The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has not reinstated the cybersecurity levy that was previously suspended.

The CBN had suspended the enactment of the cybersecurity levy following a decision by the Federal Executive Council (FEC).

In a notice in May, the CBN mandated all banks in Nigeria to collect and remit a 0.5 percent cybersecurity levy to the office of the National Security Adviser.

However, the Nigerian government ordered the suspension of the levy amid outrage from citizens.

Despite the suspension, there have been reports of the apex bank reintroducing the levy.

However, the apex bank has denied reintroducing the levy amid outrage from Nigerians.

The denial was contained in its Monetary, Credit, Foreign Trade, and Exchange Policy Guidelines for Fiscal Years 2024-2025 circular.

The circular, released on September 17, reads in part:

“The attention of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has been drawn to certain instances of misinterpretation or misrepresentation of its biennial publication on Monetary, Credit, Foreign Trade, and Exchange Policy Guidelines, published on September 17, 2024.

“In response, the CBN has temporarily withdrawn the document to minimize the risk of any further misrepresentation.

“As stated explicitly in the document to guide stakeholders, the CBN reiterates that the publication is a compilation of previously issued policies and guidelines by the Bank up to a cut-off date, typically December 31 of the relevant year.

“Some recent media publications referencing aspects of the Guidelines refer to policy positions of the Bank issued prior to December 31, 2023, which have changed in light of revisions and updates in 2024.

“One example is the cybersecurity levy, which was suspended in May 2024, superseding the circular reported in the Guidelines.

“Certain technical aspects of the Guidelines have been widely misreported and misrepresented. For example, reports have mistakenly sought to link the fuel subsidy removal to external reserves. Such reports essentially missed the analytical basis for the original statement, which was intended to observe a potential risk that was to be mitigated by policy.

“More recently, policies of the Bank around the naira exchange rate and those of the fiscal authorities have positively altered the outlook of the subject in question.

“In summary, the Guidelines must primarily be viewed as a record of policies, circulars, and directives issued by the Bank up to the end of 2023. They are not new directives and should not be reported as such.

“The Bank will continue to provide clear monetary policy direction and advice for the overall good of the economy. We urge all stakeholders to seek clarification of information about the Bank before publishing.”

All the corrections made were grammatical, including the addition of proper capitalization and punctuation.

Nigerian-born UFC star, Israel Adesanya, has placed a $10,000 stake on two-time former unified world heavyweight champion, Anthony Joshua, in his IBF heavyweight title fight against Daniel Dubois.

The title fight is scheduled for September 21, 2024, at the Wembley Stadium, England.

The highly anticipated all-British clash will see 96,000 fans create an electric atmosphere at the venue familiar to Joshua but a new territory for Dubois.

This will be Dubois’ first fight at England’s national stadium, adding to the pressure on him and his team, led by trainer Don Charles.

In an Instagram post on Friday, Adesanya shared a picture of his stake placed on September 17, 2024, with the inscriptions, “Dubois, Daniel – Joshua, Anthony.”

“ÒGÚN This fight got beef…grab the #stake sauce,” the post read.

Adesanya’s bet showed that he picked Joshua as the winner, to win between the 10th and 12th rounds, with an estimated payout of $50,000.

However, Dubois had boldly declared his intention to knock out Joshua.

The 26-year-old Briton, who brands himself as “a good destroyer,” is confident he can deliver only the second knockout defeat of Joshua’s professional career.

“I aim to knock him out. That’s the programme. That’s the mindset; that’s the intention coming into this fight,” Dubois told Sky Sports.

“I’m going to focus my whole life on destroying him and just being a good destroyer, a good conqueror. Don’t wait. Go out there. Smash him.”

Joshua, 33, is coming off four straight wins, including a knockout victory over former UFC champion Francis Ngannou.

THE clatter in the hall went dead. Silence enveloped the gathering. What was now heard was the thud of boots. It grew louder as a uniform-clad personnel marched in through the door. Stretched before him was a big flag. He marched determinedly to the dais. Stopped before a solemn-faced Alfredo Miranda, the Mexican Ambassador in Nigeria. He handed over the vertically striped tricolour of green, white and red flag. The event was to mark the Mexican War of Independence which began 214 years ago.

The Mexican national flag, the Bandera de Mexico, was handed over to the Ambassador in Abuja this night of Sunday, September 15, 2024 in a gathering of mostly ambassadors accredited to Nigeria.

The flag also has a central coat of arms made up of an eagle, a cactus and a serpent. It is the recall of an Aztec legend of a golden eagle sitting on a cactus while devouring a serpent.

Ambassador Miranda made a declaration, handed the flag back to the uniformed personnel who after a number of sharp military turns, marched out of the hall.

This ceremony was also performed simultaneously in Mexico by President Andre Lopaz Obrador, all mayors in the country and in all Mexican missions across the universe.

