a new master has taken over....so therefore, loyalty has charged. "He who carrys palmfront, the goats followeth"
In 2016, the King of Thailand, Maha Vajiralongkorn, arrived in Germany wearing a crop top and fake sleeve tattoos, accompanied by a woman and a poodle.
In 2016, King Maha Vajiralongkorn of Thailand was photographed in Germany wearing a crop top and fake tattoos, an unusual choice for a monarch known for more traditional attire. This might reflect a private moment of personal expression or comfort, away from his official duties. The images, which also showed him with his consort Sineenat Wongvajirapakdi and a poodle, could have been intended to humanize the king or might have been part of a lifestyle choice not typically seen by the public. The stark contrast to his public image likely contributed to the media attention and public discussion about the Thai monarchy's private versus public personas
Bola Tinubu forces ex-President Buhari to take witness stand in Paris court over $6 billion Mambilla power contract fraud
Muhammadu Buhari was hauled into court on Saturday for breaching terms of a power generation and distribution contract awarded to Sunrise Power and Transmission Company of Nigeria.
Former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari has been dragged before a court in Paris, where he took the witness stand in an arbitration proceeding over a federal power contract dispute.
Peoples Gazette learnt that Mr Buhari was hauled before the court on Saturday for breaching the terms of a power generation and distribution contract awarded to Sunrise Power and Transmission Company of Nigeria by former President Olusegun Obasanjo in 2003.
The $6 billion project has dragged on for over 20 years, and its main anchor, Leno Adesanya, has been a target of anti-graft investigations, including claims that he bribed a former minister at the time to secure the contract.
The Gazette was told that Mr Buhari was grilled for hours on Saturday and would continue his testimony on Sunday before the International Chamber of Commerce Court of Arbitration in Paris in case number 26260/SPN/AB/CPB.
A top administration official told The Gazette that Mr Buhari was reluctant to give testimony on the matter. Still, Attorney-General Lateef Fagbemi visited him at his residence in Daura last week to compel his appearance.
“The AGF made it clear to the president that he must be in Paris,” the official said under anonymity to discuss the situation.
President Bola Tinubu approved the decision to haul his predecessor before the foreign arbitration panel, the source added. It’s rare for a Nigerian president to appear in a court case over actions he took while in office, as former executive aides are usually saddled with answering for all powers exercised on behalf of the president during their tenures. In 2017, former President Goodluck Jonathan shunned a Nigerian court subpoena to appear in a criminal trial in Abuja.
Mr Fagbemi and two presidential spokespersons did not immediately respond to a request for comments about the administration’s decision. A spokesman for Mr Buhari could not be reached on Saturday evening.
Mr Buhari’s government was accused of withholding about $200 million in payments previously approved for the project, which was to be launched in conjunction with a Chinese consortium.
Court filings showed former Attorney-General Abubakar Malami communicated the decision to truncate the agreement to Mr Adesanya and Mambilla Power on April 22, 2020.
However, when Mr Adesanya protested the action against his company, Nigerian authorities sought to arrest him and charge him with bribery and economic sabotage. He denied the allegations and proceeded to arbitration.
Mr Adesanya was also forced to defend himself against EFCC’s decision to declare him wanted in Nigerian courts. He was charged alongside Olu Agunloye, a former power minister under Mr Obasanjo.
Mr Adesanya said he sought to ensure sustainable power in Nigeria when he proposed constructing the Mambilla Hydroelectric Power Project through Sunrise Ltd as the special purpose vehicle to drive the project.
Why wouldn't our military keep their mouth shut and get this modaforker down before announcing failure......they are making this guy appear larger than he actually is. Americans killed Osama in another man's country and announced it when they have thrown his body into the ocean, Israel too. All we hear from our weak military is nearly nearly everytime.
Nigerians, Indians top list of 50,000 international students who failed to report to Canadian colleges, varsities
About 50,000 international students issued permits to study in Canada in 2024 failed to report to colleges and universities where they enrolled. India, China, Nigeria, Ghana, and six other countries rank among the top 10 countries with the highest number of such international students.
“In a shocking revelation, close to 50,000 international students who were issued study permits to pursue higher education in Canada were reported as ‘no-shows’ by the colleges and universities where they were supposed to be enrolled, according to government data from spring 2024,” Immigration News Canada reported on Thursday.
