FEATURES

FEATURES

A yet-to-be identified policeman and his wife have killed each other after an unresolved disagreement in Ado-Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital.

LEADERSHIP understands that the incident occurred on Tuesday in the Ita-Eku area along Igirigiri Road of Ado-Ekiti.

 

An impeccable source close to the area, said the man simply known as Caleb had misunderstanding with his wife, simply known as Tate after accusing her husband of engaging in infidelity and extramarital affairs.

The woman, according to report, suddenly attacked the man and cut off his manhood.

The policeman who was an Assistant Superintendent of Police, (ASP) swifty reacted by attacking the woman with a matchet.

He reportedly smashed the woman’s head, face and some other parts of her body with the cutlass.

According to the source, the couple gave up the ghost later after the attack and their bodies have been deposited atthe morgue of an undisclosed hospital.

The late policeman was reportedly in his second marital relationship that unfortunately ended his life.

When contacted, Police Public Relations Officer, Ekiti State Command, SP Sunday Abutu confirmed the incident, saying the matter was being investigated.

Currency in circulation within the Nigerian banking sector surged to ₦5.24 trillion in January 2025, marking the highest level ever recorded by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

This significant increase, up from ₦4.88 trillion in December 2024, represents a ₦1.22 trillion rise from the ₦3.65 trillion reported in January 2024.

 

Analysts attribute the rise to sustained printing of the local currency by the CBN and the escalating inflation rate in the country.

 

The surge also reflects growing public distrust in the banking system, with many Nigerians opting for cash transactions amid economic uncertainty.

When CBN Governor Olayemi Cardoso assumed office in September 2023, currency in circulation stood at ₦2.76 trillion.

Despite the increase in currency circulation, Nigeria’s economic growth remains sluggish, with the 2024 growth rate projected at 2.9% to 3.1%, one of the slowest in West Africa.

In response to inflationary pressures, the CBN’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) raised the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) to a record 27.25%, signaling a strong monetary tightening stance aimed at stabilizing the economy.

Analysts believe the rise in currency circulation indicates increased government spending to mitigate economic hardship, which has fueled inflation.

Vice President of Highcap Securities Limited, David Adnori, noted that increased government spending injects more money into the economy, leading to higher inflation due to the economic trade-off between money supply and price stability.

[NaijaNews]

Nigeria’s transport sector is set for a revolution as the Lagos-Abuja High-Speed Bullet Train gains momentum, reducing travel time between both cities from 12 hours to just 2–3 hours.

The Director of Operations at Geofocus Consortium, Engineer Yinka Idris, in a statement made available to journalists on Tuesday, described the project as a milestone in Nigeria’s development.

Idris lauded President Bola Tinubu’s administration for prioritising infrastructure and fostering Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) to drive economic growth.

According to Idris, the bullet train will provide a faster, safer, and more efficient alternative to road travel.

Idris said that the initiative aligned with Tinubu’s vision of leveraging private sector expertise to deliver world-class infrastructure without overburdening public finances.

“Currently, travelers between Lagos and Abuja face long hours in traffic, safety concerns, and reduced productivity,” he said.

He said that the project would significantly ease movement, enhance trade, and improve the overall business environment.

“As part of the development, ten smart cities with 10,000 housing units each will be built along the rail corridor.

“An independent power plant will also be constructed to support the train and surrounding infrastructure,” he said.

Idris said that the Lagos-Abuja bullet train is expected to create thousands of jobs during construction and after completion.

He said that the initiative aligned with Tinubu’s commitment to reducing unemployment and fostering economic prosperity through major infrastructure projects.

“With feasibility studies completed and proof of funds secured, the project now awaits approvals from the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) and the Federal Executive Council (FEC) before construction begins,” he said.

Idris said that the construction phase is expected to last between 48 and 52 months.

He said its completion would promote the project as Nigeria’s largest-ever PPP-driven initiative and a benchmark for transport infrastructure across Africa.

Beyond transportation, Idris said the bullet train would reduce road congestion, lower carbon emissions, and extend the lifespan of highways.

He said that such would represent a major step toward sustainable and environmentally friendly infrastructure development.

“As Nigeria moves closer to realizing this dream, citizens can anticipate a future of seamless travel, improved quality of life, and enhanced economic opportunities under President Tinubu’s leadership,” he added.

[Leadership]

Oil mogul and billionaire Businessman, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, has opened up on his determination to see his $23bn refinery succeed despite all odds.

The 650,000 barrels per day capacity is Africa’s largest.

According to the Kano-born richest black man on earth, “I’ve been fighting battles all my life and I have not lost one yet.