It is the dramatisation of the scene on September 15, 1810 when a priest, Miguel Hildago y Costilla in the poor town of Dolores, rang the parish bell to summon the town flock to mass. But, rather than the usual service, Father Hildago told his congregation to revolt. He then issued a call to arms, the Grito de Dolores. His declaration of “down with bad government” was re-echoed from balconies. His small congregation armed themselves with whatever weapons were available, including work tools, bows and arrows. They marched through Dolores to other towns, sacking government officials, smashing structures and setting prisoners free. The ever-swelling mass of the people was more a movement than an army, but they put the royalist army to flight.

Mexico was one of the best human civilisations, but had been destroyed by Spanish colonialists. Now the people, angered by economic inequality, lopsided land distribution and unrepresentative state institutions, wanted their country back by any means necessary.

Spain had assumed that Mexico, which it called Viceroyalty of New Spain, would forever be part of its territory.

Eventually, Hidalgo and some leaders of the liberation movement were captured and executed. Their heads were severed and hung in public to scare other liberation fighters. But that did not end the struggle, rather, it propelled it until September 27, 1821 when the liberation fighters marched triumphant into Mexico City. The next day, they proclaimed the Declaration of Independence of the Mexican Empire. Eventually, the country adopted the name, United Mexican States.

The eleven-year war ended 300 years of Spanish colonial rule, and established a unique Mexican identity. But defeated Spain would not accept the new reality; so for another decade, it refused to recognise Mexico as a separate and independent country with sovereign rights.

The story of Mexico is not necessarily that of colonialism, heroic resistance and the large scale seizure or theft of its territories by the United States. It is more of the tragic human loss of one of the most sophisticated and beautiful civilizations in human history which had the potentials of taking human development in a different direction from the alienation and modernism we have today.

It is all the more painful to realise that the destruction of such a great civilisation was done by a people who by their own confession, were far less civilised and developed.

Ambassador Miranda in an August 12, 2024 paper at the International Conference to End Colonialism in the World held in Abuja, quoted two of such Spanish confessions by the invading Spanish forces.

The first is by Spanish soldier and historian, Bernal Diaz del Castillo who wrote: “We arrived at the wide causeway and headed towards Estapalapa. And from the moment we saw so many cities and towns populated in the water, and on firm land other large settlements, and that straight causeway going to Mexico, we were amazed, and we said it seemed like the things of enchantment told in the book of Amadís, for the great towers… and buildings they had in the water, all made of stone, and some of our soldiers even said that what they saw seemed like a dream…”.

The leader of the conquering Spanish military, Hernan Cortés, in a letter to the King of Spain, wrote: “There are very large cities with marvellous buildings and great trade and wealth, among which there is one more marvellous and rich than all others, called Tenustitlan, which is, by wonderful art, built over a large lagoon…”.

It is this enchanting civilisation the Spanish invaders whose primary motives were loot and territory, destroyed.

Miranda said of that irrecoverable destruction: “After nearly three months of an implacable siege and a resistance as heroic as it was futile, the European invaders triumphantly entered the Aztec capital and immediately began the physical destruction of the city. Temples and palaces were demolished, and their stones were used to erect churches, many built on the foundations of Tenochca pyramids, and residences or houses for the conquerors. In this painful way, Tenochtitlán (Mexican central city) began to transform into Mexico City, which from its inception was the capital of a much vaster empire that replaced New Spain.”

Thus, began the nightmarish 300 years of Mexican colonisation and decimation. Bulgarian-born Professor of History, 94-year-old Enrique Semo, famous author of  The History Of Capitalism In Mexico, wrote about the effects of the invasion on the Mexican people. In his The Conquest, he wrote that the Mexican populace was decimated not just by the invasion and epidemics, but also by “slavery, mistreatment, famines, consequent physical weakening, as well as loss of will to live.”

As Walter Rodney, author of the famous 1972 book, How Europe Underdeveloped Africa, noted: “Colonialism had only one hand- it was a one-armed bandit.” One of the best illustrations of the criminal nature and banditry that is colonialism, was the invasion of Mexico.

Ambassador Miranda, speaking on his country’s past said: “As we reflect on this complex history, we acknowledge the strength and ingenuity of our ancestors, who forged a path through adversity to create a vibrant and diverse society. It is this enduring legacy that inspires us to continue striving for justice, equality, and the preservation of our cultural identity”.

As the night wore on at the Mexican Embassy with polite discussions, those events 214 years ago, weighed on my mind. I reflected on how wonderful the world might have been without the scourges of colonialism and neo-colonialism.

General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adeboye has stressed the importance of maintaining romance in marriage, even amid spiritual obligations.

In a message on his Facebook page, Adeboye revealed that he and his wife, Foluke, still use affectionate pet names when they are alone, highlighting that “anointing does not reduce romance.”

Through this heartfelt advice, Adeboye urged married couples to prioritize intimacy and romance to keep their marriages vibrant and joyful.

He explained that some pastors avoid romantic activities, believing it distracts from their spiritual focus.

Adeboye emphasised that being anointed should not negate the need for romance, drawing an example from the Bible.

He wrote, “The fact that you are a Christian does not in any way take romance out of your marriage. Marriage is the only institution where romance and intimacy are allowed between a man and a woman.

