News
Ukraine War: FG urged to to seize natural gas opportunity
National president of Natural Gas and Auto Electrical Equipment Dealers Association of Nigeria NAGEDAN, Owelle Oliver Ezeike has urged the federal government to leverage on the war in Ukraine to stamp their foot as the largest supplier of Natural gas to Europe.
Owelle Oliver Ezeike
Speaking to newsmen after an emergency executive meeting of the Association on Friday in Enugu, Chief Ezeike pointed out that the visit of the European community on Natural gas request is an avenue that cannot be neglected.
The European delegates led by Baldwin Mathew visited the Petroleum minister, Timipre Sylva, and officially requested for Nigeria to begin the supply of natural gas to the whole Europe.
Owelle Ezeike also pointed out that at the Nigeria and Portugal summit held in Lisbon Portugal in June, the Portuguese prime minister Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa disclosed that Portugal purchased the total of $1b worth of natural gas from Nigeria in only the first quarter of 2022.
He went futher to say that the second quarter which has not come to an end, the total purchase has surpassed $2b and still counting.
One can then imagine how much we can make when Germany, Italy and the rest of European countries starts getting their gas from Nigeria. “It would be enormous.”
Owelle therefore urged the federal government to facilitate efforts in completing the Trans Sahara gas pipe line TSGP project which currently stopped in Ghana, to be able supply the natural gas to Europe, before they diverts their attention to a more serious middle east.
“The worries is that the European countries needs these gas as a matter of urgency. Winter is approaching, and Russia has shut down gas pipeline Nord Stream 2 that supply gas to Europe.
“So the unnecessary bottle neck/ fraudulent delays to extort, would not be tolerated. There are lots of other countries out there waiting to pounce on Nigerian’s lackadaisical attitude and offer their gas to Europe. We have these Natural gas in large quantity. Even the supply for national consumption still needs to improve.
“Over 60% of Nigerians are yet to embrace cooking gas in their kitchens, because of its high cost. Even at this, imported gas still finds its way into Nigeria market. Nigeria has a population of over 220 million people. This is almost one third of the entire europe population, and more than the population of the rest of West African countries added together.
“So the market in Nigeria alone is enough. But here we are counting our feet, while the opportunity is slipping away. Now is the opportunity to get Nigeria back on track.
Owelle Ezeike futher said that the meeting was centered on the forthcoming AGM in October.
He finally urged the federal government to channel more effort towards the gas sector, rather than killing private businesses in the country with unreasonable tax laws, that doesn’t make much sense.
He lamented the cries of various entrepreneurs in the country on their experiences in tax payments. “Double and even triple taxations are everywhere. Taxes apart from VAT are supposed to be paid from profits, but the tax officers would make sure you pay even from your capital.
“With the high cost of diesel and lack of necessary infrastructure in the country, a lot of private establishments are shutting down, yet the tax authorities are out there helping more to go down.
“Various laws in the finance act are actually made with malice against businesses men in this country.”
He further cautioned the federal government to carefully look into the present tax regime and device ways of cushioning the effects on the private sector.
Also speaking, another top member of the association comrade Fidelis Ogili on his own part said that coordinators have been appointed to various states to mobilise more members for the association.
He noted that Ndubuisi Egbogota has been appointed as the coordinator for Anambra state, Ugochukwu Uchegbu and Sunday Agabai are coordinators for Abia/ Imo states.
Fidelis Ogili and Dave Nnaji are in charge of Anambra while Muyiwa Oluwakeye is in incharge of Porthacourt.
Other state coordinators, he said, would be appointed at the AGM.
The coordinators were mandated to sensitise all the dealers in Natural gas value chain to embrace this opportunity and get registered with the association, to get a sense of belonging.
He further said that the association would provide security against government harassment and irregular tax regime.
Son of the late head of state and former Minister of Defence, Chief Thomas Aguiyi-Ironsi, in a letter of remembrance and solidarity written on behalf of the Aguiyi-Ironsi family to the Fajuyi family, marking the 60th anniversary of his death, said July 29, 2026, will be a solemn occasion to honour a soldier they described as “a war hero who offered himself as a sacrificial lamb for the unity and integrity of the nation.”
The family recalled that Lt Col Fajuyi, then Military Governor of the Western Region, made the ultimate sacrifice in 1966 when mutinous soldiers abducted him alongside Maj Gen Aguiyi-Ironsi in Ibadan during the military counter-coup.
They stated that Fajuyi, in a defining moment of conscience, chose honour over personal safety and refused to abandon his guest and superior, a decision the family said reflected the highest ideals of loyalty, integrity, and military brotherhood.
According to the statement, his action transformed him into a national martyr whose legacy continued to inspire unity, courage, and selfless service.
The Aguiyi-Ironsi family also expressed sympathy with the Fajuyi family, acknowledging the enduring pain of their loss, while praying for continued strength, comfort, and peace.