“The oil mafia is more deadly than the one in drugs because, with the oil mafia, there are so many people that are involved. You might be wining and dining with them, but these are the guys that are the masters of moving things around.”

His comment is seen as a pointer to the struggles he had faced from the government and oil mafia since the project came on stream.

At an investment conference last year, Dangote also lamented about the oil mafia, saying, “I knew there would be a fight. But I didn’t know that the mafia in oil, they are stronger than the mafia in drugs.”

Speaking exclusively with Forbes on Monday, Dangote opened up about the risk he faced completing the ambitious project despite obstacles from regulators and marketers.

He said he would have been finished if the projects failed.

He described Refinery project as the “biggest risk” of his life yet

He said: “It was the biggest risk of my life. If this didn’t work, I was dead.”

He revealed that the journey to completion was fraught with uncertainties.

However, despite hurdles faced in financing the project, the regulatory challenges, and securing suppliers, Dangote said he is committed to providing a blueprint for industrialisation across Africa.

“We have to build our own nation by ourselves. We have to build our own continent by ourselves, not [rely on] foreign investment”, he noted.

He added that Africa has been “a mere dumping ground for finished products,” and his refinery represents “a pivotal step in ensuring that Africa has the capacity to refine its own crude oil.

This, he added, will create wealth and prosperity for its vast population.

According to the Forbes report, despite establishing a family office in Dubai and involving his three daughters in various roles within the family business, his focus remains firmly on Nigeria.

He continues to dedicate much of his time to the refinery, regularly meeting with engineers and managers to oversee progress.

Dangote is also working on other ambitious projects such as building a subsea pipeline to transport natural gas from the Niger Delta to Lagos and expanding the capacity of the refinery’s fertiliser plant.

Looking ahead, he said he plans to take the refinery public within the next year or two.

“I’ve been fighting battles all my life and I have not lost one yet,” he said.

[DailyTrust]

Nigeria’s inflation rate dropped massively to 24.48 percent in January 2024 from 34.80 percent in December last year after the rebased Consumer Price Index.
The Statistician General, Prince Adeyemi Adeniran, disclosed this on Tuesday in Abuja at the launch of the rebased CPI report.

Nigeria’s inflation rose to 34.80 percent in January 2025 compared to 34.80 percent recorded in December last year.
The National Bureau of Statistics disclosed its rebased Consumer Price Index for January released on Monday.

He said the Consumer Price Index (CPI) – which measures the rate of change in prices of goods and commodities – has declined to 24.48 per cent year on year in January.

Adeniran explained that urban inflation stood at 26.09 percent while rural inflation came to 22.15 percent.

Accordingly, the report, food inflation declined to 26.08 percent in January, from 39.84 percent in December 2024.

In a statement on the X account, NBS said, “The National Bureau of Statistics has released the rebased Consumer Price Index (CPI), reflecting an updated price reference period (base year) of 2024 and a weight reference period of 2023.

“Nigeria’s inflation rate for January 2024 stood at 24.48 percent year on year.

“The food inflation rate stood at 26.08 percent; the core inflation rate stood at 22.59 percent; the urban inflation rate stood at 26.09 percent; and the rural inflation rate stood at 22.15 percent “.

This comes as the Central Bank of Nigeria Monetary Policy Committee would hold its first meeting in 2025 on February 19 and 20, 2025.

In November 2024, MPC raised interest to 27.50 percent to bring down inflation.

[DailyPost]

The Oyo State chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress brought operations at the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company to a standstill on Tuesday, staging a massive protest over the recent dismissal of over 3,000 employees.

Led by its Chairman, Kayode Martin, the union members barricaded the entrance to the IBEDC office, shutting down the facility and causing traffic disruption in the Challenge to Dugbe area of Ibadan.

The protesters, chanting solidarity songs, demanded the immediate reinstatement of the sacked workers and the payment of the national minimum wage.

Martin condemned the actions of outsourcing agents associated with IBEDC, accusing them of exploiting workers through unpaid minimum wages and unexplained salary deductions.

“We are here today to express our total displeasure over the unjust and inhumane treatment of workers by IBEDC and their outsourcing agents.

“Over 3,000 workers have been thrown into the unemployment market without any justifiable reason. These are people who have dedicated their time and energy to this company, and they are now being treated like disposable items,” Martin said.

The NLC Chairman also highlighted the issue of unpaid minimum wage and the alleged exploitation of workers by outsourcing companies.

“These outsourcing agents are not only refusing to pay the minimum wage, but they are also making arbitrary deductions from the meagre salaries of the workers. This is unacceptable, and we will not stand for it,” he asserted.

