The Labour Party presidential flagbearer during the 2023 general elections, Peter Obi, has faulted the foreign trips embarked upon by both President Bola Tinubu and his deputy, Vice President Kashim Shettima.

He said the trips, coming when the country is grappling with domestic challenges, were concerning.

The PUNCH reports that Tinubu departed for the United Kingdom on October 2, 2024, for a two-week working leave. He later left the UK for France on Friday, October 11, for “another important engagement,” his Senior Special Assistant on Political and Other Matters, Ibrahim Masari, tweeted.

Meanwhile, Shettima left Abuja on Wednesday for Sweden on a two-day visit to represent Nigeria in bilateral engagements with the Scandinavian nation.

Justifying both trips, the Presidency on Wednesday said the absence of Tinubu and his deputy does not pose any vacuum in Nigeria’s leadership. It said the two principal officers are “fully engaged with the nation’s affairs, even while away.”

But reacting to the Presidency’s justification on Friday in a post on his X, Obi, who is also a former Anambra State governor, maintained that it was disturbing that Tinubu and his deputy weren’t in the country at a time when citizens need them most.

He wrote, “While it is arguable that with the President and Vice President absent from the Villa, there is no vacancy in the Presidency, in a situation where both the President and Vice President are out of the country, as reported in the media yesterday, it’s concerning for a country with such myriads of domestic problems.

The President had told us he would only be gone for 14 days. The 14 days have passed now, and we are waiting to see him in the country. One would have expected him to return earlier than expected, considering the volume of work that needs to be done in a troubled nation like ours.

“The untold hardship that has been unleashed on our people as a result of some of his administration’s policies is unimaginable and we need his urgent attention to pilot the nation out of this present situation.”

According to him, since the President is reportedly in Paris, France, which is just about 833 nautical miles from Stockholm, Sweden, one wonders why he did not just attend the 2-day working visit to Sweden.’

Obi added, “He could simply have done it on his way back from France with his new powerful jet, which would have taken him a little over 2 hours. This would have saved time and the very scarce national resources we need critically at this time.

“Instead, he delegated the Vice President, who needed to travel 3055 nautical miles, over nine hours, and (about 4 times the travel time from Paris) Abuja, Nigeria, to Stockholm, Sweden, to represent him at the event.

“It would take about 4 times the time and distance it takes to travel from Paris to Stockholm to travel from Abuja to Stockholm. This does not represent the kind of fiscal responsibility and common sense that is expected of leaders whose people are facing severe hunger and poverty.

“This is the time to show true and committed leadership to the people by making decisions that prioritize the well-being of the people and effective management of the nation’s scarce resources in alleviating the sufferings of the people.”

Meanwhile, the trips mark the second time both officers have been concurrently absent from the country since assuming office 17 months ago.

Between late April and early May 2024, while Tinubu was in London, after visiting the Netherlands and Saudi Arabia, where he attended the World Economic Forum, Shettima left Nigeria, first to Nairobi to attend the International Development Association Heads of State Summit.

After returning, he left for Dallas, Texas, to attend the US-Africa Business Summit organised by the Corporate Council on Africa. However, the VP cancelled his trip midway and returned to the country.

Tinubu returned to Abuja on 8 May.

NIPCO Gas Ltd management has attributed the explosion at its Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) station in Eyean, Benin City, Edo State, on Wednesday, to the actions of unauthorized CNG technicians.

Recall that an explosion had occurred around 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, injuring about three persons.

But a statement by the management of NIPCO blamed the explosion on the activities of fake installers of CNG cylinders.

It said preliminary findings showed that the explosion occurred when the vehicle arrived at the station for CNG refueling.

The statement read, “Unfortunately, the cylinder installed in the vehicle—later identified as a fake and fabricated, substandard unit not designed for CNG—exploded after filling with just around 4 SCM of gas. The driver fled the scene immediately after the incident.

“While no fatalities were recorded, two individuals sustained injuries. One person suffered a leg injury, and another sustained an eye injury. Both victims were promptly rushed to the hospital for medical attention. Based on the attending doctor’s recommendation, one of the individuals will require surgery at a different hospital.

“Our team is ensuring they receive the necessary care and treatment. The incidence has been reported at the local police station and the police has taken the custody of fake cylinder pieces and the car involved in the incident.

“This incident underscores the dangers of unauthorized CNG installations by unqualified technicians using non-compliant cylinders, which we have always campaigned against.

“We are cooperating fully with the relevant authorities to prevent a recurrence and reinforce our commitment to public safety across all operations.

