The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited says there is no plan to remove Mele Kyari, its group chief executive officer (GCEO).

A report had speculated that Kyari may not last in his post until the end of the year following a major shakeup at the organisation.

Speaking to Punch on November 15, Olufemi Soneye, NNPC’s chief corporate communications officer, described the report as a baseless speculation.

“One might wonder if they were the ones who hired Mele Kyari, given their apparent insight into his career plans. Such baseless speculation is not only laughable but also a testament to the lengths some will go to craft immature narratives,” Soneye said.

“Let’s set the record straight: GCEO Mele Kyari is performing exceptionally, steering Nigeria’s energy sector toward unprecedented success.

“Under his leadership, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited has transitioned from years of losses to declaring profits—a historic achievement.

“Just yesterday (Thursday), we reached a production milestone of 1.8 million barrels per day, a testament to his unwavering commitment.”

The Soneye said Kyari is focused on actualising President Bola Tinubu’s vision for progress and development in the energy sector, ensuring energy security for our nation.

“So, to address the rumour: it’s as credible as a mirage in the desert,” he added.

On November 13, the NNPC announced a major reshuffling in the leadership of the NNPC.

The national company appointed Adedapo Segun as its chief financial officer (CFO).

The company also named Udobong Ntia as the new executive vice-president (EVP) of its upstream operations.

Afrobeats superstar Wizkid has set a new streaming record with his latest single, Kese, which amassed over 1.5 million Spotify streams within 24 hours of its release.

This milestone surpasses the previous record held by Davido’s Awuke. The chart-topping track is a standout from Wizkid’s upcoming album Morayo and comes shortly after his recent hit, Piece of My Heart, featuring American singer Brent Faiyaz.

According to a recent report by Chart Data, Wizkid now holds the top two spots for the most-streamed songs in Nigeria on their debut day.

Kese takes the lead, while Piece of My Heart secures the runner-up position. Asake’s Grammy-nominated track MMS, from his album Lungu Boy and featuring Wizkid, follows in third place with 870,000 streams.

Wizkid’s previous release, Piece of My Heart, had earlier made history as the first Nigerian song to hit one million Spotify streams on its release day.

This achievement was later surpassed by Davido’s Awuke before Kese set a new record.

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Nollywood actress Iyabo Ojo has come forward with revelation about the intense backlash she faced while fighting for justice for the late Nigerian singer, Ilerioluwa Aloba, better known as Mohbad.

Speaking candidly on the ‘Glass House’ with AY, the actress revealed how her activism became the target of vicious online attacks and scandalous accusations that took a personal toll.

She disclosed that, instead of being applauded for her activism, she was relentlessly targeted, with critics accusing her of being responsible for his death.

According to her, she was also branded a clout chaser, with many claiming she was using the tragedy to gain attention.

Iyabo passionately declared that her fight for justice was driven by a genuine desire to honor Mohbad’s memory and hold those responsible accountable.

Ojo said;

“They were even insinuating that maybe I killed Mohbad. I wasn’t around when Mohbad died. I was not close to him. I didn’t really know him that much.

“My encounter with him was during One Africa music fest. For the few days that we were together, I just knew that he was a cool boy, had his own thing he was going through and doing his music.

“If I killed him, then why was I fighting for his body to be exhumed for autopsy? There was a time they said I was paid [for my activism in getting justice for Mohbad]. They also said I was looking for a political position.

“They even said I was using it for clout. There are so many things that have been said about me. But I am not bothered because that isn’t the case. All I did was just to help seek justice for the late singer.”

TUNE INTO HER WORDS IN THE CLIP BELOW

Award-winning Nigerian filmmaker Kunle Afolayan has stated that he once directed a movie without understanding its storyline.

Kunle Afolayan stated this while narrating his work experience at the third edition of KAP Film & Television Academy’s Reel Circle. Kunle Afolayan who recently lost his mother narrated:

“I was asked to direct something I know nothing about. I tried to bail out but I was convinced that I could do it. But I knew I didn’t know what I was going to do. I didn’t understand the storyline. It is an installation film; even at the time, I did not know what the installation film was.

“I read the script and I did not understand it. I called Biodun Aleja (may his soul rest in peace). He read it and said, ‘This is crazy,’ and then a few other people. I spoke to the person who introduced me to the project that, ‘Can I meet with the producer? Maybe if she shares her vision, I would get it.’