 

The union presented a list of seven key demands to the IBEDC management, including: “Implementation of the new minimum wage, prompt payment of Retirement Savings Account (RSA) backlogs, regularisation of outsourced staff, an end to the denial of union membership for staff, provision of adequate and standard healthcare services, payment of all outstanding allowances and compensations.”

Martin appealed to Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, and other stakeholders to intervene in the matter, warning that the mass dismissal of workers could have serious security implications for the state.

“We are calling on Governor Makinde and other well-meaning Nigerians to come to our aid. The rate of unemployment in the country is already alarming, and further adding to it will only create more problems, including security challenges,” he cautioned.

The NLC chairman urged the IBEDC management to engage in dialogue with the union to find an amicable resolution to the issues before the situation escalates.

“We are not here to cause trouble, but we are determined to fight for the rights of our members. We are ready for dialogue, but we will not back down until our demands are met,” Martin stated.

The protest caused significant traffic congestion in the area, leaving many commuters stranded.

As of the time of this report, the IBEDC management had yet to issue a formal response to the NLC’s demands.

[Punch]

President Bola Tinubu, Former President Olusegun Obasanjo and ex-Vice President Alhaji Atiku Abubakar have mourned the sudden passing of Elder statesman, Pa Edwin Clark who died Monday.

The Nigerian leaders described the demise of the former federal commissioner of information and respected leader of the Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), as an irreparable loss to the nation.

 'I want to study robotics, but mummy can't pay' - Chibueze, who builds 'working'...
 

Edwin Clark died on Monday, according to a statement issued by Professor C. C. Clark on behalf of the family.

He fought gallantly for the rights of the people – Tinubu

President Tinubu in a statement described the Late Pa Clark as an astute politician, a patriot who history will remember as one who fought gallantly for the rights of the people of the Niger Delta

“Pa Clark, a lawyer and educationist, believed in a united Nigeria, and until his last breath, he never stopped reaching out to people from different parts of the country to work together to preserve national unity based on justice and equity.

“As an astute politician, his political opponents never doubted his words’ weight, confidence, and conviction when he spoke. Indeed, a patriot has transitioned to the great beyond.

“History will remember him as a man who fought gallantly for the rights of the people of the Niger Delta, unity in diversity, and true federalism.

“I know many generations will remain proud of how his efforts contributed to national prosperity and stability.”

We lost a seasoned economist, a tested administrator, an accomplished politician – Obasanjo

On his part, the former president says Edwin Clarks had an eventful service to the nation as Commissioner for Education and Finance in the former Midwestern State, at various times between 1968 to 1974, and his stint as the official spokesman of the Federal Government in 1975 cannot go unrecognised.

According to the former President: “I received yet another shocking and sad news of the passing of a great brother and friend, a frontline lawyer, a seasoned economist, a tested administrator, an accomplished politician and a revered community leader, Chief Edwin Clark.

“It was shocking because we lost Chief Ayo Adebanjo, another prominent and illustrious son of Nigeria, just about four days ago. Indeed, the ranks of the nation’s patriotic leadership is fast depleting by the loss of our dedicated and resourceful patriots who served the nation in various capacities, particularly at this crucial state in our nation’s history when their wise counsel and rich experience are greatly needed.

“There is no gainsaying the fact that Chief Clark had an eventful service to the nation as Commissioner for Education and Finance in the former Midwestern State, at various times between 1968 to 1974, and his stint as the official spokesman of the Federal Government in 1975 cannot go unrecognised. I remember him as a close colleague in the Cabinet of General Yakubu Gowon.

Obasanjo stressed that “over the years, Chief Clark was imbued with an undying love for his people and remained one of the more articulate and vocal champions of improved conditions for the oil-bearing States of the country. As one of the foremost leaders of not only the Ijaw people but the South-South zone as a whole, he, until his death, exhorted his people on the imperative of peace and stability in the region.

“He acquitted himself as a peace-loving, unassuming, and committed patriot. He was a firm believer in democracy and participatory governance.

“Even at his prime age, Chief Clark never rested on his oars to continue to contribute to national development as a committed nationalist. I recall some time in 2021, he, for the greater good of the nation, volunteered to be part of the Committee for Goodness of Nigeria (CGN) which was convened by me along with His Eminence Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, His Eminence John Cardinal Onaiyekan and General Abdusalami Abubakar to look, at the time, into the pressing issues of national unity, security, peace, integration, economic revitalization and development, women and youth welfare and general progress. For all I knew about him since our paths crossed, Chief Clark never, for once, rested on his oars in exhibiting uncommon courage and commitment to progressive ideals in his contributions to the socio-political development of our country and national discourse.

