News

Pipeline Surveillance: Ondo Monarchs Hail Tompolo Over Improvement In Nigeria’s Economy

Published

2 years ago

June 17, 2023

Editor

Two first-class monarchs in Ondo state, the Olugbon of Ugbo, Oba Frederick Akinruntan and the Amapetu of Mahin, Oba Oluwasegun Akinyomi, have hailed a former Nigerian militant commander of the movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta, Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo, for proper protection of the oil pipeline and effective service delivery.

The monarch gave the commendations at their palaces when Tompolo’s coordinator in Ondo State, High Chief Idowu Asonja, paid them a visit.

Oba Akinruntan commended the excellent performance of Tompolo in providing the needed security for the proper protection of the oil pipeline and said that all the major stakeholders in the Niger Delta Region are solidly behind him.

He appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to sustain Tompolo’s contract with the federal government.

The monarch noted that Tompolo is familiar with all the nooks and crannies of the coastline and has the total capacity and capability to deliver effectively.

“It’s incredible to see his consistent achievements for the proper protection of the oil pipeline”.

Oba Akinruntan appreciated Tompolo for appointing an illustrious son of Ilaje in person of Idowu Asonja as the Ondo State Coordinator, describing him as a “hardworking, humble, civilized and loyal person that one can entrust with sensitive position without any fear.”

The monarch while reacting eulogized Asonja for reaching out to all that matters, described him as a child of tradition who knows the right thing to do at the right time.

“Frankly, I salute your wisdom and manner of consultations. I want to assure you that you have my total unflinching support and the throne of Ugboland shall back all your activities to succeed .”

“As a royal father to all, I want to advise you to do more and carry everybody along while recruiting people that will work for the success of Tantita Security Services and also ensure that no community in Ilaje that is left out when the benefits of this lofty security outfit begin to materialize.”

He then urged Tompolo to give high patronage to Ondo State – traditional rulers, critical stakeholders and state coordinator, noting that Ondo State owns the highest number of oil wells along the coast line.

“The traditional rulers, critical stakeholders from the mandate areas and Ondo State Coordinator have to be given needed patronage and robustly carried along for effective service delivery”.

At the palace of Oba Oluwasegun Akinyomi, the monarch, said, “Tompolo’s tremendous performance has helped push up our country revenues to greater heights, the result Tompolo has achieved within a space of 10 months has consequently increased the economy of Nigeria beyond expectations, hence curtailing the activities of oil pipeline vandalisation and illegal bunkering”.

Oba Akinyomi urged him to do more for the country. He further thanked him for building trust on the person of Idowu Asonja.

While appealing to all the ex-militant leaders in Ilaje to join forces with Idowu Asonja to protect the oil pipeline for proper progress of the country, the monarch, asked Tompolo to provide enough logistics for Ondo State for the proper coordination of the ex-militant leaders and youths who are ready to serve him better.

High Chief Idowu Asonja, while speaking, appreciated the two monarchs for their exceptional love for Tompolo.

Asonja thanked all the traditional rulers, security operatives and ex-militant leaders in Ilajeland for giving him the enabling environment to operate effectively without any rancor. He further commended their unalloyed cooperations.

“Kabiyesi, it’s a great pleasure that I stand before you here today with the express approval of my boss, Tompolo, who is the pathfinder of Tantita Security Services Nig. Ltd.

“My boss High Chief Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo a.k.a. Tompolo extends his warmest greeting to the throne and seek your total support to fight against oil thefts”

“As we all know that the roles of the traditional institution can not be set aside on Local, State and National issues, especially, in terms of protection and security.

“A nation’s business and economy can only thrive only if there is security, where the lives and properties of the citizenry are protected.”

Asonja, also appreciated Ikuepenikan Jerry, for his outstanding role and professional advice on how best the work can be executed.

He finally promised to work hand-in-hand with the traditional rulers, security operatives and ex-militant leaders to achieve the best for his boss, Ilajeland, Ondo State and Nigeria at large.

News

PHOTOS: Brazil Welcomes Tinubu With Full Military Honours In Brasília

Published

12 hours ago

August 25, 2025

Editor

Brazil on Monday rolled out full military honours at the Planalto Palace in Brasília to receive President Bola Tinubu.

Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, disclosed this on X on Monday.

Onanuga said Tinubu was welcomed by his host, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.

He wrote, “More photos of the official reception for President Tinubu at the Planalto Palace in Brasília, Monday, August 25, 2025. Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva welcomed President Bola Tinubu with full military honours.”

News

Tinubu Signs Direct Flight, Other Agreements With Brazil

Published

12 hours ago

August 25, 2025

Editor

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has signed a landmark Bilateral Air Service Agreement with Brazil, signalling the establishment of direct air links between Nigeria and South America’s largest economy.