“Some pastors hardly go on dates with their spouses because they consider such a romantic activity as a distraction from their focus on spiritual matters. Some of them don’t even play with their spouses anymore. Beloved, the anointing does not reduce the need for romance in marriage.

“Isaac was an anointed man of God and a successful businessman, yet in Genesis 26:8, the Bible says he was being romantic with his wife.

“And it came to pass, when he had been there a long time, that Abimelech king of the Philistines looked out at a window, and saw, and, behold, Isaac was sporting with Rebekah his wife. Don’t become too rigid in your marriage; don’t have more fun elsewhere without your spouse. Make the times that you and your spouse spend together so much fun that you are always looking forward to seeing each other again. If you are married, remember how you used to talk for long hours with your spouse before you got married and had children; revive that relationship again. Your spouse is still the same fellow you were very fond of, and the things you loved in him or her are still there. Don’t let all the cares of this life distract you from the gems in your spouse.

Adeboye suggested simple acts like writing notes, using pet names, and surprising each other to keep the romance alive.

“Once in a while, compose a poem for your spouse and read it to him or her in a romantic setting. Spice things up with pleasant surprises every now and then. Write a note and put it in his or her bag so that when they get to the office and open their bag, they will see the note and smile. Have a pet name that you call each other behind closed doors.

“Up until today, there is a pet name my wife calls me when we are alone. I equally have a pet name that I call her, and every time I call her by that name, she cannot but smile at me lovingly. When we are alone, we are lovers, not Daddy G.O and Mummy G.O. Your marriage can be like heaven on earth if you and your spouse are deliberate about remaining the lovebirds that you were when you first got married.

“Don’t let the romance die.” he added.

Vanguard News

Victor Boniface, Super Eagles striker, has taken to social media to share an inspirational anecdote about his journey from paying “N30” to watch UEFA Champions League (UCL) games in Akure to making his debut in the competition.

The 23-year-old striker, raised in Akure, Ondo, made his UCL debut on Thursday in Bayer Leverkusen’s 4-0 away victory over Feyenoord in the Netherlands.

He played 62 minutes in the encounter before he was substituted for Patrik Schick.

Boniface was pivotal in Leverkusen’s second goal with a crafty, disguised pass to Jeremie Fripong before the wingback laid a cross for Alejandro Grimaldo, who tapped in.

In a tweet on his X account after the game, the striker recounted his change of fortune from watching UCL matches at local viewing centres to basking in the competition’s electrifying atmosphere.

“From paying N30 to watch Champions League football for night back then for 323 army barrack Akure, to playing my first Champions League game. Proud of this moment,” Boniface wrote.

Boniface left Nigeria permanently in 2019. He joined Bodo/Glimt in Sweden from Real Sapphire Academy in Lagos.

Two Eliteserien league titles later, he left for Union Saint-Gilloise in the Belgian Super League, where he continued to improve. He was the joint top scorer in the 2022/23 Europa League with Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford before leaving after one season to join Leverkusen.

Boniface was an integral member of the Leverkusen team that went unbeaten in domestic competitions last season.

He has notched up three goals and one assist in five appearances this season. He is currently on 24 goals and 11 assists in his 39-match Bayer Leverkusen career.

[TheCable]

It is a terrible thing when a man’s expectations are cut off. Proverbs 23: 18 says: “For surely there is an end; and thine expectation shall not be cut off” (King James version). Proverbs 24: 14 also says: “So shall the knowledge of wisdom be to thy soul: when thou hast found it, then there shall be a reward, and thy expectation shall not be cut off”. I don’t now know where preachers, including yours truly, found the addition “the expectation of the righteous shall not be cut off”! May your expectations not be cut off!

The scripture simply says our expectation shall not be cut off, be they righteous, be they otherwise – so I suppose! But let us for a moment assume that this scripture refers only to the righteous, how do we now explain the fact that the expectations of the vast majority of Nigerians concerning the Dangote Refinery now appear to have been cut off? We are touted as the second most prayerful country in the whole world! Is it that we are religious without being righteous? Did we set our expectations too high? Were we unrealistic in our expectations

What are those expectations, to start with? One: That once the Dangote Refinery comes on stream, Nigerians will begin to enjoy cheap petrol. One of my fellow pastors even vowed that the price of a litre of petrol will crash to what operated during the Jonathan era (N187 per liter) once Dangote begins to pump out Made-in-Nigeria petrol! Two: That the coming on stream of Dangote petrol will signal an end to the perennial scarcity of the commodity and that petrol will flow yanfu-yanfu from all the filling stations!

No queues! No bribing of petrol station attendants! No keeping vigils at petrol stations! No buying of black market petrol at cut-throat prices! Motorists will just drive in into filling stations, have their fill and drive out with ease! No tension! No stress! No hassles! Aliko Dangote himself was quoted as saying that his refinery will bring an end to fuel importation and the strain on the Naira. The depreciation of the Naira is the major cause of escalating cost of goods and services all over the place.

None of these expectations has materialised even as the long-awaited streaming of the Dangote Refinery took off the ground this week. Rather, the sad news that Nigerians received was that Dangote petrol will cost more than imported petrol! Fuel scarcity has not only returned, the filling stations are empty. Trust Nigerians, rather than sell the products they have at the moment at the prevailing price, Shylock fuel station owners prefer to hoard the commodity and wait for the new price regime to take effect for them to make a kill.

