KACRAN Cries Our Members Extorted by Bandits and Terrorists, Mislabeled and Killed by Volunteers

By: Michael Mike

Kulen Allah Cattle Rearers Association of Nigeria (KACRAN) has cried out that members of the association continued to be extorted by bandits and terrorist group, killed by volunteers

The association, while condemning all forms of violence, called on bandits and terrorist groups to put an end to the siege on the country, and lamented ceaseless killing by volunteers who wrongly labeled them as bandits

The association in a signed statement by its National President, Khalil Bello on Sunday condemned all forms of violence and urged bandits and terrorist groups to end their atrocities.

The statement read: “We, the Kulen Allah Cattle Rearers Association of Nigeria (KACRAN), find ourselves in a moment of great concern. Say it to anyone if you so wish: the shameful, brutal killings of innocent Nigerians, the destruction of properties worth billions of Naira, and the rustling of millions livestock in the Northern part of our country are issues generating heated debate worldwide.

“We are highly worried that our innocent members and law-abiding citizens have now become victims of circumstances. The nature of their pastoral occupation forces them to be in the bush, where they face all types of ruthless extortion in the name of Zakat or are forced to give one of their sons to join banditry as a condition to continue their business of livestock production.

“Secondly, our members are also vulnerable to Volunteers who, instead of entering the deep forests where the actual Bandits are, always end their operations by killing innocent Pastoralists. Likewise, when the security operatives attack the Bandits, too many times innocent Pastoralists are killed. We are the people who are being forced to give the actual bandits cover, as the Bandits will not allow us to freely go into the deep forest to do our business otherwise.

“We of KACRAN are also so concerned and state that, if God forbid, an external attack were to happen, our innocent Pastoralists would be the first and the last target, just as they have been during previous attacks by Volunteers or security operatives.

Bello said KACRAN, as an association of peace and unity that is always working hard towards promoting peaceful coexistence between Pastoralists and Farmers, decided to issue this statement and took the following positions.

“KACRAN, for whatsoever reason, rejects in totality and condemns in unmistakable terms any act of killing innocent Nigerians. We call on Bandits, Vigilantees and Volunteers to end their act, which is a heinous crime that has no cause or justification.

“We are highly disturbed and very worried about how people in their real common sense would kill their fellow human being.

“Among the Bandits’ condemnable acts that KACRAN rejects and strongly confirms is the killing in some parts of Katsina, Kano, and Zamfara States where Bandits broke the peace deals reached with some respected peace-loving Communities in Katsina State.

“We are all aware that some few months ago, the people of some Local Governments in Katsina State accepted the Bandits’ deal to reconcile their misunderstanding and live in peace, but unfortunately, as reported by media, some disgruntled elements of the Bandits broke the promise and moved ahead to painfully attack, kill, and abduct some communities who reposed trust in the peace accord.”

KACRAN alleged that the security volunteers, on their own part, also, if they want to attack the bandits, instead of going into the deep forest to confront the actual bandits, they unfortunately resort to attacking innocent pastoralists, killing their wives, elderly, and children, as well as stealing their livestock.

The statement further read that: “KACRAN has painfully consider the recent bandits’ attacks as a setback to our move to assist in the amicable solution to the North West and North Central conflict to restore peace, confidence, trust, and unity in the region and the nation at large.

“In the same vein, we call on the Katsina State Government to support the peace accord organized and reached between some Local Government communities in the State to enable them to confiscate the Bandits’ and Volunteers’ weapons to end the insecurity in the state.

“Similarly, KACRAN condemned the Volunteers and Vigilantes recent brutal killing of about 70 innocent Pastoralists and burning their houses in Kebbi State, and passionately appeal to Kebbi State governor to kindly use his good office to immediately stop the continuation of the attack under reference on the people who are operating their pastoral occupation in the most peaceful manners.”

They assured “Katsina, any State in the North West/North Central, and the Federal government that KACRAN is ready to help through dialogue, kinetic, and non-kinetic approaches to end the insurgency in the said North West and North Central regions and the country as a whole.”

