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Determination, discipline helped me make first class— Oyindamola Arikawe
In what ways did your background mould you into the kind of student you were?
My parents were a great influence. My mum owns a school and my dad is a preacher of excellence, so I always knew that I had to be excellent at whatever I did. My parents used to give us (children) gifts if we came tops in our class to encourage us to keep aiming high.
Were you intentional about graduating with a first class?
Yes, it was very intentional. My goal was to excel, and I achieved that. I did not just graduate with a first class but as the second best graduating student in the department.
What were the challenges you faced in the course of your educational pursuit?
They were majorly personal— procrastination and having to balance my academics with other commitments. But, I later learnt to prioritise and do the right things at the right time.
What are your secrets of success?
My relationship with God aided me through different phases in school. Determination, diligence and discipline also helped me.
What advice do you have for students as regards excelling in their studies?
They should give their best and trust God. They should not limit themselves, and be willing to volunteer and participate in other activities.
First class had always been my goal— Temiloluwa Igbinlade
Did you consciously set out to graduate with a first class?
Yes, first-class had always been the goal. Excelling exceptionally was just the grace of God. When I first got a perfect 5.0 GP in 100 level first semester, I desired to finish with it as my CGPA.
Why did you decide to study Mass Communication in the first place?
At first, it was my love for talking, writing and wanting a platform to impact lives. As I studied the various beautiful aspects of the course, I fell in love with film and production, and a script I wrote was even chosen for production coursework.
What are your secrets of success?
God is all there is to me.
What advice do you have for students as regards excelling in their studies?
Take it one at a time, set targets and trust God with your life. He can never mismanage it.
Did you have a social life while in school?
Yes, I did. Being committed to fellowship helped me a lot. I hosted and facilitated a few programmes, and acted in a few stage plays.
I combined hard work with prayers— Ifedayo Ayilaran
Did you intentionally set out to graduate with a first class?
Yes, I did. For me, it was a clear goal from the start. I entered university with a lot of motivation and enthusiasm from high school. While it wasn’t as easy as I initially thought, I stayed focused on that goal. I made an effort to go above and beyond in everything—doing just the usual wasn’t enough to earn an A, and I knew those A’s were key to a first-class degree. Most importantly, I combined my hard work with consistent prayers, and by God’s grace, it all paid off in the end.
What are your secrets of success?
At the risk of sounding cliché, God. God has helped me, and grace has brought me this far. Hard work is great, but He who blesses the hard work is greater.
What are your career plans?
During my final year of university, I developed a strong interest in finance. I was fortunate to secure a summer internship with a bank abroad, which eventually led to a full-time job offer. The skills I gained from my mass communication degree are incredibly transferable and have been invaluable in this new path. I’m excited for the future and eager to see where this journey takes me.
I’ve always wanted to excel — Ifeoma Iwelunmor
In what ways did your childhood inspire you to take your academics seriously?
While growing up, I was not particularly good at academics. I have a twin sister who was very smart, and it was hard keeping up with her. Everyone in my family were school prefects except me. However, in primary six, I won the “Most Improved Student” award after moving from 18th to fifth position. That moment marked a turning point for me. From then on, I made it a mission to excel academically.
Did you intentionally set out to graduate with a first class?
Yes, I always wanted to excel, even when I was not entirely sure what I was doing. In my first semester as a diploma student, I had the highest grade point. That achievement reassured me that I was on the right track.
What were the major challenges you faced in the course of your educational sojourn?
My biggest challenges were anxiety, insomnia and having a short attention span.
What are your secrets of success?
I made sure to read, pray and also take time to relax.
What are your career plans?
I want to become a successful public relations professional and content marketer.
I made first class to prove people wrong— Chelsea Jegede
In what ways did your background shape your educational sojourn?
My parents invested so much in my siblings and I, and I felt the best way to repay them was to excel in everything I did. I wanted to make them proud by being at the top of my class. Even though there was never any pressure from them, seeing the joy on their faces when I succeeded made me feel like I was giving something back.
Did you intentionally set out to graduate with a first class?
Yes, because I have always been ambitious. I also didn’t appreciate it when people said I couldn’t do something. So, when I was told that getting a first-class in the department was almost impossible, I decided that was exactly what I wanted and I was going to make it happen.
What are your secrets of success?
It is Jesus Christ. I work extremely hard, and I am very disciplined and ambitious, but it was grace that got me here.
I’ll be getting more degrees— Opeyemi Kareem
Briefly describe your routine as a student.
My routine varied depending on the academic calendar. On typical lecture days, I’d attend classes, then return to the hostel. However, during exam periods, I’d wake up really early because I had to get a seat at the library. I would read for eight hours, go back to the hostel to rest for two hours. Then, I’d go back out in the evening to read for four to five hours before finally retiring for the night.
Did you intentionally set out to graduate with a first class?
I did, actually. Being the valedictorian of my class in secondary school, I knew that I had to continue in that path of greatness.
What were the major challenges you faced in the course of your educational sojourn?
The learning environment which included learning with such a large class population was a great challenge. The strikes, which happened too frequently and spanned for too long, were another challenge.
What are your secrets of success?
My not-so-secret secret of success is God. I have never regretted trusting Him.
What are your career plans?
I will be getting more degrees to solidify my career projection. I like school so, I intend to get a PhD. I also want to establish myself as a professional and specialist in the field of communication.