Before this new Dangote Refinery wahala, I bought fuel at one NNPC filling station at N855 per litre. Now, with Dangote fuel, a litre will cost N950 at NNPC stations in Lagos. What this means is that other filling stations in Lagos will sell above that price. Usually, the five or so oil majors sell at between 30 and 50 Naira above the NNPC price while independent marketers sell at between 100 and 300 Naira above the NNPC benchmark. As we move farther away from Lagos, the price increases. In many places as we speak – that is, before the coming on stream of Dangote fuel – a litre of petrol sells for as high as 1,500 Naira or even more, especially in the black market.

Now that the official price hovers around N1000 per litre in Lagos, your guess is as good as mine concerning what to expect in the hinterland. The coming on stream of the Dangote Refinery ought to be good news that should see the dollar crash and the Naira make appreciable gains on it; the contrary, unfortunately, has been the case as the Naira continues its downward slide at both the official and black market, inching close to N1700 to a dollar. And with the NNPC benchmarking its sale of crude to Dangote on the official foreign exchange rate (which is often higher than even the black market rate), the vagaries of fluctuations on the market will continually affect the cost of petrol.

Why have the expectations of Nigerians over the Dangote Refinery been cut off? One explanation is that the crude oil the refinery is still using was imported; so the vagaries of foreign exchange volatility has come into play. When the refinery begins to buy crude from the NNPC in Naira, we should expect that to have a salutary effect on the price of fuel. Another expectation for those who believe! The discrepancies in the figures released by Dangote and NNPC over the price at which the latter lifted petrol from the former further speaks to the opaqueness and lack of transparency in the oily business of making petrol available to Nigerians.

Between Dangote and NNPC, it is difficult to know who to believe in this blame game that leaves much to be desired. If NNPC becomes the sole off-taker of Dangote’s petrol, what becomes of the independent marketers? Buying from the NNPC leaves them with no chance of competing favourably in an open market. Should they resort to importation, the same problem we thought the Dangote Refinery has helped us resolve rears its ugly head again.

The problems bedevilling the oil sector are hydra-headed, such that the Dangote Refinery alone cannot solve. There is the problem of aging infrastructure; lack of investment in the sector, compelling the oil majors to disinvest; the problems of corruption and sabotage, vandalization of pipelines and oil theft; a Petroleum Industry Act that was late in coming, and insecurity, to mention but a few.

Why are the four government-owned refineries not working? Why may they never work, if we are to believe the statements of former President Olusegun Obasanjo? Since the Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration came on stream, it has serially reneged on the datelines it gave for the refineries to roar back to life. Why?

How do we solve the problem of smuggling of petroleum products across the border? Cheap petrol here subsidizes our neighbours. The more they smuggle the commodity across the border, the more losses we incur. We must factor them into the equation if we are ever to solve this problem. Why have we not taken advantage of the vast market begging to be tapped around us? This is an adversity that we ought to have translated into opportunity a long time ago.

Now, the solution does not lie in Dangote. A monopolist will always bare its fangs. Seeing the opportunity, it will not resist sinking its fangs in your skin. Capitalists are shylocks. William Shakespeare demonstrates this very clearly in his character, Shylock, in Merchant of Venice. We cannot place the destiny of an entire nation in the hands of one man. Our subsisting experience with this man does not recommend such confidence. More refineries must come on board. Where are the modular refineries? Tinubu must endure every disappointment to ensure that the government’s four refineries roar back to life. More entrepreneurs should consider going into the downstream sector of the oil business. We have not only the market of the west African subregion at our feet but Europe’s gas market as well.

The Tinubu administration must abandon its knee jerk economic policies of tax, more tax, and still more tax and settle down to plan serious economic development programmes and policies. Managing and reinflating a deflated economy, even if that is what they inherited from a wasteful and decadent Muhammadu Buhari administration, is not rocket science. The three components we must adopt are: reducing wasteful and unnecessary expenditure, fighting corruption and blocking leakages in the system (which the administration is not doing enough); increasing expenditure by discovering new sources of income to create wealth (which it is embarking upon in the wrong direction), and stemming a bloated bureaucracy in favour of a lean and efficient administration (which it is also not doing as we speak).

Removing subsidies everywhere, imposing and hiking taxes on every conceivable item is not the same thing as creating new wealth; it is bare-faced picking the pockets of an already traumatised citizenry. Why should the Tinubu administration become notorious as a government of pick-pockets? A people taxed to death and sapped of energy, as the vast majority of Nigerians are at the moment, cannot be expected to help anyone build a prosperous and viril economy.

