The Federal Government FG, on Tuesday, announced the addition of 17 deep offshore oil blocks to the 2024 Licensing Round for oil fields in Nigeria.

Recall that some deep offshore blocks were recently put on offer for the 2022/23 mini-bid round and other blocks which cut across onshore, continental shelf and deep offshore terrains were also put on offer for the Nigeria 2024 Licencing Round.

Precisely on May 8, the government invited investors to bid for 12 oil blocks and seven deep offshore assets in the 2024 marginal fields bid round.

Also on June 12, 2024, it was reported that the Federal government had increased the number of oil blocks on offer in the 2024 marginal bid round.

The Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, Gbenga Komolafe, disclosed this at the pre-bid conference for the 2024 licencing round in Lagos.

Providing updates on the 2022/2023 and 2024 licencing rounds, Komolafe, in a statement he signed and issued in Abuja on Tuesday, said 17 deep offshore blocks have been added to the 2024 Licensing Round.

He said, “In pursuit of the commission’s commitment to derive value from the country’s abundant oil and gas reserves and increase production, the commission has been working assiduously with multi-client companies to undertake more exploratory activities to acquire more data to foster and encourage further investment in the Nigerian upstream sector.

“As a result of additional data acquired in respect of deep offshore blocks, the commission has added 17 deep offshore blocks to the 2024 Licensing Round. Further details on the blocks can be found on the bid portal.”

Komolafe further stated that “by the published guidelines, we had earlier indicated that some of the assets on offer should be applied for as clusters, namely: PPL 300-CS & PPL 301-CS, PPL 2000 and PPL 2001. Bidders are hereby advised that they may, at their option, bid for those blocks as clusters or as single units.”

For clarification, he said bidders should refer to the Frequently Asked Questions Sections of the 2022/23 and 2024 Licensing Round portals, or contact the upstream regulatory agency.

The NUPRC boss also stated that to allow interested investors to take advantage of the expanded opportunities, the 2024 Licencing Round schedule had been amended.

He said, “Registration/submission of pre-qualification documents which was initially scheduled to close on June 25, 2024, has been extended by 10 days and will now close on July 5, 2024.

“Data access/data purchase/evaluation/bid preparation and submission which was initially scheduled to open on July 4, 2024, and close on 29/11/24 will now start on July 8, 2024, and close on 29/11/24 as previously scheduled.

“All other dates in the published 2024 licencing round schedule remain the same unless otherwise communicated.”

He stated that to vacate entry barriers, the commission had sought and obtained the approval of President Bola Tinubu, who, as petroleum minister, approved attractive fiscal regimes and also minimised entry fees for both licencing rounds by putting a cap on the signature bonus payable for the award of the acreages.

“Consequently, it is necessary to ensure that the same bid criteria (in addition to the uniform signature bonus criteria) are applicable for both licencing rounds, to promote transparency and provide a level playing ground for all bidders.

“Since the criteria for the award of the oil blocks are now much more attractive than they initially were during the 2022/23 Mini Bid Round, it is in the interest of equity and fair play to give all investors the same opportunity to bid for the assets,” Komolafe stated.

Based on this, he declared that all blocks in the 2022/23 and 2024 Licencing Rounds were now available to all interested investors the websites developed for the exercise by the NUPRC, adding that the 2022/23 Mini Bid Round registration phase had been reopened to new applicants.

“The public is therefore invited to take advantage of this development and attractive entry terms and conditions and participate in the exercise.

“However, all the pre-qualified applicants published on the 2022/23 Mini Bid Round portal will not be required to go through a new pre-qualification process, as their technical submissions remain valid and eligible even for the 2024 Licencing Round.

“They may, however, wish to re-submit new commercial bids to take advantage of the more attractive criteria applicable to both licencing rounds and revise their bid bonds to adapt to the new bid criteria. They are also free to bid for blocks on offer in the 2024 Licencing Round,” Komolafe stated.

 

The leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, has said he would seek negotiation with the Federal Government over his ongoing trial.

Kanu, speaking through his lead counsel, Alloy Ejimakor, told the Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday, that he would seek the negotiation under Section 17 of the Federal High Court Act.

The Act states: “In any Proceeding In the court, the court may promote reconciliation among parties thereto and encourage and facilitate the amicable settlement thereof.”

