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ASR Africa launches N250M sports complex project at Uni Jos Campus

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Asile Abel, Jos

The Abdul Samad Rabiu Africa Initiative (ASR Africa), the philanthropic initiative of the Chairman of BUA Group, Abdul Samad Rabiu, has kicked off the construction of the N250 million sport complex for the University of Jos.

ASR Africa is the brainchild of African Industrialist, Philanthropist and Chairman of BUA Group, Abdul Samad Rabiu, the Abdul Samad Rabiu Africa Initiative (ASR Africa) was established in 2021 to provide sustainable, impact-based, homegrown solutions to developmental issues affecting Health, Education and Social Development within Africa.

The sporting facility which is sited at the Naraguta Campus of the university, is set to consolidate the preparedness of the university in hosting the Nigerian Universities Games Association (NUGA).

The facility will feature a 300-seater spectator stand, changing rooms, a lawn tennis court, and a basketball court.
Speaking at the event, the Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Tanko Ishaya, praised the Chairman of ASR Africa, Abdul Samad Rabiu for the critical facility intervention.

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He mentioned that at the time of the institution’s nomination by ASR Africa for this laudable project, the university management was concerned about sourcing for funds to meet up with its nomination as the host university for the NUGA games. He added that with the ASR Africa TEGS grant, the university is positioned to host more games during the tournament.

The Vice Chancellor noted that the university signed a memorandum of understanding with the International Sports University in South Korea to develop a comprehensive sports programme to harness the talents that abound across the country in the various fields of sports and “this complex would be a business boost to implement the agreement”.

The Managing Director of ASR Africa, Ubong Udoh, applauded the management of the University of Jos for being an outstanding institution. He added that all of the universities who are beneficiaries of the ASR Africa Tertiary Education Grant Scheme, were selected based on some stringent criteria which include the quality of leadership, the academic excellence at the University, amongst others.

“I want to start by commending the vice chancellor and the management of the university. He was very right when he said the criteria for qualification for this grant was very, very stringent. It was tight. But the University of Jos was very proactive. They actually sent us an application even before we opened to receive proposals. So they were one of the first universities to send the proposal and of course that put them high on the priority list.

“I congratulate you all for proactive and visionary governance. I want to talk also about another aspect of the criteria for qualifying for this grant, which is the vision and leadership of the university in question. The vice chancellor has proven beyond reasonable doubt. He’s a man of vision, he has created a lot of solutions. He has attracted a lot of development and infrastructure to the university. And I can only say that it was very easy for us to agree to partner with him and to partner with this institution to add value to where the gaps are.

“The choice of a sport complex is also very heartwarming to me. Like the VC said, I’m a sports lover. I’m a product of the university Games system, a proud winner of gold medals at Nigeria University Games Association in basketball. So when we saw the sports complex as a project, I mean, it was very heartwarming for me, because I believe we don’t just provide kids with a place to exercise and get healthy. When we build a sports complex or sports facility, we create a platform for social cohesion, for building unity, for building character. A place where kids can go and build their self esteem and become great citizens. This is a special and unique project and we’re very pleased that University of Jos is embarking on this.

“ASR Africa is the brainchild of Alhaji Abdul Samad Rabiu. It’s a hundred million dollar annual fund for renewal and social development. Samad Rabiu has committed $100 million every year to intervening and creating solutions in the areas of health, education and social development.

“He is passionate about giving. He’s always been a giver. His family has always been a giving family. But he’s also passionate about Africans and Nigerians taking responsibility to solve their own problems, looking inwards and creating our own solutions. This is why he created ASR Africa as a platform where we can look inwards and create solutions to our own problems”; the MD said.

Udoh assured the university of the speedy completion of the project ahead of NUGA games and reiterated the commitment of the Chairman of BUA Group and ASR Africa, in supporting the education sector in Nigeria and Africa as a whole by providing indigenous solutions.

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Best choice Specialist Hospital Launches First Intensive Infant Phototherapy Machine In Kano

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_”A Beacon of Progress in Northern Nigeria!”_

In a groundbreaking move, Best Choice Hospital has taken a significant leap forward in pediatric care with the introduction of the Infant Phototherapy Unit, a groundbreaking technology designed to treat jaundice and prevent brain damage in newborns.

In a statement signed by Auwal Muhammad Lawal Group Managing Director of the Hospital noted that pioneering technology enables medical professionals to transfuse blood with unparalleled precision, safety significantly enhancing treatment outcomes for children.

…. Noted that the innovative machine boasts a remarkable 70% radiance output and features a standard phototherapeutic unit, eliminating the need for blood transfusions.

Auwal reiterated that introduction of this advanced state-of-art machine marks a significant milestone in Best Choice Hospital’s ongoing commitment to pediatric excellence.

With its advanced capabilities, the Infant Phototherapy Unit can effectively treat jaundice in a targeted manner, providing a beacon of hope for families.

“We understand the distress and hardship that comes with pediatric medical conditions”

“That’s why we’ve invested on this to ease the burden on families and provide children with the best possible chance at a healthy life”. Said Lawal

As the first of its kind in Northern Nigeria, this cutting-edge technology offers a comprehensive treatment solution for infants, covering the entire body with its optimal wavelength.

