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Senate 2019: Kogi East roots for Victor Adoji

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The people of Kogi East Senatorial District are in for a brighter future in 2019 and beyond as Dr. Victor Alewo Adoji, renowned technocrat throws the hat in the ring for the 2019 senatorial elections. Dr. Adoji is gearing to represent the senatorial district at the National Assembly. Already, there have been wild excitements everywhere you go as the electorates believe Adoji’s representation will be a sign of good things coming to the senatorial district.

Those spoken to said they were already heaving sighs of relief even though he has not yet won the seat, as they believe in the capabilities of Dr. Adoji to turn things around at Kogi East.

Dr. VAA, as he his fondly called, is regarded as a generous man, who has affected many lives both in the state and in other parts of the country. His aspiration to contest for Kogi East Senatorial District of the state is borne out of his zeal to enhance development in the state.

It was gathered that unlike some rich men who spend their money only where business relationships and connections can be fostered, Dr. Victor is noted for his generosity especially to those exposed to the scorching heat of poverty and wretchedness.

A Kogite, who gave his name as Johnson, stated that Dr. Victor gives to those who can hardly afford three-square meals.

“Now what does this mean to a rational Kogite? Of course, it portrays Dr. VAA as a true definition of a cordial relationship between the rich and the poor, the low and the mighty.

“Victor, as a genuine Christian, understands that whatever God gives him is for the benefit of mankind.

“Apart from these, identifying with the poor and the vulnerable shows his staunch belief and strict adherence to equality.

“He believes that all of us are equal irrespective of religion and social differences,” the Kogite said.

Investigations revealed that Dr VAA’s humane formula is a proof that he is a talent hunter and that he seeks and invests hugely in uncommon, but dying talents among Kogites, particularly those of Igala extraction.

Commenting on the philanthropist, one Oluwasegun from the state revealed that he received calls from employees, whose fortune had been changed dynamically by Adoji, adding that such people are currently meeting their daily needs conveniently from their various employment.

He said: “Without apology, Dr. VAA’s benevolence cannot be over-emphasized, even those sponsoring criticism against him know.

“Yet, some paid hooligans mischievously insinuated that Dr VAA hates anyone who is succeeding.

“They even went further to cite the example of an Igala guy, who suddenly became Victor’s arch-enemy because he is studying in the UK. Well, let me apologize for being unable to find a word that could best describe the sponsors of these lies from the pit of hell.”

A source in the state said that for posterity sake, Dr. Victor Adoji’s senatorial aspiration symbolizes a revolution from hardship to abundance, darkness to light; political bondage to freedom amongst other numerous benefits that would accrue to the people once he gets into office.

He added that contrary to some ‘psychopathic insinuations’ that Dr. VAA was seeking riches and worldly connections with his ambition, his victory at the polls will lead to an era of transparency and accountability.

According to him, it will be the beginning of giving true dividends of democracy to the people, and that it will be a time when a leader will be accessible to the electorates.

“Kogi East Senatorial District happens to have produced the largest local government in West Africa (Dekina), yet it hasn’t witnessed any tangible development due to poor representation in the legislature.

“Hence, there is an urgent need for the right technocrat to be in charge of legislation in the district to present bills and motions in an appropriate manner for the benefit of the constituents.

“Dr. Adoji has demonstrated his capacity in these areas. He has participated fully in the duty of uniting Igalas.

“He has put strategies and suggestions forward to the betterment of our people both at home and abroad.

“Ufedo, Udama Unyogba Ane Igala, an Abuja based NGO, testified to this when it made Dr. VAA chairman at one of its annual conferences. Members of Igala Association, USA were also living witnesses when Dr. Victor served as one of the dignitaries that graced their gathering a few years back.

“Dr VAA’s message has been no to nepotism, marginalization, self-centeredness, social and ethnic differences. As a matter of fact, Victor is the ladder which the people of Kogi East should climb for socio-economic and political revolution,” he said.

