The eldest son of President Bola Tinubu, Mr Seyi Tinubu, on Monday, pleaded with Nigerians to exercise patience with his father’s administration as they weather the challenging economic times.

This followed protests in Ibadan, the Oyo state capital, where angry youths took to the streets to decry the rising cost of living. More so, a 41-year-old man identified as David Ubaha also staged a lone protest in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital, to voice his complaints over the harsh economic situation.

In the past nine months in office, President Tinubu’s economic reforms have sparked collateral instability in the value of the Naira, heaping hardship on Nigerians as food prices continue to soar.

But Seyi, in an Instagram post, rehashed his father’s words from a national broadcast to mark the 63rd Independence Day anniversary last October.

Then, Tinubu said, “There is no joy in seeing the people of this nation shoulder burdens that should have been shed years ago. I wish today’s difficulties did not exist. But we must endure if we are to reach the good side of our future.”

Seyi declared that he stands with his father and argued that the present generation “will yield the fruits of this hardship.”

The post carried hashtags such as #HaveFaithinHim, #NigeriaisinGreatHands, #OurGenerationwillYieldthefruitsofthishardship, #IStandwithOurPresident, #RenewedHope and #NigeriaismyHome.

However, Seyi’s message did not sit well with some Nigerians, who criticised the President’s son for living opulently while demanding sacrifice from the people.

Few weeks after residents of Kano, Niger, Lagos and some other parts of the country took to the streets over economic hardship, a similar incident occurred in Ibadan, capital of Oyo State.

On Monday morning, protesters converged on Mokola area of Ibadan over high cost of living, food inflation and hardship in the country.

They wielded placards with inscriptions such as ‘The poor are starving,’ ‘Tinubu, don’t forget your promises’, among others.

Policemen were seen guarding the protesters against taking law into their hands.

Rising cooking gas price: Nigerians resort to charcoal, firewood

One month after FG’s intervention: Households, SMEs still buy cooking gas above N1,100/kg

The police had on Sunday warned that no breach of peace would be allowed during any protest in the state.

Nigerians have been complaining bitterly about the current situation.

Daily Trust had reported how Nigerians in some parts of the country have resorted to using charcoal as the cost of Liquefied Petroleum Gas, otherwise known as cooking gas, has continued to skyrocket.

This is just as the cost of charcoal has also risen owing to high demand, with some people switching to firewood.

Checks by Daily Trust in Abuja, Kano, Lagos and Jos, showed that citizens were filling a 12.5 kilogramme cylinder of cooking gas with about N18,000.

The Nigerian Association of Liquefied Petroleum Gas Marketers (NALGAM) had last year predicted that a 12.5kg cylinder would cost N18, 000 going by the frequent increases.

Last November, following a rise in the price of cooking gas per kg from about N700 to above N1,100, the Minister of State Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, constituted a committee headed by the Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Farouk Ahmed, to come up with recommendations on how to boost supplies and crash the price within a week.

Despite that assurance, the price of cooking gas has continued to increase with a kilogramme selling for N1,400 in some parts of the country. This translates into 17,500 for a 12.5 kg cylinder.

Last week, the African Development Bank (AfDB) had reported that rising prices of fuel and other commodities could lead to social unrest in Nigeria, Ethiopia, Angola, and Kenya.

The AfDB gave the warning in its macroeconomic performance and outlook for 2024 in which it projected Africa’s economy to grow higher than the 3.2 per cent recorded in 2023.

The bank cautioned that an increase in fuel and commodity prices occasioned by currency depreciation or subsidy removal in Nigeria, Angola, Kenya, and Ethiopia could trigger internal conflicts.

It stated, “Internal conflicts and violence could also result from rising prices for fuel and other commodities due to weaker domestic currencies and reforms.

“For instance, the removal of fuel subsidies in Angola, Ethiopia, Kenya and Nigeria and the resulting social costs has led to social unrest driven by opposition to government policy.”

At a meeting with governors and heads of security agencies last week, President Bola Tinubu charged them to work towards addressing the economic hardship.

