News
Rotarian Ayodele Steven PHF, joined Hands To Combat Heat Waves And Promote Tree Planting In Gwagwalada Area Council
By Tambaya Julius
In a collective display of strong determination and a shared commitment to combat the challenging heat waves in Gwagwalada Area Council, 25 Rotary Clubs both within and beyond Abuja converged yesterday.
The concerted effort aimed to encourage the habit of tree planting, aligning with the visionary proposal put forth by the esteemed Hope President of Rotary International of Gwagwalada Rotary Club.
The visionary Rotarian Ayodele Steven PHF saw his proposed project spring to life, making a significant impact.
Gwagwalada Rotary Club, under the leadership of Rotarian Ayodele Steven PHF, opened its doors to Rotary Clubs and numerous partners, uniting in a gesture of communal love.
The focal point of this gathering was the planting of an impressive 1000 trees during a single flag-off ceremony.
This transformative event took place along Nigeria Customs College Road, Gwagwalada, marking a powerful step towards environmental preservation.
This impactful partnership was orchestrated by the adept Office of the Zone 2 District 9125 Chair of Supporting the Environment.
Collaborating seamlessly with PurpleHands Empowerment Initiative, FCTA Department of Parks and Garden, Forestry Department of the Federal Ministry of Environment, and P.I.B. Global Services, the event gained significant momentum.
Notably, P.I.B. Global Services stands as the distinguished producer of Biochar Tree organic fertilizers, contributing to the event’s sustainability.
The event garnered the esteemed presence of significant figures, including His Royal Highness, the Aguma of Gwagwalada, who holds the esteemed position of the number 1 traditional Ruler of Gwagwalada.
The event also saw the participation of key authorities such as the FCT Comptrollers of Nigeria Immigration and Correctional Services, Area Commander of NDLEA, Centre Director of the National Open University of Nigeria’s Faculty of Agriculture, Uniabuja, and the Department of Forestry from Gwagwalada Area Council.
The event was graced by numerous guests representing diverse walks of life.
During this momentous occasion, representatives from Rotary International District 9125 in Nigeria delivered insightful speeches.
The District Governor Nominee eloquently described tree planting as a spiritual act with profound medicinal benefits.
Meanwhile, Rotarian Agwu IJEOMA Joyce, President of all Club Presidents in Abuja, emphasized that tree planting is a lifestyle choice, echoing the sentiment of giving back and nurturing the environment for a better existence.
Rotarian Ayodele Steven, the President of Rotary Club of Gwagwalada FCT, addressed the press, expressing immense personal satisfaction over the resounding success of the project.
With unwavering commitment, he assured sustained efforts and the continuation of the project, promising enduring benefits for the local populace.
By Abubakar Yunusa
Dangote Petroleum Refinery has slashed its ex-depot price of premium motor spirit (PMS), also known as petrol, to N825.
Esan Sunday, head of media relations and branding communications at Dangote Group, announced the reduction in a statement on Wednesday.
The development comes more than three weeks after the refinery reduced petrol price from N950 per litre to N890.
The new price means that the refinery has significantly cut the ex-depot price by N125 from N950 per litre in January.
“This recent price reduction will also ensure that Nigerians pay between N860 and N865 per litre for petrol at the pump in Lagos,” the statement reads.
“This strategic price adjustment is designed to provide essential relief to Nigerians in celebration of the Ramadan season, while also supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic recovery policy by alleviating the financial burden on the Nigerian populace.
“It is important to note that Dangote Petroleum Refinery has consistently lowered the prices of petrol and other refined petroleum products to the benefit of Nigerians.
“This marks the second reduction of PMS prices in February 2025, following a previous decrease of N60 earlier in the month.
“Additionally, in December 2024, during the yuletide period, the refinery reduced the price of PMS by N70.50, from N970 to N899.50 per litre, as part of its commitment to easing the cost of living and providing relief to Nigerians during the holiday season.”
The oil firm refinery also said previous reductions have positively impacted the overall cost of living, benefiting various sectors of the economy.
Dangote refinery added that its high-quality products, which have become a favourite in both domestic and international markets, will remain available nationwide, particularly through its key partners — MRS Holdings, AP (Ardova Petroleum), and Heyden — at market-friendly rates.
The organisation assured the public of a consistent supply of petroleum products, with sufficient reserves to meet domestic demand and a surplus for export, thereby boosting the country’s foreign exchange (FX) earnings.
The refinery also called on marketers to support the initiative, ensuring that Nigerians remain the primary beneficiaries of its effort
Abdullahi Ganduje, the national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), says the ruling party had a debt of N8.9 billion when he assumed office.
Ganduje took over from Abdullahi Adamu, who was the national chairman of the APC until his resignation in July 2023.
Speaking during the APC’s NEC meeting in Abuja on Wednesday, the former Kano governor said the expenses were incurred during pre-election legal battles, election cases, and appeals for legislative, governorship, and presidential elections.
“The current NWC inherited debts and legal liabilities to the total tune of N8,987,874,663, arising from various legal engagements,” Ganduje said.
However, the APC chairman said Kareem Kana, the national legal adviser, has been working to reduce the debt burden.
“We still passionately appeal to the national executive committee to intervene accordingly,” he said.
Earlier today, the chairman said the party is making efforts to mend internal divisions and bring aggrieved members back into the fold.
Ganduje explained that the APC had initiated high-level discussions among party leaders and stakeholders to address lingering disagreements and strengthen party unity.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned Jude Okoye, the elder brother and former manager of Paul and Peter Okoye of the defunct music group, P-Square, on charges of laundering ₦1.38billion, $ 1 million and £34,537.59.
Jude was arraigned alongside his company, Northside Music Ltd, before Justice Alexander Owoeye of the Federal High Court, Lagos, on a seven-count charge
One of the counts read: “That you, Jude Okoye Chigozie and Northside Music Ltd sometime in 2022, in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, did directly acquire a landed property known as No 5, Tony Eromosele Street Parkview Estate, Ikoyi, Lagos worth ₦850,000,000.00 (Eight hundred and fifty million naira) only, which money you knew or reasonably ought to have known forms part of proceeds of unlawful act and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 18 (2) (d) and punishable under Section 18 (3) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.”
Another count read: “That you, Jude Okoye Chigozie and Northside Music Ltd sometime in 2022, in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, did indirectly using bureau de change convert the sum of $1,019,762.87 (One million nineteen thousand, seven hundred and six-two dollars eighty-seven cents), domiciled in Access Bank Plc operated by Northside Music Lid to the naira equivalent and remitted into various bank accounts with the intention of concealing that the said fund form part of the proceeds of an unlawful act and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 18 (2)(a) and punishable under Section 18 (3) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.”
He pleaded “not guilty” to the charges.
In view of his plea, the prosecution counsel, Larry Peters Aso, applied for a date for hearing as well as for the remand of the defendant in the correctional facility pending trial.
The defendant’s counsel, Inibehe Effiong, informed the court of a pending bail application. He asked for a short date for the hearing. Effiong also asked that the defendant be remanded in the EFCC’s custody pending the hearing of the application.
Aso objected to the request for the defendant to be remanded in the EFCC custody. He argued that the EFCC custody was already congested with suspects awaiting arraignment. He urged the court to remand the defendant to the correctional facility since he had taken his plea.
Justice Owoeye adjourned the matter till February 28 for bail hearing and April 14 for trial.
He also ordered that the defendant be remanded in the Ikoyi correctional facility.