We were informed that the battle for a better Kogi East Federal Constituency will not be won with politicos and politicking, but with purposeful, visionary candidature with well-defined attributes both intellectually and politically.

A concerned resident of the senatorial district, who simply gave his name as Jacob, said that “just as an African democratic hero puts it; I am sick and tired of the crumbs of compassion thrown from the table of those, who consider themselves my lords and masters, I want a full menu of rights.

“It is far beyond the loyalty syndrome or the crumbs of compassion mentality. The election will not be won by politics of cluelessness. But it will be won by a man with a core Godly mindset with genuine and qualitative leadership attributes.

“This is where Dr. Victor Alewo Adoji belongs as the most credible candidate for the highly demanding assignment. He has laudable achievements of immeasurable value to his credit. Above all, his life personifies an act of Godliness, which gives a leader an opportunity to serve well,” Jacob added.

We were told that Dr. Victor Alewo Adoji’s mission and vision towards Kogi East Senatorial Districts could be described as that of Moses, who was sent by God to lead the Israelites to their Promised Land (Cannan).

It was learned that his huge investment in Igala sons’ and daughters’ academic career shows a greater light on the horizon for the confluence city.

“So, let’s see it beyond sentiment and stipends with which our destiny is always exchanged and vote Dr. VAA as the people’s senator in 2019. His campaign, which will commence shortly, is a moving train that will hold sway on every nooks and cranny of Kogi East.

“Hence, people of like minds must join this train to vote out poverty, hunger, bad road and other issues that have threatened our very existence as a people,” said a Kogite, Mr. Oluwanisola.

“As a bonafide indigene of Dekina LGA, I know the general language when it comes to infrastructural development.

“Our people are used to the dilapidated state of roads, electricity, water and other social amenities. In fact, as economically viable as the land is, no tangible developmental project has been done in the area over the years.

“Therefore, if there is anything called the struggle for a better Kogi Eastern Senatorial district, that alone I am willing to shed my blood for because my root and the people of the area have fallen victims severally to economic and political misrepresentation,” Victor Adoji was quoted to have said at a gathering recently.

A Kogite, who was reacting to an article written by Mr. John Paul with the title, “Dr Victor Alewo Adoji is a star in the Darkened skies” testified to Dr. VAA’s generosity this way ; “Bros thank you for that wonderful piece. I owe everything I am present to God and Dr Adoji.

“I lost my dad when I was in SSS two and after writing my SSCE, I lost hope of going to the university.

“So, I started living the normal guy life. But on that memorable morning, I was in the church (United Evangelical Church) playing the musical instrument as usual, when I met Dr. Adoji.

“After the people had given offering, Dr. Victor asked me publicly about what I was doing for a living. I told him I had been writing JAMB for four years now, but that I was unable to secure admission due to financial constraint.

“Behold! The man of God said to me that God told him to see me through the university. Right now, I am in 300 level in the university. We are about 10 students in my school that are being sponsored by Dr. VAA.”

Another Kogite, a Muslim-turned-Christian lady from Ogun State, said that she was subjected to constant torture by her very dedicated Muslim, but poor family, for accepting Jesus Christ.

The lady stated that she was actually able to complete her secondary school education with the help of the presiding minister in her local church before the pastor was transferred from Ogun State to Lagos State.

She however, said that her story changed completely the day she visited the pastor and his family in Lagos, where she met Dr. VAA, who she said later gave her scholarship for her university education.

Our investigations revealed further that Dr. Victor Alewo Adoji has all the qualities to represent his people at the red chamber and that he would do his best to attract more developments to the senatorial district in four years.

Dr. Victor Adoji was born on 29th May 1917. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Economics from the University of Jos, and master’s degrees in economics, Business Administration with bias in Corporate Strategy from Bayero University, Kano, and another master’s degree in Entrepreneurship from the ITTL-DRC, University of Phoenix, USA. Adoji also obtained a PhD in credit Management.

