The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Ltd. has deployed over 100 trucks to the Dangote Refinery in preparation for petrol loading, scheduled to begin on Sunday, September 15, 2024.
According to a post by NNPC on its official X handle, the trucks were dispatched to the refinery’s fuel loading gantry in Ibeju-Lekki on Saturday, with more expected to arrive.
“As of Saturday afternoon, more than 100 trucks had been mobilised, and by the end of the day, up to 300 trucks are expected to be stationed at the gantry,” the company said.
The deployment marks a significant step toward ensuring timely petrol distribution from the Dangote Refinery, which is expected to enhance fuel availability nationwide.
The late Malam Ahmad Garba Amin (1962-2024) was a remarkable individual I first met in the 1990s as my secondary school Islamic Studies teacher. Subsequently, he rose to the post of Vice Principal before being transferred to the Kano State Welfare Pilgrims Board as a Director of Operations, a position he held for almost a decade. He later moved to the Kano State Sharia Commission, where he finally retired.
I became close to Malam Ahmad during school and after graduation. He used to ask about my progress in Quranic education even years after my bachelor’s degree. I introduced him to my parents, and we became a family. Gratefully, he made a significant impact on my life to the extent that he was behind some of my achievements – Alhamdulillah.
When the news of his death broke out to me on Thursday, 5th September 2024 (2nd Rabiul Awal, 1446), I reacted by saying, “Innalillahi wa inna Ilaihi Rajiun” as it is the only action that can relieve me of that material time. After confirmation, I shared it on my platforms, where I received many condolence messages and prayers. What also consoled me was the kind of lovely comments I have received from many who knew him and those who did not know him. Alhamdulillah.
Imams Al-Bukhari and Muslim reported, on the authority of Anas ibn Malik, that a group of the Prophet (SAW)’s companions were sitting with him when some people came and passed by them carrying a corpse. Some of the people sitting around the Prophet (SAW) made nice comments about the dead person, and the Prophet (SAW) promptly reacted, saying, “Confirmed” (wajib). A similar scenario happened, but on the contrary, the comments were nasty, and the Prophet (SAW) reacted by saying, “Confirmed” (wajib). Wondering why the Prophet said so, the companions asked him for an explanation.
In the case of the first corpse, the Prophet said what it meant was that their comments about him thus confirmed his entry to Paradise (al-Jannah). The same thing applied to the second person for whom Hellfire was confirmed similarly. The Prophet further explained to them the significance/implications of the comments that people usually make about the dead by either extolling their virtues or otherwise saying bad things about them. He said, “You are the witnesses of Allah on earth (against His servants).”
Allahu Akbar! Whoever knew Mal. Ahmad could testify that he was deeply involved in promoting social welfare and peace in the community. This earned him respect among the youths, women, and elderly, as I noticed every time I visited him, especially during his daily teaching of Islamic books (taalim) outside their family house.
He was the former Chairman of Safinatul Khair Foundation, which, to my knowledge, is one of the few community-based organisations that have contributed to the socio-economic development of his community. The foundation has a special scheme for education for children through scholarships, extramural classes for candidates who intend to sit for WAEC and NECO examinations, and job opportunities for youths, among others. In the aspects of social development, especially for widows and orphans, the Foundation, at a time, conducted a census of all widows in the area it covered and supported them. During my PhD studies, I interviewed him about their achievement, and I was so excited about it.
On the aspect of health, the Foundation and Late Mal. Ahmad, in particular, was instrumental in setting up a clinic serving the people, especially the needy patients of Kofar Naisa and beyond. The clinic named after the foundation is the Safinatul Khair Foundation (Kofar Naisa PHC). Thanks to Dr Hassan Sulaiman Kofar Naisa, a resident of the area who worked under the office of the then Senior Special Assistant to former President Muhammad Buhari on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), brought this project.
