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Fuel Queue: Rights Group writes new DG DSS to investigate Mele Kyari, other oil sector players

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A rights group, Centre for Human Rights in Africa, has written to the new Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Adeola Ajayi, calling for an investigation into the activities of Mele Kyari, Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC), and other top officials in the oil sector.

In the letter signed by Princess Caroline Obi, the group alleged that Kyari and other officials, including Gbenga Olu Komolafe, Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), and Farouk Ahmed, Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), have been involved in various nefarious activities that have hindered the growth and development of the oil sector in Nigeria.

Specifically, the group accused the officials of unaccounted crude oil production and sales, frustrating the functionality of refineries in Nigeria, and preferring the export of crude oil to refineries linked to them outside Nigeria, thereby shortchanging the government and accruing forex debts on the already stretched economy of the country.

The group also alleged that the officials have amassed wealth not commensurate with their earnings as chief executive officers of government organizations.

“The Director General would be alarmed about the rot in the oil and gas sector in Nigeria under the watch of the above-listed individuals,” the letter said.

“They have constituted themselves as clogs in the wheels of progress in the country. They have continued to milk the country dry by frustrating the functionality of the refineries in the country.

“It is also on record that they have been neck deep in frustrating the desire for local refining of petroleum products in the country, preferring the export our crude oil to refineries linked to them outside the shores of the country, thereby shortchanging the government and accruing forex debts on the already stretched economy of the country.

“We are therefore using this medium to call for an investigation of the above-mentioned individuals in a bid to unravel their nefarious activities and also put an end to it for the betterment of the country at large.
The Centre for Human Rights in Africa is conversant with the unalloyed commitment of the director general in the Nigerian project, hence our writing this letter requesting an investigation into the oil and gas administration in Nigeria.

“It is indeed sad that these individuals have constituted themselves into a gang working against the interests of the country. They have amassed so much wealth that is not commensurate with their earnings as chief executive officers of government organizations.

“We wish to also state that Mele Kyari, the chief executive officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited is the ring leader, who has been engaging in acts that have cost the country considerable loss of revenues over the years.

“The Director General may wish to recall that recently, there was a news report on how officials of the NNPCL sign off substandard petroleum products from Malta into the country. This example is one of numerous others that have been detrimental to the economic stability of the country.”

The Centre for Human Rights in Africa called on the DSS to investigate the activities of the officials and bring an end to their alleged nefarious actions for the betterment of Nigeria.

“The Centre for Human Rights in Africa is desirous of a better Nigeria and one of the ways this could be achieved is when there is a clean-up in the administration of the oil and gas sector in Nigeria,” the letter added.

“This is also on the heels that Nigeria’s major source of revenue is crude oil production and sales. As it stands the country is on the brink of annihilation if urgent steps are not taken.

“We trust that the director general would use his good office to investigate the activities of the above-mentioned individuals in the overall interest of the country.”

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Where culture meets connection: ‘Made by Africa, loved by the world’ returns for its fifth year 

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22 May 2025, – In celebration of Africa Day, Facebook today launched the pan-African “Made by Africa, loved by the world” campaign, celebrating the creative brilliance and global impact of Africans from across the continent. This year’s theme, “Where Culture Meets Connection,” reinforces Facebook as the leading space for conversation around cultural moments globally, and brings together internationally recognised African creatives from diverse disciplines, uniting to create a powerful celebration of African creativity, culture and global influence.

The three short cinematic films, premiering on the Meta Africa page, takes viewers on a journey through the groundbreaking work, personal stories, and cultural influences of some of Africa’s six most dynamic creative talents. Through powerful storytelling, the campaign unites diverse art forms of film, animation, dance, music and photography into a single narrative of creativity and collaboration.

Meet the creators behind the campaign

Featuring some of the continent’s most popular and loved creatives from Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana and South Africa, the films explore themes of identity, creativity, and connection across the continent, celebrating not only their artistry, but their widespread influence and cultural resonance. 