It added, “This figure, representing 6.9% of all international students tracked by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), highlights an alarming trend that has sparked nationwide discussions about the effectiveness of Canada’s international student compliance system.”
India ranked first on the list with about 20,000 students who failed to show up in the respective Canadian universities they enrolled, followed by China with about 4,200 students.
Nigeria ranked third with about 3,900 students, while Ghana ranked fourth with about 2,700 students. Iran, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Bangladesh, Vietnam, Rwanda and the Philippines also ranked among the top 10.
Experts have attributed increased non-compliance among international students to exploitation by fraudulent agents, illegal U.S. border crossing and work and residency aspirations.
The increase in the ‘no-shows’ came amid moves by the Canadian government to cut down on the influx of migrants.
Last year, Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, announced that the 2025–2027 Immigration Levels Plan will pause population growth in the short term to achieve well-managed, sustainable growth in the long term.
UK Court Jails Nigerian Man 10 Years After Brutal Rape Of Woman In Nottingham
Olatunji was arrested shortly afterward and subsequently charged with three counts of rape.
A 35-year-old Nigerian, Timilehin Olatunji, has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for the rape of a woman at a property in Nottingham during the early hours of September 29, 2024.
It was gathered that the victim courageously used a mobile app to record audio evidence of the attack before escaping and reporting the crime to Nottinghamshire Police.
Following the report, Olatunji was arrested shortly afterward and subsequently charged with three counts of rape.
He pleaded guilty to the charges.
During the sentencing at Nottingham Crown Court on Wednesday, January 15, Judge Michael Auty described the assault as "despicable and vile" and "beyond rational understanding."
He condemned Olatunji's actions, saying: "You took it upon yourself to rape her in the most brutal, sadistic, and cruel way imaginable."
Olatunji has also been placed on the Sex Offenders' Register for life and is subject to an indefinite restraining order to protect the victim.
In a statement released on Thursday, Nottinghamshire Police commended the victim’s bravery and reaffirmed their commitment to supporting survivors of sexual violence.
Detective Constable Emily Bucklow, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “The recorded evidence of Olatunji’s horrific assault made this case particularly harrowing for all the officers who worked on it.
“It is one of the most upsetting things I have had to listen to in my policing career and only enhances my admiration for this victim’s bravery.
“I would also like to commend her for the courage she showed following Olatunji’s arrest and dignity during the subsequent court proceedings," Emily said.
The detective said, “He subjected her to a violent, degrading and sustained ordeal but she has shown immense bravery to help us bring him to justice.
“I hope the sentence handed down will at least provide some closure to what must have been an acutely distressing period of her life.
“I also hope the sentencing of Olatunji will encourage other victims of rape and serious sexual assault to have the confidence to come forward and report offenders.
“Our experienced officers are here to help the victims of appalling crimes like this," Emily added.
I celebrated Tinubu’s election victory but he has no plan – Bauchi governor
Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State The Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed has said that as an opposition governor during the 2023 general elections, he jumped in jubilation over the victory of President Bola Tinubu, believing that is Uhuru but in the long run, “freedom and development are eluding us.”
Mohammed said that Tinubu came to power without a blueprint or a manifesto, adding that he is surrounded by people who are “misfits.”
He said this while responding to questions from journalists when he received the Founder and General Overseer of Omega Fire Ministry, Apostle Johnson Suleiman, who paid him a courtesy visit at the Government House, Bauchi on Wednesday, during his two days crusade in the State.
His words: “I respect President Tinubu so much. But someone must rise to the occasion and tell him the truth that he is surrounded by misfits and I can now understand from the Man of God, definitely, he (Tinubu) came into governance ill prepared, without an agenda and without a manifesto.
“We believe so much in him because of his pedigree and antecedents as a Lagos State Governor who was able to do the magic. I was jumping when he became the President even though from a different party.
“I thought the Uhuru had come, but I have seen freedom and development eluding us and I must advise as a statesman, as a responsible citizen, as a head of a sub-national, that you cannot stifle the aspiration of Nigerians by making all the citizens of Nigeria just customers in a bid to actualize your aspiration.”