He is a fellow of Institute of Credit Administration (FICA) and an International Certified Credit Fellow (ICCF). He is a member of several professional and academic bodies in Nigeria and beyond. He has won numerous awards over the years in recognition of his meritorious and excellent.

He was deputy editor, the business section of the Northern-based Concern magazine and joined the services of Zenith Bank Plc in 2000.

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AIR PEACE ADDRESSES IN-FLIGHT THEFT INCIDENT ON FLIGHT P47190

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We confirm an incident of in-flight theft onboard Flight P47190 on February 19, 2025. The airline reiterates its unwavering commitment to passenger safety and security and has taken decisive action in response to the situation.

During the flight, a passenger was found in possession of a missing item following a thorough search conducted upon landing at Port Harcourt International Airport (PHC). The suspect was subsequently handed over to the airport police for further investigation and necessary action.

Air Peace is deeply concerned by the rising trend of in-flight thefts observed in recent weeks. To curb this menace, the airline is implementing enhanced surveillance measures onboard its flights. Cabin crew members have been advised to heighten their vigilance throughout the journey, and in-flight announcements will be intensified to sensitize passengers on the importance of securing their belongings and reporting any suspicious activities immediately.

Furthermore, the airline is taking a firm stance against such criminal acts by recommending the blacklisting of the identified suspect, reinforcing its zero-tolerance policy for any misconduct that compromises the safety and comfort of passengers.

Air Peace remains committed to delivering a safe, secure, and world-class travel experience for all passengers. The airline urges the public to cooperate with its security protocols and report any suspicious behaviour to ensure a seamless and enjoyable journey for everyone.

 

 

SIGNED

Dr. Ejike Ndiulo

Head, Corporate Communications

Air Peace Limited

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Court orders final forfeiture of Emefiele’s $4.7m, N830m, properties

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A federal high court in Lagos has ordered the permanent forfeiture of $4.7 million, N830 million, and properties linked to Godwin Emefiele, former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

 

Yellim Bogoro, the presiding judge, granted the final forfeiture application brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), in a judgement delivered on Friday.

 

The funds, now forfeited to the federal government, were held in First Bank, Titan Trust Bank, and Zenith Bank accounts managed by individuals and entities including Omoile Anita Joy, Deep Blue Energy Service Limited, Exactquote Bureau De Change Ltd, Lipam Investment Services Limited, Tatler Services Limited, Rosajul Global Resources Ltd, and TIL Communication Nigeria Ltd.

 

 

Properties affected by the interim forfeiture include 94 units of an 11-floor building under construction at 2 Otunba Elegushi 2nd Avenue, Ikoyi, Lagos; AM Plaza, an 11-floor office space on Otunba Adedoyin Crescent, Lekki Peninsula Scheme 1, Lagos; Imore Industrial Park 1 on Esa Street, Imoore Land, Amuwo Odofin LGA, Lagos; Mitrewood and Tatler Warehouse (Furniture Plant at Bogije) near Elemoro, Owolomi Village, Ibeju-Lekki LGA, Lagos; and two properties purchased from Chevron Nigeria, located in Lakes Estate, Lekki, Lagos.

 

 

Additional properties include a plot at Lekki Foreshore Estate Scheme, Foreshore Estate, Eti-Osa, LGA; an estate at 100 Cottonwood Coppel Texas Drive, Coppel, Texas, owned by Lipam Investment Services; land at 1 Bunmi Owulude Street, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos; and a property at 8 Bayo Kuku Road, Ikoyi, Lagos.

 

Justice Bogoro held that all these properties and funds are proceeds of unlawful activities which are bound to be forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria.

 

 

The judge held: “I find that the activities of the respondents here were unlawful. Why should they have a problem of dollars immediately Godwin Emefiele left CBN as a governor of the Bank and salary could not be made?

