All Posts in "Month: October 2025"

Lagos APC slams Peter Obi over comment describing Yahoo boys as ‘geniuses’

The Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress, APC, has strongly criticised the Labour Party, LP, presidential candidate in the 2023 general election, Peter Obi, over his recent comment portraying Internet fraudsters, popularly known as “Yahoo boys,” as “geniuses” who only need proper redirection.

In a statement issued on Sunday by its spokesperson, Seye Oladejo, the Lagos APC described Obi’s remark as “morally reprehensible” and unbecoming of someone who once sought to lead Nigeria.

Oladejo said it was disappointing and alarming that a former state governor and presidential candidate could make statements that appear to trivialise criminal behaviour in a society already battling moral decay.

“There’s nothing genius about crime. Yahoo-Yahoo is a social tragedy, not a talent.
We are genuinely concerned about Obi’s moral compass, how can someone who constantly condemns corruption also glorify cybercrime? Such contradictions reveal a dangerous moral confusion that has no place in leadership.”

The APC spokesman also accused Obi of seeking political relevance through controversial statements, describing his position as a “reckless attempt at attention-seeking,” Oladejo said.

“His desperation for attention has replaced reasoned leadership with reckless speech. There should be a limit to unrestrained desperation,” he added.

Oladejo also alleged that Obi misled many young Nigerians during the 2023 elections through what he called “propaganda, misinformation, and emotional manipulation.” He urged the LP candidate to apologise to the youth for his recent comments, warning that such rhetoric could encourage moral indiscipline.

While affirming the APC’s commitment to youth empowerment and innovation, the Lagos chapter rejected any attempt to romanticise or justify cybercrime, insisting that leadership must be rooted in “values, integrity, and moral responsibility.”

It would be recalled that Obi, while addressing participants at a youth conference in Onitsha on Saturday, had said that many Internet fraudsters possess creativity and intelligence that could be channelled towards productive ventures if properly guided.

He cautioned against the reckless pursuit of money, emphasising that “money is only a small fraction of true wealth,” and urged young people to focus on character, hard work, and community development.

Dan Poster by — October 27, 2025 in Politics 0
ADC inaugurates interim leadership in Adamawa

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Adamawa State has inaugurated a caretaker executive committee to steer the party’s affairs until a new leadership is formally elected.

Presiding over the inauguration, the North East Zonal Vice Chairman of the ADC, David Lawal Babachir, said stakeholders agreed to constitute the interim team to stabilize the party and prepare it for the 2027 general elections.

Babachir, who served as Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) during Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, explained that the new structure was approved by the National Working Committee (NWC) after due consultation and compliance with the party’s constitution.

“The leadership you see today is legitimate because it followed due process in line with the party’s constitution,” Babachir said. He emphasized that indiscipline or defiance would not be tolerated in the party.

According to him, the National Chairman of the ADC, Senator David Mark, has reaffirmed the party’s commitment to uphold its constitution, warning that anyone opposed to its guiding principles “has no place in the ADC.”

He also called for harmony among members, saying, “Every politician must expect criticism, but that should not change our character or commitment to the party.”

In his acceptance speech, the new interim chairman, Barrister Sadiq Dasin, expressed appreciation to party leaders for their confidence in his team. The former federal lawmaker and one-time Speaker of the Adamawa State House of Assembly promised to unite the party and give special focus to women and youth participation.

Describing his emergence as “a child of necessity,” Dasin urged all aggrieved members to support the new leadership. “As we assume this responsibility, I assure you that 60 percent of elective positions in the forthcoming congresses will be reserved for women and youth because of their vital role in our success,” he said.

He further pledged to ensure that all future congresses in the state would be transparent, fair, and credible.

Dan Poster by — October 27, 2025 in Politics 0
Igbo Town Unions drag Lagos demolitions to UN, ECOWAS Court, alleges ethnic bias

The Association of Igbo Town Unions, ASITU, has taken its grievances to the international stage, petitioning the United Nations Human Rights Council, the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, and the ECOWAS Court of Justice over what it described as the “systematic demolition” of properties belonging to Igbo traders and investors in Lagos State.