The statement further stated, “He did not run. He did not hide. He chose to stand. In that sacrificial decision lay the essence of his greatness.”
The family called on government institutions, military authorities, and custodians of national memory to ensure sustained recognition and support for the Fajuyi family, stressing that his sacrifice remained a national responsibility to remember and honour.
It urged Nigerians to draw inspiration from his life and death, noting that his legacy continues to challenge the nation to uphold unity, courage, honour, and selfless service.
Fajuyi was killed on July 29, 1966, during the military counter-coup in Ibadan alongside Aguiyi-Ironsi.
By Okey Maduforo Awka
The emergence of Chief Ikeagwuonu Ugochinyere as the Minority Leader of the Federal House of Representatives has been described as a vindication of the fact that the Action People’s Party (APP ) represents the collective interests of the Nigerian masses.
Recall that recently, Ugochinyere was elected as the Minority Leader of the party in a keenly contested election of the Federal House of Representatives.
According to a statement by the Chairman Anambra state chapter of the APP Chief Chijioke Okeke, Ugochinyere had been consistent in offering himself as the voice of the people and that of the voiceless.
“It did not come to us as a surprise that our great leader High Chief Ugochinyere became the Minority leader of the Federal House of Representatives because he has always been consistent and focus towards providing himself as the only vent for the masses at the Green Chambers”
“We know his pedegre as a politician as well as a leader and he has remained focus in ensuring that the voiceless are heard and this is also a vindication of our party’s unflinching desire to provide a veritable platform in a democratic process”
Okeke further stated that the fifth columnists who had attempted to deregister the party have been put to shame adding that the party shall continue to champion the interests of the Nigerian people.
“They made failed attempt at deregistering our great party but they lost sight of the fact that the APP is firmely rooted on ground and has all that it takes to drive the wishes and aspirations of the Nigerian populace and with this recent development our traducers have been put to shame and our party is on the path of further greatness “. Okeke noted .
By Okey Maduforo Awka
Six members of the Indigenous People Of Biafra IPOB have been declared wanted by the Nigerian Police .
The six persons led by Mr Chukwuebuka Ohaechesi, include Emma Okonkwo, Jude Uwa, Gentle Okoro, Uchenna Dike, and Emmanuel Nwankwo who are said to be at large.
The were said to have fled to neighboring states in the South East hence signaling the other four Police Commands in the geopolitical zone to assist in the manhunt for them
The Police accused them of executing protests against the detaintion of the leader of IPOB Mazi Nnamdi Kanu who is currently serving jail terms in Sokoto Correction Center.
According to a statement issued by the Abia Police Public Relations Officer of the Command, ASP Eguavon Omokaro, the individuals are suspected members of IPOB who have allegedly participated in protests at various times and locations within the state.
The statement alleged that the protests were organised in connection with the continued detention of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and demands for justice through the judicial process.
The Police Command further stated that these protests have allegedly resulted in breaches of peace and disruptions to law and order in Abia State. Consequently, the Police Intelligence Department reportedly concluded that the named individuals were among the principal organisers and coordinators of the demonstrations.
The statement further alleged that; ;
“It should be noted that on every 30th day of May, these men and their cohorts convene for the so-called remembrance of Biafra, holding clandestine meetings at various locations in the name of the emancipation of the Biafran Republic and the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.”
According to the police, the six individuals were invited on several occasions for questioning in relation to the allegations against them.
The statement indicated that the first invitation was issued on 18 December 2025, followed by a second invitation on 7 February 2026, and a third invitation on 3 March 2026.
The police alleged that the individuals failed to honour all three invitations.
The statement further asserted:
“These individuals were invited by the police on several occasions. Firstly, on 18 December 2025, they failed to honour the invitation. Again, they were invited on 7th February 2026 and failed to appear. Finally, they were invited on 3 March 2026, and they also failed to present themselves before the police.” It stated.
As a result, the Abia State Police Command announced that all six individuals had been formally declared wanted.
The police appealed to members of the public to provide any reliable information that could lead to their arrest and prosecution, stating that informants would be suitably rewarded.
The declaration of the six individuals as wanted persons is linked to allegations of their participation in pro-Biafra activities, demonstrations concerning the detention of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, and their alleged association with IPOB, an organisation that has been the subject of extensive scrutiny and security operations by Nigerian authorities.
In a statement shared on social media, VeryDarkMan argued that Wike may not fully understand the pain and trauma experienced by parents of abducted children and affected teachers. He claimed that the minister’s children were educated abroad, away from the security challenges facing many Nigerian families.Nigerian entertainment news
The activist stated that insecurity, kidnapping, and attacks on schools remain serious national concerns and should not be dismissed or reduced to political issues. He stressed that the fears and frustrations of parents whose children face security threats deserve greater attention from public officials.
VeryDarkMan further warned that political power is temporary, urging leaders to remain accountable to the people and sensitive to the challenges confronting ordinary Nigerians.
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