This Week In History: October 22 – October 28 – A Recap Of Events

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October 28, 2023

OCTOBER 22

JFK reveals Soviet-built missile bases in Cuba

On Oct. 22, 1962, in a nationally broadcast address, President John F. Kennedy revealed the presence of Soviet-built missile bases under construction in Cuba and announced a quarantine of all offensive military equipment being shipped to the Communist island nation.

OCTOBER 23

Beirut truck bombing kills 241 US service members

On Oct. 23, 1983, 241 U.S. service members, most of them Marines, were killed in a suicide truck-bombing at Beirut International Airport in Lebanon, while a near-simultaneous attack on French forces killed 58 paratroopers.

OCTOBER 24

The United Nations is officially born.

On Oct. 24, 1945, the United Nations officially came into existence as its charter took effect.

OCTOBER 25

George III takes the throne in Britain

On Oct. 25, 1760, Britain’s King George III succeeded his late grandfather, George II.

George II, at the age of 60, was the last British sovereign to fight alongside his soldiers, at the Battle of Dettingen in 1743 in Germany, against the French.

Like his father, for much of his reign George’s political options were limited by the strength of the Jacobite cause with which many of the Tories supported, overtly or secretly (James Stuart the Old Pretender, and then his son, Charles Edward Stuart)..

George’s reign was threatened in 1745 when Charles Edward Stuart, the Young Pretender, landed in Scotland.

After some initial success (which led to the national anthem in its current form becoming popular among the Hanoverian loyalists), Charles was defeated at the Battle of Culloden in April 1746.

Subsequent Jacobite plots had no realistic prospect of success.

The foundations of the industrial revolution were laid during George’s reign, with new levels of production in industries such as coal and shipbuilding and also in agriculture.

At the same time, there was, a rapid rise in population.

Overseas, trade was boosted by successes such as Clive’s victories in India at Arcot (1751) and Plassey (1757), which placed Madras and Bengal under British control, and Wolfe’s capture of French-held Quebec in 1759 (part of a successful campaign which transferred Canada with its wealthy trade in fish and fur from French to British rule).

As the country prospered and George’s reign lengthened, his early unpopularity (he did not travel far in England, and much preferred Hanover) changed into a general respect.

The King’s eldest son, Frederick, died in 1751. George’s grandson, George III, therefore inherited the throne, on George’s death in 1760.

Also Read: Residents Lament On Devastating Flood In Isheri Community

OCTOBER 26

Amy Coney Barrett confirmed as Supreme Court justice

On October 26th, 2020, Amy Coney Barrett was confirmed to the Supreme Court by a deeply divided Senate, with Republicans overpowering Democrats to install President Donald Trump’s nominee days before the election and secure a likely conservative court majority for years to come.

OCTOBER 27

Gunman kills 11 in Pittsburgh synagogue

On Oct. 27, 2018, a gunman shot and killed 11 congregants and wounded six others at Pittsburgh’s Tree of Life synagogue in the deadliest attack on Jews in U.S. history; authorities said the suspect, Robert Bowers, raged against Jews during and after the rampage.

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OCTOBER 28

Benito Mussolini takes power in Italy

On Oct. 28, 1922, fascism came to Italy as Benito Mussolini took control of the government.

Senate To Probe Lack of Funds for Frontier Acreages

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Rhoda Onuzulike

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October 27, 2023

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The Senate has said that it would invite the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation limited over the lack of funds to explore and develop new frontier acreages.

The Senate through the Chairman, Committee on Gas, Jarigbe Jarigbe, made this known on Friday while briefing the press after a closed-door session with the Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, Gbenga Komolafe, and his team.

The Petroleum Industry Act, 2021 introduced the Frontier Exploration Fund to support exploration and development in Nigeria’s frontier acreages

These areas include regions like Anambra, Dahomey, Bida, Sokoto, Chad, and Benue where hydrocarbon exploration is yet to occur or remains undeveloped.

The PIA further stated that the Fund, constituting 30% of NNPC’s “profit oil and profit gas” from various contracts, will finance exploration and development activities in these frontier acreages.