The agreement was formalised on Monday during Tinubu’s official state visit to Brasília.

Media aide to the minister, Tunde Moshood, made this known through a statement, made available to The PUNCH.

At the signing ceremony which was witnessed by Messrs Nigerian President, Tinubu and the Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva in Brasilia also had the Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, signed the agreement on behalf of Nigeria, while Brazil’s Minister of Transport, Silvio Costa Filho, also signed for the host country.

The BASA creates a new framework for direct flights between Nigeria and Brazil, with the potential to significantly enhance trade, tourism, investment, and diplomatic relations.

The statement further noted that, “ It also marks a key step in Nigeria’s broader efforts to strengthen international partnerships and improve global connectivity.”

Tinubu had arrived in Brazil with a delegation that included Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun; Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Ojukwu; Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari; and other senior government officials.

According to the statement, the Brazilian President welcomed the agreement, expressing his administration’s commitment to expanding cooperation with Nigeria in sectors such as aviation, agriculture, and infrastructure.

He described the BASA as a reflection of the strong ties between both countries and an opportunity to deepen economic and cultural collaboration.

Tinubu is also scheduled to hold meetings with key Brazilian government officials, including the President of the Senate, the President of the Chamber of Deputies, and the President of the Supreme Federal Court.

The two-day visit will include high-level discussions between Nigerian and Brazilian delegations across various sectors, as both nations explore opportunities for mutual growth and development.

The statement reads, “The ongoing state visit will also see President Tinubu meeting the President of the Brazilian Senate at the National Congress, the President of the Chamber of Deputies, and the President of the Supreme Federal Court.

“The working visit, which continues tomorrow, will also feature high-level engagements between Nigerian and Brazilian delegations across various sectors, underscoring both nations’ commitment to building a future of mutual growth and prosperity.”

News

NAFDAC Warns Of Fake Postinor-2 In Circulation

Published

12 hours ago

August 25, 2025

Editor

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control on Monday issued a public alert, warning the public about confirmed counterfeit batches of Postinor-2 (Levonorgestrel 0.75 mg) now circulating in Nigeria.

The alert follows a report from the Society for Family Health, the marketing authorisation holder, confirming that they did not import the suspect batches.

Postinor-2 (Levonorgestrel 0.75mg) is a brand of emergency contraceptive pill containing the active ingredient levonorgestrel.

NAFDAC revealed there are noticeable labelling discrepancies between the authentic and fake products.

It said, “The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) hereby notifies the public of falsified Type 1 and 2 batches of POSTINOR 2 (Levonorgestrel 0.75mg) product in circulation.

“The noticeable difference was found to be as follows: The font size of the text on the pin verification sticker appears smaller and has a wrong spelling of the word Veify instead of Verify on the fake; meanwhile, the text font on the sticker of the original appears bigger and more visible. There is also a wrong spelling behind the pack of the fake “Distnibuted in Nigeria” instead of distributed in Nigeria”, NAFDAC said.

NAFDAC identified the original Postinor-2 as batch T32458H, manufactured in February 2023 with an expiry date of February 2027 and registration number 04-6985.

The agency, however, confirmed two falsified versions: Counterfeit Product (Type 1), batch T36184B, manufactured in August 2024 with an expiry date of August 2028; and Counterfeit Product (Type 2), batch 332, manufactured in March 2023 with an expiry date of February 2027, both carrying the registration number 04-6985.

It said that due to the potential presence of incorrect, substandard, or harmful ingredients, improper dosages of levonorgestrel, and a lack of sterile manufacturing conditions, poses significant risks to individual health and public safety.

“The risks of administering falsified Postinor 2 (Levonorgestrel 0.75mg) include failure of contraceptive effect, toxic or harmful contaminants, unpredictable side effects, delayed or missed opportunity for genuine emergency contraception, and potential long-term reproductive health impact. Unexpected side effects: Unknown substances can trigger allergic reactions, organ damage, or death.

“Counterfeit medicines are unregulated, untested, and illegal, making their safety and efficacy impossible to guarantee. Patients should only obtain Postinor-2 from verified pharmacies or licensed healthcare providers.

“Although Investigations are still ongoing regarding the source of the falsified product, all NAFDAC zonal directors and state coordinators have been directed to carry out surveillance and mop up the falsified product of type 1 and 2 postinor 2 (Levonorgestrel 0.75mg) within the zones and states,” it added.

NAFDAC urged consumers and healthcare providers to verify PIN stickers carefully, report suspected counterfeit products, and always purchase medications from reputable sources.