FEATURES

4 Cryptocurrencies To Buy in April 2025 — And Why

Admin

Since President Donald Trump’s reelection, the crypto market has been nothing but a wild ride. Cryptocurrencies soared to all-time highs and then plummeted. This volatility has left investors unsure of which digital currencies to invest in.

However, these four cryptocurrencies are showing strong potential and are worth adding to your portfolio this April.

Bitcoin

Bitcoin remains the undisputed king of crypto. With the increasing institutional adoption and Trump’s executive order to establish a strategic bitcoin reserve, bitcoin is more than just a speculative investment. This regulatory clarity could unlock a wave of institutional capital, driving bitcoin’s demand and long-term value.

Another major green light to buy bitcoin is the halving cycle, which happens roughly every four years, with the last one in mid-April 2024. This means the supply of bitcoin will continue to decrease in the coming years and may send the price higher.

With all these catalysts and the current dip, there’s no better time for investors considering adding bitcoin to their portfolios.

Ethereum

Ethereum, the world’s second largest cyrptocurrency, has tumbled more than 50% from its all-time highs. Is it worth buying the dip? The support from the Trump administration is one of the major factors to buy ethereum.

“Like it or not, if the Trump administration can light a fire on the cryptocurrency side of things, ethereum could potentially be a big beneficiary, and the value could increase significantly,” said John Foard, CFP and co-founder of Crown Advisors. “It’s slightly a speculative play, but worth a small allocation to see what happens.”

Solana

Solana’s current price of about $130 is down nearly 30% over the last year, presenting a buying opportunity for investors willing to take the risk.

“Solana dominates decentralized exchange volumes, surpassing ethereum, and is gaining institutional interest, with potential ETFs pending for SEC approval. It’s still a behemoth in the cryptosphere with no plans of slowing down growth,” said Utkarsh Ahuja, founder and managing partner at Moon Pursuit Capital.

And if solana ends up being held by the U.S. government in its national crypto reserve, this could be one of the catalysts to skyrocket the coin’s value. Plus, the meme-coin heist that happened in mid-February that tanked solana’s value could open room for more serious projects in DeFi and growth segments like infrastructure for operating AI agents.

XRP

XRP rebounded following Trump’s win and has since been on the watchlist of many investors. The good news is that it recently scored a major win after the SEC dropped its lawsuit against unregistered securities. This alone has made XRP an attractive investment, as banks and payment providers can now explore XRP’s fast, low-cost transaction capabilities without the fear of legal repercussions.

Beyond the legal win, ETFs are another catalyst that could propel XRP’s price even higher. As of March 12, nine asset management firms had already filed applications with the SEC to launch ETFs holding XRP, a move that would bring in more institutional capital into the market. If approved, these asset managers will buy XRP in large quantities to offer their ETFs, which could boost demand and price.

[BankingRates]

Bitcoin dips to $82,000 amid global trade tensions triggered by Trump tariffs

Admin

Bitcoin (BTC) has experienced a significant drop, falling to the $82,000 mark on Thursday morning and registering a 4% loss following United States President Donald Trump’s announcement of widespread tariffs on global trading partners.

This action has rattled both traditional and digital asset markets, sparking a sell-off in risky assets, including major cryptocurrencies.

The market downturn mirrors broader crypto trends, with Ethereum (ETH) losing 2.96% to trade at $1,823.34, and XRP dropping 2.21% to settle at $2.05. Solana (SOL) experienced even steeper losses, shedding over 9% of its value at one point.

BTC was trading around $85,000 before the latest dip.

Impact of Trump’s Tariffs on Global Trade and Cryptocurrency Markets

Trump’s tariffs, described as one of the most extensive deployments in U.S. history, include:

A 10% baseline tax on all imports.
A 25% levy on foreign-made cars.
Reciprocal duties set at 50% of the rates imposed on American exports by other nations.

The proposal spans 185 countries, including Nigeria, whose exports to the U.S. will now face a 14% tariff, compared to the 27% tariff claimed by the U.S. on its imports from Nigeria.

Between 2015 and 2024, Nigeria’s trade with the U.S. reached a combined N31.1 trillion, according to data from the Nigerian Bureau of Statistics (NBS).

Within this period, imports totaled N16.4 trillion, accounting for 8.7% of Nigeria’s global exports.