  • Ladipoe (Nigeria): A BET award nominee, he is a Nigerian rapper known for fusing global hip-hop sounds with African rhythms, he is a leader of Nigeria’s hip-hop revival with his authenticity and originality inspiring a new generation of artists
  • Fatboy Animations (Kenya): A studio founded by self-taught animator Michael Muthiga and twice recognized by Forbes magazine as one to watch, Fatboy Animations is known for creating fun, original African stories, with the studio’s standout character, Kapinto receiving international acclaim. 
  • Lisa Quama (Ghana): A dancer and content creator celebrated for her energetic dance videos. She gained major recognition after featuring in Beyoncé’s “Already” music video alongside Shatta Wale.
  • Gilbert Asante (Ghana): A creative director, photographer and multidisciplinary artist known for his vibrant visual storytelling and refined style. His work has been featured in GQ, Glam Africa and Glitz Africa.
  • David Tlale (South Africa): A fashion designer who approaches fashion with an eye toward bold and creative designs that fuse African heritage with modern style. His innovative designs have been showcased at major fashion events—from New York and Paris to Cape Town Fashion Weeks, whilst his designs have graced some of entertainment’s biggest events such as the Met Gala. 
  • Ofentse Mwase (South Africa): A  talented South African filmmaker with over 24 international awards for his visual storytelling. His creativity shines in his unique visual effects and storytelling, often blending African culture with modern themes. 

Commenting, Kezia Anim-Addo, Communications Director, Africa, Middle East & Turkey (AMET), said: “We’re incredibly excited to shine a spotlight and celebrate just some of the amazing creative talent that casts a light on our African culture and connects us to the world. Facebook is a leading place for conversations around cultural moments, and through this campaign, we’re not only celebrating individual success stories – we’re also showcasing how culture and social media together can drive meaningful connection and inspiration.” 

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NOTSUP Establishes New Chapter at Federal Polytechnic Ohodo

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The Non-Teaching Staff Union of Polytechnics (NOTSUP) has successfully established a new chapter at Federal Polytechnic Ohodo in Enugu State. This development marks a significant milestone in the union’s efforts to strengthen its presence and advocate for the rights and welfare of non-teaching staff across Nigeria.

This new chapter was established and inaugurated on May 13, 2025, by NOTSUP Southeast Zonal Executive Council, led by Comrade Victor Iduma Okocha and comprising Comrade Kalu Azuma Nwankwo and Comrade Maxwell Obijuru. The formation of this chapter is expected to enhance the welfare and well-being of non-teaching staff at Federal Polytechnic Ohodo, providing them with a stronger collective voice to negotiate with management and address key issues affecting their livelihoods.

Following the inauguration, the Federal Polytechnic Ohodo new chapter chairman, Comrade Chidi Ugwele, in his speech stated, “I reserve all glory for God almighty. I extend my deepest gratitude to the school management for approving the establishment and indeed the inauguration of our union on May 13, 2025, and recognizing the importance of collective representation for non-teaching staff. I also appreciate NOTSUP, Southeast Zonal Executive Council, and the National Executive Council for accepting to establish the union in the polytechnic.He equally called on all the chapter members to come together and make NOTSUP, FEDPOD Chapter a Success.”

The new chapter will provide a platform for non-teaching staff at Federal Polytechnic Ohodo to come together, share concerns, and work collectively towards improving their working conditions and overall well-being. With this establishment, NOTSUP continues to solidify its commitment to representing and supporting non-teaching staff in the polytechnic sector.

During the inauguration, the Southeast Zonal Executive Council presented the new chapter leadership with letters of appointment issued by the union’s National Executive Council. The Federal Polytechnic Ohodo Chapter Executives inaugurated include the Chairman, Comrade Chidi Ugwele, Secretary, Achi Thomas, Vice Chairman, Ugwuafia Nneamaka, Financial Secretary, Ebekue Ifeoma, Treasurer, Elom Chinedu, Assistant Secretary, Eneh Anulika, Welfare Officer, Okpaga Davidson, and Public Relation Officer, Lawal Saheed.