Addressing journalists in Umuahia, Abia State, the National President of ASITU, Chief Emeka Diwe, decried the continued targeting of Igbo-owned businesses and structures, alleging that the actions amounted to “economic cleansing.”

Diwe lamented that Nigeria was “gradually dying from the cancer of ethnic discrimination and selective justice,” accusing government institutions of failing to uphold fairness and equality.

Flanked by members of ASITU’s national executive council drawn from various Igbo communities, Diwe explained that the petition followed multiple unsuccessful attempts to engage with relevant Nigerian authorities.

“We have not lost faith in Nigerian institutions, but they have consistently failed to respond to our documented complaints. That is why we have turned to regional and international bodies for intervention,” he stated.

The ASITU president faulted the Lagos State Government’s justification that the affected buildings were constructed on waterways, describing it as a misleading claim designed to mask deeper biases.

“These properties were lawfully acquired and duly approved by relevant agencies. Such demolitions send a disturbing message to investors, that property rights in Nigeria are insecure and that ethnicity may determine how justice is applied,” Diwe asserted.

He argued that the destruction of legitimate businesses not only discourages investment but also threatens job creation, economic stability, and Nigeria’s international image as a country governed by the rule of law.

According to ASITU, most of the demolition notices were served just days before enforcement, denying property owners the opportunity to seek legal remedy.

The group also accused officials of disregarding valid approval documents submitted by affected traders.

“Many of these buildings had valid permits issued by the same Lagos State Government that later tore them down. This is not law enforcement. It is the deliberate erasure of livelihoods and a violation of constitutional guarantees of equality and justice,” Diwe said.

While urging those affected to remain calm and law-abiding, ASITU called on the Igbo business community to rechannel part of their wealth into the South-East to foster economic independence.

“To our brothers and sisters in business, do not lose hope. Let us embrace the philosophy of Aku Ruo Ulo, let wealth return home,” Diwe advised. “When we invest in our homeland, we create jobs, security, and dignity for our people.”

He clarified that the association’s call for justice was not an agitation for secession but a demand for fairness, mutual respect, and equitable treatment of all ethnic groups in Nigeria.

Dan Poster by — October 27, 2025 in General News 0
Oworonshoki: Police assure residents as youths plan protest on Third Mainland Bridge

The Lagos State Police Command says it has deployed officers across strategic locations to forestall any disruption of public peace following intelligence reports of a planned protest on the Third Mainland Bridge by some youths in the Oworonshoki area.

In a statement released in the early hours of Monday by the Command’s spokesperson, SP Abimbola Adebisi, the police assured residents that robust security measures have been put in place to maintain law and order throughout the state.

“The Command is aware of information circulating regarding a planned disruption on the Third Mainland Bridge by some youths in the Oworonshoki area,” the statement read.

According to Adebisi, officers have been fully mobilised to safeguard road users, prevent obstruction of vehicular movement, and ensure the safety of lives and property.

She urged residents to remain calm and go about their normal activities without fear, adding that police personnel have been strategically positioned to respond promptly to any potential security threat.

“Members of the public are therefore advised to go about their lawful activities without fear and to cooperate with security personnel carrying out their duties,” Adebisi stated.

The Command reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property while ensuring the free flow of traffic across Lagos.

Dan Poster by — October 27, 2025 in General News 0
Anioma state, Nnamdi Kanu’s release will bring peace to Southeast – Ned Nwoko

The lawmaker representing Delta North, Ned Nwoko, has said that the release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, will bring peace to the Southeast.

This was as he said peace has continued to elude the Southeast geopolitical zone due to the perceived marginalisation of the region by successive governments.

Nwoko stated this in an interview on Sunday Politics, a programme on Channels Television monitored by DAILY POST.

According to him, the Southeast has witnessed persistent unrest in recent years, following agitations by the separatist group, which has been calling for the creation of an independent state of Biafra.

He maintained that the creation of Anioma State and the release of IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu, will almost certainly bring lasting peace to the Southeast.