According to my close associate Mal. Usman Muhammad (Dr. Shehu), the clinic is grade-A in primary health care. It is well equipped with an ambulance, solar system, and water system that serves patients 24/7 uninterruptedly. They invite medical personnel from neighbouring general and specialised hospitals like Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital for weekly medical outreach and to settle the bills for the less privileged patients.
As we mourn the loss of Mal. Ahmad, we pray that Allah accepts his legacies, forgives his shortcomings, and grants him entry into paradise. “Indeed, we belong to Allah and to Him we shall return. Indeed, only Allah is the place of return. O Allah, record (the deceased) among the righteous, and place the record in the highest place. Replace the goodness for the family left behind. Do not make the reward forbidden, and do not test us after their departure.”
Dr. Aliyu Dahiru Muhammad is an associate professor in the Department of Economics at Bayero University Kano and a Visiting Scholar at the National University of Malaysia (UKM). He can be reached via alitahir797@gmail.com.
By Uzair Adam President Bola Tinubu has praised the military for their successful operations against security threats in the North-West, reaffirming the nation’s confidence in the security forces’ ability to maintain peace.
According to Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, the President’s commendation followed the recent neutralization of notorious bandit leader Halilu Sububu by troops of Operation Hadarin Daji.
Sububu had long terrorized communities in Zamfara, Sokoto, and other regions in the North-West.
In addition, security forces eliminated another high-profile terrorist, Sani Wala Burki, in a joint operation in Katsina, while dismantling a terrorist enclave in Kaduna, where 13 kidnapped students were rescued.
President Tinubu credited the military high command, intelligence agencies, and troops for their coordination, courage, and perseverance, leading to these significant breakthroughs.
He urged them to remain committed until all threats, both immediate and potential, are eradicated.“The President reassures security agencies of his continued support in achieving the goal of safeguarding the nation,” Onanuga stated.
The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, has announced a cash reward of N1 million for the troops involved in a recent operation in Zamfara State that resulted in the elimination of notorious bandit leader Halilu Sububu Buzu.
The operation, carried out by troops from the Joint Task Force Northwest Operation Hadarin Daji (OPHD), was a significant success, with the troops displaying bravery and precision in neutralizing Buzu and several of his fighters.
The operation also resulted in the recovery of weapons and motorcycles. General Musa praised the troops for their dedication and excellence, stating that the reward was a way to honor their service.
The operation is seen as a major blow to the bandit group’s operational capabilities and underscores the Nigerian military’s efforts to combat terrorism in the region.
This success comes on the heels of a recent attack by the same group, which blocked the Gusau-Funtua highway in Zamfara State and abducted several travelers. The police are still working to determine the exact number of those kidnapped.
The Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) has extended its deepest gratitude to the Federal Government of Nigeria as it celebrates its 64th anniversary.
Speaking on the occasion, the OPEC Secretary-General Haitham Al Ghais acknowledged the significant role Nigeria has played in the organization since its membership began in 1971.
He commended Nigeria for its unwavering support in maintaining a stable and balanced global oil market.
Reflecting on the historic meeting in Baghdad 64 years ago, Al Ghais emphasized the foundational agreement signed by the five original members: Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Venezuela.
He stated that, “This event marked the inception of OPEC and a new era of international energy collaboration.”
Al Ghais recognized the leadership of Nigerian officials, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources Heineken Lokpobiri, Ambassador Gabriel Tanimu Aduda, and National Representative Mele Kyari.
He also highlighted the contributions of all OPEC member countries, past and present, including heads of state, ministers, governors, and the dedicated staff at the Secretariat.
As September 14, designated as OPEC Day, is observed, Al Ghais called for reflection on OPEC’s journey and anticipation of its future prospects.
He expressed confidence that the organization’s most significant achievements are yet to come and encouraged continued participation in shaping its future.
The message concluded with a heartfelt wish for a happy OPEC Day to all members and partners.