Bitcoin’s downturn further highlights the ripple effects of global economic uncertainty. After hitting a trading low of $82,141—down from a recent peak of $89,042—BTC/USD remains close to its 100-hour Simple Moving Average at $83,500, illustrating heightened market volatility.

What you should know

On-chain data from Glassnode reveals that Bitcoin’s current market differs from past cycles. Investors who purchased BTC between 2020 and 2022—with cost bases ranging from $3,600 to $69,000, have mostly held their positions despite price fluctuations.

The share of wealth held by these investors dropped by 3% from its peak in November 2024, but still reflects historically high levels. This contrasts with previous cycles, where short-term holders (STHs) controlled 70–90% of network wealth at market tops.

Today, STHs hold around 40%, signaling less speculative activity.

Technical Analysis and Price Outlook

Technical indicators suggest Bitcoin may be at a pivotal turning point. Relative Strength Index (RSI), below the 50 level, indicates sellers retain minor influence, while Hourly MACD (Moving Average Convergence Divergence) lost momentum in bearish territory.

Immediate resistance is observed near $84,000, with a critical obstacle at $85,000. Breaking through the $85,550 level (representing a 50% Fibonacci retracement) could push Bitcoin toward $86,800 or even $88,500.

Conversely, failure to surpass $85,000 might trigger fresh selling pressure, driving BTC toward support levels of $82,200, $81,350, and the psychologically significant $80,000 mark.

[Nairametrics]

Shehu Sani Rejects Appointment As Judge For Miss World Nigeria Pageant

Admin

Former Kaduna Central Senator, Shehu Sani, has declined an appointment to serve as a judge for the upcoming Miss World Nigeria Beauty Pageant scheduled for April 4, 2025, at the Federal Palace Hotel in Lagos.

The news of Sani’s appointment was initially shared by the event organiser, Senator Ben Bruce, who is also a former colleague of Sani in the 8th National Assembly.

Bruce took to his official social media handle on Wednesday to announce Sani’s role, offering congratulations to his friend on the prestigious position.

In his post, Bruce wrote: “Hearty congratulations to my good friend, Shehu Sani, on his appointment as a judge for the Miss World Nigeria Beauty Pageant, taking place on April 4, at the Federal Palace Hotel. Kindly ensure you arrive on time, 6:00 PM sharp, and come dressed in your finest attire.”

However, Sani responded to the announcement on social media platform ?, on Thursday, where he politely declined the invitation.

He thanked Bruce for the honour but provided personal and practical reasons for his decision.

“My wives will not be happy if I serve as a judge,” Sani humorously explained. “I have not been able to pass judgment on the most beautiful between my wives, let alone those I don’t know.”

Sani further stated that he lacked the expertise and experience required for such events, adding, “I don’t have the knowledge or experience in such events.”

The former senator also mentioned that the timing of the event coincided with the Sallah period, a time when he prefers to spend time with family and friends.

“This is the Sallah period when we spend time with family members and friends. Thank you for the honour and wish them well,” he concluded.

Sani, recognizing the potential inconvenience his decision may cause, offered an apology to Ben Bruce and the organisers of the pageant.

“I apologise for any inconvenience my rejection may have caused,” he wrote, adding a polite note of goodwill for the success of the event.

[NaijaNews]

Independence Bridge: Sanwo-Olu apologises to Lagosians over gridlock

Admin

The Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has apologised to Lagosians over the severe traffic situation experienced on Wednesday and Thursday morning due to repair works on the Independence Bridge in the state.

Sanwo-Olu tendered the apology on Thursday while on an inspection visit at the bridge to see the work being done by the Federal Ministry of Works.

According to Sanwo-Olu, the decision to fix the bridge was made to prevent a disaster waiting to happen.

He said all the alternatives routes will be cleaned up, adding that more traffic officers and security operatives will be deployed to the roads as it was done during December period.

The governor appealed to Lagosians to keep obeying traffic rules, just as he advised office to imbibe the work-from-home structure during the period the bridge undergoes repair.

Lagos was under lockdown by traffic Wednesday due to the shock closure of the bridge.

Victoria Island and Ikoyi were the worst hit by the Independence Bridge closure, with most streets witnessing heavy traffic from Wednesday evening till the early hours of Thursday.
Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, later directed the immediate reopening of the Independence Bridge in Lagos to vehicular traffic.