 

“I hold that they are not legitimate business activities.

 

“I hold that Anita Omoile is a close crony of the former CBN governor Godwin Emefiele who has been given undue influence to unlawfully sway dollars from CBN.

 

 

Consequently, I find that all the monies and properties in the schedule are finally forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria.”

 

The EFCC through its counsel Rotimi Oyedepo SAN had cited Section 17 of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006, and Section 44(2)(b) of the Nigerian Constitution in its application, seeking an interim forfeiture on the grounds that the funds and properties were suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities.

 

Justice Bogoro, finding merit in the EFCC’s application, ordered the interim forfeiture and mandated the publication of the order in a national newspaper.

 

 

Following the failure of the defendants or anyone else to prove that the funds legitimately belonged to them, the judge then made the interim order permanent.

 

Today’s order is another testament to the EFCC’s commendable assets recovery and anti-corruption efforts under its Executive Chairman Mr Ola Olukoyede.

 

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Halt campaign against NNPC’s progress

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By: Emmanuel Akanni

 

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) has again been the target of a deliberate misinformation campaign aimed at tarnishing its reputation and undermining the remarkable strides it has made recently.

 

 

After failing to discredit the accomplishments of the Mele Kyari-led management—most notably the revitalisation of the 60,000-barrel-per-day Port Harcourt Refinery, which had been non-operational for over 30 years, and the successful restreaming of the Warri Refining & Petrochemicals Company on December 30, 2024—critics have turned to spreading false claims about the quality of fuel supplied by NNPC Ltd.

 

In a recent viral video, a content creator claimed to have bought a litre of Dangote petrol from the MRS filling station in Lagos at N925 and another litre of PMS from an NNPC station at N945. The video showed two new generators running the fuel, and according to him, the generator running the NNPCL fuel stopped after 17 minutes, while the Dangote petrol lasted for 33 minutes.

 

 

Of course, the controversial video was sponsored to damage the reputation of NNPC Ltd, having recorded major milestones under Kyari. The video, which was done in bad faith, portrayed the NNPC Ltd. as a supplier of substandard fuel, an allegation too weighty to be overlooked.

 

Dismissing the claims, Olufemi Soneye, the Chief Corporate Communications Officer at the NNPC Ltd., said, “The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Ltd strongly refutes the false and misleading allegations made in a viral video circulating online, which claims that NNPC fuel does not last. This assertion is baseless and entirely unfounded, originating from unverified and amateur research that lacks credibility, accuracy, and professional oversight.”

 

 

The NNPC Ltd reaffirmed that its fuel was carefully formulated with one of the best compositions, ensuring optimal efficiency, durability, and environmental sustainability for consumers.

 

 

“Furthermore, it is important to emphasize that a significant percentage of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) sold at NNPC retail stations in Lagos—where this deceptive video was created—is sourced from the Dangote Refinery, a strategic partner in promoting local production and energy security. Dangote Refinery adheres to strict industry standards, guaranteeing the quality of petroleum products supplied to our consumers,” NNPC Ltd. added.

 

According to Soneye, the misleading video was another desperate attempt by economic saboteurs to misinform the public and tarnish NNPC Ltd’s reputation.

 

 

Vowing that the NNPC would no longer tolerate malicious and deliberate misinformation designed to undermine its operations and mislead Nigerians, the company warned of dire legal consequences for the merchants of misinformation and campaigners of calumny against it.

 

 

“Henceforth, NNPC Ltd will take firm legal action against individuals or groups who intentionally spread falsehoods about our brand and operations. Those engaged in such malicious activities will be held fully accountable under the law,” Soneye added.

 

The Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN), after thorough testing, condemned the amateurish video and submitted that the fuel supplied by NNPC  Ltd. meets the highest industry standards.

 

 

“We urge content creators not to joke with sensitive matters that can collapse the economy,” said Billy Gillis-Harry, the PETROAN president.

