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Ramadan: Energy Reformers laud Dangote refinery over downward prices of fuel

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*urges NNPCL to quickly open Kaduna refinery

A group of northern energy experts, Arewa Youths Initiative For Energy Reforms (AYIFER), has commended Dangote refinery for the downward review of petroleum products prices across the country.

This was, even as, the Energy Group has called on the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mallam Mele Kyari, to urgently fulfill his promise, by causing the Kaduna refinery to be operational.

The group views the recent reduction in fuel prices by Dangote refinery, as the best way to serving God and humanity, in times when families suffer excruciating pains from the cost of living, marrying it with the high prices of essential commodities, during the Ramadan fasting.

This was contained in a statement signed on Tuesday by Alhaji Bashir Al’Amin, National Coordinator, and Engr. Gideon Yakubu, General Secretary, and made available to newsmen.

The energy group, majorly on northern interest, expressed great happiness over the reduction in petroleum prices, saying, the people need not to scratch their body or join long queue during the Ramadan to buy fuel.

“This is the best way to serve God and humanity. Dangote refinery has shown the religious leaders in Nigeria, both Christians and Muslims, that they’re for all, regardless of what.

“They did it during Christmas and new year celebration. Dangote was the one that announced its partnership with MRS and other off takers during the yuletide. And for once in awhile, we saw that Nigerians celebrated the Christmas and new year festival at ease, unlike what we use to see.

“The same Dangote has done it again during the Ramadan. This is the man that meant well for Nigeria. Despite all the fights he received from NNPCL, NMDPRA, other regulatory agencies and the Oil cabals, he never gave up.

“We remember vividly how they fought hard to stop him. We also remember he was pushing ahead and Almighty Allah gave him victory over them. Now see what is happening. If not for Dangote who came to break the monopoly of NNPCL, we would have been buying fuel at the rate of N2,000 per litre today. If not for Dangote that challenged the system, the long abandoned Port Harcourt and Warri refinery would have still been moribund.

“Now, corruption is reduced greatly around that space. Those that specialize in importing adulterated and fake fuel are closing their shops. Those who dare to continue in the business of importation are now losing N75bn every month. Bad market for them!

“Nigerians can’t thank Dangote enough. But we call on all Muslims to pray for Dangote oil during this period of Ramadan, so that the hands of the enemies will not overpower him. We read somewhere last week that they’re planning another sabotage by denying him crude. With our collective prayers, both Christians and Muslims, God will stop their plans.

“We want to also use this opportunity to call on the NNPCL, to as a matter of necessity, make the Kaduna refinery functional. That is the only surviving legacy for us in the north right now”, the statement added.

Recall that, in a public notice on the price slash on Wednesday, 26th February, 2024, Dangote announced that the retail prices at filling stations owned by its three official off-takers – MRS, Ardova (AP), and Heyden will be N860, N865, and N865 per litre, respectively.

According to the statement, the company said the price adjustment was designed to provide essential relief to Nigerians in celebration of the Ramadan season.

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As KADA EduSummit Ends, Stakeholders Propose N440bn TVET Plan, Integration Of Almajiri System

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Stakeholders at the Kaduna International Education Summit, EduPACT 2025, have proposed a bold N440 billion investment plan to transform Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in Kaduna State, while also advocating for the integration of the Almajiri education system into formal learning structures.

The three-day summit supported by the UK government through the FCDO PLANE program which concluded on Friday in Kaduna, recommended far-reaching reforms to align school curricula with industry demands, establish vocational hubs, and convert traditional learning centres into engines of economic empowerment.

Presenting the communique, Kaduna State Commissioner for Education, Professor Abubakar Sani Sambo, said participants stressed the need to allocate a minimum of 15% of the state’s education budget to TVET, describing it as a critical strategy for reducing youth unemployment and driving inclusive development.

The proposed N440 billion TVET roadmap is expected to hinge on public-private partnerships, the establishment of centres of excellence in key trade areas, and structured apprenticeship programmes aimed at equipping thousands of youths with practical, job-ready skills.