I almost gave up — Feranmi Abiola
How would you describe your routine as a student?
A typical day in my life involved waking up late after a night of editing, rushing to class, grabbing a late meal, and heading back to my apartment to work again. On some days, I had shoots that forced me to miss classes. As for the studying part, that usually happened when exams were near. I was well known for last-minute cramming.
What were the major challenges you faced in the course of your educational sojourn?
It was incredibly difficult to keep going. Over the years, my willpower kept fading, and I often felt like giving up. While I grew and thrived in my career as a cinematographer and editor, juggling two full-time jobs and freelance gigs, school became a burden. I even considered dropping out because I hated it so much. I should have graduated in 2022 but finally finished in 2025.
What are your secrets of success?
I have no secrets; just God and determination. It was tough but I kept going, always reminding myself of how far I’d come and refusing to drop the ball. Also, having supportive people around one makes all the difference. They fuelled my fire on days I felt burnt out and kept me informed when I couldn’t be present.
Many people are of the opinion that first class students are usually boring. Did you have a social life while in school?
I was actually one of the most social people in school, so that’s far from true. I was always out working, attending parties, clubs and staying active in various activities like sports and politics.
One can excel academically, socially — Ahuruele Akani
What were the major challenges you faced in the course of your educational sojourn?
Oh, where do I begin? A system that lacks accountability, group projects where half the team disappears, and that one lecturer who seemed to enjoy making things unnecessarily hard? It wasn’t easy, but it definitely made for a good plot twist!
Why did you decide to study Mass Communication in the first place?
I didn’t start out wanting Mass Communication. I was actually gunning for Economics. But when I realised I hadn’t taken Mathematics, Mass Comm became my next best option. And, it turned out to be one of the best decisions I had ever made. Looking back, I don’t even know why I considered Economics, because I don’t like it.
What are your secrets of success?
Consistency over intensity is the mantra. Also, I pray like it depends on God, but work like it depends on me. I am forever grateful to my amazing family and friends who constantly pushed me to aim higher.
Many people are of the opinion that first-class students are usually “too serious”. Did you have a social life while in school?
I had a blast in school; from parties to business fairs, conferences and networking events, I did it all. Balance is everything, and one can excel academically and socially.
Health challenges didn’t stop me from excelling— Eniola Daramola
In what ways did your childhood inspire you to take your academics seriously?
Though I was born into a privileged family and lacked nothing, my drive to excel came from the people around me. I also drew inspiration from my family members, who are all achievers. My dad and brother are lawyers, while my mum is a medical expert. I knew I had to raise the bar even higher, and that inspired me to take my education seriously.
What were the major challenges you faced in the course of your educational sojourn?
One major challenge I faced was health-related. I had a severe ulcer, which was worsened by the demands of my studies and responsibilities. To manage it, I adopted healthier eating habits, stayed hydrated, and relied on regular medical advice. Through God’s help and my perseverance, I was able to balance my health and academics.
What are your secrets to success?
The number one factor is God. He carried me through every challenge. My parents have also been incredibly supportive throughout my journey. Finally, I drew motivation from those who looked up to me and those I looked up to. I earned the nickname ‘Mummy Mass Communication’ among my peers, and that title reminded me that I couldn’t afford to fail.
Family issues almost distracted me — Peace Onuoha
Were your parents instrumental to you making a first class?
I grew up in a home where my parents were very keen on education as there had never been a university graduate in the family. They wanted me to take this seriously, so they gave me the best education they could. Knowing that no one in my family ever went to a university and graduated was enough reason for me to take it seriously and ensure I came out with a first class to break that record.
Did you consciously set out to graduate with a first class?
I consciously ensured I made a first class because I wanted to study law initially but after four attempts, it didn’t work out. I tried Mass Communication once and it worked, so I promised myself that I was going to graduate with a first class.
What were the major challenges you faced in the course of your educational sojourn?
I dealt with lots of family issues and they almost got me distracted. During one exam period, my sister was hypnotised and almost kidnapped. Also, while in my final year, another sister had some birth complications and was hospitalised for four months. I almost deferred the semester just so I could be with her and help out, because I couldn’t concentrate. I also had issues juggling photography, clothing and my corporate job with school.
What are your secrets of success?
They include God, grace, great relationships, consistency, tenacity, prayer and strength.
I was intentional about making first class — Funmilola Onabanjo
How did you parents contribute to you making a first class?
My parents, especially my mum, made me take my academics seriously. She wasn’t able to attend a secondary school or university because of certain circumstances. When she told me the story, I made a deep resolve in my heart to excel in academics, so I can make her and my dad proud.
What motivated you to graduate with a first class?
At first, having a first class was so UNILAG could pay me the N50,000 that first class students were usually paid. But, by the second semester of my second year, I became more intentional about graduating with a first class.
What were the major challenges you faced in the course of your educational sojourn?
I struggled with time management at first but along the line, I found a system that worked for me.
What advice do you have for students as regards excelling in their studies?
Figure out a system that works for you. Don’t try to copy what’s working for others. Always ask for help when you need it; but let it be from people who have overcome or achieved the results you want. And most importantly, trust God.
Did you have a social life while in school?
I had an active social life. I joined the sport team and won the Dean’s Cup twice for female football on behalf of my department. I also attended lots of events while I was working as a content creator for a PR and event management company. I play a lot actually.