This directive follows the earlier closure of the bridge for planned maintenance and rehabilitation works, which caused slow and chaotic traffic around Lagos Island, Victoria Island and Ikoyi on Wednesday.

The ministry expressed regret for the inconvenience caused to the motoring public by the closure and appealed for their understanding and cooperation.

The Federal Ministry of Works clarified that the necessary repair works on the bridge would be carried out at a later time.

[Guardian]

UTME Mock Notification Slips Ready For Printing, Says JAMB

Admin

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has said the 2025 UTME Mock Notification Slip is now available for printing by candidates who registered to participate in the optional UTME Mock exercise.

The UTME-Mock Examination is scheduled to hold on Thursday, April 10, while the main UTME Examination start sate is Friday, April 25, 2025

JAMB’s Public Communication Advisor, Dr Fabian Benjamin, on Thursday, said the Notification Slip includes crucial information such as the examination date, venue (centre), time, and other essential details needed to successfully sit for the examination.

“Candidates are encouraged to print their Notification Slip starting from Thursday, April 3, 2025. This will allow ample time to make necessary logistical arrangements to access their assigned centres within the chosen examination towns,” he said.

He advised candidates to print their slips and familiarise themselves with their examination centres at least one or two days prior to the examination date.

Fabian said the preparation would ensure a smooth experience on the day of the examination

To print the notification slip, candidates were asked to visit www.jamb.gov.ng, Click on ‘2025 Mock Slip Printing’ and enter registration number and click on ‘Print Examination Slip’.

[Leadership]

FULL LIST: African countries affected by Trump’s new tariffs

Admin

U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday introduced his long-anticipated “red hot” tariffs aimed at boosting American manufacturing and penalising nations for what he describes as years of unfair trade practices.

Trump announced a 10% baseline tariff on all imports into the U.S., with higher rates imposed on countries with trade surpluses against America.

Some of the highest rates will be levied on smaller countries, with goods from Lesotho facing 50%.

The European Union is facing 20% tariffs, while China is looking at 34%.

Here is the list of the African countries on Trump’s preliminary list:

Lesotho – 50%

Madagascar – 47%

Mauritius – 40%

Botswana – 37%

South Africa 30%

Nigeria – 14%

Kenya – 10%

Ghana – 10%

Ethiopia – 10%

Tanzania – 10%

Uganda – 10%

Senegal – 10%

Liberia – 10%

Although Nigeria and other African nations are not on Trump’s supplementary list, they remain subject to the 10% baseline tariff affecting all imports into the United States.

[TheNation]

5 pathways Nigerians with WAEC result can relocate abroad

Admin

As the “Japa” trend continues to gain momentum, many Nigerians with only WAEC or SSCE certificates wonder if they have viable options to relocate abroad.

While their paths may be more limited than those with higher academic qualifications, several practical routes remain open for them to explore.

1. Study Routes With Low Entry Requirements

Although WAEC alone may not be enough for direct university admission, there are alternatives:

Vocational & Foundation Programs: Countries like the UK, Canada, Australia, Germany, and Ireland offer foundation programs and vocational diplomas that accept WAEC.

Community Colleges (USA & Canada): Some institutions accept WAEC, allowing students to start with a two-year program before transferring to a university.

Affordable Universities: Countries like Hungary, Turkey, and Poland have universities that accept WAEC for direct entry with relatively low tuition fees.

2. Work and Migration Programs

Several countries offer migration opportunities for low-skilled and semi-skilled workers:

United Kingdom: The UK’s Health & Care Worker Visa allows WAEC holders to work as care assistants with employer-sponsored training.

Canada: Temporary Foreign Worker Programs (TFWP) provide job opportunities in farming, hospitality, and caregiving.

Portugal & Poland: These countries have work visa pathways for jobs in construction, farming, and factories.

3. Scholarship & Exchange Programs

Although most scholarships require higher qualifications, some opportunities exist: Chevening, Erasmus, and Commonwealth Scholarships (for those who later complete a diploma). Germany’s Ausbildung Program, which offers fully funded vocational training with a stipend and accepts WAEC.

4. Relocation Through Family or Marriage

Having a spouse or close relative abroad can be a legal pathway through dependent or family reunification visas.