“As a precautionary measure, the operations at the affected station are suspended to express our solidarity with those impacted by the incident.

“We remain resolute in our efforts to provide safe and reliable infrastructure for the growth of CNG as an alternative automotive fuel in Nigeria. We assure the public and our valued customers that safety remains paramount in all our operations.

“NIPCO Gas Ltd. will continue to uphold the highest industry standards to ensure the well-being of all stakeholders.

"Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.”

The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has reported that the average price of a 5kg cylinder of cooking gas rose from N6,430.02 in August to N6,699.63 in September 2024.

According to the report, the average retail price for refilling a 12.5kg cooking gas increased by 4.89 percent on a month-on-month basis from N15,552.56 in August 2024 to N16,313.43 in September.

The average retail price for 12.5kg cooking gas rose by 76.41 percent on a year-on-year basis from N9,247.40 recorded in September 2023 to N16,313.43 in September 2024.

The NBS disclosed this in its newly released “Cooking Gas Price Watch” report for September 2024, published on Friday in Abuja.

According to the report, the September price represented a 4.19 percent increase, compared to what it was in August.

The average price of 5kg of cooking gas increased on a year-on-year basis by 59.90 percent from N4,189.96 in September 2023 to N6,699.63 in September 2024.

Analysis by states revealed that Rivers State recorded the highest average price at N7,285.71, followed by Gombe State at N7,271.88, and Borno State at N7,089.72.

Kebbi recorded the lowest price at N5,950.00, followed by Kano and Benue at N6,133.33 and N6,143.52, respectively.

The North-East recorded the highest average retail price at N6,929.02 for 5 kg of cooking gas, followed by the South-East at N6,893.47.

“The North-West recorded the lowest average retail price at NN6,382.30,” the NBS said.

The report also showed that Rivers recorded the highest average retail price of N17,992.86, followed by Gombe at N17,942.86 and Zamfara at N17,475.00, while the lowest average price for 12.5kg of cooking gas was recorded in Adamawa at N13,983.33, followed by Nassarawa and Bauchi with N14,938.50 and N15,000.00, respectively.

Analysis by zone showed that the South-East recorded the highest average retail price of N16,957.29, followed by the South-West at N16,665.45.

The report said the North-East recorded the lowest price at N15,770.75.
Similarly, the NBS said the average retail price per litre of kerosene increased to N1,957.44 in September 2024 on a month-on-month basis.

The increase showed an increase of 5.97 percent, compared to the N1,847.59 recorded in August 2024.

According to the NBS National Kerosene Price Watch for September 2024 on a year-on-year basis, the average retail price per litre of kerosene rose by 50.68 percent from N1,299.03 in September 2023.

The report’s state profile analysis indicated that Abuja had the highest average price for kerosene in August at N2,816.67 per litre, followed by Kaduna at N2,437.50 and Akwa Ibom at N2,411.11.

“On the other hand, the lowest price was recorded in Bayelsa at N1,416.67, followed by Borno at N1,477.83 and Ekiti at N1,635.00.”

The NBS also analysed that the North-Central recorded the highest average retail price per litre of kerosene at N2,194.05, followed by the North-West at N2,092.92, adding that the South-East recorded the lowest average retail price per liter of kerosene at N1,718.89.

The average retail price per gallon of kerosene paid by consumers in September 2024 was N6,818.1, indicating an increase of 5.84 percent increase from N6,441.94 recorded in August 2024.

On a year-on-year basis, the average price per gallon of kerosene increased by 55.69 percent from N4,379.31 in September 2023.

Katsina recorded the highest average retail price for kerosene at N8,400 per gallon, followed by Jigawa at N8,100 and Kebbi and Ogun at N8,000, while Nasarawa had the lowest at N5,250, with the North-West averaging the highest regional price at N7,809.52.

Martins Otse aka VeryDarkMan has shared the reason the founder of Mavin Records, Michael Ajereh popularly known as Don Jazzy donated ₦100 million to his Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO).

The VeryDarkMan unveiled his NGO on Saturday.

The NGO is geared towards transforming public education in Nigeria through the integration of cutting-edge technologies and innovative teaching methods, including Artificial Intelligence (AI).

After the launch, he received more than ₦35 million in 24 hours from different sectors.

In an Instagram post on Thursday, VDM acknowledged the donation, explaining that Don Jazzy decided to support the critic’s initiative because it revolves around humanity.

“Let it be known that on the 16 October 2024, this man named Michael Collins Ajereh aka Don Jazzy donated 100 million to give public school kids advanced education with the aim to give them a good educational foundation.

