NEWS

Reps order stoppage of $1.8 billion turn-around maintenance of refineries

Published

6 years ago

February 23, 2018

The House of Representatives yesterday ordered the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation ( NNPC) to stay action on the plan to expend $1.8 billion on the turn around maintenance (TAM) of the nation’s four refineries.The Chairman of the House adhoc committee, Mr. Garba Datti Mohammed, explained that this is to enable his committee conclude it’s work on the veracity of the TAM.Mohammed who briefed reporters assured that the House is keen ‎on proffering a lasting solution to the epileptic supply of petroleum products in the country.Calling for the support of stakeholders in the petroleum industry, he disclosed that the Minister of State, Petroleum resources, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu has been duly informed of the House position.

Mohammed noted that it was unfortunate that Nigerians have been subjected to suffer the harrowing problems associated with fuel scarcity despite the huge monies expended on the TAM of the nation’s refineries over the years..Meanwhile, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) said it would support the deregulation of the downstream sector when the existing refineries work and new ones are built.

Speaking yesterday in Abuja on the activities lined up to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the NLC, Deputy President of NLC, Peters Adeyemi, accused government of laziness and always raising petrol prices when it needs cheap money to fund projects.

Also, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr. Yakubu Dogara yesterday pushed for a reduction of interest rates on loans to Nigerian entrepreneurs. At a briefing on Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (EGRP) by the Federal Government’s economic team led by the Budget and National Planning Minister, Senator Udoma Udo Udoma, at the National Assembly, he said this is to curtail the over reliance of the nation’s economy on investors from other countries.

He said it was a source of concern that the country has to source funds from foreigners to push national projects and create job opportunities is undesirable.
His words: “Granted the way the Nigerian economy is structured and organised, is it possible for people who have investible ideas to have access to funds to be able to invest, or do we continue to rely on monies flowing in from other jurisdictions to our country?’’

‘The cost of funds in Nigeria is too high. What can we do about this? Honestly speaking, if the young people who are leaving university each year will be able to access funds at single digits, some of them may not even bother about the jobs that we are talking about. They will be able to pursue ideas and dreams that they have and those dreams may lead to generation of the jobs that others are seeking.

“I have said this over and over again, what is it that we can do as a government to bring down interest rates in this country so that people can access these funds and develop the economy? I do not know where we are going to get $404 billion from, for instance, in Nigeria, I don’t know where.

“ I don’t even know if we can raise $12 billion from private sector in this country, except we rely on outsiders. But the point is that we should dominate the space ourselves and the only way we can do that is to bring down interest rates. I do not know how we can escalate this discussion or in what manner we can achieve this, but it is something we cannot run away from.”

Related Topics:Garba Datti Mohammed NNPC

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NEWS

Adebayo Salami Celebrates Five Decades In Nollywood

Published

2 days ago

May 17, 2024

Reporter

Adebayo Salami celebrates five decades in Nollywood | Fab.ng

Veteran Nollywood actor Adebayo Salami, also known as Oga Bello, has been in the movie business for 50 years! To celebrate this achievement, the 72-year-old actor posted a black-and-white picture on Instagram with some of his fellow actors. He thanked God for his successful career and wonderful family. Oga Bello also said that even though actors might get tired sometimes, they never truly retire from their passion for acting.

He wrote, “With over 5 decades of committed practice in Nollywood, I am indeed most grateful to Almighty God for His unending blessings over my career and family. Actor only gets tired, actor does not retire. Get ready for what is coming soon.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Adebayo Salami (@adebayo.salami)

Adebayo Salami’s acting career started way back in 1964. He joined a group called Young Concert Party, led by Ojo Ladipo (Baba Mero). This group’s name changed a few times, from Ojo Ladipo Theatre Group to finally Awada Kerikeri Theatre Group. When Baba Mero passed away in 1978, Salami became the leader of the group. This put him in the spotlight and helped him get noticed.

Salami also made movie history. He appeared in the very first Yoruba film ever made, called “Ajani Ogun.” The lead role in that movie was played by Adeyemi Afolayan, the father of well-known actors Kunle Afolayan and Gabriel Afolayan.

In 1985, Salami didn’t just act, he also produced his first movie, “Ogun Ajaye,” with his Awada Kerikeri group. Since then, he’s become a well-rounded movie talent. He acts, directs, and produces movies all the time, making him a big player in the Yoruba film industry.

It seems acting talent runs in the family! Salami has two sons, Femi and Tope Adebayo, who have become successful actors and movie producers themselves.

Get more updates here.