Details have emerged on the death of Halilu Sububu, a notorious bandit leader who had been terrorizing Zamfara State and neighboring areas.
Sububu, also known as Buzu, was killed in an ambush set by Operation Hadarin Daji troops on Thursday.
Sources indicate that the ambush occurred at Kwaren-Kirya village on the Mayanchi-Anka road in Zamfara.
The Daily Reality gathered that Sububu and his fighters were engaged by the troops while attempting to cross a stream.
Only three of their motorbikes managed to escape the scene.
Local residents in Mayanchi and surrounding villages are celebrating the operation and expressing gratitude to the military, calling for continued efforts to address banditry in the region.
Originally from Niger Republic, Sububu had established control over illegal gold mining sites in the Anka Local Government Area and was a significant figure in the region’s criminal activities.
Several media reports have indicated that he had been wanted by the Defence Headquarters since May.
The military has reported recovering weapons and motorbikes from the bandits, marking a notable success in the ongoing anti-banditry campaign in Nigeria’s northwest.
The Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, has announced that the federal government is implementing measures to ensure the return of residents displaced by insecurity and floods in Niger State.
Speaking during a visit to an Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp in Gwada, Shiroro Local Government Area, Shettima expressed the administration’s commitment to alleviating the suffering of affected individuals.
He stated that his visit was a directive from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to assess the conditions of the displaced residents and assure them of government support.
The Vice President also launched the distribution of relief materials at the camp, highlighting that each state had received N3 billion to address the impacts of floods and security challenges.
Shettima emphasized that states like Niger, Borno, Sokoto, Bayelsa, and Jigawa, which have been significantly affected by these crises, would receive additional support from the federal government.
He called on citizens and organizations to assist the government in providing relief to those affected by disasters across the country.
The Vice President was joined by other key officials, including the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, and the Minister of State for Agriculture, Senator Aliyu Sabi.
Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, disclosed that 14 out of the 25 local government areas in the state had experienced flooding this year, resulting in loss of lives and property.
The Federal Government has announced that petrol supply from Dangote Refinery will commence on Sunday, September 15, 2024, following a pricing and supply agreement reached between both parties.
During a press briefing in Abuja, Zacch Adedeji, a member of the Presidential Committee on the Sale of Crude Oil and Refined Products and Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), revealed that the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) will serve as the sole buyer of petrol from the refinery.
Other marketers will purchase the product from NNPC.The agreement stipulates that starting October 1, 2024, NNPC will supply 385,000 barrels of crude oil per day to Dangote Refinery, with payments to be made in Naira.
In return, Dangote Refinery will provide petrol and diesel to the domestic market, with diesel available for purchase by any interested buyer, while petrol will be reserved exclusively for NNPC.
The deal is expected to alleviate the ongoing petrol shortages across the country and ensure continued subsidy payments on the product.
The Presidential Committee confirmed that the first batch of petrol from Dangote Refinery will be ready for loading on Sunday.
Yelwa Zangam is a gridlocked, rural area located in Jos North Local Government, Plateau State, North-Central, Nigeria. It has an estimated population of over 10,000 inhabitants and its nearest villages. The hinterland is just 21 minutes’ drive from the University of Jos, main campus. Most of the people are agrarian farmers and living below a minimal income.
Nigeria operates a three tier system of government, consist the federal, the state and the local government. Similarly, the Nigerian health system functions along such relations. Primary health care is at the local government stage, Secondary health care is managed by the state and the tertiary health system by maintained by the Federal.
Primary Health care is known for intervening, caring and controlling communicable diseases and non-communicable diseases, taking care of antenatal and post-natal, observing child growth, dispensing vaccines to children and Health Education and Community Mobilization.
According to the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), a body oversees, coordinates and regulates the standard of Primary Health Care in Nigeria. The minimum infrastructural requirements for such a health centre; are as follows; a least 13 rooms in good condition with functional doors and netted windows, separated female and male words toilets, water supply (borehole), electricity (or alternative source of power), sanitary waste collection spot, waste disposal site and staff accommodation. However, it has a staff station, two consulting rooms, two delivery rooms (labour rooms), maternity sections, and a laboratory and the building must be fenced.
