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Obasanjo Opens Up: How He Pleaded With Shell Over Port Harcourt, Warri, Kaduna Refineries.

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Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has expressed doubt over the future of the Port Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna refineries, insisting they are unlikely to ever function effectively again.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

He made the remarks during a televised interview aired on Saturday night on Sony Irabor Live, at a time when the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) is actively seeking technical partners to manage the facilities.

The NNPC had earlier set June 2026 as the target date to conclude the selection process for those partners.

Obasanjo maintained that public-private partnerships (PPP) remain the most effective model, citing the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) project as a successful example where private sector involvement drives performance.

“One of the lessons I learnt is that PPP works. The NLNG is one project that has not been destroyed by government interference. The private sector holds 51 per cent while government holds 49 per cent,” he said.

He contrasted this with the performance of other state-run enterprises, including the railways, the national shipping company, and the NNPC refineries, which he said have consistently underperformed.

Obasanjo also recalled his attempts during his presidency to persuade Shell to manage the refineries, including offering them equity participation.

“I called Shell and asked them to take 10 per cent equity and run the refineries. They refused. I even asked them to manage them without equity, but they still declined,” he said.

According to him, Shell later explained that most of their profits come from upstream operations, while downstream refining is less profitable and more of a service activity.

He further said Shell cited several challenges, including the small size of Nigeria’s refineries compared to global standards, poor maintenance culture, and corruption concerns.

Obasanjo also recounted an approach from Aliko Dangote, who reportedly offered $750 million for a 51 per cent stake in two of the refineries.

“I considered it a miracle at the time and told him to proceed quickly. The money was paid,” he said.

However, he stated that the arrangement was later reversed after his exit from office, following pressure from the NNPC on his successor, the late Umaru Musa Yar’Adua.

Obasanjo added that Yar’Adua admitted to acting under pressure despite acknowledging the issues within the system.

He also alleged that significant funds—about $16 billion—have since been spent on the refineries without meaningful results, comparing the amount to the cost of building large modern facilities elsewhere.

He concluded that only the current leadership of the NNPC has been frank about the true state of the refineries, while warning that continued investment without structural reform would yield little progress.

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WHO Speaks On Ebola Fears, Reveals Number Of People Under Close Monitoring In Nigeria.

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The World Health Organisation (WHO) Regional Director for Africa, Mohamed Janabi, has announced that Nigeria currently has no Ebola cases following the evacuation of the index patient and her husband to Switzerland.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Reports indicate that the patient was airlifted out of Nigeria aboard a medical air ambulance through the private jet wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.

In a statement posted on his X account on Monday, Janabi said Nigeria would continue monitoring 52 contacts, while Switzerland would take responsibility for the patient’s ongoing medical care and monitor her husband.

He disclosed that the evacuation took place earlier in the morning, adding that both the patient and her husband are Swiss citizens.

According to Janabi, the patient was clinically stable following successful treatment by Nigerian medical teams, who managed her through the acute phase of the illness and stabilised her condition before the evacuation.

The WHO regional director commended the Federal Government, healthcare workers, clinicians, emergency responders and other partners for their contributions to Nigeria’s Ebola response.

He said the successful management of the patient demonstrated Africa’s expertise, resilience and leadership in public health, particularly when countries collaborate to tackle health emergencies.

However, Janabi emphasised that the evacuation did not mean vigilance could be relaxed, stressing the importance of continued contact monitoring and other public health response measures.

He reiterated that Nigeria would maintain close surveillance of 52 contacts, while Switzerland would oversee the patient’s continued treatment and monitor the 53rd contact, her husband.

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Man United Crisis: Carrick Speaks Out After Shock Bournemouth Defeat.

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Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick has said he does not expect to be sacked within the next 24 hours following his side’s disappointing 3-0 home defeat to Bournemouth in the Premier League on Saturday.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The loss at Old Trafford has intensified scrutiny of Carrick as Manchester United continue to struggle with inconsistent performances and results this season.

According to football transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, who shared the manager’s comments on X on Sunday, Carrick acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding his future but maintained that he would continue carrying out his duties as usual.

“I totally understand the situation. I’m not expecting anything in particular, to be honest. I’m carrying on as normal and, you know, I love this place,” he said.

The former Manchester United midfielder also reaffirmed his commitment to the club, insisting that he would continue to act in what he considers the team’s best interests despite the mounting pressure.

Bournemouth’s victory further compounded United’s recent difficulties, marking their third defeat in four home matches and extending their winless run across all competitions to eight games.

Meanwhile, reports indicate that co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and other senior club officials are considering possible replacements as they assess Carrick’s future at Old Trafford.

Former Bayern Munich manager Julian Nagelsmann and ex-Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe have reportedly emerged as leading candidates for the position.

However, Manchester United director of football Jason Wilcox and chief executive Omar Berrada are expected to make the final recommendation before presenting their preferred candidate to Ratcliffe.

The club has yet to announce any decision regarding Carrick’s future, leaving uncertainty over who will lead the team into their next Premier League fixture against Chelsea.

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“If You Insult Tinubu, I’ll Insult You” – Sunday Igboho Fires Warning At Makinde.

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Yoruba Nation activist Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, has criticised Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde over his alleged mockery of President Bola Tinubu.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

According to reports, Igboho condemned Makinde’s conduct during a public event, describing it as childish and disrespectful to the President.

Makinde had challenged rival presidential candidates to demonstrate their physical stamina after jumping off a stage during a campaign meeting in Akure, Ondo State, on October 22.

The governor made the demonstration at the APM South-West Presidential Campaign Town Hall Meeting held at the Ondo State International Conference Centre, popularly known as The Dome.

While addressing supporters, Makinde said he would focus on candidates’ energy levels and ability to withstand the demands of leadership rather than making age a major issue ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

Reacting to the incident, Igboho accused the Oyo governor of making fun of Tinubu and warned that he would respond to anyone who insulted the President.

In a statement on Sunday, the Yoruba Nation activist said Makinde’s actions amounted to disrespect towards the President.

“He was jumping around like a frog and a mad man, insulting Tinubu, saying Tinubu can’t jump like him as if he doesn’t have a father.

“If you insult Tinubu, I will insult you back. Anyone who wants to live long should not mock an elderly person for any reason,” Igboho said.

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