Ejimakor had earlier moved two applications brought before the court. The first application is to move form 49 and an application objecting to the jurisdiction of the court.

Kanu’s lawyer said if the applications are denied, his client will move for the implementation of section 17 of the Federal High Court Act.

Responding, counsel to the federal government, Adegboyega Awomolo told the court that he had earlier informed the defendant that he does not have the powers to negotiate on behalf of the Federal Government.

He stated that the defendant should approach the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagnei (SAN), who has the power to negotiate on behalf of the government.

Responding to the development, the presiding judge, Justice Binta Nyako, said the court was not a solicitor but to only hear cases.

The detained IPOB leader has been in DSS custody since June 2021, after he was arrested in Kenya. Since his arrest, he has been facing terrorism-related charges levelled against him by the government.

 

 

The leadership of the All Progressives Congress APC in Rivers State on Wednesday called on the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency in the state, saying there is a full-blown war there.

The APC Caretaker Committee Chairman, Chief Tony Okocha, made the call during a media briefing in Port Harcourt on Wednesday.

He stated, “Rivers State is at war. And the dramatis personae who are responsible for the mayhem that has claimed lives are known.

“The governor is helpless, the police bias helpless. Therefore the APC in Rivers State is calling for a state of emergency in Rivers State as a way of taming the mayhem, and the upsurge that is going on in the state.

“I call on the federal government to act fast in this regard.”

Details later…

 

 

A new mom sparked conversation online by revealing her pregnancy anger and sharing a video of her baby‘s matching angry face on social media.

In the video, the woman displayed her own angry face and captioned it with an explanation of her situation: “You was angry your whole pregnancy,” implying that she consistently showed signs of anger during her pregnancy.

She then showed her baby’s face, which was not smiling but displaying signs of an angry expression.

The mother’s post and the expression on the new baby’s face attracted the attention of many social media users, who have flooded the comments section with their thoughts.

See some reactions below:

daisyhankton: “I was angry & my baby wont stop smiling😭😂.”

oddestee: “Why he look at you up and down like that tho🤣🤣. You had 1 thing to say wrong 🤣.”

🦋Janayyy🦋: “I’m trying to work on my attitude I’m having a Scorpio I’m scared girl 😭😭.”

GINAA♡🇭🇹: “Omggg bro my daughter stays with a stank face😩😂😂, everyone who came around me irritated me!.”

sharicecrosby237: “Let me stop being mean lol , he is too cute to 😂😂😍😍.”

JOY: “I was angry my whole pregnancy and my baby laughs/smiles 24/7 since birth 😆.”

Loanny Perez: “My daughter just as mean as a toddler too lmaoo I hope this boy come out nice like his dad 🤣.”

Yani36: “This was definitely me….now my soon to be 14 year old has a whole for life attitude 😩😩.”

Monidreamz: “lmao aww i fear you will not be alone my love cuz lemme tell ya!.”

IExistAgainstMyWill_87: “He is so cute❤️🥰 good job momma, mad or not lol.”

Kay: “🤣🤣🤣…Omg, see that’s why I’m trying to do better but the way these hormones set up! 😫😬.”

🤦🏾‍♀️: “My sons first picture is him flicking me off and he presses his lips and cuts his eyes. I doomed him 😩😂.”

troublemaker2378: “I was mean and upset during all four of mines. Think that’s why all my kids came out mad, and my girls have attitudes 😂😂😂.”

@pwaylifestory

#greenscreenvideo #greenscreen lmao my babyy so mean for no reason #fyp #boymom

♬ GoodGooglyMooglyyy – Undergroundmusiclover

 

Former presidential candidate Peter Obi has strongly criticized the Nigerian Federal Government’s plan to acquire new presidential jets amidst ongoing economic hardship facing the nation.

In a statement released on Monday, June 17, Peter Obi condemned the move as “unacceptable” and accused the government of displaying insensitivity towards the suffering of many Nigerians.

Peter Obi highlighted that Nigeria is currently grappling with a dire economic crisis characterized by high inflation, currency depreciation, and widespread poverty.

The former governor of Anambra State pointed out that the existing presidential jets have an average age of 12 years, acquired at a time when the country’s economic conditions were less strained.

He emphasized that instead of enhancing luxuries, the government should focus on alleviating the suffering of its citizens and addressing pressing national issues.