Making first class was non-negotiable — Olaide Bankole
Did you intentionally/consciously set out to graduate with a first class?
Yes I did. My dad always said that “first class is non-negotiable”, so I was determined to do well in school, and God helped me.
What are your secrets of success?
I don’t think it’s a secret, but God will always be the backbone of what I define as success. Something else I might chip in is to do everything with a mindset of excellence. I don’t think the direct focus should be on getting the highest grades in every course, but more about doing each test and assignment with excellence.
What advice do you have for students as regards excelling in their studies?
First, there is no pressure. We all have our individual strengths and weaknesses; and it’s important to know yours. Harness your strengths and work on your weaknesses. Take it a day at a time. Define what excellence means for you and stick to it. You have to approach academics from beyond the standpoint of high grades, but as a personal commitment to put in the effort do it with excellence.
My brother’s first class motivated me— Faith Enang
Did you consciously set out to graduate with a first class?
Yes, I came to UNILAG intending to graduate with a first-class. My elder brother did and it spurred me to dream big too. Also, we heard stories of first class students getting N50,000 at the end of each session, so that encouraged me too. We never got the prize though.
What were the major challenges you faced in the course of your educational sojourn?
The major challenge I faced was combining my academics and extra-curricular activities. Aside from being involved in UnilagSun, I was a member of my department’s blog team where I wrote periodic articles, tutored younger colleagues, and was always interning or volunteering as a campus ambassador for one company or the other.
What are your secrets of success?
God, consistency and hard work. I believe that God’s hands are at work in my life, hence the spirit of excellence. On the flip side, I live by a Robin Sharma mantra which says, “Show up, work hard, repeat”.
I had uncompromising desire for success — Tekevwe Odogu
In what ways did your background inspire you to take your education seriously?
My parents have always encouraged me to be the best I can be wherever I find myself. I caught on to this very quickly right from when I was a little child. Since then, no graduation has ever ended without me being called up for recognition and for prizes. The teachings of my parents and my decision to be exceptional at everything I do pushed me to take my academics seriously, and to stay focused on always being at the top.
Did you intentionally set out to graduate with a first class?
When I got into school, I just wanted to be excellent. However, when I started my first year one with a 4.89 GPA (first class), I desired to maintain it, and to the glory of God, I was able to do that.
What are your secrets of success?
Jesus, razor-sharp focus, committed friends, and an uncompromising desire for success and excellence are the secrets of my success.
What advice do you have for students as regards excelling in their studies?
Stay focused on why you are in school, don’t compromise on excellence, push yourself, choose the right company of success-minded people, and draw close to Jesus.
I surrounded myself with friends who motivated me — Demilade Bankole
In what ways did your background inspire you to take your academics seriously?
I will make reference to my secondary school— Preston International School— where I learnt time management and how to be responsible.
Also, I learnt to study from my mum. I saw her burn midnight candles while being active in every other thing.
Did you intentionally set out to graduate with a first class?
Yes, I intentionally worked to get a first class. Initially, I was almost discouraged but I knew I didn’t want to be an average student.
I intentionally surrounded myself with like-minded friends who motivated me whenever I felt discouraged. I’m glad to see a good number of them also at the top.
Also, I heard that UNILAG often rewarded each first-class student with N50,000. I’m not sure if this rule still applies but it really motivated me.
What are your secrets of success?
I took every step knowing that God was with me, and I also put in the work. God can give you a vision but if you’re lazy, you’ll find it hard to execute. I ensured I put in the work and trusted God to do His part. Also, I read early before exams and tests.
Having priorities helped in achieving academic excellence — Eunice Obidi
In what ways did your background inspire you to take your education seriously?
I grew up with parents that are go-getters, so it was difficult to just do the bare minimum and be happy with yourself. They were particular about the fact that we had to study hard if we wanted to go far.
Did you intentionally set out to graduate with a first class?
Yes, I did. From year one, it was first class or nothing for me.
What were the major challenges you faced in the course of your educational sojourn?
A major challenge I faced was distractions. I get distracted very easily. Not by social activities on campus, because I’m an introvert, but by my hobbies. I love reading quality novels and watching movies with strong plots, so my major challenge was learning to say “no” to those. Another major difficulty I had was “academic closure”. I was usually bothered whenever I didn’t do well in a course (like when I got a C).
What are your secrets of success?
My first secret is God. Not to sound too spiritual, but I’m serious when I say reading the Bible taught me things about discipline. God doesn’t condone laziness and anything that distracts you from purpose can’t survive in your relationship with Him. Another secret is prioritisation. Many people idolise balance in school, but you can’t always find balance. My trick was to identify what was most important to me every year and give that top priority on my list of things to do.
I embraced challenges — Mofesola Olanrewaju
What were the major challenges you faced in the course of your educational sojourn?
I did not really face challenges. I loved reading and learning, meeting people and doing assignments. I embraced everything thrown my way like a challenge that could be overcome because I enjoyed it.
However, one thing that stood out was balancing being a very devout and high-ranking official in church and being a top student. It was a stretch that I was willing to take.
What are your secrets of success?
God, family, friends and constant study. I also watched movies and read good novels to feel alive.
Did you have a social life while in school?
My friends and I who graduated with first class in Mass Communication are about the most fun and lively bunch you could ever come across. We had fun while working and studying. The beauty is in the art of balancing and maintaining good relationships that make doing great things and staying a success the most fun thing one can do in life.