“The problem in the Southeast has to do with the perceived injustice by successive governments.

“So, what needs to be done, and it’s one of the reasons I am here today, is the creation of a new state to make up the number to six, and then the release of Nnamdi Kanu.

“By the time you do these two things, I am almost certain that peace will return to the Southeast,” he said.

Dan Poster by — October 27, 2025 in General News 0
NiMet predicts three-day dust haze, rain from Monday

NiMet

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency has predicted varying weather conditions, including dust haze and rainfall, across different parts of the country between Monday and Wednesday, urging residents to stay alert.

In its weather outlook released on Sunday in Abuja, NiMet projected slight dust haze with good visibility over Borno, Zamfara, northern Kaduna, Yobe, Jigawa, Kano, and Katsina States on Monday.

The agency added that isolated thunderstorms with light rain were likely in parts of Taraba and Adamawa States during the afternoon or evening hours on Monday.

NiMet forecast sunny skies with patches of clouds over the central region, with prospects of isolated thunderstorms and light rain in the FCT, Nasarawa, and Kogi States later in the day.

The statement read, “Cloudy conditions are expected in the southern region on Monday morning, with isolated thunderstorms and light rains over parts of Cross River, Rivers, and Akwa Ibom States.

“Later in the afternoon and evening, thunderstorms with moderate rainfall are anticipated in Imo, Abia, Ebonyi, Ondo, Osun, Lagos, Ekiti, Ogun, Edo, Bayelsa, Delta, Rivers, and Akwa Ibom States.

“On Tuesday, NiMet forecast continued slight dust haze in good visibility over northern states, while Taraba and Adamawa may experience isolated thunderstorms and light rain throughout the day.

“Sunny skies with intermittent clouds are predicted in the central region, alongside chances of early morning thunderstorms in Benue and later moderate rain across FCT, Nasarawa, and Kogi States.”

NiMet also projected cloudy skies across the southern states, with moderate rainfall over Rivers, Cross River, Ebonyi, and Akwa Ibom in the morning, intensifying later in the day.

The agency warned of possible flooding in parts of Akwa Ibom, Rivers, and Cross River States, urging local authorities to activate emergency response measures where necessary.

For Wednesday, NiMet anticipated sunny skies across the northern region, with isolated thunderstorms and light rain expected later in the day, particularly over parts of Taraba State.

“The central region will experience sunny skies with patches of clouds, while isolated thunderstorms with light rain are likely over Kogi and the Federal Capital Territory.

“In the south, cloudy conditions are expected in the morning, followed by thunderstorms with moderate rains later in the afternoon and evening across Lagos, Ogun, Rivers, Delta, and Akwa Ibom,” it stated.

NiMet reiterated a high risk of flash floods, urging motorists to exercise caution when driving in rain and for authorities in vulnerable areas to implement flood response measures immediately.

The agency also advised individuals with asthma and respiratory conditions to limit outdoor exposure due to dust particles suspended in the atmosphere over the northern parts of the country.

Airline operators were urged to obtain airport-specific weather reports from NiMet for flight planning, while the public was encouraged to follow updates via the agency’s website and communication channels.

Dan Poster by — October 27, 2025 in General News 0
SERAP demands NNPCL’s explanation on alleged missing N22.3bn, $49.7m, others

SERAPThe Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project has called on the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, Bayo Ojulari, to explain the whereabouts of alleged missing oil funds amounting to N22.3bn, $49.7m, £14.3m, and €5.2m, reportedly unaccounted for in the company’s financial records.

The civic group, in a letter dated October 25, 2025, and signed by its Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, said the missing sums were documented in the 2022 annual report recently published by the Auditor-General of the Federation on September 9, 2025.

SERAP urged Ojulari to identify and hand over those responsible for the alleged diversion or misappropriation of the funds to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission for prosecution.

It also demanded that the missing funds be recovered and returned to the national treasury without further delay.

“These grim allegations by the Auditor-General suggest a grave violation of public trust, the Nigerian Constitution, anti-corruption laws, and the country’s international obligations,” the organisation stated.