NEWS

Mayorkun Finally Addresses Nicki Dabarbie’s Ritual Allegations

Published

2 days ago

May 17, 2024

Reporter

Mayorkun addresses Nicki Dabarbie’s ritual allegations | Fab.ng

Afrobeats singer Mayorkun has responded to claims made by social media influencer Nicki Dabarbie. She accused him and his colleague, Skiibii (Abbey Elias), of attempting to use her for a ritual.

On April 19, 2024, Nicki Dabarbie accused Mayorkun and Skiibii of plotting to use her for a ‘money ritual’. She supported her claims with pictures and videos describing the incident.

Mayorkun took to his X page to deny all the allegations. He stated that he had never met Nicki Dabarbie and was unaware of her existence before the allegations.

Mayorkun mentioned that he initially wanted to let the court handle the situation, but the spread of false information prompted him to speak out. He stressed that he did not know Dabarbie and warned fans about the dangers of cancellation culture and its potential harm to his life and career.

He wrote:

“You know, I was going to let this remain as a court case but when I checked the comments under some of the blogs where these ridiculous allegations were posted, I was quickly reminded of how gullible most people are on the internet and how they are ready to run along, spreading any negative news without any form of clarity.

“Just for the record, I never met that person on the said day, still never seen that person till this day, never knew about that person’s existence not until those allegations came up.. yet she claimed I put ‘something’ in her drink. A lot of people believed that story, and you think I’ll let this libelous claim fly? No!”

You know, I was going to let this remain as a court case but when I checked the comments under some of the blogs where these ridiculous allegations were posted, I was quickly reminded of how gullible most people are on the internet and how they are ready to run along, spreading…

— MAYORKUN (@Mayorkun) May 15, 2024

He added,

“I wanna re-instate, I have never seen this person before, even as I am typing this! I still haven’t set my eyes on this person.. Like, what else can I say? How else can I prove this? There’s no need for me to ask for an apology where I won’t get any. I just needed to say this publicly and get it off my chest.. cos if it was a case of ‘cancellation’ as many people are quick to do, I for don go back to dey find work for bank.”

He stated that he would pursue additional charges against her, even though she is currently in prison on unrelated charges.

Earlier, Mayorkun had threatened to file a N1 billion lawsuit against Nicki Dabarbie.

Get more updates here.

MOVIES

“Stop Making Films Where Nigerians Travel Abroad Dey Mumu” – Yul Edochie Tells Filmmakers

Published

3 days ago

May 17, 2024

Reporter

Yul Edochie - stop films where Nigerians act foolish abroad | Fab.ng

Nigerian actor Yul Edochie is calling out Nollywood movies for a tired trope. He’s criticising films where Nigerian characters travel abroad and then act immature or foolish.

Edochie believes these portrayals are a bad look for Nigerians. He argues that Western movies typically show their characters going abroad and becoming more resourceful or successful. He wants Nollywood to showcase a more positive and realistic image of Nigerians on the global stage.

“We sell ourselves short with such storylines. Oyibo people will never make a movie where a white man is foolish on African soil. Instead, they’ll make the white man smarter than all the Africans in the movie,” the actor posted on Instagram on Thursday, May 16, 2024.

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A post shared by Yul Edochie (@yuledochie)

He added, “It’s intentional; they use movies to sell themselves as superheroes, while we use ours to run ourselves down.”

Edochie isn’t mincing words. Films like “Osuofia in London,” “Mr Ibu in London,” and “30 Days in Atlanta” are examples of what he’s criticising. These movies all follow the same pattern: Nigerians travelling abroad and then acting out of character.

Edochie is urging Nollywood filmmakers to move away from these stereotypes.

He wants them to portray Nigerian characters abroad in a more well-rounded way. He believes Nigerians can be shown as intelligent, resourceful, and successful on the international stage, not just goofy or immature.

“Let’s make movies where a Nigerian goes abroad and becomes the focal point for Oyibo people.

“He or she always walks with shoulders high, with so much pride and dignity, always on Nigerian wears, and teaches Oyibo people beautiful things they never knew about us.

“Offers traditional solutions to problems and becomes a leader over there.

“Let’s sell ourselves as superheroes as well,” he said.

Yul Edochie isn’t new to the Nollywood scene. He started his acting career in 2005, appearing alongside veterans like Justus Esiri and Enebeli Elebuwa in the movie “The Exquires.” His big break came in 2007 with a starring role alongside A-listers Genevieve Nnaji and Desmond Elliot in “Wind of Glory.”

Interestingly, acting runs in the family; Yul Edochie is the son of Nollywood legend Pete Edochie. He’s also passionate about sharing his knowledge and experience. In 2015, he even founded the Yul Edochie Film Academy in Lagos.

Check out more updates here.