The United Nations, Refugee Agency (UNCHR) stated in its ‘Emergency Handbook the primary healthcare workforce is composed of a wide range of health professionals, including medical doctors, nurses, midwives, clinical officers or physician assistants, laboratory technicians, pharmacists, community health workers, managerial and supporting staff.
Yelwan Zangam’s Primary Health care began 31 years ago and was built by the local government in 2001 through direct allocations from federation funds. Global Alliance for Vaccine and Immunization, an international organisation under a sub-body ‘GAVI FUNDS’ partnered with the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) for the renovating the centre in 2011.
Now, the unfenced facility faced a series of challenges; a leak roofing with only 6 rooms apart from the labour room, unkempt rooms in shambles conditions, single working toilets, no water supply, shortage of mattresses, obsolete medical equipment, dearth of medical personnel and constants insufficiency of drugs supply problems. Since its existence, the hospital has not been connected to an electric power source.
Fali Emmanuel John is a Health Officer in primary health care. He narrates a dire condition “We are facing a lot of problems in maintaining the hospital. Firstly, non-availability of electricity and solar systems for the storage of children’s vaccines, even if there is electricity. It’s compulsory to have a solar system. Due to power instability in Nigeria, so that we can render vaccination daily. Lack of electricity is a big setback to the community and the hospital. Secondly, our personnel need staff quarters. Primary health care is established for 24-hour services. Definitely, staff accommodation should be within the vicinity”.
He reiterates “The community starts building a staff quarters. But they are overstrained. The building is uncompleted”.
Mr. John lamented “The hospital is supposed to have 10 to 20 medical staff. According to medical ethics, working hours range from three shifts; morning, afternoon and evening (night). The deficiency of personnel here is too bad. We only have 3 medical doctors. Sometimes 1 medical doctor works for 24 hours, which is unprofessional and painful to us”.
“Issues concerning drugs, the government are making a little effort. We urged for more. Before the community donated money for drugs and other essentials”, he added.
Fauziya Musa Abdullahi is a nursing mother, who visits the hospital often for antenatal services and delivers her 6-month son to primary health care. She expresses “The most difficulty, women encounter is during night hours. For example, if a woman came to give birth. On certain occasions, there is no doctor available”.
She added “Sometimes, drugs are not available. It’s for patients to buy from the city. During, my last admission here. I wait for a long moment. Before drugs, injections and intravenous drips were bought. If authorities get involved and provide drugs in a hospital. It will be good for the patient to have treatment in any given situation”.
Usman Garba Danladi, an assistant sectary to the community and for years among the people work in progress of Yelwa Zangam community, says “For now, a local agency, Plateau State Contributory Health Care Management Agency (PLASCHEMA), supplies drugs”.
He shared “30 years ago, local government authority grants a fund under a scheme ‘REVOLVING FUNDS’, it was used to supply drugs and other necessary items. The drugs were sold to patients at affordable prices”.
“Financial challenges for buying drugs. Some patients run away with complicated health issues”, he cried out.
Nigeria’s highest court, on 11 July passed a judgement for local government to have full autonomy. Henceforth, the allocation from the federation account is to be funded directly into the local government, not through the state government ‘Joint account’. Mr. Danladi chip in “I am dreamt for local government to be independent. In the past, primary health care was managed from local government funds, not state government. Certainly, with this development electricity will be installed, more workforce and enough drugs to the patients and the facility will be improved”.
Mr John remarks “I am grateful to Almighty God for the Supreme Court’s verdict to allow local government to use their money for local affairs. Local government autonomy is a great success to health sectors”.
Abdullahi D. Hassan writes from Jos in Plateau State and can be reached via +234 803 323 7977.