According to SERAP, the Auditor-General’s findings point to “systemic corruption” within the NNPCL, which has “undermined Nigeria’s economic development, trapped millions in poverty, and deprived citizens of access to essential public services.”

The group noted that the Auditor-Generalhas, over the years, consistently documented similar reports of unremitted or missing oil revenues, lamenting that “ordinary Nigerians continue to bear the brunt of widespread corruption in the oil sector.”

It said,“Combating the corruption epidemic in the oil sector would alleviate poverty, improve access of Nigerians to basic public goods and services, and enhance the government’s ability to meet its human rights and anti-corruption obligations.”

SERAP further alleged that the misappropriated oil revenues reflected a broader failure of accountability and transparency at the NNPCL, contributing to Nigeria’s rising debt levels and deficit spending.

The group said, “Had the NNPCL accounted for and remitted these diverted or misappropriated oil monies, more funds would have been available for education, healthcare, and other critical sectors. The level of borrowing by the government would also have been reduced.”

SERAP gave the NNPCL a seven-day ultimatum to take the recommended steps or face appropriate legal action to compel compliance.

Quoting details from the 2022 audited report, SERAP highlighted numerous irregularities in NNPCL’s accounts, including: a ₦292m abandoned contract for an Accident and Emergency Facility in Abuja; over £14m allegedly spent to repair its London office without evidence of execution; an irregular $22.8m payment to a contractor for crude lifting, with unclear justification.

Others include a N2.3bn paid as car cash options to 100 staff without requisite approvals; ₦12.7bn unremitted operating surplus for December 2020, and the €5.1m paid for jetty operations with no supporting documents.

Multiple cases of undocumented or fictitious contract payments running into billions of naira and millions of dollars.

The Auditor-General reportedly expressed fears that much of the money “may have been diverted or misappropriated” and called for its recovery and remittance to the treasury.

SERAP cited Section 15(5) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which mandates public institutions to abolish all corrupt practices and abuse of power, urging the NNPCL to act transparently in the public interest.

Dan Poster by — October 27, 2025 in General News 0
Dangote refinery begins construction for 1.4mbpd expansion

Aliko DangoteThe Dangote refinery has officially begun construction work for the expansion of the facility from 650,000 barrels to 1.4 million barrels per day.

The President of the Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, made the announcement at a press briefing in Lagos on Sunday.

Flanked by his friend, the Chairman of First Bank, Mr Femi Otedola, Dangote said this would make the refinery the largest in the world.

Dangote said the company had signed an agreement with the technology licensor that will expand the facility.

“We are expanding the Dangote Petroleum Refinery from 650,000 barrels per day to 1.4 million barrels per day. Upon completion, this will make it the largest refinery in the world, surpassing the Jamnagar Refinery in India,” he said.

He maintained that the expansion would be completed within the next three years.

The billionaire businessman appreciated President Bola Tinubu and the Federal Government for their continued support and commitment to Nigeria’s industrial growth.

He also commended the president for enacting policies that support industrialisation, such as the Nigeria First policy, the Naira-for-crude policy, and the One-stop Shop, reportedly bringing “great revolution to the downstream sector that has emboldened the group to make this major step policy of ensuring domestic processing of all our crude and exporting only finished petroleum products.”

Despite current crude shortages, Dangote was optimistic that the Federal Government would make crude available to the single-train refinery.

He recalled that the Federal Government was instrumental in mediating recent disruptions at the refinery linked to union activities and “sabotage attempts”.

The expansion, he explained, reflected the company’s confidence in Nigeria’s future, in Africa’s potential, and its commitment to building energy independence for Africa and the world.

“It is also about confidence in Nigeria, in Africa, and in our capacity to shape our own energy future.

“It is the dream of President Bola Tinubu for Nigeria to emerge as one of the major suppliers of petroleum products in the world. And with his strong backing through previously stated policies, we are taking on the challenge to make this happen,” he added.

He added that 65,000 workers would be needed for the construction exercise, and 85 per cent would be Nigerians.

Dangote added that the refinery would also ramp up its power generation from 500 megawatts to 1,000 MW. He had signed an agreement with the technology licensor, which will expand it.