Senator Jarigbe said, “We received a briefing from the CEO of NUPRC and his team on the activities of the agency.

“Section 9 subsection 4 and 5 provides that the NUPRC should have a Frontier Acreages an exco account for the exploration and development of frontier acreages and that fund is subject to the approval of the National Assembly.”

He added “Also, section 22 subsection 1 of the Petroleum Industrial Act also provides that the National Assembly oversights the budget and expenditure of the NUPRC.

The lawmakers during the interactive session, noted that the issue of gas in the economy was becoming very important and inexplicable, like a resource that can sustain a nation.

They further noted that scientifically, the world is gravitating towards gas.

Earlier, the CEO OF NUPRC buttressed the lawmakers that “Gas is very crucial in the revenue generation of our country, just like oil, it is equally very critical.

“Aside from the fact that gas has been recognised as a transition fuel and for us in the commission, we focus on rapping up our gas production.”

Kimolafe stated that Nigeria has “37 barrels of crude oil as it relates to gas, reserve number of 208 tcl of gas that makes us the largest gas reserve in Africa and the ninth globally.”

He further claimed that Nigeria was gradually gaining strength in terms of gas production even though efforts were put in place to ensure production which would amount to revenue generation

He said, “From our dashboard, we recorded 206 tcl of gas last year, and in this year it grew to 208 tcl reserve as of September.

The NUPRC boss further noted that the agency recognised that given the development in the world and the unfolding of situation in the Middle East like Ukraine, they were ensuring that Nigeria produces more in other to ensure more gas production to allow for better revenue generation.

Komolafe noted, “The commission at the moment is trying to look at fields that have undeveloped gas opportunities, and as an internal initiative; we have been able to identify all those fields of uncommitted gas.

He, however, emphasised that the major challenge militating against gas production was a lack of funds and infrastructure.

Federal Govt. to Revamp Steel Sector — Minister

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Rhoda Onuzulike

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October 27, 2023

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The Minister of State for Steel Development, Maigari Ahmadu, said the Federal Government of Nigeria is set to revamp the country’s steel sector to enhance the economy, create employment opportunities and speed up industrialisation.

Ahmadu stated this during a familiarisation visit to the Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Soludo on Friday, at the Governor’s Lodge, Amawbia, Awka area of the state.

He pointed out that he recognises the state as a “cluster of industrial development in the country”.

The Minister, who had earlier conducted round facilities at the Metallurgical Training Institute in Onitsha, expressed optimism that both the federal and state governments would help scale up interest in skills acquisition and liaise with the institute, as a way to eradicate poverty.

He revealed that the visit was the first facility tour he would be embarking on under his watch, saying that it was a result of a carefully planned agenda.

Industrialisation: Governor Soludo Commissions Steel Plant In Oyi, Anambra State

He said, “The present administration is passionate about the steel sector. The MTI, Onitsha would get serious attention under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu while thinking outside the box within their limited resources.”

While receiving the Minister, Soludo commended the present administration for prioritising the important things.

He also expressed optimism that the present government will put things in place to unleash the great potential of the country.

Earlier, the Director and Chief Executive, MTI, Onitsha, Bode Fakuade, solicited increased government attention towards the Institute by way of putting more infrastructure as well as funding.

Fakuade said funding and infrastructure will go a long way to improve the skills of young people thereby solving restiveness.

6,000 Seafarers Visit Nigerian Ports Monthly – NPA

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Rhoda Onuzulike

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October 27, 2023

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The Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority, Mohammed Bello-Koko has said that a minimum of 6,000 seafarers call at Nigerian ports monthly.

Bello-Koko said this on Wednesday in Apapa during the commissioning of the renovated Mission for Seafarers Centre NPA.

He explained that an estimated 4,000 foreign-flagged ships visit Nigerian shores annually.