Dr. Abdulmalik Saminu, a leading medical expert expresses optimism that the development reinforces Best Choice Hospital’s position as a leader in pediatric care, providing families with renewed hope and confidence in the treatment of their loved ones.

Saminu further conveyed heartfelt gratitude to the hospital’s proprietor for his tireless efforts in making this life-changing technology available.

With the Infant Phototherapy Unit, families no longer need to travel abroad for medical treatment, as Best Choice Hospital now offers world-class care right in their own backyard.

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Naira depreciates to N1,635 in parallel market

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The Naira yesterday depreciated to N1,635 per dollar in the parallel market from N1,625 per dollar last weekend.

However, the Naira yesterday appreciated to N1,585.77 per dollar in the Nigerian Autonomous Foreign Exchange Market, NAFEM.

Data from FMDQ showed that the indicative exchange rate for NAFEM fell to N1,585.77 per dollar from N1,598.56 per dollar last weekend, indicating N12.79 appreciation for the naira. The volume of dollars traded (turnover) in the market declined by 58.8 percent to $71.18 million from $172.8 million traded last week Friday.

Consequently, the margin between the parallel market and NAFEM rate widened to N49.23 per dollar from N26.44 per dollar last weekend.

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Dangote Refinery Diesel Found To Exceed EU Sulphur Limits, As Abuja Online Newspaper Reveals More Shocking Details

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Following a comprehensive analysis of data sourced from certified laboratory results and delivery records, Abuja based Newspaper, Politics Nigeria, reports that the diesel fuel from Dangote Refinery contains high sulphur content at least 400 percent higher than European Union (EU) standards.

Recall that Aliko Dangote, the CEO of Dangote Refinery, had, last month, claimed that product from his refinery was of impeccable quality, adding that the diesel fuel produced by his refinery had low sulphur content.

However, further checks revealed through a cache of official document that the Africa’s richest businessman may have misrepresented facts and possibly manipulated information.

Similarly, Mr. Dangote had recently accused major players and regulatory agencies of sabotaging the $19 billion refinery’s efforts to secure necessary feedstock for its operations.

The copy

The copy

In response, Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Authority (NMDPRA) CEO Farouk Ahmed stated that Dangote’s fuel has higher sulphur content, a harmful element in crude oil.

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The copy

According to him, “the Lagos-headquartered refinery and other modular refineries produced diesel with sulphur content ranging from 650 ppm (parts per million) to 1200 ppm.”

Speaking on this development, a chemist at the University of Cambridge explained that Sulphur is a natural element in crude oil, which is usually removed during refining processes because high amounts in fuel damage engines and cause environmental pollution.

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The copy

“When fuel with high sulphur content is burnt, it produces sulphur dioxide (SO2), a harmful gas that contributes to environmental pollution. This is particularly concerning as sulphur dioxide is a major contributor to acid rain, which can harm ecosystems, damage buildings and infrastructure, and pose health risks to humans and animals,” she stated.

Official documents further revealed that the Collated Test Results of AGO (Diesel) including lab results of diesel fuel supplied to retailers between April and last month, revealed that the sulphur content in Dangote diesel went up to as high as 1200 ppm.

The fuel, delivered in 32 batches, was supplied to different depots of Rain Oil, AA Rano, TMDK Oil, Kashton, NIPCO, Sobaz, and other retail companies. The amount of sulphur found in Dangote diesel averaged 937 ppm, with the lowest of 705 ppm in April and the highest of 1200 ppm in a supply to NIPCO on June 16.

In line with NMDPRA regulation, these supplies were tested by Dangote’s quality assurance team and verified by independent international testing companies who also issued certificates of analysis.

As part of moves to discredit the NMDPRA CEO’s claims and shield itself from public scrutiny, Dangote Refinery organised a testing of its diesel during a tour of the facility by a group of House of Representatives members on July 20. Samples from the refinery were collected alongside some diesel samples procured from two filling stations along the Lekki-Epe Expressway.

During the tour, Dangote had said: “Lab tests revealed that Dangote’s diesel had a sulphur content of 87.6 ppm, whereas the other two samples showed sulphur levels exceeding 1800 ppm and 2000 ppm respectively.

“In terms of quality, when we started, our quality was about six hundred to six fifty ppm; the ppm was one of the best in terms of quality at the time we started. But as of today, we are at 87 ppm. And you can take a sample on Monday. By Monday, we will be less than 50 ppm. By the beginning of August, we will be at 10 ppm.”

However, according to impeccable sources familiar with the company’s operations, the testing did not reflect the actual results of the diesel fuel Dangote Refinery supplies to the market.

A source, who pleaded anonymity for security reasons, said: “That test is far from the reality on the ground. It was done to mobilise members of the public against the federal government and force the government to reach a deal with the refinery.

“In fact, on July 22, two days after the lawmakers’ visit, Dangote Refinery delivered a shipment of diesel fuel containing 950 ppm of sulphur to AA Rano’s depot in Ijegun, Lagos.”

Records also showed that the same shipment was first tested by Dangote’s quality control department on July 13 and was confirmed to contain 1095 ppm of sulphur. The certificate of analysis was authorised by Nikunj Parikh, a senior chemist at Dangote, and witnessed by an independent lab chemist, Solomon Efe.

As of the time of filing this report, our Correspondent could not reach the spokesperson for Dangote, Tony Chiejina, to react to the development as calls to his known telephone number went unanswered.

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