The inauguration was attended by Federal Polytechnic Ohodo management who were invited as guests of honor, including the Rector, heavily represented by the Deputy Rector, Dr Cornelius O Ogayi, Registrar heavily represented by the Director Admissions, Mr Austin Ugwoke, Acting Bursar, Mrs Udeh Patient A, polytechnic Librarian, Dr Ejike C Igwebuike.

The NOTSUP National President, Comrade Shaba Nakorji, while receiving the report on the inauguration, expressed gratitude to the Federal Polytechnic Ohodo management. He stated that the National Executive Council is optimistic that NOTSUP in the polytechnic will foster a stronger, more united voice for non-teaching staff, enabling them to effectively address challenges and pursue opportunities for growth and development.

This establishment is a testament to NOTSUP’s dedication to its members and its mission to promote a better working environment for non-teaching staff in polytechnics across the country.

Photo from left to right: Chapter Public Relation Officer, Lawal Saheed A, Chapter Vice Chairman, Ugwuafia Nneamaka, Chapter Financial Secretary, Ebekue Ifeoma, Chapter Chairman, Comrade Ugwele Chidiebere, Polytechnic Librarian, Dr Ejike C Igwebuike, Deputy Rector, Dr Cornelius O Ogayi, Southeast Zonal Coordinator, Comrade Victor Iduma Okocha, Zonal Publicity Secretary, Comrade Maxwell Obijuru, Zonal Secretary, Comrade Kalu Azuma Nwankwo, Assistant Secretary, Eneh Anulika E,
Treasurer , Elon Chinedu N,
Welfare Officer, Okpaga Davidson E.

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NOTSUP Attains Recognition at Federal Polytechnic Ukana

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Left to Right: Comrade Kalu Nwankwo, Comrade Victor Iduma Okocha, The Rector Dr. Mrs. Essien Uduma, Comrade Maxwell Obijuru, Comrade Matthew Ekong, Comrade Enobong Williams

The Non-Teaching Staff Union of Polytechnics (NOTSUP) has secured formal recognition from Federal Polytechnic Ukana, marking a significant milestone in its history. This recognition strengthens NOTSUP’s presence within the institution, enabling the union to undertake labor activities and provide representation for its members.

Comrade Enobong Williams, NOTSUP Chairman at Federal Polytechnic Ukana, and Comrade Ekong Matthew, pioneer former Secretary of NOTSUP at Yaba College of Technology, received the formal recognition letter issued by Federal Polytechnic Ukana.

Left to Right: Comrade Kalu Nwankwo, Comrade Victor Iduma Okocha, The Rector Dr. Mrs. Essien Uduma, Comrade Maxwell Obijuru, Comrade Matthew Ekong, Comrade Enobong Williams

The recognition letter comes after a delegation from NOTSUP’s Southeast Zonal Executive Council (ZEC), led by Comrade Victor Iduma Okocha and comprising Comrade Kalu A. Nwankwo and Comrade Maxwell Obijuru, visited Federal Polytechnic Ukana on April 17, 2025. During their visit, they formally requested a recognition letter.

The National President of NOTSUP, Comrade Shaba Nakorji, expressed gratitude upon receiving the recognition letter. He thanked the Rector and Management of Federal Polytechnic Ukana for recognizing NOTSUP, highlighting the importance of this development for the union and its members.

This recognition is expected to enhance NOTSUP’s ability to advocate for the rights and interests of non-teaching staff at Federal Polytechnic Ukana, fostering a more collaborative and productive work environment.

NOTSUP has recognized established Chapters across state and federal government-owned polytechnics, including: Federal Polytechnic Bida, Akanu Ibiam Federal Polytechnic Unwana, Federal Polytechnic Nekede, Federal Polytechnic Offa, Abia State Polytechnic (Ogbonnia Onu Polytechnic), Yaba College of Technology, Federal Polytechnic Idah, Federal Polytechnic Ado-Ekiti, Federal Polytechnic Kaltungo, College of Agric Lafia, Federal Polytechnic Gombe, Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Kaduna Polytechnic, Federal Polytechnic Ede, Nigeria Institute of Legal Studies Zaria, Federal Polytechnic Ukana, and many others.

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