The United World Congress of Diplomats (UN-WCD) has appointed a Nigerian, Dr Tunji Asaolu, as its Secretary-General.

UN-WCD is a registered entity in the United Kingdom and Canada that engage with diverse stakeholders to facilitate diplomatic exchanges, advocate sustainable development and championing international cooperation to tackle global issues.

This is contained in a statement issued on Friday by Prof.

Rodriguez  said that Asaolu’s appointment was confirmed on March 3, 2025 based on his leadership abilities and commitment to diplomatic relations.

“It is with great pleasure that I formerly inform you of your appointment as the Secretary-General of the UN-WCD, following the unanimous consensus of the Supreme Council International.

“Your appointment is effective from March 3, 2025. In this role, you will directly report to the Chairperson of the Supreme Council of the Congress.

“Your appointment as Secretary-General is indicative of your exceptional leadership abilities, extensive experience in international relations and unwavering commitment to promote diplomacy and peace on a global scale.

“We are confident that your experience and dedication will be valuable assets in furthering our mission.

“As the Secretary-general of the UN-WCD, you will play a pivotal role in guiding the organisation towards achieving its mission of fostering international cooperation and understanding.”

Tunji’s position would span for a four-year term upon confirmation at the forthcoming congress scheduled to take place from Sept. 6 to 12, 2025 in Canada. (NAN)

The Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) says the recent drop in global crude oil prices has sparked hopes of a
corresponding reduction in petrol prices in Nigeria

Dr Billy Gillis-Harry, National President, PETROAN, while reacting to recent development in the oil and gas sector lauded the Federal Government’s decision to continue the Naira-for-Crude policy.

The Global Crude Oil is trading between 61 and 63 dollars currently.

Brent crude futures were down three cents, or 0.05 per cent, at 63.30 dollars a barrel by 0827 GMT while U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude futures were up two cents, or 0.03 per cent, at 60.09 dollars.

Brent and WTI are poised to register weekly declines of 3.5 per cent and three per cent respectively, having both lost about 11 per cent last week.

Brent dipped below 60 dollars a barrel at one point this week for its lowest since February 2021.

However, Gillis-Harry said the core reason for the global crude oil price drop was the weakening global demand due to economic slowdowns in major economies.

This, he said coupled with increased production from non-OPEC countries, leading to a supply glut in the market.

“This expectation is based on the understanding that local refineries will be able to produce petroleum products at a lower cost, which will then be reflected in the prices charged to
consumers.

“Additionally, President Donald Trump’s recent policy of imposing reciprocal tariffs has also contributed to the decline in crude oil prices, as it has dampened global economic growth and led to a recession, further depressing oil prices.

“As the global crude oil price continues to fluctuate, PETROAN is optimistic that the Naira-for-crude policy will help to insulate the Nigerian economy from the volatility of the global market,” he said.

The Federal Government, through its Technical Sub-Committee on the Crude and Refined Product Sales in Naira initiative, announced on Wednesday that the initiative would continue indefinitely.

The move aims to sustain local refining, bolster energy security, and reduce reliance on foreign exchange in the domestic petroleum market.

Gillis-Harry said with the Naira-for-Crude policy in place, the benefits of lower global crude prices would be passed on to consumers, leading to more affordable fuel prices.

“By reducing the country’s dependence on foreign exchange and promoting local refining, the policy is expected to lead to greater stability in the downstream sector and more affordable fuel prices for consumers.

“With the Federal Executive Council’s directive to fully implement the policy, PETROAN is hopeful that the benefits of lower global crude prices will soon be felt by Nigerian consumers.

“The policy’s objectives include: Boosting Local Refining Capacity: Enhancing domestic refining and investment in infrastructure: Improving Energy Security: Strengthening Nigeria’s energy independence and reducing reliance on foreign exchange.

“It includes Stabilising Foreign Exchange Market: Decreasing dollar demand in domestic petroleum transactions,” he said.

He thanked all the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, agencies and stakeholders for championing roundtable talks aimed at ensuring petroleum products affordability and price
stability in Nigeria. (NAN)

The Benue State Government, on Friday, distributed relief materials to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), vulnerable groups and Cameroonian refugees in Kwande LGA.

Dr James Iorpuu, Executive Secretary, Benue State Emergency Management Agency, who flagged off the distribution in Makurdi.

Iorpuu, who is also the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, said that the agency would continue to strive to meet its mandate to the people.

The executive secretary said that the monthly intervention was a testament to Gov. Hyacinth Alia’s unwavering commitment to the welfare and dignity of the displaced citizens.

He said the state officially now has 618,000 IDPs, adding that though there were more attacks, the displaced people were yet to be profiled by the International Organisation for Migration (IOM).

“I must acknowledge the persistence of the humanitarian challenges we face in the state, largely due to ongoing insecurity, especially in our border and conflict-prone communities.

“Yet, in the face of these daunting realities, we have remained consistent in delivering timely interventions, and today’s activity is a further demonstration of that commitment,” Iorpuu said.

He stated that he would visit all the IDP camps in the state to strengthen field operations, monitor humanitarian conditions firsthand and deepen engagement with the displaced populations.

The permanent secretary disclosed that the agency did not receive any funding in February and March, therefore resulting in the non-distribution of relief materials in those months.

Iorpuu added that the ongoing construction of the Fr Alia Conference Hall, which was 90 per cent completed, was a key project of Benue SEMA.

He assured the IDPs of Alia’s commitment to ensure their safe return to their ancestral homes and dignified resettlement.

“As an agency, we are working round the clock to facilitate this process with sensitivity and sincerity.

“While the state government continues to intensify efforts aimed at returning our people to their ancestral homes, we are also fostering a peaceful and harmonious environment where IDPs can coexist with host communities, promoting mutual respect and brotherhood.

“Recall that the Benue State Government has secured and cleared several hectares of land and formed over 200 cooperatives for the IDPs.

“Additionally, about 280 hectares of farmland have been allocated. The IDP farm projects, which have already been launched as part of the government’s sustainable empowerment programmes, will be further expanded,” he said.

He appealed to the Federal Government to support the implementation of durable solutions for displaced citizens in the state and improve national security.

Iorpuu listed items to be distributed to include: 2,015 bags of rice, 1,305 bags of beans, 455 bags of garri, 1,505 cartons of noodles, 126 gallons of groundnut oil, 154 gallons of red oil, 102 cartons of seasoning, 99 bags of salt and 89 bags of sugar. (NAN)