Mohammed maintained that he has no personal grudge against the President whom he noted he has so much respect for, but was only against policies introduced by his administration which will have negative consequences on the people.
“First of all, I want to seize this opportunity to clarify in the presence of a Man of God, Apostle Johnson Suleiman, I don’t have any personal grudge against the President. I am one of those who respect the institution of leadership, especially that of the President.
“You know my antecedents in the Senate when I rose for the Doctrine of Necessity. It was to dignify that office of the Vice President, where my boss (Goodluck Jonathan) became the President.
“We should see Nigerians as citizens not as customers, we should not bring policies that will divide us, we should live and let live. We should respect our diversities. We should not practice impunity where people feel that they are shortchanged, we should practice inclusivity the way Prophet Suleiman is going around, a global icon, a universal preacher, a young person who has risen to the occasion going to all the nooks and crannies. He heard voices from doubting Thomases but he still came to Bauchi,” he said.
The Governor said: “That is why I want the President to believe me, I mean well. I’m just trying to say that, in your governance, you can do it better by accommodation, by inclusion, and by coming up with a strict vision where you want to take Nigerians to.
“It should not be a fire brigade approach where you will be running after policies and programmes that are alien to us, that are not understood and may be misconstrued.
“It is because they don’t have any clear-cut vision, they are always taking us to a road of perdition and destruction. And that is why when I talk, I talk about the tax, it is not because I don’t want reforms, but I want a reform that will have a positive impact on us. I don’t have anything against the President other than respect.”
PressMyButton: That landmark owner thinks he's smart but he's not at all, he wants to act like a Mafia boss but he's still a learner. Going to different states with shorelines and then bribing the Governors to grant his access to the land. I think his lawyer will educate him that All shorelines in the country belongs to the federal government, most importantly, 250m of the shorelines automatically belongs to the FG. With the greed in his eyes, I do not have any pity for him, I only pity the stakeholders that have invested their money in his business, the banks that borrowed him money knows how to get back their money if he enters trouble with those state governors.
Ok sir......hope you have food to eat tonight, cos una own an just do write nonsense on nairaland without sustainable bank account balance.
In a few days, Earth will witness a rare event straight out of a sci-fi movie
Imagine gazing up at the night sky and spotting a second moon gracefully orbiting our planet, even if just for a short while. This extraordinary event is set to become reality in the coming days as a small asteroid prepares to join Earth’s celestial dance, creating a spectacle that feels like something straight out of a science fiction novel.
A Temporary Second Moon – Asteroid 2024 PT5 Earlier this year, the ATLAS (Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System), funded by NASA, detected a tiny asteroid named 2024 PT5. Originating from the Arjuna asteroid belt, which orbits the Sun, this asteroid is on a unique path that will bring it into a temporary orbit around Earth for about two months. Scientists from the Complutense University of Madrid have meticulously tracked its journey over the past three weeks, confirming that 2024 PT5 will become a fleeting companion to our planet.
Dr. Elena Martínez, a prominent astronomer involved in the study, shared her excitement: “Capturing an asteroid like 2024 PT5 is a rare opportunity. It allows us to study the gravitational interactions between Earth and near-Earth objects in unprecedented detail.”
Tracking the Journey of 2024 PT5 The journey of 2024 PT5 is a testament to the advancements in asteroid detection and tracking technologies. Thanks to the ATLAS system based in Sutherland, South Africa, scientists were able to identify and monitor this asteroid long before it approached Earth. Over 21 days, researchers analyzed its trajectory, predicting that Earth’s gravitational pull would temporarily capture it, creating what can be described as a “mini-moon.”
Historically, similar events have occurred, though rarely. For instance, asteroid 2020 CD3 was captured by Earth’s gravity for several years before it eventually drifted away in 2020. Another asteroid, 2022 NX1, served as a temporary moon twice—in 1981 and 2022—and is expected to return around 2051. Compared to its predecessors, 2024 PT5 is larger and is projected to remain in Earth’s vicinity until approximately 2055.
Two Months and Then It’s Gone The gravitational dance between Earth and 2024 PT5 will last for about two months. During this period, the asteroid will follow a horseshoe-shaped orbit around our planet, maintaining a close but temporary relationship. On January 9, 2025, 2024 PT5 will make its closest approach before resuming its usual path around the Sun.