FEEDBACK

Good morning, Mr. Bola Bolawole, my Fajuyi Hall adjacent room-mate while at Unife (I read Geology) and, later, you were my Editor at The PUNCH. You influenced my being employed then as Energy Correspondent. That was after my freelancing with The Guardian for some time. It was my formal employment with The PUNCH that opened the way for me to become what I am today in life. Incidentally, Thẹ PUNCH was punched out by thẹ maximum ruler, General Sani Abacha, and so I became jobless again but my being a PUNCH journalist paved the way for me, with another open door as I stumbled into becoming the Secretariat Administrator of the Nigeria Internet Group, formed to promote internet awareness in Nigeria under the tutelage of the Nigeria Communications Commission. I was overseeing the running of the secretariat and this made me travel far and near, the world over. My dear brother, I say a very big thank you for counting me worthy for that PUNCH employment. It made me know the workings within NEPA and brought about my interactions with the high and mighty in the power sector then. – Obalolu Adekanmi.

Your write-ups sound good and give me some form of relief that some journalists have not abandoned the root core of their profession. How I wish there are many journalists who will dig deeper to expose the demon called CORRUPTION, which has plagued this country and has turned the wheel of progress backward, despite the country’s huge resources which can make it a real giant of the world. May I use this medium to request your office to carry out a similar investigation on LASU campus at Epe where students are subjected to serious inhuman treatment. No water, no light in a university environment! The hostels are like prison rooms! I strongly believe that a write-up of this type will help to curb the activities of those who have now made corrupt practices their vocation. – Abiodun Adeyemi.

It is with great relief and joy that I want to thank you for lending your voice to the 18-year age restriction on students writing WAEC, NECO and UTME. What becomes of our teeming youths if they cannot write these exams? The ripple effects in the next three years are better imagined than felt. – Paul Iretiola Jegede.

Wole Olaoye’s “Let there be light!” is an alibi for the collective barrenness, emptiness and scantiness of our tertiary institutions! That the entire country still wallows in darkness in spite of the so-called Faculty of Engineering that litter our campuses is laughable. How can the universities seek solutions to their power problems from poorly-conceived, poorly-funded, poorly-equiped and poorly-executed Rural Electrification abracadabra programs? If Ife is worth the greatness attached to her name, her army of scientists, technologists and technicians should by now be reputed for Made-in-Ife turbines and other electrification equipment! We should look in the direction of Ife, the Source, for a solution to our electricity problems; not to Germany, China or anywhere else. If Akoka is truly great, if Ilorin is greater, the above ought to have happened. It is sickening to hear the humongous amount being committed to pay electricity bills by the Ivory Tower, that is, if the figures are not hyped. If they cannot help us, they should at least help themselves! – Nojeem Jimoh.

Today, we joyfully gather in spirit to celebrate the life and legacy of Gloria Adagbon, a woman of grace, humility, and immense purpose. As we commemorate her birthday, we offer prayers of gratitude for her life and all the wonderful ways she has touched the hearts of those around her. Gloria is not only an illustrious daughter of Igbanke, but also a shining example of a life lived with faith, service, and compassion.

It is impossible to speak of Gloria Adagbon without recognizing the hand of God in her life. From her humble beginnings in Igbanke to her far-reaching influence today, her journey has been a testimony to the power of God’s favor and grace. We thank the Almighty for giving her strength, wisdom, and vision, allowing her to become a beacon of light not only for her community but also for everyone who has crossed her path.

As Proverbs 31:25 says, “She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future.” Gloria embodies this verse in every way. She has faced life’s challenges with unwavering faith, and her trust in God has seen her through every valley and mountain. On this special day, we pray that the Lord continues to guide her footsteps and shower her with more of His abundant grace.

Gloria’s life has been defined by her service to others, reflecting the biblical teaching of Mark 10:45, “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve.” Gloria has modeled this selfless service in her community, especially in Igbanke, where she has remained deeply involved in promoting education, youth empowerment, and local development.

Her passion for improving the lives of others stems from her deep-rooted faith in God and a profound understanding that to whom much is given, much is required (Luke 12:48). Gloria has never sought to hoard her blessings but has continuously poured herself out, uplifting the underprivileged and encouraging growth wherever she goes. As we celebrate her today, we thank God for giving her the heart of a servant-leader and pray that her capacity to serve continues to expand in the coming years.

In moments of triumph and trial, Gloria has held fast to her faith in the Lord. Her life is a living example of Romans 8:28, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.” Through her unwavering belief, Gloria has shown that every obstacle is an opportunity for God’s glory to shine through. Her faith has not only been her anchor but also an inspiration to countless others, teaching them the value of trusting in God’s perfect plan.

Today, we ask the Lord to increase her faith even more, to grant her the peace that surpasses all understanding, and to bless her in ways she could never imagine. We know that His plans for her are good, plans to prosper her and not to harm her, plans to give her hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11).

On this beautiful occasion of Gloria’s birthday, we lift her up in prayer, asking that the Lord who began a good work in her will carry it on to completion (Philippians 1:6). May He continue to open doors of favor, grant her new visions, and protect her as she fulfills her divine purpose on this earth.

As Psalm 20:4 says, “May He give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed.” Gloria, as you step into this new year of life, may the desires of your heart align with God’s perfect will. We pray that you continue to shine brightly in every area of your life, and may the fruits of your labor multiply beyond your imagination.