KACRAN Cries Our Members Extorted by Bandits and Terrorists, Mislabeled and Killed by Volunteers

Egypt Indicates Willingness to Deepen Cultural Relations with Nigeria

…Commemorates Inauguration of Grand Egyptian Museum in Abuja

By: Michael Mike

Egypt has indicated its willingness to deepen cultural relations with Nigeria.

The North African countries expressed its willingness through its Ambassador to Nigeria, Motaz Zahran during a grand celebration to mark the official inauguration of the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), located less than two kilometres from the Great Pyramid of Khufu in Giza, Egypt.

Zahran speaking at the celebration in Abuja which was attended by the Director General of the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC) Obi Asika, members of the diplomatic corps, and representatives of Nigeria’s cultural institutions, highlighted Egypt’s leading role in preserving Africa’s shared heritage and promoting cultural cooperation across the continent.

He used the occasion to call for stronger cooperation among African nations in the areas of heritage preservation, museum development, and tourism.

The envoy reaffirmed Egypt’s readiness to share its expertise with partner countries, particularly Nigeria.

He noted that: “Africa’s cultural renaissance must be built on mutual respect and shared pride in our past.”

Speaking of the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), a monumental cultural landmark, Zahran said it is the largest archaeological museum complex in the world and a “gift from Egypt to humanity.”

The Egyptian Ambassador Motaz Zahran described the inauguration as a historic achievement, symbolizing “not only Egypt’s pride but Africa’s collective contribution to human civilization.”

He noted that the Grand Egyptian Museum, located less than two kilometers from the Great Pyramid of Khufu in Giza, is the culmination of over two decades of vision, dedication, and international collaboration.

He said: “GEM stands as a testament to Egypt’s firm commitment to preserving our ancient heritage while opening a new chapter in our engagement with the world,”

He further said: “The Grand Egyptian Museum is not only about history; it is about connection, connecting civilizations, peoples, and generations.

“It is a living dialogue between the ancient and the modern world.”

The envoy explained that Egypt views its ancient civilization as a shared inheritance of humanity, adding that the inauguration of GEM renews the nation’s commitment to sharing its heritage with the global community.

He said: “From the banks of the Nile, ideas about governance, art, architecture, and science flowed outward, influencing cultures far beyond our borders.

“Today, through GEM, we renew that spirit of sharing and invite the world to experience our story.”

On his part, Obi Asika, commended Egypt for setting a global standard in cultural preservation, describing the GEM as “a beacon of African excellence and a model for nations seeking to safeguard their heritage.”

The event ended with an invitation for Nigerians and Africans alike to visit the Grand Egyptian Museum to “feel the pulse of history and witness Egypt’s continuing role as a cradle of civilization and a beacon of cultural exchange.”

The Grand Egyptian Museum houses over 100,000 artifacts, including 20,000 items displayed publicly for the first time, telling the story of Egypt’s civilization spanning more than 7,000 years.

Among its treasures is the complete collection of King Tutankhamun’s artifacts, about 5,400 pieces showcased together for the first time.

Visitors to GEM can journey through time from the Predynastic Period through the 30 dynasties of ancient Egypt, the Greco-Roman and Islamic eras, up to modern Egypt witnessing the evolution of governance, art, architecture, and spirituality that shaped global heritage.

Beyond being a museum, GEM is a living cultural institution, serving as a hub for research, education, and innovation. It boasts advanced conservation laboratories, digital learning facilities, and spaces for cultural exchange, bridging the preservation of the past with the inspiration of the future.

Egypt Indicates Willingness to Deepen Cultural Relations with Nigeria

Sunshine Joint Venture Infrastructure Limited Established to Propel Completion of Ondo Refinery, FTZ Project

By: Michael Mike

Sunshine Joint Venture Infrastructure Limited has been established as the execution platform for the proposed Ondo State’s refinery and free trade zone project
to propel its realization.

The Backbone Infrastructure Nigeria Limited and the state government had formalised a joint venture platform and commenced technical engagements including site assessments for a refinery and free trade zone project in Ilaje Local Government Area.