The statement reads;

“At a time when our country is on the front page of global newspapers for facing its worst economic crisis, marked by high inflation, a falling currency, and widespread poverty, the government is contemplating buying new presidential jets. This demonstrates extreme insensitivity to citizens’ struggles.

With rising insecurity, poverty, hunger, and homelessness, this decision highlights the disconnect that is apparent between the government and the people.

It is unacceptable as the situation in the country today more than ever demands a more compassionate use of resources, prioritizing citizens’ welfare.

It’s on record that our presidential jets have an average age of 12 years, purchased when most Nigerians could afford necessities. Now, as our country faces significant challenges, including a high debt profile, our citizens are in even greater need. Instead of adding to our luxuries, we should be focused on alleviating their suffering and finding solutions to their problems.

For long, our bad leadership has made our priorities, as leaders, to be at variance to the needs of society, which is why we are headed now south, as a nation.

To elucidate further, despite dropping down to the fourth-largest economy in Africa, with a GDP of $252 billion and a per capita income of $1,080, with huge debt burdens and borrowing to service debts, yet, we are spending $15 million for our Vice President’s residence, while the USA, the world’s largest economy with a GDP of $25 trillion, about 100 times our GDP, and a per capita income of $80,000, about 80 times ours, still houses their Vice President in Number 1 Observatory Circle, a house built over 100 years ago, and whose value is less than the $15 million we are spending on our VP’s residence.

A reputable real estate company reports that the US Vice President’s Official Residence is valued at about $7.5 million today. While we had earlier refurbished the old VP residence with $2 million, the over 100-year-old US Vice President’s house has only undergone wide-scale renovations twice, funded by taxpayers’ money; in 1993 and 2021. Every new US VP is free to finance any minor refurbishing from his funds.

It’s, therefore, time to stop this impunity, insensitivity, and shamelessness and refocus on the needs of our people. We must prioritise education, healthcare, and lifting our citizens out of poverty. Let us work together to build a nation that truly serves its people, not just the interests of a few.

Let’s rise to the challenge, and build this new Nigeria which is now more possible than ever before.”

Abdulmumuni Abiola, a brother to Kola Abiola and son of the winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, the late MKO Abiola, has criticised the poor handling of his father’s legacies.

He expressed his disappointment in the podcast MIC ON with Seun Okinbaloye, released Saturday night.

He also blamed Kola, Abiola’s eldest son, who he said was in a position to hoist his father’s legacy but failed to do so.

This is as he alleged that Kola, who could have carried on with his father’s struggle, was in a relationship with former Head of State General Ibrahim Babangida’s daughter while his father was in prison.

Babangida’s regime annulled the 1993 presidential election, which was adjudged to be the most free and fair election in the country.

Abiola’s insistence, among other struggles, led to his incarceration in 1994 until his death in 1998.

Abdulmumuni also emphasised that the efforts and sacrifices of his father have not been adequately preserved or honoured.

Recall that former President Muhammadu Buhari honoured Abiola with the highest national honours during his tenure.

Abdulmumuni called for a more concerted effort to recognise MKO Abiola’s contributions to Nigeria’s democracy, urging both the family and the nation to take more significant steps in preserving his legacy.

When asked if he was in a good relationship with his brother, Kola, he answered negatively and laid out more of his grievances.

He declared that he wasn’t in the country upon his father’s death and that he told Kola when he arrived to lay claim to MKO’s investment abroad, but those within Nigeria are for all.

He said, “Well, I don’t think we really are. The last time I saw him, he said, and I quote, “Do I want to do fire for fire?”

“I asked him, ‘taba se fire for fire se ama jeun?’ (Would we eat if it’s done that way?) when the whole of Nigeria is on fire. So if the idea is that I’m already on fire, let’s do it.

“As long as there are proceeds that will come out, I will be able to take care of my family and people who need help in general.

“So yes, we’re not on good terms, and it’s sad for me to say that. You know I don’t want to have an issue with my older brother. He’s my older brother. I love him, you know, and I hope he loves me, but I have no ill-will.”

Abdulmumuni stated that maintaining his father’s legacy was not a one-man business.

“I’m just saying that this is our collective responsibility, and if you’re not doing your part, then you should just step aside. It’s very simple,” he added.