5. Tourism & Visit Visas With Legal Stay Options

Countries like Turkey, UAE, Georgia, and Schengen nations issue visit visas. Some travelers use this route to secure jobs and change their visa status, but they must comply with legal migration rules.

6. Learning In-Demand Skills for Better Chances

To increase migration opportunities, WAEC holders can learn skills such as: Caregiving (for UK and Canada); Welding, Plumbing, or Electrical Work (for Germany, Poland, and Portugal); Digital Skills (for remote jobs that can help finance migration).

Vanguard News

Petition for Natasha Akpoti’s recall failed to meet constitutional requirement, says INEC

Admin

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says the petition seeking to recall Natasha Akpoti-Uduahan, senator representing Kogi central, failed to meet the constitutional threshold.

In a statement on Thursday, INEC cited section 69(a) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which outlines the conditions for recalling a lawmaker, noting that the petition failed to fulfill these requirements.

More to follow…

[TheCable]

Uromi: Pan Esan Group Eschews Violence, Calls For Justice, Peace

Admin

…Lauds Security Agencies for Swift Action

…Wants FG, Edo Govts To Stem Raging Insecurity

The Esan Okpa Initiative EOI), a pan-Esan group has strongly decried the violence and unlawful acts leading to the tragic events that recently unfolded in Uromi, Esan North East Local Government Area of Edo State.

Expressing deep sorrow and concern over the unfortunate events in which some lives were lost, the association appeals to “our brothers and sisters from the northern parts of the country to resist the temptation of retaliation or reprisal actions” noting that “violence begets violence.”

It also argues that “taking the law into one’s own hands can only deepen the crisis and endanger the peace that we all cherish as no one wins when there’s violence”.

While lauding the security agencies for their swift action in calming frayed nerves, the organization calls on the Federal and Edo State Governments to provide lasting solutions to stem the raging insecurity issues and heightened cases of kidnappings in Esanland.

A statement signed by its President, Rt Hon Matthew Egbadon and Public Relations Officer, Mr Tony Iyare and released in Benin City, the state capital, read in parts:

“We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and pray for strength and healing for all affected.

“We unequivocally condemn all forms of violence and unlawful acts, regardless of the circumstances.There is no doubt that the security challenges facing our communities in Esanland, indeed across Edo State, including the persistent acts of kidnappings and other forms of criminal attacks, have led to heightened tension and fear among the people.

“However, taking the law into one’s own hands can only deepen the crisis and endanger the peace and unity we all cherish. Experience has shown that no one wins when there is violence.

“We commend the Edo State Government and all security Agencies, for their swift intervention in seeking to douse tensions arising from the ugly and despicable incident which occurred at Uromi, and we urge all parties, both within and outside Esanland, to remain calm and allow constituted authorities to handle the situation. The rule of law must prevail, and we trust that justice will be done to all affected parties.

“At this moment, we appeal to our brothers and sisters from the Northern part of the country, to resist the temptation of retaliation or reprisal actions. Violence begets more violence, and our shared humanity must guide our actions in these trying times.

“Let us as Nigerians stand together for peace, dialogue, and reconciliation.We must all say,“ NO” to political opportunists, who seek to leverage the unfortunate incident to score cheap political goals by issuing reckless and tendentious statements.

“Furthermore, we call on the government and security agencies to redouble their efforts in addressing the lingering insecurity that has made life unbearable for our people in Esanland. The inability of our farmers to access their farms and work places, as well as the general fear of insecurity that has gripped our communities require urgent and decisive action.

“Security is a fundamental right of all citizens, and we urge the authorities at State and Federal levels to provide lasting solutions that will ensure safety and prosperity for all.

“Finally, we appeal to all stakeholders to continue to work to promote peace, unity, and justice in Esanland and beyond. Let wisdom, restraint, and the pursuit of peace guide us all,” the statement concludes.

Naira continues appreciation on official market after Eid el-Fitr holidays

AFOLABI

The naira continued appreciating against the dollar on Wednesday at the official foreign exchange market after the Eid-el-Fitr holidays.

The Central Bank of Nigeria’s data showed that the naira strengthened to N1,531.25 per dollar on Wednesday from N1,536.82 recorded last Friday.

This means that the naira gained N5.57 per dollar on a day-to-day basis.