“Let it be known that Don Jazzy gave money to someone named Martins Vincent Otse aka VeryDarkMan because he believes in his work for humanity,” he wrote.

VDM disclosed that they have only met once, adding that they did not interact for long during that moment.

“I and him met once, shook hands and that was it. We no even talk for 1 minute ooo, no be say he no my background or anything.”

The Bauchi State Police Command has arrested two 15-year-old junior secondary school students for their alleged involvement in a robbery at a mobile phone shop in Wunti Market, Bauchi Metropolis.

The incident, reported to the Police by the shop owner on October 1, involved the theft of numerous electronic items, including 100 mobile phones, 75 MP4 players, and various accessories.

A press release by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Ahmed Wakili, indicates that the complaint prompted the Commissioner of Police, Bauchi State, CP Auwal Muhammad to order a swift investigation led by the Operation Restore Peace (ORP) unit, under the direction of CSP Kim Albert.

The investigation led to the arrest of suspects, identified as Hamza Sadiq and Adamu Ahmadu, both JSS 3 students at Bakari Dukku Comprehensive Secondary School.

“During interrogation, the suspects confessed to having managed to obtain the shop key from where it was stored for safekeeping, timed the shop owner’s departure for the village market, and repeatedly opened the shop door to steal from it during the day. The suspects sold the stolen items randomly at lower prices, ranging from N8,000 to N5,000.” 

The police added that “The proceeds of the crime were used to purchase clothes, food, and a smartphone, which was later stolen from one of the suspects as well.”

The police recovered 21 mobile phones, 5 MP4 players, and additional items from the suspects.

Upon completion of the investigation, both individuals will be placed in a remand home for rehabilitation.

The Bauchi State Police Command has reiterated its commitment to combating crime and encouraged the public to report suspicious activities to local authorities

Professor Iliyasu Usman, an Igbo man, has been appointed as the Imam of the Abuja National Mosque.

Usman delivered his first khutbah (sermon) today during the Jumm’at prayer, signifying an important occasion for the Muslim community in Nigeria.

This appointment has been widely celebrated, particularly among the South East Muslim Organisation of Nigeria (SEMON), which regards it as a reflection of Usman’s dedication to Islamic scholarship and leadership.

In a statement, SEMON commended the inclusivity demonstrated by the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), led by the President-General and Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar.

SEMON highlighted that this appointment represents not only a personal achievement for Usman but also a sacred responsibility to guide the Muslim community in worship and service to Allah.

The organization expressed optimism that his leadership would strengthen the Igbo Muslim community and promote unity within the broader Nigerian Muslim populace.

The statement reads, “We, the South East Muslim Organisation of Nigeria (SEMON), extend our heartfelt congratulations to Professor Ilyasu Usman on your recent appointment as an Imam of the National Mosque, Abuja.

“This prestigious role is not only a testament to your unwavering dedication and scholarly excellence but also a divine blessing and responsibility to lead the Ummah in worship and service to Allah.

“We pray that Allah (SWT) grants you the wisdom, strength, and steadfastness to discharge this sacred duty with diligence, integrity, and humility. May your leadership inspire unity, peace, and piety.”

Forbes has published the list of highest paid footballers at the moment. Al Nassr forward Cristiano Ronaldo and Inter Miami superstar, Lionel Messi, lead the list.

Despite that Ronaldo and Lionel Messi were in the last days of their careers, they still enjoy superb financial benefits from the round-leather game.

Both players are widely regarded as the two greatest footballers in the history of the game.

Ronaldo is at the top of Forbes latest list, earning a whopping $285m per year.

The 39-year-old earns $220m per-year in wages from Al-Nassr, while the rest comes from sponsorships.

Messi, on the other hand, is the only MLS player in the top ten list.

The Argentinean earns $135m in total, out of which $60m is from wages and $75m is earned from off-field sponsorships.

The list is heavily dominated by players in the Saudi Arabian league.

Others on the list, according to Sportskeeda.com, include Al-Hilal’s Neymar ($110m), Al-Ittihad’s Karim Benzema ($104m) and Al-Nassr’s Sadio Mane ($52m).

Real Madrid duo Kylian Mbappe ($90m) and Vinicius Junior ($55m) are the only representatives from LaLiga.

The Premier League trio of Erling Haaland ($60m), Mohamed Salah ($53m), and Kevin De Bruyne ($39m) complete the list of the 10 best-paid players in the world.

He stated that the investigation conducted by the command revealed that the video depicting individuals, including vendors, accusing Anjorin-Lawal of theft was based on a misunderstanding of the facts.