Meanwhile, Okinbaloye also asked if he blames Kola for the manner in which things have gone and if he thinks that the legacy of the late MKO Abiola would have been properly sustained better than it is presently.

Abdulmumuni insisted Kola could have been a strong voice and that Nigerians and himself are unhappy with the way the struggle went post-MKO’s demise.

He responded, “I definitely do because he was in a pivotal position, especially after the whole crisis. He (Kola) could have he could have been a voice.

“He could have been a strong voice of true democratic values. He could have.

“He chose not to—apparently, at the time my father was still in jail—he was having a relationship with Babangida’s daughter. I don’t want to go down there. You know—it’s just sad, you know.

“I’m actually a little bit displeased that my brother didn’t get to come out and see what the people’s response to his first turnout will be (to test his acceptability and popularity and ride on Abiola’s legacies).

“Therefore, I am unhappy with him, and I think Nigerian people are unhappy.”

Abdulmumin mocked the idea that people who are unable to manage smaller capacities shouldn’t even have the chance to oversee bigger ones.

Firing his shot at Kola’s presidential election bid, he asserted, “How will Nigerians vote for someone who can’t manage the late MKO Abiola’s empire and businesses?”

Recall that Kola ran for the presidential seat in the 2024 general election under the People’s Redemption Party, where he garnered 2,097 votes across the nation.

He continued, “You saw how many people voted for him when he said he wanted to be president. I wonder how he thought he could be president.

“You cannot manage Abiola’s empire. How do you want to manage Nigeria? How does that work?

“This is the problem in Nigeria. People who are not showing capacity in their own little spaces of work want to now get a higher position. You don’t deserve a higher position.”

Asked if he voted for his brother (Kola), he added, “I told him—I said, ‘You’re not going to use my money to do a campaign. Give me my money first and go and campaign’.”

And when the host asked if and why he thought Kola owed him anything, Abdulmumin declared, “He owes me a lot.

“Well, first of all, if he just listens to what my father said in the will and does what he’s rightfully supposed to do like every other person has done, he’s not the first to be the first son. Look at the Folawiyos as an example.

“We have lost so much. There’s so much property that my father had in this country that we can never get back because people have sat on it and they’re using it to take care of their families, but the issue here is: who is to lose? It was our money that was used to buy these things.

“Those properties—you cannot build them today with the kind of money you’re going to spend. I’m talking about the silo in Lafiagi, Kwara State—20,000 metric tonnes of silo on 10,000 hectares of land. How much do you want to pay for that land now?

“You know it’s sad that you know your father has reached a certain level and you cannot continue from where he stopped.”

Likewise, Abdulmumuni blamed Kola for the misfortunes that beset some of Abiola’s children, who, as a result of penury, cannot fend for their needs due to the former’s imprudence.

“I would like him to explain to me exactly where he has gone in this direction. It’s like you’re going down a dead-end road and you see the signs, but you still keep going. I don’t understand this, and this is 30 years down the line, so it’s not like I waited a year after my father died and I’m making these accusations.

“I’m saying people have died in these 30 years. I’m talking about Abiola children who could not buy medicine or who could not just take care of themselves.

“This is sad, and I’m sure my father will not be pleased about it. So, I am not pleased, and it’s not because, like I said, it’s not because I want it. It’s like I wake up in the morning and my phone is inundated with text messages from people saying I need help! I need help!

“How many people can I help, and if I want to help somebody, I have to first be able to help myself? It’s important that we do things the right way, and that’s, I think, just my issue on this,” he lamented.

Going forward, Okinbaloye asked if he had been able to speak to Kola about some of these grievances.

The host added that many people believe that MKO Abiola’s wealth would have been generational wealth because he had so much wealth and spread across the country that there are those who believe that no Abiola’s blood should ever be poor based on what Abiola had.

Abdulmumuni responded positively and indicated that the late MKO Abiola’s wealth was beyond people’s imagination and far greater than what they see in Nigeria.

“You’re right, and you have to understand that what I’m talking about are just the properties in Nigeria.

“This is not where Abiola had his real wealth. Abiola had those companies in Nigeria just to help Nigerian people. They were losing money. They were bleeding money, but he did this because he understood the Nigerian people needed something to do.

“Give somebody nothing to do, and they’ll pick up a gun. You need something to do. So, he understood that,” he added.