“With an estimated number of 4,000 foreign-flagged ships visiting our shores annually, which implies that 300 vessels (or a minimum of 6,000 Seafarers) visit Nigerian ports every month, it has become expedient that we intensify our collaborations with global institutions like the MTS to encourage Shore Leave and Crew Change and of course reap the concomitant benefits for coastal tourism and the projection of positive image and reputation for our dear nation,” he said.

The NPA boss said that the country is witnessing improvement in inland traffic in the ports.

NPA Begins Removal of Overtime Cargoes

“Already, we are witnessing improvements in inland traffic to and from our ports. These, coupled with developments in intermodal transportation, as occasioned by our advancing rail system, are bound to encourage and stimulate immense opportunities in the maritime ecosystem,” he added.

Bello-Koko stressed on the need for the nation to take every opportunity to deepen the port’s competitiveness.

“It would be pertinent to mention that the combination of being a coastal nation and the sub-regional economic powerhouse as well as being the continent’s most populous nation with a youth population at about 60 percent, compels us to take advantage of every opportunity to deepen our port competitiveness and rating to attract necessary opportunities to cater to this growing demography,” he noted.

Africa Contributes 3% to Global Trade — AfreximBank

By

Rhoda Onuzulike

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October 27, 2023

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The Head of the Mansa Digital Initiative at the African Export and Import Bank, Maureen Mba, has said that Africa contributes only 3 per cent to the totality of global trade.

Mba stated this on Wednesday while unveiling the Mansa initiative at a webinar held to discuss the challenges faced by Small and Medium Enterprises in Nigeria.

The webinar, which was organised by the Lagos Chamber of Commerce, also sought solutions to the myriad of challenges faced by small businesses.

Afreximbank Invests all-time High $36bn in Nigeria

Mba, while explaining the rationale behind the Mansa Digital Initiative said there was an urgent need to promote trade across the African continent.

She said, “Africa contributes only 3 per cent to global trade, and those are just manufactured products. We need to change the narrative. We need to support our SMEs to do better.”

In his welcome address, the president of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Michael Olawale-Cole emphasised the need for the government to support SMEs due to their strategic importance to the national economy.

He noted that Nigeria’s small and medium-sized enterprises have long been the backbone of the economy, contributing significantly to economic growth, job creation, and poverty reduction.

$10bn Spent Annually on Agric Import

By

Rhoda Onuzulike

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October 27, 2023

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The Deputy Managing Director of the African Reinsurance Corporation, Ken Aghoghovbia, has said that the International Trade Administration estimates show that Nigeria relies on about $10bn of imports to meet its food and agricultural production shortfalls.

Aghoghovbia was speaking at the Africa Reinsurance Corporation Agriculture Workshop which was held in Lagos on Wednesday.

The two-day event, organised under the International Finance Corporation Technical assistance provider mandate for the Nigeria Climate Insurance project, brought together key stakeholders from the Agriculture insurance industry in Nigeria.

The primary objective of the workshop was to facilitate a collaborative platform for key industry players, including insurers, government agencies, farmers’ representatives, the insurance regulator, finance institutions, input dealers, and commercial farms.

In his opening remarks, Aghoghovbia noted that despite its contribution to the GDP, the agricultural sector has been hurt by several shocks such as flooding, desertification of crop and grazing land. He listed conflicts between herdsmen and local farmers, inadequate access to financing and low-use of modern technology as other challenges confronting growth in the sector.

Fisheries Operations: Agriculture Minister Says Government To Support Local Production To Reduce Imports

These challenges, he said, have stifled the sector’s productivity, and created a huge gap between local food supply and demand leading to increased food imports.

He said, “The International Trade Administration estimates that Nigeria relies on about $10 billion of imports to meet its food and agricultural production shortfalls.

“Agriculture Insurance, you would agree, holds great promise in turning around the fortunes of Nigeria’s agriculture sector.

“In the last five years, Agriculture insurance has received considerable attention from the insurance market players in Nigeria who have been attracted by the opportunities that stem from the need to commercialise and modernise Agriculture production and the quest of successive governments to diversify the economy.

“With approximately 70 million hectares of agriculture land and diversity of Agriculture enterprises, Nigeria’s Agriculture Insurance market has the potential to generate a premium of over $600m.”