Read Germany tested a four-day workweek and the verdict is clear: 73% of companies won’t go back to the five-day workweek While this event won’t be visible to the naked eye for most people, it presents a fascinating opportunity for professional astronomers equipped with powerful telescopes. “Amateur astronomers might miss this event without specialized equipment, but the data we gather will be invaluable for understanding asteroid behavior and Earth’s gravitational influences,” explained Dr. Martínez.
After leaving Earth’s orbit, 2024 PT5 will remain in our celestial neighborhood for a few more months before drifting away. Its next return is anticipated in about three decades, adding a layer of anticipation for future observations.
The Significance of Temporary Moons Temporary moons like 2024 PT5 offer more than just a celestial show; they provide scientists with crucial insights into the dynamics of near-Earth objects and their interactions with our planet’s gravity. Organizations like NASA emphasize the importance of studying these events to enhance asteroid detection systems and refine our understanding of potential impact threats.
Dr. Martínez notes, “Every temporary moon we capture helps us improve our models and prepare for any future encounters with larger asteroids. It’s a step forward in both protecting our planet and expanding our knowledge of the solar system.”
Looking Ahead to Future Celestial Events As we prepare to witness 2024 PT5’s brief companionship with Earth, this event serves as a reminder of the ever-changing nature of our solar system. It highlights the importance of continued investment in space observation technologies and international collaboration in monitoring celestial bodies.
Astronomers are already looking forward to the next encounter, anticipating that each temporary moon will bring new data and deepen our understanding of the cosmos. “Every time we capture an asteroid, it’s a step forward in safeguarding our planet and expanding our knowledge of the universe,” concludes Dr. Martínez.
With 2024 PT5 set to grace our skies soon, we stand on the brink of witnessing a real-life event that mirrors the wonders of science fiction, reinforcing the intricate dance between Earth and the myriad objects that share its celestial neighborhood.
Jack Smith led two investigations into Trump, but later dropped both
Jack Smith, the special counsel who led two federal criminal cases against Donald Trump, has resigned from the Justice Department before the president-elect takes office later this month.
According to a court filing submitted on Saturday, Mr Smith "separated from the Department" on Friday.
CBS News, the BBC's US media partner, reported in November that Smith would resign from the Justice Department after completing his work.
Mr Smith's departure comes amid a dispute over the release of his report into the findings of Trump's classified documents case.
Mr Smith was appointed as special counsel in 2022 to oversee two Justice Department cases into Trump - one over the alleged improper hoarding of classified documents and the other over an alleged attempt to interfere in the 2020 election outcome.
Both cases resulted in criminal charges against Trump, who pleaded not guilty and sought to cast the prosecutions as politically motivated.
Mr Smith's cases against the president-elect were closed last year following Trump's presidential election win. Prosecutors wrote that Justice Department regulations forbid the prosecution of a sitting president.
CBS reported in November that Mr Smith's resignation was expected as it would allow him to leave his post without being fired by Trump or the incoming president's attorney general.
His exit means he leaves without either of his criminal prosecutions of Trump seeing trial.
Earlier this week, US District Judge Aileen Cannon - who oversaw the classified documents case and controversially dismissed it last July - temporarily barred Mr Smith and Attorney General Merrick Garland from "releasing, sharing, or transmitting" the report about the case.
Trump's legal team received a draft copy of the report last weekend and it was expected to be released as soon as Friday.
The move by Judge Cannon came after attorneys for Trump's former co-defendants in the case - Walt Nauta and Carlos de Oliveir - called on her to intervene. Both men had pleaded not guilty.
Judge Cannon ordered the release be put on hold until a higher appeals court, the Eleventh Circuit in Atlanta, considered an emergency appeal from Mr Nauta and Mr De Oliveir.
By law, special counsels must present the findings of their investigations to the Justice Department, which is headed by the attorney general. Garland has promised to release all reports to the public and has so far done so.
A guide to Donald Trump's four criminal cases Trump's attorneys argued that Mr Smith did not have the legal authority to submit the classified documents report because he was unconstitutionally picked to do the job and was politically motivated.
Trump's legal team also wrote to Garland not to release the report, and urged him to end the "weaponisation of the justice system".
