EXPLOSION ROCK'S IBADAN,OYO STATE CAPITAL

 Some residents of Ibadan, Oyo State, on Tuesday, said there was an explosion in parts of the state capital. A loud bang was heard and vibration was felt across several locations in capital city at about 7:45 p.m.

There were also videos online that showed a dusty cloud and burning houses and cars.

A University of Ibadan student, who spoke with our correspondent on the telephone said, “It is true. We all heard the sound and it was very loud. The cloud is cloudy with smoke. it happened at Bodija and we in the UI area could see the smoke. Even those at Sango and Ojo heard the sound. In fact, we are all in a room scared for our life”

An  X user, @WillieWinehouse tweeted, “A f***ing bomb just exploded in Ibadan! My entire house and street are in ruins!! What is going on!!”

Motunrayo Adegboro, another resident of Barika, about 15 minutes away from the site of the blast in Ibadan confirmed the incident to our correspondent on Tuesday night. 

She said, “Some people claimed it was a gas explosion while others said it was a filling station.

It happened in Bodija. A mall, Ace Mall even collapsed.”

There was no confirmation as to whether there were casualties or not as of the time of filing this report. The exact cause and location of the explosion is yet unknown at of time gathering this report.

12 point to know about Armed force remembrance day

Today is the Armed Forces Remembrance Day. Armed Forces Remembrance Day is an annual event marked on January 15 to commemorate the nation’s departed compatriots as well as to honour our living veterans.

The following are what you need to know about the day:

1. Every year in Nigeria, January 15 is marked as a special day known as “Armed Forces Remembrance Day” or simply “Armed Forces Day.”

2. In the past, it was observed on November 11 each year, aligning with the Remembrance Day (Poppy Day) for World War II veterans in the British Commonwealth of Nations. In Nigeria, the date of January 15 holds significance as it marks the surrender of Biafran troops to the Federal troops in 1970. This event marked the end of the Nigerian Civil War, which aimed to divide the unity of Nigeria.

3. Each year, a solemn gathering takes place at the cenotaph of the “unknown soldier,” where security chiefs, political leaders, members of the Nigerian legion, and other stakeholders come together to pay tribute to our brave war veterans who made the ultimate sacrifice on the battlefield.

4. A cenotaph is a solemn memorial that pays tribute to individuals or a collective, even though their physical remains rest elsewhere. It serves as a powerful symbol of remembrance and respect. It can also serve as the original burial place for an individual who has later been laid to rest in a different location. Many soldiers who lose their lives in war are laid to rest on the battlefield, which is why cenotaphs are necessary. Cenotaphs can be found in every state, including the FCT Abuja.

5. A wreath is a beautiful arrangement of flowers, leaves, fruits, twigs, or other materials that is carefully crafted into a circular shape. It is then placed as a symbol of respect and tribute to the unidentified soldier at the cenotaph.

6. The term “Unknown soldier” is used to symbolise the brave war veterans who made the ultimate sacrifice for the peace and unity of our nation.

7. White pigeons are set free during the Armed Forces Remembrance Day event, symbolising the ideals of peace and unity within the nation. In addition, traditional gun salutes are carried out by firing cannons or artillery as a tribute to the unidentified soldier.

8. Before the festivities, the Federal and State governments introduce the Armed Forces emblem, a symbol of respect for the unknown soldier.

9. The emblem serves as a means to generate financial support and contributions for the families and dependents of fallen war veterans. It is expected that all Nigerian citizens will make contributions to the funds and proudly display the emblem.

10. Remember to proudly display the Armed Forces Remembrance emblem on your left hand pocket, the same side where you attach your lanyard.

11. The emblem is to be worn once it has been officially launched by the President in Abuja or by the Governor in the states.

12. After January 15, when the President or Governor lays the wreath on the cenotaph of the unknown soldier, the emblem is no longer valid and should not be worn.