I did have a social life and I attended some parties. I had friends from church who had fun outings outside of church, and I participated in some of them.
Making first class wasn’t by accident — Joy Imanah
In what ways did your background inspire you to take your education seriously?
My background definitely inspired me, because I grew up in a rural area where people did not tend to advance their education and young girls were getting married. I told myself that I did not want to be like those people. Rather, I wanted to be better. That influenced my choice of university, because I wanted to experience the city. Also, I had heard stories about great people whose backgrounds were tied to UNILAG. I wanted a change in mindset; a mentality that there was more to life than my present environment.
Did you intentionally set out to graduate with a first class?
Yes, I did. It was non-negotiable for me. It was planned, prepared and rehearsed for; and not by accident. In fact, I would panic whenever I was getting B grades. One time, a family friend promised to give me capital to start a make-up business if I made a 5.0 GPA. And, I made it. My goal every semester was to have a first class GPA.
What are your secrets of success?
My secret is not so much of a secret. First, it is God. He carried me, made a way, and answered my prayers all the time. Second, I knew what I wanted and I didn’t let anything steer me away from that focus.
A content creator and disc jockey, Ada Ebere, aka Ada La Pinky, has said that she prefers men who use sex toys on their partners.
In an interview with Saturday Beats, she said, “If you get a man that uses toys on you when you are doing it, you have got the greatest man ever.
“Men often believe that using toys will get you addicted and you will not want the real thing again, but that’s a lie. I love a man that knows how to use toys on me.”
The heavily endowed lady also maintained that she was satisfied with her body, saying, “I don’t get intimidated by that at all because I know my body is pretty and if it gets bad, I will get it done. One should get one’s body done if one feels uncomfortable.”
On Nollywood’s portrayal of nudity and sex scenes, Ada La Pinky said, “Nollywood is doing an amazing job and the actresses are all ‘fire’. I don’t think they represent just being sexy. We have different types of movies that are not based on nudity just the same way we have them in Hollywood.
“There are people who tell me that they love my boobs and that it’s because of me, they can wear sexy clothes to showcase their boobs and body. My advice to anybody is that they should wear whatever they are comfortable in.”
‘It’s Impossible To Return To My Vomit’ - Alaafin's ex-wife, Queen Dami Denies Plan To Reunite With Portable
AFOLABI
Queen Damilola, popularly called Queen Dami and former girlfriend of controversial Nigerian singer Habeeb Okikiola a.k.a. Portable, has denied her reported plan to reconcile with the singer in a video that surfaced online on Thursday.
The estranged lovers again become the cynosure of the social media space after the leaked conversation between Dami and Portable suggesting possible comeback of Damilola after they parted ways sometimes in December.
In a video seen by this newspaper on Friday, Queen Dami, addressing the singer, denied making the moves to return to Okikiola.
“Is it impossible to returm to my vomit,” she said while accusing her former boyfriend of exposing her to ridicule.
“Is it not that you ridiculed me, Portable? Let’s wait and see how you too will be ridiculed, except I dealt with you with double standards, or did I tell you that I wanted to return to you?”
Damilola explained that Portable told her that his wife slipped into his DM on Thursday because he told her that Queen Dami wanted to come back. She narrated that Portable said his wife started abusing and fighting him even when she didn’t nurse a plan to return to him. “Did I accept all you told me?
Queen Dami said Portable also asked to take her before his Ifa oracle to swear if she another man has not had sexual intercourse with her since they parted ways.
“I said I cannot swear. I said I’m fed with you, Portable. Whoever listened to the voice note. I told him that I’ve prayed for you in the voice note.
“What then is your problem? Due to what the people told you and my refusal to swear, you now went to post ‘cut and join’ video on your story to ridicule me.”
She challenged Portable to post their full conversation from the beginning. “Now, post where I began chatting with you. We were chatting without doing video call. Post everything,” she demanded.
The ex-lovers have continued to court controversies after their breakup late 2024 over relationship scandal with Portable accusing Queen Dami of infidelity, abortion, and keeping relationships with multiple men, among them, Fuji singers.
For her part, Queen Dami has consistently denied the allegations, describing them as defamatory.
Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers at the early hours of Friday abducted Mrs. Odumosu, wife of a retired Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG), Hakeem Odumosu.
Mrs. Odumosu was abducted at the gate of her residence in the Arepo axis of Obafemi-Owode Local Government Area of Ogun State while returning home from an outing.
LEADERSHIP gathered that wife of the retired police boss was about entering her home when four masked men shooting sporadically into the air attacked her, dragged her down from her Lexus Jeep and took her through the swampy areas to an unknown destination.
Spokesperson of the Ogun Command of Nigeria Police Force, Omolola Odutola, who confirmed the incident to journalists in Abeokuta, the state capital, said the command has swiftly reacted by deploying operatives to secure her release.
“Information was received regarding the kidnapping of Mrs. Odumosu, a female resident of Aminu Street, Arepo, Ogun State,” she stated.
She added that the Divisional Police Officer has led a team of Police officers to the scene, where they are currently searching the swampy bush area.
The Divisional Police Officer has also contacted Baale Warewa and Baale Maaba, to deploy local security forces to the reverrine area.
She further stated that the State’s Commissioner of Police, Lanre Ogunlowo, has been briefed “and all covert operations have been deployed to assist with digital intelligence to ensure she is rescued unhurt.”
