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Anambra NMA Calls Off Strike as Kidnapped Doctor Regains Freedom

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The Anambra State chapter of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has officially ended the indefinite strike it initiated in response to the kidnapping of Dr. Stephen Ezeh, a medical doctor based in Ihiala.

The announcement was made on Sunday through a statement signed by the chapter’s Chairman, Dr. Princeston Okam, and Secretary, Dr Ifeanyi Obiaeli, who confirmed that Dr Ezeh had been released on Saturday.

Following this development, the NMA directed its members to resume their duties at healthcare facilities across the state.

Clinical services were set to recommence as of 8:00 AM on Sunday, August 25. In the statement, the association expressed deep gratitude to all those who contributed to the efforts leading to Dr Ezeh’s safe return.

The NMA also used the opportunity to appeal to Governor Chukwuma Soludo to prioritize security in the state by declaring a state of emergency, particularly due to the rising wave of insecurity, especially kidnapping, which the association said is adversely affecting both the economy and healthcare delivery.

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The association expressed its appreciation to the public for their understanding during the strike, describing the period as a difficult one for everyone.

They further expressed hopes that such an incident would not occur again. Additionally, the statement praised members of the medical association for their unity and determination in the face of challenges such as insecurity, which has placed immense pressure on the healthcare sector.

In their appeal, the NMA urged the public, security agencies, professional bodies, and corporate organizations to collaborate with Governor Soludo’s administration to promote peace, security, and improved healthcare in Anambra State.

DDrEzeh’s kidnapping, which occurred on August 15 in Ihiala, prompted the NMA to issue a 48-hour ultimatum, eventually leading to a full strike on August 22 when the doctor had not been released.

After several days of intense negotiations and efforts, his release on August 24 brought an end to the medical strike, allowing doctors to return to their posts and resume providing essential health services to the public.

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The NMA closed the statement by expressing hope that the issues of insecurity in Anambra State will be effectively addressed to ensure that such disruptions to healthcare services do not recur in the future.


 

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Business

Hamster Kombat Unveils Interlude Season

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Hamster Kombat ends season 1 and is currently in the process of rewarding tokens. They’ve also started promoting season 2 of the game. As expected, they took a season-ending snapshot of players’ progress as they prepare to launch the HMSTR token and airdrop on September 26. What’s next is an “interlude” season.

During this interlude, many familiar features are temporarily removed while developers calculate players’ airdrop allocations. In-game coins are gone, and tapping the main screen no longer earns rewards. Additionally, crypto exchange upgrades and the Mine menu have been removed for now.


 

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Fire Breaks Out at Governor Mbah’s Fuel Station, Arson Suspected

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A fuel station owned by Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, was engulfed in flames early Friday morning, reportedly due to an attack by unidentified individuals.

The station, Pinnacle Oil, located along Agbani Road in Enugu, was the target of an arson attack carried out by assailants who arrived in a Toyota Corolla.

Eyewitnesses revealed that the fire rapidly spread, consuming at least four vehicles in the vicinity.

The inferno led to widespread panic among residents and commuters in the area.

Firefighters from both the federal and state fire services responded swiftly, managing to contain the flames before they could cause further destruction.

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The Enugu State Police Command, while confirming the incident, hinted at a different possible cause for the fire.

In a statement issued by the command’s spokesperson, DSP Daniel Ndukwe, it was suggested that the blaze may have started due to fuel leakage from one of the cars queued up to buy fuel at the station.

Although the fire caused extensive damage to the station and several vehicles, no casualties were reported.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Kanayo Uzuegbu, who was present at the scene, assured the public that a thorough investigation would be conducted.

He instructed the Deputy Commissioner of Police overseeing the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) to lead the inquiry into the fire to determine its true cause and those responsible.

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As a result of the incident, security operatives have barricaded the Agbani Road axis, where the station is located, to maintain order and ensure public safety.

While normalcy has been restored, the incident has raised concerns about safety and security in the area.

Residents are hopeful that the investigation will uncover the facts surrounding the fire and bring the culprits to justice.


 

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CORAN Opposes Petrol Imports as Marketers Shun Dangote Refinery Supply

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The Crude Oil Refiners Association of Nigeria (CORAN) has expressed strong opposition to a recent decision by petroleum marketers to import Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) despite the availability of petrol from Dangote Refinery.

Eche Idoko, the Publicity Secretary of CORAN, voiced these concerns in a statement, criticizing the marketers for turning to imports when a domestic option is readily accessible.

This reaction comes as reports indicate that 141 million litres of PMS are being transported to Nigeria by oil vessels following the recent deregulation of the downstream oil sector by the Federal Government.

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has announced new pricing for petrol at its retail outlets across the country, with prices ranging from N950 to N1,019.22 per litre, depending on the location.

This pricing adjustment followed the successful lifting of petrol from the Dangote Refinery.

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A price dispute has arisen between Dangote Refinery and NNPCL, with NNPC claiming it purchased Dangote petrol at N898 per litre, a statement that the Lagos-based refinery disputes.

The recent shift towards importing petrol by marketers, who seem dissatisfied with Dangote’s pricing structure, has further fueled tensions.

Idoko raised concerns over the quality of imported petrol, alleging that some of it is substandard and may have been blended in places like Malta or Togo.

He emphasized that this new regime could offer better pricing than the previously imported products, which have not met the necessary standards.

He also addressed fears among marketers that Dangote could dominate the market, asserting that such concerns have been mitigated by Dangote’s commitment to join CORAN.

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Idoko highlighted that the current regulatory framework, including the Petroleum Industry Act, ensures that no single entity can monopolize the market.

In response to the importation issue, the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) has stated that any imported petrol must undergo three rigorous tests before it can be sold in Nigeria.

George Ene-Ita, a spokesperson for NMDPRA, reiterated that while marketers with import licenses are permitted to import PMS, the products must meet specific quality standards.

Earlier this year, Aliko Dangote, President of Dangote Group, expressed confidence that the start of operations at his refinery would ultimately eliminate the need for fuel imports in Nigeria, positioning the refinery as a key player in the nation’s petroleum landscape.


 

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