The latest least of life came after Backbone Infrastructure Ltd recently disclosed that it has secured more than $50 billion in funding commitments for a 500,000bpd refinery and the Sunshine Free Trade Zone in Ilaje, Ondo State.

According to the disclosure, the funding was facilitated through a joint venture agreement between BINL and NEFEX Holdings Limited of Canada, which marks one of the largest single private sector investment packages targeted at Nigeria’s downstream oil and gas industry.

A statement at the weekend by the Vice President, Corporate Services at Backbone Infrastructure Limited, Wale Adekola, revealed that the agreement has led to the creation of Sunshine Joint Venture Infrastructure Limited, which will serve as the execution platform for the refinery and industrial corridor.

Adekola disclosed that the entity was established after months of technical reviews and information-sharing sessions with the Ondo State Investment Promotion Agency, bringing together BINL, NEFEX Petro Line Limited and Cooldeal Limited to work with the state government through ONDIPA.

He noted that the partners in the JV include Bacckbone Infrastructure Limited, NEFEX Petro Line Limited and Cooldeal Limited, working in partnership with the Ondo State Government through ONDIPA.

Adekola said NEFEX is represented in the joint venture by Messrs Navid, Egbal and MJ, while BINL’s representation includes its Directors, Henry Owonka and Steve Dike. Namvapor Maryam Fard is representing Cooldeal Limited.

The statement read: “As a follow up to the engagements and sharing of information and technical reviews and presentations with the Ondo State Investment Promotion Agency, the partners have initiated the necessary process by the establishment of the Sunshine Joint venture Infrastructure Limited, the platform by the partners, Bacckbone Infrastructure Limited, NEFEX Petro Line Limited and Cooldeall Limited, to work with the Ondo State Government, represented by ONDIPA.”

In order to advance the implementation roadmap, ONDIPA officials had led a combined team of JV partners and global technical consultants from China Harbour, China Engineering and Honeywell on a site assessment tour across the Ilaje waterways.

The visit, which included engagements with community stakeholders, covered the designated development zones earmarked for the refinery and free trade operations.
Adekola described the visit as “a major milestone confirming the readiness of partners to move from planning to structured execution.”

Adekola added that the team had earlier been received by the Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, during a courtesy visit led by the Chairman of BINL and former Senate President, Senator Ken Nnamani.

Aiyedatiwa had lauded the investors for selecting Ondo as the destination for the large-scale project, noting that the initiative would accelerate industrial growth in the state and contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s economic diversification agenda.

“We are committed to providing a conducive environment for this partnership to thrive and for all stakeholders to enjoy mutually beneficial outcomes,” the governor was quoted as saying.

The delegation also visited the Olugbo of Ugbo Kingdom, Oba Frederick Obateru Akinruntan, who expressed strong support for the project, particularly its potential to transform the Ilaje coast into a major industrial hub.

The monarch warmly received the foreign partners, including Egbal, JM and Maryam, and assured them of the kingdom’s backing, including community cooperation and security.

“Ugbo Kingdom will give full support to ensure the success of the project for the benefit of all,” the Olugbo told the team.
Adekola said the joint venture remains committed not only to the project’s technical success but also to ensuring local communities benefit from modern social amenities. Planned interventions include hospitals, schools, potable water systems, and new settlement clusters equipped with essential infrastructure.

“The team is fully aligned with the design plans and will follow through on every step of the roadmap to deliver a world-class industrial project,” he added.

The refinery and free trade zone development project forms part of Ondo State’s long-term industrialisation plan aimed at leveraging the economic potential of its coastal belt. Earlier project outlines include pipelines, tank farms, modular and standard refinery units, fabrication yards, export-processing facilities and a dedicated logistics corridor intended to attract global energy and manufacturing players.

The refinery, upon completion, is expected to meet local demand for petroleum products, provide feedstock to industries, and export refined products to international markets. It will also include storage facilities, loading bays, terminals, and a network of internal roads, according to the project brief.

Sunshine Joint Venture Infrastructure Limited Established to Propel Completion of Ondo Refinery, FTZ Project