The pump prices of Premium Motor Spirit, popularly called petrol, have risen to between N1,050 and N1,150/litre depending on the area of purchase, following the hike in the cost of the commodity by the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and various depot owners.
Dealers confirmed that PMS prices would continue to rise since the major component in fuel production, crude oil, has been on the upward swing lately.
The National President of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, Festus Osifo, earlier alluded to this when he pointed out that petrol prices might soon rise if the cost of crude oil continued to increase.
“The crude price rose to $80 per barrel today (Thursday). Without exchange rate improvements, PMS prices will increase in the coming weeks,” Osifo stated in Lagos.
On Friday, there was an upward adjustment in the price of petrol produced by the Dangote Petrochemical Refinery.
The $20bn plant raised its PMS from N899/litre to N955/litre at its loading gantry.
The refinery, in an email statement sent to its customers and obtained by one of our correspondents, said its refined products would now be priced at the new cost.
It noted that marketers buying between two million and 4.99 million litres would now buy at N955/litre, while five million litres and above would buy at N950/litre.
The amount marks an increase of N55.5 or 6.17 per cent from N899.50/litre announced as a holiday discount for Nigerians last December.
This adjustment applies to all stock balances yet to be lifted by the stated time, while pending stock as of the effective time will also be repriced at the updated rates.
The statement added that the new price regime took effect from 5:30pm on Friday.
The notice, titled, ‘Communication on PMS Price Review’, read, “Dear esteemed customer, Trust this email finds you well.
“Kindly be advised that effective from 5:30 pm today (Friday), an upward adjustment has been implemented on the gantry price of Premium Motor Spirit. Quantity Previous Price (NGN/Litre): 2 million-9.99 million – N899.50; 10 million litres & above – N895.
“Quantity New Price (NGN/ Litre): 2 million – 4.99 million – N955; 5 million litres & above – N950.
“Please note that all stock balances yet to be lifted as of the above-stated time are to be repriced at the new reviewed prices. We shall communicate with customers on their revised volumes based on the reviewed prices, in due course.”
The price increase sparked widespread effects on the downstream petroleum sector, particularly private depots and retail markets.
Findings showed that private depots, despite having old stocks, increased their loading costs to N970 in Lagos and N1,000 in Calabar.
A breakdown analysing petrol price movements at loading depots after the announcement of the new price showed that Sahara depot increased its loading price by N20 to N970/litre from N950/litre on Thursday.
Pinnacle Depot increased its price to N970 from N921, while Wosbab Depot made a similar change to N965 from the N940 it sold a litre of petrol on Thursday.
NIPCO increased its loading costs by N30 to N980 from N950 on Thursday.
Also, a private depot, Rainoil, increased its loading costs to N970 from N950. A private depot, Alkanes, in Calabar, asked retailers to pay N1,000/litre to receive products.
Zone 4 and Mainland depots increased their loading costs to N1,005/litre from N985, which sold products on Thursday.
Marketers speak
Oil marketers operating under the auspices of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria projected a steep increase in the retail cost of petrol, stressing it could hit N1,100/litre in Lagos and neighbouring states.
IPMAN also said petrol customers in the Federal Capital Territory might pay N1,150 for a litre.
The IPMAN National Publicity Secretary, Chinedu Ukadike, said the product would now trade for more than N1,000/litre, especially in hinterlands nationwide.
He stressed that the new change was due to the recent surge in the price of crude oil globally.
Ukadike said, “Yes, Dangote has increased its price to N955. This is only because of the increase in Brent crude. Once it increases, the domestic production cost will also increase.
“Nigerians will likely pay over N1,150 at faraway locations, while locations close to the depot will pay N1,100. This is because we will add about N50 logistics costs. Currently, ex-depot prices have increased to N980.
“This change is immediate because crude oil prices, too, are immediate. The refinery told us it has taken effect today, which means prices have increased already. Deregulation in this sector means price will be controlled by forces of demand and supply.
“So, if the force of supply says Brent crude has increased, it means domestic costs will also change. It is no longer funny now. Even marketers are affected by this up-and-down dwindling of prices. It affects our business.”
The Petroleum Products Retail Outlet Owners Association of Nigeria said retailers could not buy a litre of petrol and sold at N1,000/litre, adding that the margin would be higher than N45.
The PETROAN National President, Billy Gillis-Harry, said the Dangote PMS was exclusive of charges imposed by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority and that would form part of what retailers would add to the margin.
Though Gillis-Harry said he could not confirm the exact price of petrol at filling stations, he noted that it would be higher than N1,000/litre.
According to him, PETROAN members would still sell at N935/litre due to the agreement they have with MRS Oil, pending when the agreement changes.
“I’ve already told you that it’s difficult to do any effective amateur projection on price modulation. One of the reasons is that the cost of the production, the selling price, and the landing price, all of that will be taken into consideration. And the PIA (Petroleum Industry Act) has given provisions for how the price will be computed.
“So, at all times, we’ve got to depend on the PIA’s prescription for pricing. You know, the other day you called me and you told me about an association that said the price could be N500/litre. You can see how false the projections are. So, that means they are not informed by any empirical value,” Gillis-Harry stated.
He spoke further that since he got information about the price change, his team had been making analysis.
“So, before I can speak on prices, I must get the feedback from them, from at least 10 states, and maybe four or five depots. So, for today, you can quote me to say, yes, there is going to be a price change, but that price can only come, maybe by the close of tomorrow (Saturday).
