Business
FG will support Google to create 1m digital jobs in Nigeria, says Tinubu
President Bola Tinubu says the federal government is willing to support Google, the multinational tech giant, to create one million digital jobs in Nigeria.
Tinubu gave the assurance in Abuja on Friday evening during the visit of Richard Gingras, vice president of news at Google, to his office.
The president told the visiting Google executive that Nigeria had creative and talented young people who are ready and motivated to learn.
“I am glad that Google is ready to partner with us. You have answered our call on digital innovation and to help our youths,” a statement issued by Dele Alake, special adviser to the president on special duties, communications and strategy, quoted Tinubu as saying.
“You are supporting our efforts to promote digital economy. We are ready to work with you on your commitment to create 1 million digital jobs in Nigeria.
“We will give you all the support you need to have a beneficial corporate responsibility. We have started our economic reforms, even though tortuous.”
On Google’s promotion of free speech, freedom of the press and democracy through its platforms, Tinubu declared that it is in the public interest that free speech and press freedom should not be impeded.
“It is in public interest to continue to defend free press and free speech. We are committed to supporting a free society,” he said.
On his part, Gingras told Tinubu that his organisation has deep interest in Nigeria and stands ready to support the federal government.
He listed the many capabilities of Google to include areas of artificial intelligence and other digital innovations that are empowering young people to become digital entrepreneurs.
He added that Google subsea cable, Equiano, named after the Nigerian slave abolitionist, will significantly impact future internet connectivity demands.
He also promised that Google would help to secure Nigeria in the age of disinformation and fake news, saying that his organisation seeks to continue its partnership with the Nigerian government.
“Google has deep interest in Nigeria. We want to support the government’s efforts to create 1 million digital jobs. We have all the tools and capabilities to make this happen. We will also help to secure Nigeria and we have discussed that with your National Security Adviser,” Gingras said.
“I came to Nigeria to learn. I am going back home very impressed with what I saw. You have very vibrant, creative and talented young people who are embracing innovation.
“We will continue to support your programmes to expand your digital economy.”
Business
Dangote refinery reduces ex-depot price of petrol to N970 for oil marketers
The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has announced a reduction in its ex-depot price of premium motor spirit (PMS), also known as petrol, to N970 per litre for oil marketers.
This is a cut from the refinery’s N990 ex-depot price announced earlier this month, according to a statement on Sunday.
The slash would help marketers save about N20 on each litre of petrol bought from the Lekki-based plant.
Anthony Chiejina, Dangote Group’s chief branding and communications officer, said the move is the refinery’s way of appreciating Nigerians “for their unwavering support in making the refinery a dream come true”.
“In addition, this is to thank the government for their support as this will complement the measures put in place to encourage domestic enterprise for our collective well-being,” the statement reads.
“While the refinery would not compromise on the quality of its petroleum products, we assure you of best quality products that are environmentally friendly and sustainable.
“We are determined to keep ramping up production to meet and surpass our domestic fuel consumption; thus, dispelling any fear of a shortfall in supply.”
Business
Allegation of missing fund untrue, says Access Bank
Access Bank Limited has dismissed as untrue allegations of missing fund and unethical behaviour.
The Bank in a statement said: “Our attention has been drawn to a video on social media wherein allegations of missing funds and unethical behaviour have been made against Access Bank PLC.
“First and foremost, we wish to emphasise that the safety and security of our customers’ funds are core priorities which we take seriously. Second, Access Bank Plc does not engage in or condone any unethical behaviour.
“In the instant case, the allegations of missing funds in the Bank are most untrue and baseless.
“There is no N500million or any other fund or amount missing from the subject customer’s account or from any other customer’s account with us.
“We and other independent stakeholders in the banking industry have thoroughly investigated these allegations and independently arrived at the same conclusions.
“Access Bank PLC operates with the highest ethical standards, and we protect our customers’ interests whilst also respecting privacy laws.
“Consequently, whilst we have engaged and will continue to engage with our customers, we must advise the public not to rely on or believe sensational and unverified claims that are designed to titillate and mislead the public.
“We remain committed to serving our customers.”
Business
31 electricity towers affected as vandals destroy transmission lines in Edo communities
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) says vandals in Benin, Edo state, have destroyed 31 transmission towers.
In a statement on Friday, Ndidi Mbah, TCN’s director of public affairs, confirmed that vandals attacked transmission towers in Okada and Ofosu communities along the 330kV Benin-Egbin and Benin-Omotosho transmission lines.
Mbah said the vandalised towers, which suffered significant damage with critical components removed earlier in November, were discovered by TCN linesmen during a routine patrol.
“A total of 31 towers were affected in this incident,” she said.
“TCN engineers from the Benin Sub-Region have initiated repairs to prevent the collapse of the affected towers and to avoid disruption of bulk power supply.”
‘AHOADA-YENAGOA LINE UNDER REPAIR TARGETED BY VANDALS’
Mbah also said its Ahoada-Yenagoa 132kV line, which was under repair following a previous attack, was once again targeted by vandals.
The TCN spokesperson confirmed that the attack, which occurred on November 19, affected towers 29 to 31 and resulted in the theft of approximately one-third of the conductor.
On August 14, TCN announced that Bayelsa state would face a prolonged power outage following the destruction of 13 transmission towers along the Ahoada-Yenagoa 132kV double circuit transmission line by vandals.
The transmission company, on October 29, reported that 65 percent of the damaged transmission towers had been repaired.
The company said 17 transmission towers had been successfully erected, with work continuing on the remaining three.
“A team of TCN engineers, led by Engr. Emmanuel Akpa, General Manager of the Port Harcourt Region, has conducted an inspection of the site,” the statement reads.
“Preliminary findings indicate that the incident occurred at night. In an attempt to prevent further theft while repair arrangements are being made, local security has been engaged at Ula Ikata in Ahoada East LGA to secure the site until repairs are completed.
“Additionally, the line will be energized from the Ahoada end as a preventive measure.”
Mbah added that efforts are underway to replace the stolen 250mm conductor.
Despite challenges posed by difficult terrain and flooding, she said the restringing of the Ahoada-Yenagoa 132kV line is approximately 85 percent complete.
The public relations officer stressed that the incidents underscore the urgent need to address the growing problem of vandalism and theft, which continue to affect Nigeria’s power infrastructure.
She urged the public to support efforts to tackle such criminal acts, which have hindered the expansion and stability of the national grid.
Mbah also called on security operatives and local communities to remain vigilant in protecting power infrastructure in their areas as TCN intensifies its efforts to safeguard its installations.
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