Meanwhile, on the black market, the naira depreciated to N1,555 per dollar on Wednesday from N1,550 traded on Friday before the Eid-el-Fitr holidays.

DAILY POST reports that over the weekend, the Central Bank of Nigeria announced that the Net Foreign Exchange Reserve, NFER, stood at $23.11 billion, the highest level in over three years.

More...

CBN denies introducing N5,000, N10,000 notes

AFOLABI

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has disowned a circular claiming that the financial regulator has introduced N5,000 and N10,000 notes.

The circular, purportedly from the CBN, has been widely shared on WhatsApp.

According to the fake circular, the new notes are to be circulated from May 1.

In a post on X on Tuesday, the CBN clarified that the circular did not originate from the bank.

The apex bank also said the claim was fake.

“The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has officially announced the introduction of two new denominations – N5,000 and N10,000 bankrotes; as part of ongoing efforts to streamline cash transactions and improve liquidity management,” the circular reads.

“According to the Deputy CBN Governor, Dr. Ibrahim Tahir Jr., the move is aimed at reducing cash-handling costs and providing Nigerians with more efficient means of conducting large transactions.”

The apex bank urged the public to refer only to the official CBN website (cbn.gov.ng) for authentic information.

“The content is not from the Central Bank of Nigeria. Kindly note that the official website of the CBN is cbn.gov.ng,” the financial regulator said.

In 2023, there were controversies over the redesigning of the N200, N500 and N1,000 notes.

On February 6, 2023, the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (NACCIMA) said CBN should have introduced a N5,000 note rather than embarking on a currency redesign.

Sola Obadimu, former director-general of NACCIMA, said there would have been less pressure on Nigerians if the naira redesign policy was implemented differently.

Obadimu had said the creation of N5,000 note would have mopped up the money in circulation without creating discomfort.

He said the CBN would have also spent less money on printing new notes.

On November 29, 2023, the supreme court ruled that the new notes — N200, N500 and N1,000 — were to coexist with the old notes as legal tender.

On December 13, 2024, CBN reassured the public that both the old and redesigned naira notes will continue to serve as legal tender without any deadline.

Profile Of All New NNPC Board Members After Kyari’s Removal

AFOLABI

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on Wednesday, approved the dismissal of Mele Kyari as Group Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) following mounting concerns over various aspects of the company’s operations.

Naija News had earlier reported that the dissolution of the entire NNPCL board accompanied this decision.

In a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga confirmed that Tinubu had authorized a comprehensive reconstitution of the NNPCL board.

This restructuring saw the removal of Chairman Pius Akinyelure and Group CEO, Mele Kolo Kyari, alongside other board members appointed in November 2023.

As part of the restructuring, Tinubu appointed Engineer Bashir Bayo Ojulari as the new Group CEO, while Ahmadu Musa Kida was appointed as the non-executive Chairman of the board.

The president also retained Adedapo Segun, who had replaced Umaru Isa Ajiya as Chief Financial Officer in November 2023, on the newly formed board.

In addition to these key appointments, six non-executive directors were appointed to represent Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones. The appointees include Bello Rabiu from the North West, Yusuf Usman from the North East, and Babs Omotowa, former Managing Director of the Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG), representing North Central. Austin Avuru from the South South, David Ige from the South West, and Henry Obih from the South East also joined the new board.

Furthermore, Lydia Shehu Jafiya, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Finance, and Aminu Said Ahmed, representing the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, were appointed as members of the new board.

Here is the profile of the new appointees:

Bashir Bayo Ojulari

Ojulari, the new NNPCL GCEO, hails from Kwara State. Until his new appointment, he was Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Renaissance Africa Energy Company, which recently led a consortium of indigenous energy firms in the landmark acquisition of the entire equity holding in the Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria (SPDC), worth $2.4 billion.

Ojulari is also an alumnus of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, according to the statement. He graduated with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. He worked for Elf Aquitaine as the first Nigerian process engineer to begin a stellar career in the oil sector.

From Elf, he joined Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Ltd in 1991, as an associate production technologist. Apart from working in Nigeria, he worked in Europe and the Middle East in different capacities as a petroleum process and production engineer, strategic planner, field developer, and asset manager.

In 2015, he became the managing director of Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company (SNEPCO). During his career, he was chairman and member of the board of trustees of the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE Nigerian Council) and a fellow of the Nigerian Society of Engineers.