“With this expansion, we would require 65,000 workers during construction; such a project will further unlock opportunities for local industries. We will also be expanding our polypropylene production from 900,000 metric tonnes to 2.4 million metric tonnes per annum. This will further enrich the production of linear alkylbenzene, a key ingredient for the production of detergents, and the additional production of base oils.

“With this expansion, the refinery transitions from producing Euro V to Euro VI fuel standards, meeting the highest global environmental benchmarks, and expands power generation capacity, ensuring full operational self-sufficiency. Over 85 per cent of our workforce will be Nigerian, with ongoing investment in skills and technology transfer,” he stressed.

Within the next year, Dangote plans to list 10 per cent of the refinery shares on the Nigerian Stock Exchange, calling it a step toward broader ownership and market transparency.

“Therefore, we call on all Nigerians to seize this window, to benefit from this golden opportunity. Our long-term goal remains clear: to build Africa’s leading integrated energy and petrochemical hub, the first of its kind on the continent,” he said.

As the Yuletide approaches, Dangote assured Nigerians of fuel availability.

“As we approach the end of the year, Nigerians often face fuel shortages, long queues, and arbitrary price increases that cause great hardship for travellers and businesses alike. In the last three days, we have witnessed an 8 per cent spike in the global oil price.

“I want to assure Nigerians that the Dangote refinery is fully committed to maintaining an uninterrupted supply of petrol throughout the festive period. Our goal is to ensure consistent product flow at stable prices, eliminating the disruptions and exploitation that have become common during the ember months,” he added.

The businessman called on the “holders of the other 30 refinery licences to seize this opportunity to support Mr President’s dream of making Nigeria the refining hub on the continent.”

The Dangote refinery started operations in 2024, significantly reducing Nigeria’s years of dependence on fuel importation.

Nigeria has since become an exporter of fuel to countries across the world, including Saudi Arabia and the United States.

Dan Poster by — October 27, 2025 in Business 0
CBN pumps $1.25bn into fuel import, others

CBN headquartersThe Central Bank of Nigeria has released a total sum of $1.259bn to oil sector players for the importation of petroleum products and other related items into the country, The PUNCH reports.

The amount released between the first three months of 2025 is against the backdrop of the insistence of marketers to continue fuel import despite the availability of petrol from Dangote Refinery.

According to fresh data from the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, Petroleum marketers imported 69 per cent of the 21 billion litres of petrol Nigerians consumed between August 2024 and the first 10 days of October 2025.

Between January and March 2025, a total of 2.28 billion litres of petrol were imported despite improved refined product output from the Dangote refinery.

Fuel imports, a significant consumer of foreign exchange, impact the country’s foreign reserves and the naira-to-dollar rate.

The volume represents one of the lowest quarterly import figures in recent years, reflecting the gradual shift towards local refining and blending of petroleum products.

A breakdown using the Central Bank of Nigeria’s quarterly statistical bulletin for the first quarter of 2025, the apex bank released a total of $1.26bn for import transactions between January and March.

A month-by-month breakdown showed that $457.83m was disbursed in January, representing 36.2 per cent of the total.

This dropped sharply to $283.54m in February, accounting for 22.5 per cent, before rebounding to $517.55m in March, which made up the largest share at 41.3 per cent of the total forex released for the quarter.

While NMDPRA data showed that the January imports stood at 724.5million litres, while 760 million litres and 803.7 million litres were brought in during February and March, respectively.

The struggle for market share between the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and fuel-importing marketers has intensified in recent months, as both sides compete for dominance in Nigeria’s downstream sector.

It could be recalled that while some marketers have insisted on importation, the Dangote refinery has been exporting petrol to other countries, including the United States. The 650,000 refinery has consistently boasted of its capacity to meet local fuel demands while exporting to foreign countries.

However, pricing has remained the major determinant for marketers when choosing a supplier, amid growing competition between the Refinery and fuel importers. Many operators in the downstream sector shift allegiance based on cost advantage rather than source.

