By Our Correspondent

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) has dismissed reports of an explosion at the Port Harcourt Refining Company (PHRC) in Rivers State, clarifying that the incident was merely a flare event that has been fully contained.

In a press release issued on Tuesday, March 19, 2025, the company assured the public that there was no danger to refinery workers, nearby communities, or the environment.

NNPC Ltd. described the reports of an explosion as false and urged both the media and the general public to disregard them.

“There is no danger or health hazard to staff, the surrounding communities, or the environment,” said Olufemi O. Soneye, NNPC Ltd.’s Chief Corporate Communications Officer.

Flare events are routine occurrences in oil refining operations and typically involve the controlled burning of excess gases to maintain safe pressure levels. While such incidents may produce visible flames or noise, they do not pose the kind of risks associated with actual explosions.

The clarification comes amid growing concerns over safety at Nigeria’s refineries, especially as the government pushes for the full rehabilitation of the Port Harcourt refinery to boost local fuel production.

NNPC Ltd. reassured Nigerians of its commitment to operational safety and transparency, emphasizing that the situation at PHRC remains under control.

By Our Correspondent

The Gombe State government, in collaboration with the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), has restated its commitment to domesticating the Nigeria Start-up Act (NSA) in the state.

Mr Abubakar Luggerrewo, Speaker of the Gombe State House of Assembly while speaking at a town hall workshop towards the domestication of the Act in the state, said the move would help empower youths.

Luggerrewo said that the initiative would empower youths and make them more useful and productive in the state.

He said the state assembly was made up of lawmakers who prioritise the interest of the people and give keen attention to any legislative tasks that would empower the youths and children.

“When we receive this bill, we will expedite action on it and ensure that the bill sees the light of the day.”

He said that the bill would create an environment conducive for young persons in the state to explore their talents and contribute positively to the development of the country.

For his part, the Gombe State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Adamu Pantami commended the initiative, noting that it would complement government’s efforts at empowering youths of the state.

Represented by his permanent secretary at the ministry, Mr Modi Shelpidi, Pantami said that the state government would leverage all partnerships towards improving the wellbeing of youths of the state.

He stated that the government would continue to embrace any initiative that would drive innovations and technology for the improvement of the lives of young people.

In her welcome speech, the National Coordinator, Office for Nigeria Digital Innovation (ONDI), which is a special purpose vehicle (SPV) of NITDA, Victoria Fabunmi, said NSA initiative was a pathway to innovations and technology.

Fabunmi, represented by Mr Hassan Idris, the program officer ONDI, said that the NSA project was a joint initiative by Nigeria’s tech start-up ecosystem and the presidency to harness the potential in Nigeria’s digital economy.

She stated that the initiative showed President Bola Tinubu administration’s unwavering commitment to fostering an environment conducive to the growth and success of young Nigerian innovators.

She acknowledged the key role start-ups would play in improving the nation’s economic development and providing jobs for youths.

She said that the implementation of the NSA had begun since its enactment in 2022, and part of the implementation was the domestication of the Act at the various states.

According to her, the act is designed to fertilise innovations and economic growth for the country.

She said that the act served as a bold framework to impact start-ups, promote collaboration, and drive innovation.

“However, its true impact lies in the domestication and implementation at the state levels.

“Today’s event is about collaboration, commitment, and collective actions.

“ By working together, government, academia, start-ups and innovators, we can create an enabling environment that position Nigeria at the global stage,” she said.

NSA is a co-created law by the government and ecosystem to unlock Nigeria’s digital economy potential by ensuring regulatory certainty, creating an enabling business environment.

It is also to foster local content to attract investment and create job opportunities.

By Our Correspondent

In an effort to address the persistent water scarcity in his constituency, the Member representing Bauchi Federal Constituency in the National Assembly, Hon. Aliyu Aminu Garu, has launched a N97 million project to provide 23 boreholes across Bauchi Local Government Area. The project, which was officially launched at Rafin Zurfi, aims to alleviate the water challenges faced by the local communities.

Speaking at the project launch, Hon. Aliyu Aminu Garu emphasized the importance of the initiative in strategically selected areas within Bauchi Local Government. “These boreholes will significantly ease the water scarcity problem in the affected areas, providing access to clean and safe water for thousands of residents,” he noted. He further highlighted that this project is just one of many developments he has spearheaded since assuming office.

In addition to the water project, Garu revealed other key infrastructure initiatives under his leadership. He announced the construction of a 45-kilometer road stretching from Tudun Gambo to Gigera in Bauchi Local Government, aimed at improving transportation and easing the challenges faced by road users. “This road will be a major relief to commuters and residents who have long endured poor road conditions,” he remarked.

Further cementing his commitment to education, the lawmaker disclosed plans for the construction of two schools in Kajitu and Shafa, both within his constituency. These schools, he said, would contribute to improving access to quality education for the children in the region.

The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Chairman for Bauchi Local Government, Inuwa Aliyu Dirbin Inkil, commended Hon. Garu for his development-oriented leadership. He called on the benefiting communities to take responsibility for maintaining the boreholes, ensuring their sustainability for future use. “It’s important that the communities protect and properly maintain these projects so they can serve them for many years,” he urged.

Community leader Mr. Patric Aliyu of Rafin Zurfi also praised Garu for his dedicated service to the people, particularly the youth and women of the constituency. “His leadership is exemplary, and his efforts are making a direct impact on the lives of those at the grassroots level,” Mr. Aliyu stated.

Other members of the community echoed similar sentiments, lauding the representative for addressing their basic needs, such as water and infrastructure, and for being an accessible and responsive leader.

This marks a significant step in Hon. Garu’s continued effort to enhance the quality of life for his constituents through meaningful and sustainable development projects.