PRESIDENT TINUBU SET TO CREATE THREE NEW POLICE UNIT

  Tinubu Govt planning to set up three new Police Units to tackle Insecurity  

The President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, announced on Saturday that President Bola Tinubu has outlined plans to establish specialised police units for marine, solid mineral, and forest security.

In a message shared on X, Onanuga said that Tinubu expressed his intention to revamp Nigeria’s security architecture during a meeting in Abuja with governors of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Tinubu outlined the creation of three new police formations to complement the regular police force. He stressed the need for enhanced forest guards equipped with modern technology and weapons to bolster security measures. Additionally, Tinubu disclosed plans to establish special police units to secure the solid mineral and marine economic sectors.

“He (Tinubu) mentioned three brand new police formations, to augment the regular police. He said the deployment of forest guards was being considered, with better training, modern technological gadgets and weapons to strengthen security.

“He said the solid mineral and marine economic sectors will also be secured by special police,” Onanuga quoted Tinubu as saying, adding that the president further said, “We have a big marine economy, and I do not see why we should not have the marine police. We will have the same in solid minerals to keep the scavengers away. I am ready to invest in security.”

Despite the announcement of plans for a marine police force, existing information indicates that marine police units are already part of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF). The NPF’s marine section, established in 1891 as the ‘Night Water Patrol’ in Lagos, currently operates with 81 marine stations and outposts across navigable rivers and waterways in the country.

President Tinubu had previously in October 2023 established a constitutional review committee to undertake comprehensive police reforms. The committee, which includes key figures such as the Minister of Police Affairs, National Security Adviser, Chairman of the Police Service Commission, and the Chairman of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum, aims to address gaps in the 1999 constitution and enhance the capabilities of the Nigerian Police Force.

DANGOTE PETROLEUM REFINERY PROMISE NIGERIANS 650,000BARREL PER DAY

 Dangote Petroleum Refinery has commenced the production of diesel and aviation fuel.

The Chairman of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, “elatedly thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his support and encouragement, towards the actualisation of this project.”

He was said to have also thanked the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority and Nigerians for their support and belief in what he called the historic project.

“We thank President Bola Tinubu for his support and for making our dream come true. This production, as witnessed today, would not have been possible without his visionary leadership and prompt attention to details.

However, the refinery has yet to produce Petroleum Motor Spirit, otherwise known as petrol.

The Chief Branding and Communications Officer of Dangote Group, Anthony Chiejina, had late on Friday confirmed the commencement of operations to Nigerians

In a statement in the early hours of Saturday, the Dangote Group made it known that it has “commenced production of diesel and aviation fuel.”

“This is a big day for Nigeria. We are delighted to have reached this significant milestone. This is an important achievement for our country as it demonstrates our ability to develop and deliver large capital projects. This is a game changer for our country,” Dangote was quoted as having said.

Similarly, he appreciated the group’s bankers and financiers, both local and offshore; while thanking the Government of Lagos State, under the leadership of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the host communities and their traditional leaders.

The statement posted on the Dangote Group X handle added that the Dangote Refinery “can load 2,900 trucks a day at its truck-loading gantries.

“The products from the Refinery will conform to Euro V specifications. The refinery design complies with the World Bank, US EPA, European emission norms, and DPR emission/effluent norms.”

It was earlier reported that the Dangote Petroleum Refinery was set to start producing Automotive Gas Oil, also known as diesel, and JetA1 or aviation fuel, in January 2024, while the production of petrol was being delayed by the supply of crude oil in instalments.

The Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemical Project, a subsidiary of Dangote Industries Limited, is a 650,000 barrels per day crude oil refinery located in Dangote Industries Free Zone, Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos, Nigeria.

Dangote Petroleum Refinery, with the capacity to refine 650,000 barrels of crude oil per day, covers an area of approximately 2,635 hectares and is located in the Lekki Free Trade Zone in Lagos.

So far, the facility has received six shipments of one million barrels each of crude oil.

Nigerians are hopeful that the refinery will bring about a reduction in the price of petroleum products.