Federal Govt., ECOWAS to Float Energy Bank

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Rhoda Onuzulike

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October 27, 2023

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The Federal Government of Nigeria in collaboration with other members of Economic Community of West African States are planning to set up the Africa Energy Bank to cater to crude oil exploration activities in the region.

Outgoing President, the Nigerian Association of Petroleum Explorationists, Elliot Ibie, revealed this on the sideline of a press conference in Lagos on Wednesday while announcing the 41st annual international conference and exhibition of the group.

According to Ibie, the energy bank would be funded by ECOWAS members and other banks, which he did not mention their names, to boost oil and gas production in the region.

ECOWAS Grants $78m To Train Farmers In Poultry, Fishery

“The Federal Government and investors are truly worried about the dwindling crude oil production in the country, and that is why ECOWAS is now planning to boost production through the energy bank that is currently being set up,” he said.

This year’s conference was themed, ‘Repositioning the oil & gas industry for future energy dynamics’.

The incoming President of the association who also doubles as the Chairman conference planning committee, Abiodun Ogunjobi, added that low crude oil production was not as a result of Federal government’s commitment to the Energy Transition plan, but due to the advent of COVID-19.

FG, Chinese Consortium Sign $463m Power Deal

By

Rhoda Onuzulike

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October 27, 2023

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The Federal Government of Nigeria has signed a $463m power distribution lines upgrade contract with a Chinese consortium.

While making the announcement in Abuja on Thursday, the government explained that the contract would be financed by the China Exim Bank, as it had both off-shore and significant on-shore content.

The Special Adviser for Strategic Communication and Media Relations to the Minister of Power, Bolaji Tunji, disclosed this in a statement, which stated that the deal would enhance the availability of electricity to homes and businesses nationwide.

The statement said the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding was between the FGN Power Company, the special purpose vehicle responsible for implementing the Presidential Power Initiative on behalf of the Federal Ministry of Power, and a Chinese consortium.

It said the consortium consisted of China Civil Engineering Construction and TBEA Energy.

It read in part, “This agreement is aimed at upgrading the distribution lines infrastructure under Lot Three of the PPI, which encompasses the regions served by Jos, Kano, Abuja, and Kaduna distribution companies.

“The signing ceremony took place during the 3rd Belt and Road Initiative event held in Beijing, China. A similar MoU was signed between the Transmission Company of Nigeria, CCECC and TBEA to establish a super grid for the power sector.”

Power Sector Vital For Economic Growth – Minister

The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, and his team were hosted by these two organisations, particularly CCECC, which had been operating in Nigeria for the past 42 years, according to the statement.

It stated that the presentation was conducted by Global Chairman of CCECC, Liu Wiemin, and TBEA Global President, Huang Hanjie.

The statement further disclosed that the Nigerian delegation to China was led by Vice President Kashim Shettima, accompanied by Adelabu; Minister of Works, David Umahi; Transportation Minister, Sa’idu Alkali; Foreign Affairs Minister, Amb. Yusuf Tuggar; and heads of various government agencies.

The Belt and Road initiative, established by the Chinese government a decade ago, sought to promote infrastructure investment and cooperation across approximately 70 countries in Africa, Asia, and Europe.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Adelabu assured both companies of a long-term partnership, given the strong relationship between China and Nigeria, which was further strengthened at the BRI event.

Nigeria’s Coffee Industry Set To Earn $2B In 2 Years

By

Rhoda Onuzulike

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October 27, 2023

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Key players in Nigeria’s coffee manufacturing industry are optimistic that the industry has the potential to earn $2bn in the next two to three years.

This buoyant outlook is underpinned by the growing demand for coffee emanating from developed economies, a trend that industry insiders are keen to capitalise on.

Data from the United Nations COMTRADE database on international trade revealed that Nigeria’s exports of coffee, tea, mate, and spices amounted to $38.63mn in 2021.

Against this backdrop, industry leaders are strategically positioning themselves to tap into the burgeoning global appetite for coffee products.