Ahmad Musa Kida – Chairman

The new board chairman, Ahmadu Musa Kida, hails from Borno State and is an alumnus of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, where he received a degree in civil engineering in 1984.

He also obtained a postgraduate diploma in petroleum engineering from the Institut Francaise du Petrol (IFP) in Paris.

He started his career in the oil industry at Elf Petroleum Nigeria and later joined Total Exploration and Production as a trainee engineer in 1985. Kida became Total Nigeria’s Deputy Managing Director of Deep Water Services in 2015.

He was an Independent Non-Executive Director at Pan Ocean-Newcross Group. Apart from his oil industry career, Kida is a former basketball player and the president of the Nigerian Basketball Federation (NBBF) board.

Adedapo Segun – CFO

The new Chief Financial Officer worked with Chevron as a Financial Services Manager for five years, 10 months before joining NNPC as a Group General Manager, Treasury. He was also Chief Finance and Investor Relations Officer and Executive Vice-President of Downstream.

Board Members (NNPCL)

Bello Rabiu, North West

Bello Rabiu was Chief Operating Officer/Group Executive Director, Upstream of NNPC, where he oversaw the activities of the Corporation’s Upstream businesses, including; National Petroleum Investment Management Services (NAPIMS), National Engineering and Technical Company (NETCO), Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NPDC), Integrated Data Services Limited (IDSL) and NNPC Oil Field Services (NOFS).

He has a balanced knowledge of the Exploration & Production industry in Nigeria with capability which combines commercial/fiscal knowledge with operations.

Rabiu retired from the services of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) in July 2019 after 28 years of service.

Yusuf Usman, North East

He has over 30-year experience in the oil and gas industry. He started his career as Facilities/Project Engineer with Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) Warri, from 1987 to 1993. In 1993, he joined the Services of Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) as Facilities Engineer. Between 1993 to October 2007, he rose to become the Technical Assistant to GGM NAPIMS.

During the period, Usman superintended over many projects, including the EKPE Gas Compression Station for EXXON Mobil JV in Houston, France & Nigeria, AMENAM/KPONO Oil and Gas Development for Total JV in Dubai, France & Nigeria, FEED of Brass and Olokola LNG Gas Supply Projects for CNL JV in Houston, USA, Gbaran/Ubie Central Gas Processing Facilities for SPDC/NNPC Joint Venture in UK and Nigeria, Dry Dock of MV Oloibiri for Texaco Overseas/NNPC JV in Greece, Usan FPSO Project for Total/NNPC Joint Venture in France, South Korea and Nigeria etc.

Babs Omotowa- North Central

Babs Omotowa is described as an international leader in the Energy industry across Europe, Africa, the United States of America, Asia, and the Middle East, in organisation leadership, commercial, strategy and operational roles spanning over 26 years.

Omotowa was the Managing Director/CEO of Nigeria LNG Limited (“NLNG”) for almost 5 years from December 2011 to September 2016.

Prior to joining Nigeria LNG, he served in different capacities including as a Vice-President, Shell Sub-Saharan Africa, Director at Shell Petroleum Development Company, a Non-Executive Director of West Africa Gas Pipeline Company, amongst others.

After his role as MD, NLNG, he served as a Vice President of Shell Global Upstream E&P and later as Special Adviser to the Shell Global Upstream Director.

Austin Avuru – Non-Executive Director, South-South

Austin Avuru is a Geologist by training who spent over 40 years in the Nigerian oil and gas sector and was Managing Director of Platform Petroleum Limited and in 2010, became the pioneer CEO of Seplat Ltd, a company he co-founded.

Under his leadership, Seplat was listed on the London Stock Exchange and Nigeria Stock Exchange. He retired as CEO of Seplat in 2020 and remains on the Board.

He is a fellow and past President of the Nigerian Association of Petroleum Explorationists (NAPE), a member of the American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG), a member of the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) and recipient of the Aret Adams Award. He is the author of “Politics, Economics & the Nigerian Petroleum Industry” and co-author of “Nigerian Petroleum Business, A Handbook”.

David Ige – Non-executive director (South West)

David Oluseyi Ige was former Group Executive Director of the NNPC. He has over 25 years work experience which cuts across Oil & Gas, management consulting and academics in world class organisations.