As we celebrate Gloria Adagbon today, we look forward with anticipation to the many more ways God will use her life to bless others. We are confident that He who has kept her this far will continue to watch over her in the years to come. Gloria’s faith, resilience, and commitment to her community have already sown seeds of greatness, and we know that her best days are yet ahead.

Isaiah 40:31 declares, “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” As you continue live, Gloria, may you soar on eagle’s wings, rise above every storm, and walk boldly in the path God has laid out for you.

Heavenly Father, we thank you for the gift of Gloria Adagbon. We thank you for the love, kindness, and wisdom you have instilled in her heart. As she celebrates another year of life, we ask for your continued blessings upon her. Surround her with your love, guide her steps, and let your light shine through her in all that she does. May she continue to be a blessing to others, a vessel of your grace, and an ambassador of hope to the world. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Happy Birthday, Gloria Adagbon! Your life is a testimony to God’s goodness and a reflection of His love. May this new age bring you more joy, strength, and fulfillment as you continue to serve and inspire others. You are truly a beloved daughter of Igbanke, and today, we celebrate all that you are and all that you will become.

May the Lord bless and keep you, Gloria. Happy birthday!

Nigerians have long waited for the commencement of the sale of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) by Dangote Refinery due to its expected benefits. The refinery commenced its first loading of PMS on Sunday, September 15, 2024, which according to the Ministry of Finance is a significant step in Nigeria’s journey toward energy self-sufficiency. However, according to the Federal Government, NNPCL will be the sole buyer of PMS from the refinery for now, and from October 2024, the NNPCL will begin selling crude oil to Dangote Refinery in Naira and purchasing PMS from the refinery in Naira, while diesel will also be sold in Naira to independent marketers. The decision to make NNPCL the sole off-taker of the PMS from the refinery has raised a lot of dust.

Many people were disappointed when the NNPCL announced a hike in the price of PMS, as there was a general belief that PMS prices would drop once Dangote Refinery commenced production and sales. The refinery, which is privately owned and profit-oriented, won’t sell PMS for less than its production cost. Some major determinants of its production cost are the price of crude oil on the international market, the Naira-to-dollar exchange rate, and the cost of refining crude per litre. The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy said in a TV interview on Sunday, September 15, 2024, “We are expecting that as this refinery and others ramp up production, scale, and achieve greater economies of scale, there should be the opportunity—and there is definitely the potential—to reduce their costs, which should be passed on to the consumer.”

There are concerns from many quarters that the recent hike in the price of PMS could cause a rise in inflation, which Nigeria has seemingly tamed. According to the National Bureau of Statistics, Nigeria’s headline inflation on a year-on-year basis dropped to 32.15% in August 2024, from 33.4% in July 2024. Food prices have been the major driver of inflation, and therefore, ordinarily, as we fully enter the harvest season, a continued decline in inflation would have been expected. However, the recent hike in the price of PMS and fluctuations in the foreign exchange rate will affect the inflation figures for subsequent months.

The price of PMS is expected to reduce in the long term as economies of scale are achieved by refineries, when more refineries come on stream, leading to competition, and as the Naira begins to gain value. Selling crude oil to domestic refineries in Naira and purchasing refined products from them in Naira will significantly reduce the pressure on foreign exchange. According to the Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service, Zach Adedeji, this policy will save $7.32 billion annually by conducting all crude transactions with local refineries in Naira. It will also result in a more stable and stronger Naira.

The Federal Government, NNPCL, and Dangote Industries Limited should be commended, as this is the first time in about 30 years that Premium Motor Spirit production has begun in Nigeria. The price of PMS is expected to decrease in the near future, therefore Nigerians should be patient. While the hike in PMS prices will impact inflation in the coming months, I don’t expect it to be very significant because food prices, which are the major driver of inflation, will drop further as we move deeper into the harvest season. Beautiful times lie ahead for Nigerians. May God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

In the dynamic world of politics, the pursuit of power often becomes the driving force behind every politician’s ambition. The allure of influence, prestige, and control can be irresistible. However, as history has shown time and time again, power is fleeting. What remains long after the dust of political battles has settled is the legacy a leader leaves behind. Mr. Politician, it is important to remember that while the corridors of power may feel permanent and untouchable, they are not. What is eternal is how your name will be remembered in the annals of history.

Power, by its very nature, is temporary. It has a beginning and an end, no matter how long or how absolute it may seem. History is full of examples of rulers, kings, and politicians who believed they would wield authority forever. But time, the great equalizer, has proven that no throne is unshakable and no office permanent.

Consider the reigns of some of Africa’s most notorious dictators like Idi Amin and Mobutu SeseSeko. Their rule seemed unassailable at their peak, yet today their names are synonymous with tyranny and corruption. They used their immense power to oppress their people, amass personal wealth, and fortify their grip on control, but in the end, they fell. Power, which once seemed eternal, slipped through their fingers, leaving only the harsh judgment of history.

In contrast, look at the legacies of individuals like Nelson Mandela or Julius Nyerere. They, too, held power, absolute in Mandela’s case, but they are remembered for their integrity, compassion, and devotion to justice. They knew that their time in power was temporary, and they worked tirelessly to ensure that the impact they made would endure long after their political influence faded.