On Friday, a judge sentenced Trump to an "unconditional discharge" in a criminal case related to hush money payments, meaning he has been spared jail and a fine, but he will still take office as the first US president with a felony conviction.
These men were recorded whipping a married woman and her lover as punishment for their affair. In the background, the woman's husband can be heard repeatedly asking how many times the man had been intimate with his wife. @PoliceZimbabwe
These men were recorded whipping a married woman and her lover as punishment for their affair. In the background, the woman's husband can be heard repeatedly asking how many times the man had been intimate with his wife. WHAT SHOULD BE DONE TO THOSE WHO CHEAT IN A RELATIONSHIP?
Click "Like" Beat Them Both "Share" Report To Police
Man caught wife and a man on their matrimonial Bed sweating It Out...
Husband allegedly caught his wife cheating at their house, instructed them not to get dressed, and then called a family meeting.
He caught his wife in his bed in his house with another man. Then made them sit down, sweating and all, with only a blanket to cover themselves. Then he called the uncle's as well as his wife's relatives. Oh he called the man's wife too. Video in comments
FG seals $70m deal with John Deere to boost food production
IITA, others connect 267 youths, women with agripreneurs
The Federal Government, through the National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF), has signed a contract with AGCOMS International Trading Limited, a sub-dealer of John Deere, to supply 2,000 mechanised equipment and boost food production.
The equipment includes tractors, plows, and combined harvesters targeted at boosting food security in the country.
The contract, worth $70 million, includes the supply of 2,000 tractors, 100 combined harvesters and other equipment such as plows, planters, and trailers.
The equipment will be assembled in Nigeria, as training and product support will be provided to ensure the sustainability of the program.
Speaking at the signing ceremony which held at the minister’s office in Abuja on Thursday, January 9, 2025, Abubakar Kyari, minister of agriculture and food Slsecurity said, “The programme is part of the federal government’s efforts to mechanise agriculture in Nigeria and improve food production
“Sometime in October 2024, the Federal Executive Council.(FEC) approved the direct procurement of 2,000 tractors and several implements for every tractor” he said.
“And I believe for every tractor there will be a plow, planters, harrow, rigger, planters. There will also be 100 combined harvesters among others.”
The minister said the programme is expected to create jobs, increase food production, and reduce poverty in rural areas.
“The need for mechanisation programme seeks to increase, and improve our production, which we have challenges with because of mechanisation.
“We have been having a decline in farm operations in terms of aging farm operation as the youths are actually running away from agriculture because of the drudgery, thus the need for mechanization.”
In his remarks, Mohammed Abu, NADF executive secretary, said the NADF has been mandated to implement one of the four mechanisation programmes of the federal government, led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in his aspiration to see that Nigeria transits from monolithic economy and well-diversified economy.
“We have various mechanisation programmes and the NADF is implementing one”
“The one we’re implementing is the John Deere 2000 tractors. These are 2000 tractors, the riggers, plows, harrows, and all other equipments, plus 100 combined harvesters.
“We have also had a stakeholder engagement hosted by a mechanisation international partner, HAIFA, where we invited various mechanisation stakeholders and this will drive us to conclude on the implementation programme.
“The John Deere tractors hopefully would be delivered before the wet season.”
The executive secretary also said, “We have gone into another MOU with the Nigerian Ports Authority to provide the John Deere dealer outcomes, with a space within the ports or close to the ports where they would set up the assembly plant and then, hopefully, have these tractors delivered to the various parts of this country, as will be contained in the implementation programme.”
In his remarks, Chijioke Okoli, country director for AGCOMS International Trading Unit, who is the sub-dealers of John Deere in the country, said the contract signed is basically a procurement agreement, which is not just to bring tractors and dump and work away.
*First and foremost, there is a whole lineup of events that are attached to the procurement,” he said.
“The assembly plant plays a very crucial role because the people that will be opportune to go through the process with us will have the opportunity of having first-hand visibility on what it takes to put it together. So we can rest assured that this unit can confidently give us years, possibly decades of actual work on the field.
“The total procurement value is about 70 million USD, and that’s the value to get it down to the collection center in Abuja and Lagos. Now, it doesn’t just end with procurement. Training is also part of this. It’s at the core. Product support is also key. And based on what we’ve just signed up, it will be readily available to keep on supporting this unit.