“Then he flew me to London and we sat for like two hours and she was talking. She showed me her showreel and I knew there was a problem because the showreel didn’t make sense. It was a complete abstract installation; people just doing weird things and I am a narrative director. Then I called the link and said, ‘I am not doing this. I would not even know what to say.’

Speaking further, Kunle Afolayan revealed he didn’t turn down the director job despite not understanding the storyline because of the huge benefits the position came with. Kunle continued:

“But he was like, ‘You have to do it; they are paying you $40,000.’ But I was like, ‘Let us do an adaptation of a scene.’ But even with it, I didn’t know what to adapt. But because Biodun Aleja was there—he studied Performing Arts, so his literature is stronger—and I was like, ‘Look, we have to find a way. They are flying us to Miami and Chicago; we cannot turn that down.’

“They did this and we went, we filmed in like the oldest museum. I was the director and there were five trucks of equipment. It’s like someone throwing you into the ocean and asking you to start swimming.

“Up till now, I did not understand the story. There was no story. If I watch it again, I am like, ‘What was the story?’ But guess what? They flew me in business class to five countries to premiere the film in 2007.”

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Rivers state command, says it has uncovered a new method adopted by oil thieves to convey their stolen crude oil from the creeks to other parts of the state.

Joachim Okafor, NSCDC Rivers commandant, on Friday, said the oil thieves had resorted to using rugged sports utility vehicles (SUVs) to evacuate stolen petroleum products.

“The NSCDC Rivers State command’s anti-vandal unit was on patrol at Etche borders in Etche local government area of the Rivers on sighting the patrol team, suspected illegal oil bunkers abandoned a Toyota Sequoia Jeep fully loaded with AGO popularly called Kpofire Diesel, and escaped into a nearby bush,” he said.

“The anti-vandal team also experienced a similar incident at Umungu community in Omuma local government area of the state when some suspected oil thieves took to their heels as they saw the men of NSCDC on patrol, for fear of arrest, they quickly jumped out of the two Sequoia Jeeps they were using to convene the adulterated products and ran into a close-by forest.”

 

Okafor said the suspects on the run would soon be apprehended, adding that the confiscated vehicles and petroleum products would be forfeited to the federal government.

The commandant assured that with the collaborative efforts of citizens, the command would not relent in securing critical national assets such as pipelines from vandals and crude oil thieves who are “enemies of the country”.

Okafor, therefore, warned oil thieves to engage in meaningful ventures, emphasising that the command would not spare anyone arrested.

Lucky Aiyedatiwa, candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the Ondo state governorship election, says he is willing to concede defeat if the poll is free and fair.

Speaking with journalists after casting his vote at polling unit 05, Igbo ward 4, Obenla in Ilaje LGA of the state, Aiyedatiwa said he would accept defeat if the election is not marred by fraud.

He said reports from his aides showed that the election has been largely peaceful in some other units of the state.

“If the outcome of the poll does not favour my party (APC), as long as we did not receive any report that it (poll) was fraudulent in any way. Why not? We will accept defeat,” he said.

“But if we notice any practices and non-compliance of the procedures. The only thing is to go to the tribunal to challenge that. By and large, if it goes that way, I will accept the outcome of the election.”

Earlier, Aiyedatiwa said he is poised to win the contest due to his track record in office.

He commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for a “transparent” conduct of the poll.

“For INEC, they have been transparent with the whole process. I went through the process myself. They are adhering to the (election) process,” he said.

He also praised security operatives for ensuring a peaceful exercise across the state.

Patrick Akpoguma, a 28-year-old suspected internet fraudster, has confessed to engaging in multiple types of fraud, including romance scams, identity theft, cryptocurrency fraud, and more. He revealed that his decision to embrace fraud stemmed from a desire to avoid traditional employment.

“I turned to fraud, didn’t want to work for salary,” Akpoguma stated during an interview at the Zone 2 Police Command in Onikan, Lagos. According to the suspect, his reluctance to work for a salary led him to turn to fraudulent activities three years ago, a decision that has since earned him over $500,000.

The suspect, a mechanical engineering graduate, claims to have used his ill-gotten wealth to purchase two properties—one in Lagos and another in Edo State—and a GLE Benz worth ₦100 million.

Assistant Inspector General (AIG) Adegoke Fayoade confirmed that the investigation into Akpoguma began on 7th November 2024, following reports from residents of Chevron Drive, Lekki, where the suspect resides. Akpoguma was found to be involved in a variety of scams, including impersonating high-profile individuals online to trick victims into providing loans via Bitcoin or other cryptocurrency transactions.