”What I will not do is to set a price control board. I will not also approve the importation of food. We should be able to get ourselves out of the situation we found ourselves in, because importation will allow rent seekers to perpetrate fraud and mismanagement at our collective expense. We would rather support farmers with the schemes that will make them go to the farm and grow more food for everyone in the country.

”We must also look at the rapid but thoughtful implementation of our livestock development and management plans, including dairy farming and others,” the President had said.

The Federal Government, on Sunday, clapped back at the governors elected on the platform of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party for asking President Bola Tinubu to resign from office if he had no answer to the nation’s myriad problems.

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, questioned why the PDP failed to turn the country around during its extended shot at power.

He described the PDP governor’s resignation call as a distraction.

The PDP governors, under the leadership of the Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, had last week said Nigeria under Tinubu was on the path to becoming like Venezuela.

AFCON 2023: Super Eagles Ends Continental Cup Campaign With Silver Ware0.00 / 0.00

On Saturday, the PDP governors advised Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress to resign over the state of the nation if they could not provide sustainable solutions.

But responding on Sunday, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, in a statement signed by his media aide, Rabiu Ibrahim, knocked the PDP governors.

He said, “It is our considered view that the PDP and its governors should not be seeking, through the back door of intimidation, what they have consistently failed to achieve by democratic means, since 2015.

I would rather stay with Moses through wilderness, Seyi Law reaffirms support for Tinubu
“Those who could not bring transformational change when they had a lengthy chance to, should not seek to interrupt or distract those who are busy at work on the presidential vision that Nigerians elected them to implement.”

Explaining what the present administration was currently working on, the minister explained, “The administration of President Bola Tinubu has, since inception, generously extended financial support to all the state governments, regardless of partisan affiliation. In addition, the removal of the petrol subsidy —which, incidentally, was one of the main planks of the PDP presidential campaign—has swelled the revenues of all states, including the PDP states. To whom more has been given, more is therefore expected.

“The President and his administration recognise the unfinished business of revamping our national economy kickstarted by the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari, through programmes focused on large-scale infrastructure, social welfare, prioritising the equipping and welfare of the military and security agencies, and reclaiming Nigeria’s strategic place in the comity of nations.

“Boko Haram and its affiliates, on the ascendancy in 2014/2015, have since been decimated, and similar bold gains are now being made with bandits and other criminals.

“Nigerians have not forgotten that it was the APC administration that cleared several liabilities left behind by the PDP government, such as subsidy claims by oil marketers, Paris Club refunds, unpaid pensions, gratuities, and salary arrears owed various categories of pensioners from liquidated and existing state-owned enterprises.”

Idris said Tinubu would never be overwhelmed by the current challenges facing the country.

“He will not abdicate his responsibilities. He will courageously continue to wrestle with the challenges and surmount them, laying a durable foundation for the new Nigeria that is emerging,” the minister.

Residents of Imo have raised alarm over the influx of strange faces into the state.

They added that on a regular basis they are being dumped by trailers into Avu, Obinze in Owerri-west LGA and several other suburbs

A resident in Owerri Municipal revealed that over 90% of Okada riders in Obinze, Avu, and FUTO areas are unknown faces and barely speak Igbo.

He compared the presence of strangers in Imo to that in Plateau state, urging security agencies to take necessary actions regarding the situation.

“If we are not careful with the daily influx of strange elements into Imo, I’m afraid, the state may be worse than Plateau where hundredths are slaughtered in one snap,” the resident stated.

“I was in FUTO in Owerri recently and discovered that more than 90% of Okada riders inside the school are strangers. This is how it took root in Plateau state. Gradually they are penetrating every nook an cranny of the state. Let me tell you that I have the history of Plateau in my palms. I was born in Manguna, a little village in Bokkos more than 63 years ago. My father used to be a cattle rearer before finally relocating home in 1990. I see a particular pattern of Plateau crisis taking root in Imo. We need to be careful.

“You should ask yourselves why these strangers often chose to congregate close to military establishments. We should be alert and find a way to protect ourselves from the unknown enemies surrounding us. Our security agencies too should step up actions and interrogate this set of strangers, know their mission and where the sleep at night in order not to be taken unawares when they will strike.”