“Because right now, we still have an obligation with the MRS to be selling at N935, and some of us bought products there. So, if they change their prices because of the Dangote price, then the conversation will be different.
“After the price of buying, there must be the price of logistics. Once that is computed, we can then look at what is the most humane profit margin,” he submitted.
An oil and gas expert, Olatide Jeremiah, said depots were poised to increase the loading price of refined petroleum products because of the heavy influence of the refinery.
Jeremiah, who is the Chief Executive Officer of petroleumprice.ng, said, “Dangote refinery’s influence on fuel price has become unmatched; private depots, major marketers, and independent marketers will compete with this new price. Therefore, Nigerians should expect an increase in the pump prices of petrol.
“Brent crude oil as of today (Friday) is $81.84, highest in 2025, it is one major factor for the increase.”
The US Supreme Court has upheld a law that bans TikTok in the country unless its China-based parent company ByteDance sells the platform by this Sunday.
TikTok had challenged the law, arguing it would violate free speech protections for the more than 170 million users it says it has in the US.
But that argument was rejected unanimously by the nation’s highest court, meaning TikTok must now find an approved buyer for the US version of the app or face removal from app stores and web hosting services.
The White House said it would fall to incoming President Donald Trump’s administration, which takes office on Monday, to enforce the law. Trump vowed to make a decision in the “not too distant future”.
TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew, who is expected to attend Trump’s inauguration with other high-profile guests, said he wanted to thank the incoming president for his commitment to work with the app and keep it available in the US.
Both Democratic and Republican lawmakers voted to ban the video-sharing app last year, over concerns about its links to the Chinese government. TikTok has repeatedly stated it does not share information with Beijing.
Passed in April last year, the law allows TikTok owner ByteDance until 19 January 2025 to sell the US version of the platform to a neutral party to avert an outright ban.
It would mean that from Sunday, Apple and Google will no longer offer the app to new users or provide any security updates to current users – which could kill it off eventually.
ByteDance has vowed not to sell TikTok and said it planned to shut US operations of the app on Sunday unless there is a reprieve.
The Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, has described the N800bn allocated to the ministry in the 2025 budget proposal as inadequate to fix the country’s road infrastructural needs.
Umahi, a two-time governor of Ebonyi State, disclosed this on Friday at a 2025 budget defence session, hosted by the House Committee on Works.
He called on the committee to consider reviewing the ministry’s budgetary allocation in the 2025 fiscal year upward.
“We plead with you to help us. N800bn cannot do anything for us. It cannot address our road needs and so we plead with you to help us,” Umahi said.
He urged the committee to give the ministry adequate funding to enable it to complete ongoing projects as well as commence work on new projects spread across the country.
Umahi added that the number of road projects the ministry intended to fix couldn’t be funded from the ‘meagre budget envelope,’ stressing that borrowing money to fix the country’s infrastructural needs for the greatness of the nation was a step in the right direction.
“When the nation is in recession, you have to borrow money and do infrastructure. That is how you come out of a recession. It is the infrastructure that is going to be a catalyst for economic activities and then this hunger we are talking about will be a thing of the past. The food sellers will be there, those doing sharp sand, those doing gravel and so on. Support Mr President and let’s borrow money and do this infrastructure so that Nigeria will be great again,” Umahi said.
The chairman of the committee, Akin Alabi, promised to summon the Minister of Finance, and the Head of the Budget Office to explain the rationale behind the low budget of the ministry.
A Nasarawa State High Court has ordered the remand of Timilehin Ajayi, an acclaimed gospel singer, after he was allegedly found in possession of the severed head of a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, Salome Adaidu.
The directive was disclosed in a brief statement posted on Friday by the Nasarawa State Police Command via its official X (formerly Twitter) account.
According to the statement, Ajayi was presented before the court as part of preliminary proceedings, pending his formal arraignment.
The case has drawn widespread attention, with many demanding swift justice for the tragic loss of the young corps member.
The statement read, “Timilehin Ajayi was charged to court today and remanded in prison custody pending his formal arraignment.”
News360 Nigeria reported on Tuesday that Ajayi was arrested by churchgoers for allegedly killing and dismembering Adaidu, for suspected ritual purposes.
The church’s Bible Study Teacher and General Secretary, Caleb Umaru, had explained that a member noticed Ajayi acting suspiciously near a river.
He claimed that the said member alerted others when Ajayi threw a bag into the river, which was later retrieved and found to contain his girlfriend’s severed head.
The suspect, who had admitted to committing the crime, however, said he had no regret for his action.
He had alleged that the late Adaidu, who was his girlfriend, was cheating on him which prompted him to kill her.
Meanwhile, members of the deceased family had claimed that their sister was never in a relationship with the suspect and that contrary to reports that Adaidu had visited the suspect, she was allegedly kidnapped.
The President Tinubu Government has spent a total of N9.74bn on the procurement and distribution of food items as part of efforts to mitigate the impact of the food crisis across the country in 2024.
This is according to data from BudgIT’s platform, GovSpend, a civic-tech organisation advocating for transparency and accountability.
A significant portion of the funds was allocated for the supply of rice, beans, maize, and other staple food items.
The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security spearheaded these initiatives, with multiple payments made to contractors for the emergency supply of palliative foodstuffs to federal constituencies across the country.