His experience spans Exploration, Development and Production of Oil and Natural Gas plus Midstream infrastructure and Downstream disposal of Hydrocarbons.

He is widely recognised for initiating and developing the Nigeria Gas Master Plan and policy, in response to a major threat to the nation’s energy agenda arising from lack of a viable gas infrastructure.

Henry Obih –Non-executive director (South East)

Henry Obih was former Group Executive Director/Chief Operating Officer, Downstream in NNPC until his retirement in 2019.

Prior to joining NNPC as GED/COO in 2016, Engr. Obih had a 22-year sojourn at Mobil Oil Nigeria (ExxonMobil Nigeria Downstream) and held several other high- profile positions across different areas across the organisation such as Operations, Customer Service and Logistics.

His recent leadership roles include board positions at Nigeria Gas Marketing Company Limited, Pipelines and Products Marketing Company Limited, NNPC Retail Limited, NIDAS Marine Limited (a subsidiary of NNPC in joint venture with Daewoo Industries South Korea), NIKORMA Limited (a subsidiary of NNPC in joint venture with Hyundai Heavy Industries South Korea) and Duke Oil Company Inc.

Tinubu Travelling To France Despite Insecurity, Hunger, Crisis – Bode George

AFOLABI

Former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Olabode George, has shared his reservation over President Bola Tinubu’s visit to Paris, France amid series of crises in the country, saying reasons for such journey were best known to him and his handlers.

Speaking via a statement titled, ‘Whither Nigeria, my beloved country’, which was made available to Naija News on Wednesday, the elder statesman lamented that it was shameful that while Nigerians don’t feel safe anymore in their fatherland, the Federal Government led by Tinubu was focused on trivial matters such as the recall of the embattled Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

The PDP chieftain, while expressing concern over the state of affairs in the country, noted that those in charge of the polity have closed their ears to reasoning and deliberately came out with policies capable of disintegrating the country, saying that it was disheartening that Nigeria was precariously and dangerously staggering on the path of self-destruction.

This was just as he noted that history is a faithful record of the past, and also a prophecy of what is coming, saying that he saw what led to the collapse of the First and Second republics being repeated by the APC-led Federal Government.

He said, “Today, and with the series of crises, insecurity, hunger, joblessness and other vices in the country, President Bola Tinubu has taken off to Paris, France for reasons best known to him and his handlers.

“Nigerians don’t feel safe anymore in their fatherland, but the Federal Government, All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Senate are only interested in recalling Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. What a shame!

“Aside from the fact that history is a faithful record of the past, it is also a prophecy of what is coming. That is why Fela’s song is still apt, decades after. Today, I see what led to the collapse of the First and Second republics being repeated by the APC-led Federal Government.”

‘You Have Started Well’ – Obaseki’s Family Congratulates Okpebholo Over Victory At Election Tribunal

AFOLABI

The family of the immediate past governor of Edo state, Godwin Obaseki, has lauded the Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Abuja for affirming the election victory of Monday Okpebholo as the governor of the State.

The three-member tribunal panel, led by Justice Wilfred Kpochi, dismissed the allegations brought by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate, Asue Ighodalo, for lack of credible evidence.

On Wednesday, Naija News reported that the Tribunal ruled that the PDP and Ighodalo failed to prove their claims against Okpebholo.

The Tribunal stated that “no competent witnesses were called” by the petitioners to substantiate their petition, thereby upholding the victory of Okpebholo, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, who was declared the winner by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)

In a statement jointly signed by Benjamin Igbinovia Obaseki, Osaro Obaseki, and Emwanta Obaseki, the former governor’s family congratulated Okpebholo on his well-deserved victory at the Tribunal.

The family commended Okpebholo’s administration, adding that it will be eight years of performance and reforms.

The statement read, “The judiciary again has proven they are the hope of the people and a pillar for which justice and democracy shall continually stand.

“Meanwhile, you have demonstrated that you have come to protect and build a new Edo where every resident and visitor will have a memorable lifetime share of the dividends of Democracy.

“Your stand and support against illegal and oppressive unions dues collections, the awards of road contracts, public service and Local Government reforms, industrial investments and economic revival are signs that you are ready to build Edo of our collective dream.s

“You have started well, and God will help you to end well

“It is going to be eight years of performance and reforms

“Once again, congratulations from the House of the Obasekis.”