The summit also endorsed a comprehensive reform of the Almajiri system, calling for the inclusion of Almajiri children in vocational training programmes, removal of barriers such as mandatory school uniforms and PTA levies, and the engagement of religious leaders as key advocates for the transformation.

“Almajiri children must no longer be left on the fringes. We have resolved to modernize this system by bridging Qur’anic education with literacy, numeracy, digital skills and vocational training,” the communique stated.

Participants drawn from government agencies, local and international development partners, academia, traditional and community leaders, civil society groups and student bodies, deliberated on what they termed a ‘whole of society approach’ to rebuild Kaduna’s education sector.

The Summit also endorsed the establishment of a Kaduna State Education Reform Council to harmonize the roles of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Teachers’ Service Board (TSB), Ministry of Education and other actors, as well as review outdated education policies.

To tackle overcrowded classrooms, especially in rural communities, the gathering called for accelerated teacher recruitment and periodic skills gap assessments to align competencies with modern pedagogical needs.

Digital learning featured prominently in the resolutions, with commitments to expand smart classrooms, integrate artificial intelligence into teaching and research, and explore alternative energy sources such as solar, wind and biofuels to power rural schools.

Under the proposed digital drive, the summit recommended launching a Kaduna Research Cloud to support higher institutions and ramp up global competitiveness.

The communique equally pushed for strengthening School-Based Management Committees (SBMCs), Parent-Teacher Associations and Mothers’ Associations to deepen community ownership and school accountability, while scaling grassroots campaigns to boost enrolment and retention.

Youth inclusion was highlighted as a critical plank of the transformation blueprint, with calls for integrating student voices into school boards and policy planning, alongside enforcing equitable tuition regimes and creating disability-friendly campuses.

Participants further resolved to prioritize the needs of Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) and out-of-school children, expand early childhood education centres in underserved areas, and shift from fragmented Local Government-level interventions to a statewide approach for consistency and bigger impact.

The Communique however stressed that EduPACT 2025 was not just another policy talk-shop, but a movement to turn dialogue into measurable action. “We reaffirm our commitment to treat education not as a political agenda but as a sacred promise to every child in Kaduna State,” it declared.

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Ambassador Coomassie Mourns Former President Muhammadu Buhari

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The Global Vice Chairman (Africa) of the International Commission for Peace and Good Governance and Head of Mission–Nigeria for the International Peace Commission, Ambassador Hussaini Coomassie, has expressed profound grief over the passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari, describing him as a true patriot and a devout leader.

In a heartfelt tribute, Ambassador Coomassie remarked: “He came, he saw, and he conquered. President Buhari’s passing is not only a monumental loss to Nigeria but to the global community. This news is deeply saddening and shocking. Yet, I find comfort in the knowledge that he lived a purposeful and impactful life, departing at the age of 82, what I call the injury time of life. Life remains a journey full of uncertainties.”

On behalf of the International Peace Commission, Ambassador Coomassie extended his sincere condolences to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Dikko Umar Radda, Mrs. Aisha Buhari, and the entire Buhari family in this time of mourning.

“May Allah grant him eternal rest. Aameen,” he concluded.

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“NCC’s Handling of Promotion Exercise Under Fire: Staff Rights Allegedly Violated”

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The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) is facing intense scrutiny over its handling of a recent promotion exercise, with allegations that staff rights have been violated. A source close to the matter claims that the commission is struggling to justify its actions and is now searching for new evidence to pin down affected workers.

The source questioned whether, in a democracy, employees’ rights can be so blatantly disregarded, including the right to privacy. “This is looking like NCC does not exactly have anything tangible to hold onto as far as the current issue is concerned and now looking for new evidence to nail the affected workers,” the source said.

The source also alleged that directors and heads of departments are unable to offer objective advice, allowing management to perpetuate unfair practices under the Executive Vice Chairman’s leadership.

In contrast, Nnena Ukoha, Acting Head of Public Affairs, defended the commission’s actions, stating that the promotion exams were conducted fairly and in line with public service rules. She emphasized the commission’s commitment to integrity, fairness, and competence.

However, the controversy surrounding the promotion exercise continues to raise questions about the NCC’s adherence to these principles.

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