Exploring Nigeria’s Home Grown Coffee Culture

Africa, as a continent, plays a pivotal role in satisfying international coffee cravings, supplying a remarkable 80 percent of the United States’ coffee imports.

“In the next 2 to 3 years, by aggregating our cultivation capacity, we aim to generate $2bn in coffee revenue,” the President of the West Africa Specialty Coffee Association, Lanre Segun, said at the World Coffee and Tea Expo in Lagos.

Segun said the industry with huge potential is gearing up for expansion, tapping into international demands for Nigerian coffee, especially from markets like Japan.

The President said; “There is significant international interest in Nigerian coffee; currently, some are exporting to countries like Japan and Canada. Africa supplies 80 per cent of the US coffee imports, and Nigeria can tap into this market.”

However, Segun said to achieve this, Nigeria must stimulate interest among Nigerians in coffee cultivation.

According to him, proper dissemination of information is crucial.

“Many people confuse coffee with cocoa, and some even consider coffee a byproduct of cocoa. Securing land is a key challenge.”

Furthermore, he urged states cultivating coffee to release lands to farmers in abundance.

“Clearing farmland is a major obstacle, requiring machinery and proper education to enhance production,” he noted.

Clean Energy: Nigeria, Germany To Foster Cooperation

By

Rhoda Onuzulike

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October 27, 2023

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Germany and Nigeria are set to foster cooperation in the transition to clean, sustainable energy sources, in the face of global focus from fossil fuel to clean energy sources.

The Deputy German Ambassador to Nigeria, Johannes Lehne stated this in Abuja, the Nigerian capital, at the SustyVibes National Open Dialogue on Nigeria’s Energy Transition Plan with support of the Nigerian-German Hydrogen Office.

Ambassador Lehne said Germany is proud to be part of this global effort towards energy transition and is committed to working with Nigeria and other nations to create an energy landscape that is sustainable, inclusive, and environmentally responsible.

“Our commitment to this endeavor is further underscored by our financial support through programmes such as the Nigerian Energy Support Programme, co-financed with the European Union, and the German-Nigerian Hydrogen Office, part of the Global Hydrogen Diplomacy Programme financed by the German Federal Foreign Office.”

Conversations on Climate change, Clean energy top priority – German Mission

He noted that SustyVibes is a remarkable non-profit organisation composed of passionate youth groups dedicated to environmental and climate action.

Ambassador Lehne said this is a testament to the determination and innovation of Nigeria’s young people who are driving positive change for their country and indeed, the world.

The envoy disclosed that as part of the project almost a thousand young Nigerians are being trained in a six-week workshop on biodiversity from policy to practice.

An Energy Transition Plan, Analyst, Somkele Awa-Kalu, said there is nothing that stops youth from channeling their expertise into renewable energy.

Awa-Kalu said as the world is moving towards renewable energy as the source of electricity, he urged youths in Nigeria to explore skills in different aspects of renewable energy to get employed.

“We have to think about what we do to repurpose those jobs that are lost. We are a youth led population; I think it is easy for us to grasp the basics when it comes to move from one job to another.”

He said as the world tilt towards renewable energy, there will be employment opportunities that come as a result of that.

The Head of German/Nigeria Hydrogen Office, Gina Lagunes, said the sector would require engineers in the scale up to renewable energy to produce the green Hydrogen that the world will needs.

“So, we will need a lot of people working in renewable energy sector like solar, wind turbines, geo thermal, small hydro power policy and market analyst. It will be a whole industry and we need a lot of labour for that.”

The SustyVibes National Energy Transition Dialogue is aimed at increasing awareness and understanding of the Energy Transition Plan (ETP) among young people as well as enhance the engagement and participation of young people in shaping Nigeria’s energy future.

The Dialogue is organised with support of the Nigerian-German Hydrogen Office.

The German-Nigerian Hydrogen Office forms part of the Global Hydrogen Diplomacy project which is financed by the Federal Foreign Office (AA) and implemented by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, which aims to build local capacity in green hydrogen.