Another resident who pleaded anonymity had this to say, “as we speak, another trailer load of Northerners and dogs are currently at Njaba River entering the capital City of Owerri, their probable destination.

“Some are dumped at Avu Junction and Nekede Cluster Market. All military and police checkpoints should not allow the offloading of these people and their dogs in Imo again!

“It’s amazing that with all these alarm people are raising, the government and security agencies have not come to make a statement, nor clarification as to know the intents and mission of these strange hunters.

“All we are saying is the security and safety of all Imolites is sacrosanct. Any single security alert should be looked into by the police and army in order not to be taken unawares.”

Popular Nigerian singer, Joeboy, has opened up on his early life struggles, recalling a time when he worked in a pure water factory during a university strike.

The Nigerian singer, who studied Human Resources and Personal Management, recounted his struggle to find a job during a three-month university strike.

Faced with the daunting prospect of unemployment, he eventually landed a job as a marketer in a pure water factory in Lagos.

“I was looking so hard for a job and couldn’t find any. Is this how I’m going to end up when I finish school?” Joeboy said during the interview.

Describing his life as a “miracle,” Joeboy emphasized that even though some advised against signing him, Mr. Eazi, the head of his previous record label, took a chance on him, leading to his unexpected signing to Empawa, where his musical journey took flight.

Joeboy pointed out the unexpected nature of his success, stating that not even his parents anticipated his foray into the music industry.

Despite initial skepticism, Joeboy has gone on to achieve what he claims to be “the best label deal in Afrobeats history in Nigeria.”

In a recent milestone, Joeboy has founded his record label, Young Legend, while maintaining his connection with Empawa.

In his words;

“I studied Human Resources and Personal Management. When I was in the university, there was a strike for like three months. So I decided to get a job and I was searching for a job for like three months in the whole of Lagos. I did not get one single job.

There was even a time I worked in a pure water factory as a marketer. At that point I was like, ‘I’m looking so hard for a job and I can’t find any. Is this how I’m going to end up when I finish school?’ So that was also a trigger. I told myself, ‘You really have to make sure you make it [in the music industry].”

Nigerian actor cum comedian, Oluwaseyitan Aletile, professionally known as Seyi Law, has said despite the economic hardship in the country, he would still vote for President Bola Tinubu if a fresh election comes up tomorrow.

He likened the current economic hardship in Nigeria to the Biblical wilderness experience of the Israelites, saying he would rather stay with “a Moses through the wilderness to Canaan than eat meat and drink wine in slavery in Egypt at the expense of my children’s future”.

In a lengthy post shared via his X handle hours ago, Seyi Law said in part:

“while a lot of Nigerians kill the optimism of others with hate and urge for immediate gratification, it is sad that our government agencies are not communicating government agendas, efforts, and actions effectively”.

“I am not one to judge anyone for their anger towards the government. After all, they were voted to serve the people. I am maybe only privileged to be better informed.

“I know everything doesn’t rest at the centre, and I should be able to make demands from the state government. Your allocations have increased, and to take steps towards a better transportation system not to talk of subsidising it for your citizens is a mountain you’re finding hard to climb. The state governors are absolutely shameless.”

He encouraged Nigerians to make demands from the state governments rather than depending on the Federal Government for “everything.”

The comedian continued:

“It is easy for any government at the centre to please the multitude by reverting back to full subsidy on fuel and exchange rates, but I would rather we reset, rebuild, and sustain our future than live on a better now by borrowing our future. I want to see certain people-driven and engaging policies in agriculture, power, and health sectors. I am hopeful.

Addressing those criticising him for his continued support for Tinubu’s administration, despite the excruciating economic crunch, Seyi Law concluded:

“I will criticise constructively and condemn unworthy acts. To those still cursing in my mentions, if another election was held tomorrow, I would still vote Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”

Nigeria’s Super Eagles’ goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali has been bestowed with the prestigious chieftaincy title of Ugo Egbema, which translates to “The Pride of Egbema Kingdom.

The prestigious chieftaincy title was conferred upon him by His Royal Majesty, Nzeobi Evaristus Amida, the traditional ruler of Mgbede community.