Efforts by PUNCH Online to reach out to the PRP candidate and MKO Abiola’s eldest son (Kola) were futile, as calls made on Monday and Tuesday to his line all rang out and text messages sent to him have yet to be responded to.

Meanwhile, in a 2021 interview, Abdulmumuni responded to claims by  former military dictator, Babangida, that his annulment of the historic poll prevented a bloody coup.

The deceased’s son, in the interview, surprisingly noted that Babangida was even his godfather at birth in December 1984.

PUNCH Online reports that Abdulmumuni is a son of the late MKO Abiola and Kudirat Abiola, while Kola is Simbiat’s son.

 

Nigerian lady stunned as she shares video after encountering a young boy with rare red and blue eyes.

She was so captivated by his unique feature that she captured a video of him as he walked by, showcasing his striking eyes.

In the video that she shared, the young boys pupil and iris had varying colours that deviated from most in Nigeria.

One had a rich red colour and the other had a blue to it.

While awed by the sight of the boy’s eyes, she remarked on the wonderfulness of God and his creation.

She wrote …

“Omo I saw this little boy yesterday night with blue and red eyes. Wonderful God”

Check out reactions …

eloho_007 said: “If this boy was born 100years ago our ancestors would have idolize him, and start worshiping him. Most of the deities we hear about these days were probably normal humans with special looks or abilities.”

thestudentconnectv wrote: “Omo e no cute for my eyes, abi na only me?”

daretiwa stated: “Imagine if he’s handsome with those, eyes”

realogeemmanuel penned: “Heterochromia is when you have 9 differently colored eyes or eyes that 178 have more than one color. Heterochromia affects only 1% of people in the world.”

distinctkidsdictionclub said: “This boy should be taken for an, examination. I’m afraid this mightbe a terrible medical condition.”

 

 

The Katsina State Hisbah Board has ordered the immediate closure of a hotel located within the Katsina metropolis over allegations of corrupting the morals of underage girls.

The Hisbah Commander General in the state, Dr Aminu Usman confirmed this to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Katsina.

He said the hotel was found to be violating an agreement earlier reached with hoteliers across the state.

“The hotel violated the Board’s regulations by allowing underage girls to stay at the premises.

“The Board discovered that two underage girls were lodged in the same room during a recent inspection, which contravenes the Hisbah laws.

“This is the second time such an offence was committed at the New Palace Hotel, in spite of previous warnings by the Board and a promise by the hotel’s management to stop such incidents.”

He added that during a collaborative meeting with hotel managers across the state, it was agreed that no hotel would accommodate underage children.

“Due to the hotel’s failure to comply with the Board’s regulations and meet the stipulated conditions, we have decided to shut it down with immediate effect.

“We remain committed to enforcing reforms and instilling discipline that aligns with the religious and cultural values of the state under the rule of law to ensure lasting peace,” the commander said.

Nigerian woman sparked emotional reactions on social media as she delivered a baby in her car while driving herself to the hospital.

In the video, the lady was helped by some individuals believed to be nurses, who assisted her in safely delivering the baby while still in the car.

The lady sat comfortably in the driver’s seat as some individuals or a nurse, whose face wasn’t revealed, helped her deliver her baby.

Afterward, the baby was wrapped and gently laid down.

While full details regarding the birth of the baby and the circumstances surrounding the situation were not made known in the video, concerned individuals flooded the comment section, alleging that the lady gave birth in her car while on her way to the hospital.

See some reactions below:

usernotavailable: “oh i need to know why you was driving bae , congratulating tho you a trooper !!!”

Beautee’: “That has to be so scary driving yourself to the hospital so glad you and your baby are healthy 💗congrats love.”

The K zone: “this was me on the 8.1.24😂 and i was literally 10 seconds away from the labor ward my baby immunization passport literally says born before arrival 😭😭😭 no time or place.”

Sierra: “You are a mf superhero girl!💕💕 You was driving and y’all both safe? 😭😭 Women like you make me happy to have a daughter! I pray she ends up this.”

Riah🥹😘: “You’re a strong momma had him in the car. 🥹😭👏🏾💐 May God continue to bless you.”

Aanyia jones: “Delivering behind the wild is wild u are so strong ✨✨congratulations he is a beautiful baby boy.”