Among the key transactions were payments to contractors for the supply of rice, beans, and gari, aimed at alleviating hunger in vulnerable communities.
Payments, often amounting to approximately N85.45m per constituency, were carried out across various regions from February to November 2024.
Data revealed that the same amount of N85,454,545.46 was expended for each federal constituency that benefited from the palliatives in states including Kano, Ogun, Osun, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Adamawa, Kaduna, Jigawa, Ekiti, Oyo, Lagos, Bauchi, Rivers, Borno, Sokoto, and Enugu, bringing the total expenditure to N9.74bn.
Despite this substantial financial outlay, concerns have been raised about the programme’s effectiveness in addressing the root causes of food insecurity.
An economist at Lotus Beta Analytics, Shedrach Israel, argued that palliatives alone cannot resolve Nigeria’s food crisis.
“While food palliatives are crucial for addressing immediate hunger, they do not tackle the systemic issues contributing to food insecurity, such as inflation and structural deficiencies in agricultural systems.
“We need sustainable economic policies that prioritise increasing local agricultural productivity and improving distribution networks to reduce dependency on external food aid,” he said.
Israel added that the N9.74bn spent on food palliatives could have been invested in long-term agricultural innovations and infrastructure development, which would provide lasting solutions to food insecurity.
Similarly, a Kaduna-based agricultural economist, La’ah Dauda, highlighted the need for a more holistic approach to tackling the food crisis.
“The government’s focus on distributing palliatives is a short-term fix to an ongoing agricultural crisis. While essential, these measures fail to address underlying issues such as inadequate irrigation systems, insufficient storage facilities, and weak market access that continue to hinder agricultural productivity across the country,” he said.
Popular Nigerian televangelist, Mike Bamiloye has alleged that scientists are trying to invent a fake rapture which could lead to the disappearance of many people.
He claimed they were doing this to make Christians confused so they would no longer believe in the real rapture.
He shared a screenshot from a Facebook post with the faces of two extraterrestrial beings with a caption that reads: "The extraterrestrial invasion is imminent. It will take 10,000 people in 2025."
Adding his own caption, Mike Bamiloye wrote: "YOU DONT BELIEVE IN THE IMMINENT RAPTURE? TO MANY SIGNS AND SIGNALS AROUND US.
"Even the Scientists and the World Powers believe that there is an imminent occurrence that would lead to the disappearances of many people.
"They are trying so hard to give an explanation to it ahead of time.
"They are also working secretly on a Scientific and technological invention that would make so many people vanish without trace.
"They are perfecting that technology, so that the Enemy, the Devil can get us confused.
"They are trying to invent FAKE RAPTURE, in order to distract our preparation from the Actual Rapture.
"We have cone to the Season of Great Delusion.
"All around us now are news and reports of UFO (unidentified Flying Objects) and emerging of Strange beings from the Land, Air and from the Oceans.
"We are beginnjng to see creatures that are half human and half sea creatures, unbelievable images of beings coming out of the belly of the Seas.
"Water is flowing in Arabian deserts, The biggest river in the World, The Euphrates, drying up to receal unbelievable Caves on the river beds. The Antarctica ice wall melting to show strange images buried under ice for thousands of years.
"Robots, human machines are already mixing with human to do the jobs human are employed to do.
"Robotic AnteNatal Clinic is being secretly created where babies could be developed in the wombs of Robot and sold to intending buyers.
"Robotic Female wives are being made to be make available for intending buyers, in place of human wives.
"Things are cooking in the skies and on the seas. So many strange and fearful signs and very deadly Natural Disasters and Pandemics.
"The new Virus that is sorrading in China and have been found in UK has been tagged Quademic!
"TOO MANY SIGNS ARE POINTING TO THE IMMINENT SOUND OF THE TRUMPET FOR US TO MEET THE LORD IN THE CLOUDS AT THE RAPTURE."
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The Labour Party (LP) has dismissed speculations that Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, plans to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Abuja, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Obiora Ifoh, refuted the claims, describing them as baseless.
Naija News understands that reports had emerged of possible defection plans involving at least five first-term governors from opposition parties, including Alex Otti of Abia, Peter Mbah of Enugu, Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta, Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers, and Umoh Eno of Akwa Ibom. While Mbah, Fubara, Eno, and Oborevwori belong to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Otti is a member of the Labour Party. Both parties are currently grappling with internal challenges following the 2023 elections.
Addressing the allegations, Ifoh reiterated that there is no truth to the claim that Governor Otti intends to leave the Labour Party.
“It is a mere rumour and I hope it remains so. For us in the Labour Party, we are in touch with our governor, Dr. Alex Otti, and he has assured us that he is not going anywhere, ahead of 2027. We believe that he will stay with us, irrespective of some of the issues which we are working hard to resolve,” he said.
Ifoh acknowledged that party defection is a common occurrence in a democratic system but emphasized that Governor Otti has no plans to align with the APC.
“The courts have come up several times to make interpretation as regards Section 84 of the 1999 Constitution, and many people who had defected at one time or the other had been challenged in court. So, if five governors are planning to defect, it won’t be a new thing, as it had happened in the past,” Ifoh explained.
He attributed the rumors of defection to difficulties some opposition governors face in managing their states but maintained that such speculations about Otti hold no credibility.
“We are good in Labour Party, and our governor is with us. We are hoping that by 2027, we will have more governors in our fold,” he added.