The traditional ruler expressed the significance of the honour, attributing it to Nwabali’s exceptional performance that led Nigeria to the 2024 AFCON finals.

His Royal Majesty acknowledged the goalkeeper’s outstanding saves, which not only contributed to the success of the Super Eagles but also brought immense pride and honour to the Egbema Kingdom.

Recalling Nwabali’s stellar contributions to the Super Eagles, the traditional ruler emphasized the need to celebrate individuals who bring honour and glory to their people.

In addition to the chieftaincy title, Stanley Nwabali was also rewarded at the state level.

Nigerian goalkeeper Nwabali honoured with chieftaincy title

The Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, acknowledged the goalkeeper’s achievements by conferring a state honour upon him and presenting a generous gift of N20 million.

The governor commended Nwabali for his outstanding contributions to Nigerian football and his exemplary representation of Rivers State on the national stage.

…We don’t need to export to Cameroun where we have an existing cement plant

The management of Dangote Cement Plc has stated that two of its trucks that were wrongly intercepted in Adamawa State have been released. The company stated the two trucks loaded with 900 bags of cement each from the Obajana Cement Plant were on their way to Jamtari, Maiha Local Government, Adamawa State, based on a customer’s request.

However, they were intercepted by security agents who accused them of trying to export banned products to the Republic of Cameroun through the Adamawa routes. The interception, on Friday, February 9, 2024, followed an executive order banning the transportation of food and building materials across the country's border through Adamawa routes by the Adamawa State Government.

A statement signed by the Group's Chief Branding and Communication Officer, Mr. Anthony Chiejina, revealed that the company has a functional cement plant in Cameroun and that, the allegation of attempting to export cement there is false and malicious.

Chiejina explained that the two trucks were on their way to deliver products requested by a customer and wondered why the security agents would intercept and accuse them of attempting to divert their load to the Republic of Cameroun. 

Mr. Chiejina said: “It was surprising that on their way to deliver the products to the stated address, the security agents on that particular route intercepted them at a village called Wurolabi.”

He said the officers who made the arrest insisted the trucks were on diversion since they apparently did not pay attention to details of what was written on the Waybill. The company said the two drivers tried to explain to the soldiers but to no avail.   

He added: Our officials were thereafter invited by the DSS Adamawa State, and we explained to them the true position of things.  We had to show them the tracking movement of the trucks from the DCP Obajana to the last point where they were arrested by the soldiers, to convince them that the trucks were not crossing to the republic of Cameroon as was being wrongfully insinuated by some media.

In the same vein, the Government of Adamawa State, in a press briefing with the Adamawa State Police Headquarters, also on Friday 16th Feb confirmed that both trucks were intended to deliver within the state and were escorted by police to deliver the products to the customer.

Comedian AY Makun opens up on how veteran actor Richard Mofe Damijo, RMD’s advice to him, Changed his life.

According to him, he was working as a bartender when he met RMD, who advised him to go back to school, after he spoke to him about his desire to join the entertainment world.

He claimed that he had to quit and began a degree program at Delta state university after the renowned actor recommended him to do so.

The comedian revealed this in a candid conversation with Nollywood actress Iyabo Ojo.

He highlighted that this decision ultimately paved the way for his successful career in comedy.

He said:

“I was doing all that it takes to get into the entertainment space. And somewhere along the line, I started working with NNPC Junior Staff Club as a bartender.

“That was what inspired my series, ‘Call To Bar.’ Everything around me; my stories, and my movies are all inspired by my experiences.

“When I was working as a bartender, I would see a lot of people the likes of Alex O and Shina Peters coming to perform. I would say to myself that someday, somehow, somewhere, sometime in life, I’m going to get into the entertainment space.

So, there was one time that I approached RMD when he came, a long time ago. We were talking and he advised me to go back to school. He said, ‘Education is important. Afterward, trust me, all these things would follow.’

“So, that was how I gained admission into Delta State University to study Theatre Arts.”

According to AY, he began his entertainment career as a show organizer while still in school and developed into a multifaceted performer and entrepreneur after graduating.