AIG Fayoade revealed that Akpoguma’s primary modus operandi involved posing as Colonel Matt Herbert, a U.S. Army officer on a peacekeeping mission in Iran, and Adam Taggart, a renowned cryptocurrency expert.

In addition, Akpoguma went to great lengths to make his impersonations more convincing, even creating a fake Instagram account under the name ‘Adam Taggart’ and purchasing a silicone face mask for $11,200 to mimic his target’s appearance.

In an unexpected development, Akpoguma offered a bribe to the police in a bid to avoid arrest. On 12th November 2024, he offered $100,000 (approximately ₦174 million), which was accepted and documented as evidence.

AIG Fayoade confirmed that the investigation is now complete and that Akpoguma will be arraigned in court. This case highlights the increasingly sophisticated methods used by internet fraudsters and the growing problem of financial crime in Nigeria.

Lucky Aiyedatiwa, candidate of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in the Ondo governorship election, says he is poised to win the contest due to his record in office.

The incumbent governor voted at polling unit 05, Igbo ward 4, Obenla in Ilaje LGA.

Speaking to journalists after casting his vote, Aiyedatiwa commended security operatives for ensuring a peaceful exercise.

He said the election has been seamlessly executed across the state.

“I want to believe that victory will come my way. I have just cast my vote here in my unit 05 Ilaje LGA of Ondo state,” Aiyedatiwa said.

“Here in my unit, the community has been calm and peaceful, and the turnout is very encouraging and I want to believe that the same situation will be at the other locations across the state.

“It’s peaceful here, I believe it should be peaceful in other locations.

“I want to commend the security agencies, police, civil defence, military, they have heavily deployed to be able to attend to any security threat.

“Ondo state has been adjudged to be one of the most safe and peaceful states in Nigeria and we have been having our elections in a peaceful environment and this very one will not be different.

“The citizens, they are law abiding. They know what they want and who they want. I believe the election will be very, very peaceful, credible.

“I went through the whole process of accreditation before casting my vote and I believe the INEC will do the same at every location.

“So, I want to believe that the process will be very, very transparent, credible, and I hope to see many of them.”

Aiyedatiwa urged residents to come out and exercise their franchise without fear or favour.

Speaking on his chances, the governor said he is in pole position to win the contest.

The APC candidate added that he was the only contender who traversed the 18 LGAs to solicit votes.

“Well, I believe with what we have done in the last 10 months, the populace, the voters, like I said, they know who they want and I believe I will win this election because of the work that I have done in the last 10 months,” he added.

“I want to say that I was the only candidate that covered the entire 18 local governments during the campaign period.”

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has expressed disapproval of the improper application of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the INEC Election Result Viewing Portal (IReV) in Nigerian elections, particularly during the 2023 polls.

Obasanjo observed that the issues encountered were not due to the technology itself but rather the result of intentional human interference.

The former President made these remarks while delivering a significant keynote address at the Chinua Achebe Leadership Forum at Yale University on November 15, 2024, where he highlighted the persistent leadership crisis in Nigeria and advocated for comprehensive reforms to tackle the nation’s governance issues.

In his address, themed “Leadership Failure and State Capture in Nigeria,” Obasanjo revisited Chinua Achebe’s enduring assertion in The Trouble with Nigeria: “The trouble with Nigeria is simply and squarely a failure of leadership.”

He cited the insights of political scientists who have pointed out that bribery, intimidation, and violence are factors that allow unqualified individuals to rise to leadership roles.

Obasanjo urged the establishment of a governance framework that emphasizes integrity, competence, and the education of voters.

Referring to the 2023 elections as “a travesty,” he proposed several measures aimed at restoring public confidence in Nigeria’s democratic processes.

He underscored the necessity for legal reforms to enhance electoral laws, administrative changes to ensure the credibility of electoral officials, and technological protections to secure election results.

Obasanjo advocated for stricter ballot security, precise voter registration, and improved cybersecurity measures to avert electoral manipulation.

He also highlighted the critical need to prevent electoral violence and maintain the integrity of voting infrastructure, which should be validated through transparent and internationally monitored testing procedures.

Obasanjo emphasized the necessity of revitalizing education as a cornerstone for democratic engagement and effective leadership, referencing Nelson Mandela’s statement that “education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”

He reiterated Achebe’s assertion that a viable democracy depends on an informed electorate and ethically sound leaders.