Mr. Politician, no matter how secure your position may feel today, remember that power is fleeting. It can be stripped away by the whims of public opinion, economic downturns, or a single electoral defeat. What will remain is the reputation you build today.

Every politician who enters the political arena must remember that they are first and foremost public servants. It is the people’s trust that places them in office, and that trust comes with a sacred responsibility. Leadership is a call to service, not an opportunity for self-enrichment. When you enter office, you are entrusted with the hopes, dreams, and well-being of the people. How you choose to use that power will determine whether you are celebrated or condemned.

Too many politicians fall into the trap of believing that their position entitles them to privileges beyond their mandate. They accumulate wealth, live lavish lifestyles, and disconnect from the realities of the masses. But leadership is not about self-aggrandizement; it is about self-sacrifice. Power is not a license to exploit but an opportunity to serve and improve the lives of those who placed you in authority.

As you sit in high office, surrounded by sycophants and enablers who will tell you what you want to hear, pause and reflect: Are you truly serving the people? Are your decisions improving lives, or are they creating more suffering? Will your policies lift people out of poverty, create jobs, and reduce inequality? Or will they widen the gap between the rich and poor?

The true test of leadership is not in the titles you accumulate or the wealth you amass. It is in the legacy of change, the upliftment of the common people, and the institutions you leave behind that will endure long after you are gone.

Power is not inherently bad. In fact, it is a tool that can be used for transformative change. But power without a higher purpose is meaningless, it is an empty shell. Too often, politicians become obsessed with the trappings of power, the sirens blaring as they drive through the city, the titles before their name, the control they exert over resources. They forget that power should be wielded with humility, empathy, and the desire to make a difference.

When you enter office, the question you must constantly ask yourself is: Why am I here? Is it to enrich myself and secure my political future, or is it to serve the people who trusted me to lead? Leaders who lose sight of this higher purpose often find themselves isolated, surrounded by the illusion of success but disconnected from the very people they claim to represent.

History is filled with leaders who used their power for personal gain. Their names may have adorned buildings and statues during their reigns, but when they fell, so too did their monuments. The people they oppressed, the wealth they siphoned, and the lives they destroyed will forever be part of their legacy. Mr. Politician, do not let this be your fate. Remember that the power you hold today can be taken away tomorrow. But the actions you take while in office will remain forever etched in the memory of the people you served.

In this digital age, every action you take is recorded, every policy scrutinized, and every misstep amplified. The accountability that history imposes is much heavier now than it has ever been. The internet never forgets. Mr. Politician there is no escaping the judgment of posterity. Social media, investigative journalism, and the vigilant eyes of civil society have made it increasingly difficult to sweep misdeeds under the rug. Even if you avoid public censure in your time, future generations will unearth the truth.

Ask yourself: When the history books are written, and when your grandchildren read about your time in office, what will they find? Will they discover a leader who stood for justice and equality? Will they see a figure who fought for the underprivileged, advanced education, and upheld democratic values? Or will they encounter stories of corruption, scandal, and oppression? History is a harsh but fair judge, and it will remember you for what you truly did, not for the image you tried to project.

As you navigate the complex world of politics, ask yourself: What will people say about you when you are no longer in power? Will they remember you as a leader who sacrificed personal gain for the good of the nation, or will they speak of the scandals and corruption that defined your tenure? Will your name be written on the good page of history, or will it be relegated to the footnotes of failure?

Ultimately, the choice is yours. You have the power to shape your legacy by serving with integrity, humility, and a genuine desire to make a difference. As the late Nelson Mandela said, “What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead.”

Power is not forever, but your legacy can be. As you move forward in your political career, remember that every decision, every policy, and every action will contribute to how you are remembered. The clock is ticking, and the pages of history are waiting to be written. Will your name be on the good page?

The wise know that true power lies not in the ability to dominate but in the ability to inspire. Mr. Politician, power may be ephemeral, but your legacy can be eternal. Use your power wisely, serve the people faithfully, and ensure that when the story of your life is told, it is one of honor, respect, and service to humanity.

Football fans often debate over who the greatest is—Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo. But there’s a rare group of players who don’t have to choose. These stars have had the unique privilege of playing alongside both footballing legends, witnessing their greatness firsthand.

From brilliant Argentine attackers to stalwart defenders, these players bridge the gap between two eras of football royalty. Let’s dive into this exclusive list of 15 players who’ve shared a pitch with both Messi and Ronaldo.

1. Angel Di Maria

Ángel Di María has been a trusted lieutenant to both Messi and Ronaldo at different stages of his career. At Real Madrid, Di María was a key provider for Ronaldo, contributing to their La Liga and Champions League triumphs. Later, with Argentina, Di María formed a potent partnership with Messi, most notably scoring in the 2022 FIFA World Cup final. After a brief stint at Juventus, Di María is back at Benfica.