“And there are several strategies already in play, which was activated two years back when we made a plan to originally start this. And that plan is to get a whole lot of our own local technicians so that whenever they see a joint contractor, they know there is a tractor they can be comfortable with operating.”
'Yoruba Nation Manual' Which Guides Self-Determination Struggle Is Already With Nigerian President — Prof Akintoye
Akintoye added that an activist, Sunday Adeyemo, more commonly called Sunday Igboho is not committing any crime under Nigerian law or the international community for leading a self-determination movement for the Indigenous Yoruba people
Prof. Banji Akintoye, Yoruba self-determination movement, Ilana Omo Oodua leader, has explained that the Yoruba self-determination struggle published a Manual since 2020 to guide the activities of the struggle and it is already with the Nigerian president.
Akintoye added that an activist, Sunday Adeyemo, more commonly called Sunday Igboho is not committing any crime under Nigerian law or the international community for leading a self-determination movement for the Indigenous Yoruba people
Akintoye's comments were in response to criticisms from Fulani leaders, including Prof Garus Gololo, who have accused Igboho of being a criminal.
However, Akintoye maintained that Igboho's actions align with international law and the Nigerian constitution, which guarantees the right to self-determination.
The historian also provided context to Igboho's intervention in Igangan, where he helped to expel Fulani militants who had been terrorising local communities.
Akintoye, in an article he wrote, described the Fulani agenda as a quest for territorial expansion and domination, which has resulted in violence and displacement of indigenous populations.
He wrote, "Prof. Gololo thinks that seeking self determination for one’s nation is a crime. This highly educated compatriot of ours is grossly wrong in that view. Demanding self determination for one’s nation is entirely in accordance with the provisions of international law and of Nigerian law. The United Nations Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous People affirms that indigenous peoples have the right to self determination, and that members of an indigenous people have the right to seek to retrieve their nation’s self determination from the country that their nation currently belongs to, provided that they do it without violence or disruptiveness.
“The African Charter of Human and People’s Rights fully affirms exactly the same. Now, since Nigeria is a member of the United Nations and the Africa Union and a signatory to these two international laws, both laws are parts of the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Former Nigerian President Buhari, speaking at the United Nations General Assembly in 2016 and 2017, acknowledged that if any nation in Nigeria seeks self determination peacefully, through a peaceful organisation, then the Nigeria state would have no other option than to negotiate with such a nation. President Buhari even added that it is immoral to deny self determination to any nation that peacefully seeks it.
“Therefore, since the Yoruba Self Determination Struggle is well known to be an avowedly and consistently peaceful and law-abiding movement, Sunday Igboho as a leader of it is breaking no law of Nigeria. No activist in the struggle for Yoruba self-determination and separation from Nigeria is breaking any law.
“As Prof. Gololo may not know, the Yoruba Self-determination Struggle published a Manual in 2020 to guide the activities of the struggle and t inform its Yoruba people and the rest of the world, about its chosen path to the self-determination of the Yoruba nation. Copies of this manual, titled YORUBA NATION CHOOSES THE NOBLE PATH TO ITS NOBLE GOAL, was sent to the President of Nigeria and to the Secretary General of the United Nations. In response to Prof. Gololo’s massively fiery attack against Sunday Igboho on social media, the highest organ of the Yoruba Self-determination Struggle has directed that the Manual be further widely disseminated – and that a copy must be made to reach Prof. Gololo.”
“Our Yoruba Self-determination Struggle is a peaceful, law-abiding, civilised and competent movement. We know our rights. We are charitable towards others. But we don’t tolerate unjust persecution of our people. We want our Fulani compatriots to give up their campaigns of falsehood against one of our foremost leaders, Sunday Igboho.
"By the grace of God, we Yoruba shall soon peacefully depart from Nigeria and begin, under our own patriotic and dedicated leaders, to live the life of progress and high-quality prosperity that we Yoruba love very much. We say proudly to the world that our new country shall be a friendly and helpful neighbour to all its neighbors, a country decently upholding the dignity of the Black Race, a country that all other countries in the world shall respect and confidently do business with,” the historian added.