The family of a two-year-old pupil identified as Ella, whose lifeless body was found in the pool of Smiley Kids Montessori School in the Sangotedo area of Lagos has called on the Lagos State Government to unravel the circumstances surrounding her death.
The sad incident which occurred on Wednesday 15th January, 2025 is suspected by the family to be a case of electrocution, alleging that the baby’s body was placed in the swimming pool to fake it as a drowning incident.
Outcries by Netizens for proper investigation and justice over the incident has gained traction when an X user Bella said to be the mother of the deceased pupil suspected foul play by the school authority over the circumstances surrounding the girl’s death.
She posted, “Dear Lagos State Government, Our daughter, 2 years old went to school yesterday and did not return alive.
“The pool has barricades, how can a child of 2 years climb?
“Please help us get justice for our baby. She just celebrated her 2yr birthday in November last year, left home well for school on 15/1/2024 and never came back alive.
“How do you have a pool on school premises without proper monitoring?
“They lied she drowned in the pool but we have been able to find out it’s electrocution, and they dropped her in the pool to look as if it was drowning.
“Now they are lying to other parents that the school is closed because of maintenance instead of telling the truth.
“If nothing is done to close down that school, other parents may cry for their own kids attending the school.”
The deceased child’s mother alleged in a series of chats shared online.
She added that, “After they called in the afternoon to inform us of the incident on the 15th, yesterday we went to the school and discovered the water dispenser was plugged in and exposed, which is where she was.
“If you see the pool, no way she was going to go very close to it, it’s not possible.
“It is just a cover-up story. We demanded CCTV footage, they said it was not possible. A school that collects thousands as school fees.”
However, it has been gathered that the school proprietor and five other staff members of the school have been apprehended and taken to the Ogonbo Police Station in Sangoteso area of Ajah.
Sources hinted that the case will be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Panti on Friday.
In recognition of his contributions and leadership, the chairman/chief executive officer (CEO) of Stanel Group and The Delborough Lagos, Dr Stanley Uzochukwu, has made the list of African leaders to attend the inauguration of US President-elect Donald J. Trump in Washington on January 20.
The invitation was contained in a letter addressed to the young Nigerian usiness leader Dr. Uzochukwu dated January 13, 2025, signed by the chairman, Multicultural Coalition U.S. President Inaugural Ball Committee, Dr. J. Mark Burns.
It reads in part, “On behalf of The Multicultural Coalition U.S. Presidential Inauguration Ball host Committee honoring President Elect Donald J. Trump, it is my distinct honor and privilege to extend to you an invitation to our Inaugural Ball celebrating the commencement of the U.S. Presidential Inauguration.
“This prestigious event will be held on January 20th, 2025 at the Washington Times Building Arbor Ballroom, located at 3600 New York Ave, NE, Washington, DC 20002.
“In recognition of your exceptional contributions and leadership, as highlighted by a recommendation from the African Legacies Institute under the guidance of Madame Franya E. Cabral Ruiz, we would be especially honored to have your presence at this distinguished event.”
Recall that ‘The Delborough Lagos’ boss, Dr Stanley Uzochukwu, was also among the African leaders that were invited and attended the swearing-in of President John Dramani Mahama of Ghana on January 7, 2025.
Leading the delegation of The African Legacies Institute to the U.S. Presidential Inauguration of Trump will be H.E. Hailemariam, former Prime Minister of Ethiopia.
It will also be recalled that the Stanel boss stood on the same platform with President Trump and other world leaders at Liberty University, USA during a U.S./Africa CEOs Summit in 2020
Adura Aloba, brother of Mohbad, has responded to accusations made by actor Yomi Fabiyi regarding the singer’s death.
Mohbad passed away on September 12, 2023, and was buried the following day. However, on September 21, 2023, his body was exhumed by the police for an autopsy.
At a recent press conference, Fabiyi claimed that Adura had knowledge of the cause of Mohbad’s death and had requested money to share a video supporting his claim.
According to the actor, Adura messaged him on Instagram, saying he had evidence that could help unravel the cause of Mohbad’s death.
Fabiyi alleged that Adura requested N3 million to share the video that supposedly showed Mohbad’s wife Wunmi pushing the singer down the stairs during an altercation.
However, Adura denied the allegations, arguing that he did not create the video in question and that “Mohbad himself recorded it”.
He explained that he had sold Mohbad’s phone to someone who had access to the video.
Adura also confronted Fabiyi, stating that he had tried to explain the situation earlier. He accused Fabiyi of trying to tarnish his name.
“Firstly, I do not have much to say. This thing is in court already. So I do not need to say much. I cannot know about my brother’s death and keep quiet all these days. I am now so surprised. This video we are talking about is like three years ago. And I was not the one that did the video, it was Moh himself on the phone I sold to Damola. And the video was on that phone,” he said.
“I was the one who chatted Mr Yomi. And I had tried to make him understand. (Facing Fabiyi) You were invited and they told you who was chatting with you. And you insisted on the TikTok live. I saw everything on the TikTok live.
“Mohbad did the video and it was on his phone for more than three years ago… When I sold the phone to Damola, about a week later, I started seeing his messages with Mr Yomi. That was how it all happened. Mr Yomi is trying to tarnish my name that I did it.”
Abosede Aloba, Mohbad’s mum, also clashed with Fabiyi over the accusation against Adura.