 

The viral video lacks scientific proof, inappropriate, offensive and unethical. The content creator should have opted for laboratory analysis and not a social media stunt aimed at discrediting a particular brand against the other. It was a bad comparative and combative advertising dangerous to both brands.

 

The sustained campaign to demarket the NNPC Ltd started after the company, under Kyari’s sound leadership, reopened the Old Port Harcourt Refinery on Tuesday, November 26, 2024, apparently to the disappointment of forces against the revival of the country’s four refineries.

 

Attempts by sceptics to rubbish the achievement recorded with the Port Harcourt refinery were roundly repudiated by the NNPCL, workers at the refinery, experts, and delegates from the Presidency, Nigeria Labour Congress, Trade Union Congress, Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, and Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers. However, traducers will stop at nothing to carry out their nefarious agenda.

 

Let it be known that those fabricating lies to destroy NNPC’s reputation are fighting a lost war. Nobody can demarket a company that is doing well and consistently breaking new ground. From what was believed to be a cesspool of corruption to an organisation guided by sound management, transparency and corporate governance, Kyari and his team are doing a good job. The NNPC Ltd remains steadfast in its mission to ensure fuel availability, affordability, and quality for all Nigerians while maintaining global industry standards.

 

Of course, the coming of the $23 billion Dangote Refinery has changed the Nigerian downstream landscape igniting competition and a recent price war; such development is welcome and the expectation is that demand and supply forces would continue to drive the market. It is, however, important to keep the competition healthy and virile. No need to demarket one another. The downstream market should be a level playing field for all.

 

Recall that Kyari played a pivotal role in supporting the Dangote Refinery by securing a $1 billion loan backed by NNPC’s crude reserves. The strategic move not only addressed liquidity challenges but also ensured the successful completion of Dangote Refinery.

 

This, according to NNPC Ltd., underscores Kyari’s commitment to fostering public-private partnerships that deliver long-term value to the nation.

 

The NNPCL boss was said to have considered the investment in the Dangote Refinery as a strategic move aimed at strengthening domestic fuel supply.

 

“A strategic decision to secure a $1 billion loan backed by NNPC’s crude was instrumental in supporting the 650,000-barrel-per-day Dangote Refinery during liquidity challenges, paving the way for the establishment of Nigeria’s first private refinery. This initiative underscores NNPC’s dedication to fostering public-private partnerships that drive national development,” Soneye, the NNPC spokesman, had said at a recent Energy Relations Stakeholder Engagement in Abuja.

 

The Kyari-must-go campaigners have also joined the smear campaign against NNPC Ltd., sponsoring opinion pieces and media publications in an attempt to undermine the company’s progress. However, no amount of negative rhetoric can diminish the achievements NNPC Ltd. has made under Kyari’s leadership.

 

Apart from the refineries, NNPC Ltd. under Kyari declared N3.297 trillion profit for the 2023 financial year, the highest in its 46-year history and an increase of over N700 billion (28%) when compared to the 2022 profit of N2.548 trillion. This, of course, has been credited to the stringent financial management strategies deployed by Kyari and his team.

 

In 2021, NNPC declared profit in its operations for the first time.  From a loss position of N803 billion in 2018, it reduced the loss further down to N1.7 billion in 2019.

 

However, in 2020, it posted its ‘first-ever’ profit of N287 billion, then in 2021, it recorded an N674.1 billion profit and in 2022, the profit grew to N2.548, an unprecedented achievement in its financial performance. In a company where profitability was like an anathema, Kyari has bucked the trend and changed the narrative by posting profit year-on-year.

 

Efforts to discredit NNPC Ltd. are futile in the face of the company’s impressive performance. While constructive criticism is welcomed, malicious campaigns to harm the company’s reputation are unacceptable. NNPC Ltd. should continue to fight against such attacks and stand firm in its commitment to serving the nation.

 

Emmanuel Akanni, an energy analyst, writes from Lagos.

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