“There was no case of stealing to start with; our investigation revealed that the seller of the goods gave the wrong account number. Out of the 10 digits the person was to provide, one digit was given wrongly and our investigation revealed that Lizzy Anjorin-Lawal did the transfer to the wrong account number.

“But when it turned out that it was a mistake of facts and that they called her a thief in error, Lizzy (Anjorin-Lawal) took the assault meted out against her up and after the suspects were arrested and the case had gone to court, for reasons best known to her, she said she was no longer interested in the case and the case was withdrawn,” Hundeyin told The PUNCH.

Hundeyin elaborated that the individuals who accused Anjorin-Lawal of theft acknowledged their error while providing their statements at the police station, clarifying that it was the seller who had provided her with incorrect account information.

“Lizzy Anjorin-Lawal transferred what she was supposed to transfer, which was about ₦90,000, into the wrong account that she was given and there was a receipt; when it was becoming too hot, she again transferred money to the correct account number they gave her.

“So, she did a double transfer just to avoid trouble, even though the mistake was not hers. So, I am confirming that the police investigation revealed that there was no stealing. Lizzy Anjorin-Lawal was not culpable of stealing as she did not engage in stealing according to our investigation,” the PPRO added.

Naija News understands that Anjorin had been accused of theft and assaulted by several traders during her visit to the market, an incident captured in a video that gained widespread attention online.

The actress has since debunked the accusation.

In February 2024, at least six traders were apprehended in connection with the assault.

These individuals were subsequently brought before the Chief Magistrate Court in Lagos Island Local Government, facing charges of assault and blackmail against Anjorin-Lawal during her attempt to purchase gold.

The accused—Qudus Jokogbola, Suru Olawale, Edu Shakirat, Fausat Mohammed, Kafayat Ahmed, and Opere Simiat Morenike—were formally charged, while two additional suspects remain at large.

Prosecutor Sola Samuel informed the court that the six defendants, along with the two fugitives, conspired to commit the crime by forcibly pushing and dragging Anjorin-Lawal, resulting in significant bodily harm within Oba Akintoye Market in Lagos Island.

Samuel asserted that the defendants’ actions disrupted public order.

He indicated that the alleged offences violated Sections 411 and 413; 168(d) and 170(b) of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State of Nigeria 2015, which carry corresponding penalties under the same legislation.

All defendants entered a plea of not guilty to the charges.

The defence attorney, Ade Oshodi, requested that the court grant bail under the most lenient conditions, emphasizing their status as traders.

In his decision, Magistrate A.A. Paul approved bail for each defendant in the amount of ₦200,000, requiring one surety per individual.

The sureties must be residents of Lagos and provide proof of tax payment.

The defendants were ordered to remain in the custody of the Nigerian Correctional Services until they fulfill their bail conditions.

Governor Dapo Abiodun’s government of Ogun State has announced plans to hire an additional 1,000 educators to address current staffing shortages in state-owned schools.

The recruitment plan was announced in a statement issued on Friday by the State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof Abayomi Arigbabu.

The statement mentioned that applicants are required to have a minimum of a National Certificate in Education (NCE) or a Bachelor’s degree in Education (B.A. (Edu)/B.Sc. (Ed)/B.Ed.) with a Second Class Lower in the appropriate subjects or courses.

Naija News reports that this recruitment effort is being managed by the State Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, working together with the State Teaching Service Commission, the State Universal Basic Education Board, and the Ogun State Technical and Vocational Education Board.

The Ogun State Teaching Experience Acquisition Channel is a unique program aimed at addressing staffing gaps in the state’s public elementary, middle, and technical schools.

“Those from other disciplines (different from education) must possess a Post-Graduate Diploma in Education from reputable universities,” adding that “applicants to be considered for Technical Colleges will be expected to hold B.Sc. in Technical Education/B.Sc. in Engineering/B.Eng./HND in Engineering Fields.

“Interested applicants are to apply through the Ogun State Job Portal via www.teach.ogunstate.gov.ng between Wednesday, October 16, and Wednesday, November 6, 2024.”

According to the statement, successful applicants, referred to as TEACH Interns, will be assigned to Local Government Areas requiring their assistance and will be compensated with a monthly allowance for a period of two years.

Following this, they will undergo evaluations based on various criteria, including skill level, dedication to their responsibilities, timeliness, regard for established authority, and readiness to serve in any location assigned to them.

The 1,000 interns set to be hired represent the final group of 5,000 interns pledged by Governor Dapo Abiodun.

Naija News understands that a portion of the initial 4,000 interns received job offers and now serve as full-time educators.