2. Gabriel Heinze

Gabriel Heinze enjoyed a solid career as a defender, playing alongside both Messi for Argentina and Ronaldo during his time at Manchester United and Real Madrid. Heinze was a fierce competitor on the pitch and won the Premier League and La Liga during his career. After retiring, Heinze transitioned into management, including a stint with Atlanta United in MLS, though he is currently without a club.

3. Paulo Dybala

Paulo Dybala is one of the rare players who has expressed his difficulty in choosing between Messi and Ronaldo. Having played with Messi for Argentina and Ronaldo at Juventus, Dybala witnessed firsthand the brilliance of both players. Ronaldo’s remarkable 101 goals at Juventus were instrumental in Dybala’s admiration, though Messi’s leadership in leading Argentina to World Cup glory in 2022 must have deepened his respect.

4. Deco

Deco had the privilege of playing with Ronaldo at the start of his career with Portugal and alongside Messi during his time at Barcelona. A midfield maestro, Deco witnessed Messi’s rise to greatness while being an established figure in a Barca team that won multiple La Liga titles. Playing with Ronaldo in the Portuguese national team, Deco saw glimpses of the superstar Ronaldo would become. Deco retired in 2013 and now works in football management.

5. Fernando Gago

A defensive midfielder who had the pleasure of playing with Messi for Argentina and Ronaldo at Real Madrid, Fernando Gago was a steady presence in both teams. Gago’s time at Madrid was marked by Ronaldo’s early days at the club, while his international career saw him share many pivotal moments with Messi. After retiring, Gago ventured into management and is currently coaching in Mexico.

6. Ezequiel Garay

Garay had the distinction of playing alongside Messi at international level with Argentina and Ronaldo at Real Madrid. Known for his solid defending and composure on the ball, Garay was an essential part of the Argentine squad for several years. He spent time at Real Madrid when Ronaldo first joined the club in 2009. Garay retired in 2020 after a successful career in Spain.

7. Andre Gomes

André Gomes had the rare opportunity of playing with Ronaldo for Portugal and Messi during his stint at Barcelona. Despite facing criticism during his time at Barca, Gomes remained a solid midfielder who learned from both legends. His time with Portugal allowed him to see Ronaldo’s leadership in action, while at Barca, he witnessed Messi’s magic unfold. Gomes now plays for Lille in Ligue.

8. Henrik Larsson

Henrik Larsson was at the tail end of his career when he played alongside Messi at Barcelona and Ronaldo at Manchester United. Despite his brief stints at both clubs, Larsson’s quality was undeniable. He scored crucial goals for Barca and United, making a lasting impact on the dressing room with his professionalism and experience. Larsson is now coaching in Sweden, having transitioned smoothly from player to manager​.

9. Gerard Piqué

Gerard Piqué spent the majority of his career at Barcelona, where he played with Messi for over a decade. However, earlier in his career, Piqué played with Ronaldo at Manchester United before moving to Barca. As one of the best center-backs of his generation, Piqué was a key figure in both Messi and Ronaldo’s success stories, having seen both thrive in their respective environments.

10. Nelson Semedo

Semedo played with Messi during his time at Barcelona and shares the pitch with Ronaldo for Portugal. His time at Barca saw him witness Messi’s brilliance up close, while his international career provides him with a front-row seat to Ronaldo’s legendary exploits with Portugal.

11. Carlos Tevez

Carlos Tevez played with Ronaldo at Manchester United, where they won multiple trophies, including the Champions League. Tevez also featured alongside Messi for Argentina, forming part of a talented attacking lineup. His work ethic and intensity on the pitch made him a perfect complement to both superstars.

12. Sergio Ramos

Sergio Ramos is one of the rare players who has shared the field with both Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi at the club level. He spent over a decade with Ronaldo at Real Madrid, where the duo helped the club win multiple Champions League and La Liga titles. In 2021, Ramos joined PSG, where he linked up with Messi following the Argentine’s high-profile move to the French club.

13. Lisandro Martinez

Lisandro Martínez has the distinction of playing alongside Messi for the Argentine national team and Ronaldo at Manchester United. A versatile defender, Martínez has seen both legends up close—he was part of the Argentina squad that won the 2022 World Cup, with Messi leading the charge. Meanwhile, his first season at United saw him line up alongside Ronaldo during a challenging campaign for the Portuguese forward.

14. Achraf Hakimi

Achraf Hakimi played with Ronaldo during his early days at Real Madrid. After developing into one of the best full-backs in the world, Hakimi moved to PSG, where he now shares the pitch with Messi.

15. Alejandro Garnacho

Alejandro Garnacho is one of the newest players to play alongside both Messi and Ronaldo. The young winger, a rising star at Manchester United, made his breakthrough just as Ronaldo was entering his final season with the club. Garnacho has since had the opportunity to train and play with Messi for the Argentine national team, representing the future of Argentine football.

These players have witnessed greatness from two of football’s biggest legends up close. Whether sharing a locker room or lining up on opposite sides, their unique careers have been enriched by the privilege of playing with both Messi and Ronaldo.

For football fans and bettors, watching these stars on the pitch is always thrilling. Want to make your football experience even more exciting? Bet on your favorite players and teams at iLOTBET—where every match is an opportunity to win big!

[OpinionNigeria]