In his closing remarks, Obasanjo cautioned against the dangers of complacency, calling on both Nigerians and the international community to confront the nation’s leadership and governance challenges directly. He characterized Nigeria as too significant to fail, underscoring its vital contribution to the stability and prosperity of Africa.

Reflecting on Achebe’s insights, he contended that the failure of leadership is the fundamental issue behind Nigeria’s difficulties, exacerbated by systemic threats such as electoral malpractice, terrorism, and pervasive corruption.

Obasanjo voiced his apprehension regarding the nation’s economic downturn, pointing out that Nigeria’s GDP had plummeted from $510 billion in 2014 to $199 billion in 2024, as reported by the International Monetary Fund.

In contrast to this decline, he highlighted his administration’s accomplishments, noting that Nigeria’s GDP growth averaged 6.59% during his time in office, reaching a peak of 15.3% in 2002.

He attributed this economic progress to reforms in sectors such as telecommunications, banking, and pensions, along with debt relief efforts, all executed under a capable team’s leadership.

The widow of the late Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, Mariya, has pledged her eternal love to her late husband.

Mariya also reminisced on the connection she shared with her husband of nearly 17 years, describing their relationship as one built on friendship, love, and unwavering support.

In an emotional tribute to her late husband, included in the burial programme pamphlet, Mariya Lagbaja reflected on their time together.

PUNCH Online reported that Lagbaja passed away on November 5 and was buried on Friday, November 15.

Though she acknowledged that their time was cut short, she expressed gratitude for the moments they shared, which she said she would always treasure.

“Meeting you over 17 years ago left an indelible mark on my life. Our friendship stood the test of time and meant the world to me. We shared a bond that was meant to last a lifetime. Though this was cut short, I treasure every moment with you, my shining light,” she wrote.

Mariya recounted their journey, which began on December 29, 2007, the day they vowed to spend their lives together.

She described her late husband as a man who loved, cared for, and devoted himself to her, calling him her strength and source of joy.

She also pledged to love Lagbaja forever, vowing to hold on to their cherished memories and the enduring bond they shared.

She said, “On the 29th of December, 2007, we chose each other for a lifelong journey. But death has taken away the man who loved, cared for, and cherished me with all he had. You carried me when no one was watching, you wiped my tears when I could not hold them back, and your shoulder was my strength to face the world.

“You brought so much beauty and joy to my life. In a world of ordinary moments, you created extraordinary happiness for me. As I look back on how great, amiable, kind, compassionate, generous, and adorable you were to me, I make bold to say that my love for you is forever.

“I will hold our memories, time, moments spent together so dear to my heart and cherish them throughout my lifetime because your love and support were my rock and guiding force always. If only you could hear me now. I love you infinitely.”

Mariya described Lagbaja as the spiritual leader of their home, adding that he inspired her and their children to love and serve God wholeheartedly.

She said, “As the spiritual leader of our home, you taught us to love Jesus and serve him in spirit and truth. At all times, you always sing and dance so joyfully in the presence of God, regardless of your status and this gives me the hope and assurance that you are in a better place, doing just the same with the host of heaven. You were truly our pastor and our priest, and I have no doubt that you are watching over us, my guardian Angel. “

She said despite his busy schedule, Lagbaja was a dedicated father who created time for his children.

Mariya said, “A true and dedicated father you were. The job never gave you enough time to spend with the family or share in the milestones of the children, but those short moments we spent together can never be taken away from us. At every opportunity, you created time for Emmanuel and Dara.

“You looked at their school work, solved mathematical problems or just simply played with them. To us, you are our hero and you will never be forgotten. Your legacy lives on in our children and they promise to make you proud.”

Mariya said her husband fought a good fight to the very end, wondering who would now ask her about the latest trends, call her “Boss,” or hug her every morning before heading to work.

She said, “On the 5th of November, as I looked at you lying there on that bed, I knew you had fought the good fight to the very end. Though you are gone, you will surely be missed by your loved ones, all who knew you, and the countless lives you touched. For me and our children, you will always be in our hearts.”

She continued, “Who will ask me, ‘What is the latest?’ Who will call me, ‘The Boss?’ Who will give me that morning hug before heading off to work?

“I will surely miss all these and so much more, my Jump Master. My leader, my friend, my husband, our father, my hero, my love and God’s General, I salute you. Till we meet to part no more, sleep on Daddy!.”