Confirming the development, the National Publicity Officer of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, Chinedu Ukadike, said marketers would naturally buy from any source offering the lowest price to stay in business.

Ukadike explained in an interview, “In this business, pricing is everything. Marketers will always go for the most affordable option because our margins are very thin. If imported products are cheaper, we have no choice but to patronise importers. But if Dangote’s refinery offers a better price, of course, we will buy locally.”

He added that the price gap between locally refined products and imports fluctuates depending on global oil prices, exchange rates, and government policies.

“No marketer can afford sentiment when it comes to survival,” he said. “Our decision is driven by economics, not emotion.”

Meanwhile, the latest Energy Bulletin released by the Major Energies Marketers Association of Nigeria has shown a further reduction in the estimated import parity price of key petroleum products, reflecting sustained pressure from global oil prices and exchange rate fluctuations.

According to the report, the estimated import parity price of Premium Motor Spirit has reduced to N805.46 per litre at the spot rate.

Dan Poster by — October 27, 2025 in Business 0
Seplat energy JV empowers Edo, Delta students with N18m

The Seplat Energy Plc, in partnership with its Joint Venture partner, the NNPC Exploration and Production Limited, has empowered Edo, Delta students with N18 m.

The firm made the disclosure shortly after the grand finale of the 2025 edition of the PEARLs Quiz competition for secondary schools across Edo and Delta States on Saturday in Asaba, the Delta State capital.

The Pioneer Education Centre, Edo State, emerged winner and took home the N10m prize money, while second and third placed schools, Notre Dame College, Uzoro, Delta State and Eucharistic Heart of Jesus Model College, Benin, Edo State, received N5 m and N3 m, respectively.

The PEARLs Quiz, which stands for Promoting Exceptional and Respectable Leaders, is one of Seplat Energy JV’s flagship Corporate Social Investment initiatives geared towards the promotion of academic excellence, nurturing critical thinking, and inspiring the next generation of leaders.

In her opening remarks, the Director of External Affairs and Social Performance, Seplat Energy, Chioma Afe, represented by Hadiza Garbati, General Manager, Government Relations, Seplat, welcomed the governments of Delta and Edo States and congratulated all the participants, particularly those who made it to the grand finale.

The initiative, she pointed out was conceived for promoting exceptional and respectable leaders, dating back to 2012, which has seen Sepalt remain active in host communities and helping to foster students in the right direction.

She noted that by the quality of participation in this year’s edition, the students have demonstrated that the initiative is already bearing fruit by nurturing young people. “A school might be going home today with the prize, but all of you are already winners, and I congratulate you,” she said.

According to her, the learning each participant had gained from the PEARLs Quiz will make him or her a better person in the journey of life.

She commended the teachers, many of whom have also been trained under various CSI initiatives of Seplat for encouraging the students to make the 2025 PEARLs Quiz a huge success

In addition to the quiz competition, the grand finale also featured the STEAM Innovation Challenge, where students showcased inventive projects in the areas of science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics

On his part, Nicolas Foucart, Managing Director of NNPC Exploration and Production Limited, represented by the Corporate Communication Department’s Godwin Ijiga, expressed joy at the enthusiasm and brilliance demonstrated by the participants across Edo and Delta States.

In his remarks, Sheriff Oborevwori, Delta State Governor, represented by Ms. Orode Udughan, Delta State Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Community Support Services and Girl Child Development, commended the Seplat JV for the initiative, which he said has greatly impacted students in Edo and Delta states for many years.

She said, “Today, we celebrate not just a contest but the brilliance, promise and potential of our young people, the true future of our states and our nation.

“On behalf of the government and people of Delta State, I extend profound appreciation to Seplat Energy and the NNPC Joint Venture for their consistent and impactful investment in education.

“The PEARLS quiz, which translates to promoting exceptional and respectable Leaders, is a shining example of corporate social responsibility that aligns perfectly with our developmental vision.

“For years, this initiative has provided a vibrant platform for students to demonstrate intellect, confidence and character while promoting the culture of academic excellence.

Dan Poster by — October 27, 2025 in Business 0