“There is no doubt that just as his death must have, of necessity, elicited grief and confoundment in the family, in the Niger-Delta Region, it must have also in the good people of our great nation particularly at a time when the country still needed his wealth of experience, wisdom and counsel. We thank God, however, that Chief Clark lived a long and God-fearing life, full of service to Nigeria and its people and left behind the virtues of hard work and transparency in public life which are important lessons for both the present and future generations. We should also be consoled by the facts that he lived a life worthy of communal emulation, touched the soul of his community, and he is mourned by all.

“We pray the Good Lord to grant the soul of Chief Clark a peaceful rest and the Clark family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.”

He was a Trojan war horse – Atiku

Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has described the death of elder statesman, Chief Edwin Clark as a great loss to Nigeria.

He said Nigeria was still in mourning over the demise of exemplary statesman Pa Ayo Adebanjo, 96, when the sad news of Pa Clark’s passing was brought to his attention.

Atiku said, “Chief Edwin Clark, 97, the Ebi-Ebekekere, Owei of Western Ijaw in Delta State, was a Trojan war horse in the battlefields for independence. Above all, he was a diehard proponent of nation-building, true federalism, equity, and good governance.

“Undoubtedly, he was a veteran freedom fighter, educationist, philanthropist, legal luminary, and astute administrator who mentored many nationalists and patriots like us.

“Clark spoke loudly and worked assiduously in support of inclusiveness, especially for the minority ethnic groups in Nigeria. He was fiery, fearless, and forthright in his peaceful and constitutional pursuit of an egalitarian society in our country. Sadly, that lofty dream seemed to have dimmed before his eyes.

“But, we, his mentees, shall rekindle the torch and continue the drive for a better Nigeria.

“Between 1953 and 1983, Clark paid his dues from the ebb of the ladder at the local government level up to becoming a State Commissioner and even a distinguished senator of the Federal Republic.

“I sincerely share in the grieving mood of his nuclear and extended families, particularly PANDEF, the Ijaw nation, Delta State, and Nigeria in its entirety.

“Rest on Pa Clark, the loud voice of reason against foul political practices. You were an architect of rule of law, justice, and fair play.

“May God receive your gentle soul and allow you to blissfully rest in eternity.”

 [Vanguard] 

Chika Ike, the Nollywood actress, has denied rumours that Ned Nwoko, the billionaire businessman, is the father of her child.

 

The rumours, which circulated on social media, also claimed that Nwoko and Ike would be getting married soon.

The speculations gained traction after Ike announced that she was expecting her first child, but did not reveal the father’s identity.

The rumours sparked speculation about a potential crisis in Nwoko’s marriage to another actress Regina Daniels.

 

Nwoko dismissed the rumours on Monday, describing them as “malicious speculation”.

The politician stated that he was currently focused on a national assignment and had no time for distractions.

On Tuesday, the film star took to social media to state that the only reason she was addressing the rumours was that it was about her child.

 

The actress also stressed that she was not ready to be the seventh wife of the Delta lawmaker because “polygamy is not for me”.

“For years, there have been all sorts of lies peddled about me in the media, but I always treated them as what they are—rumours that needed no response,” she wrote.

“But this is different. This is about my child.

“Ned is not the father of my child, and whoever’s name you might come up with later is also false.

 

“Like I’ve said before, I’m not about to be anyone’s seventh wife. Polygamy isn’t for me.

“My privacy is my peace, and no one can unsettle me. I’m basking in the euphoria of my pregnancy, and that’s all that matters to me now.”

[TheCable]

Hon. Mojisola Meranda, the first female Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, has resigned from her position, effective February 17, 2025. This decision comes barely a month after she made history by becoming the first woman to hold the office, on January 13, 2025.

Meranda's resignation is seen as a selfless sacrifice to protect the institution amid the recent political turmoil threatening the cohesion of the House. In her resignation letter, she expressed gratitude to her colleagues for their support and collaboration during her tenure.

The resignation comes on the heels of a vote of confidence passed by the Lagos Assembly on Meranda, amidst rumours of her possible resignation. The assembly had also adjourned plenary indefinitely, following a motion by the Majority Leader, Temitope Adewale.

Here is the full text of Meranda's resignation letter:

Last modified on Tuesday, 18 February 2025 15:08

Airtel Nigeria, the country’s second-largest telecom operator, has revised its data pricing structure, implementing a tariff adjustment of up to 50 per cent, according to details published on its website on Monday.

The price revision, which affects various data bundles, aligns with ongoing industry concerns over escalating operational costs.

While the company has yet to issue an official statement, the move underscores the broader push among telecom operators for a tariff review to cushion the impact of inflation and forex volatility.

Beyond data adjustments, the operator with over 56 million subscribers had also increased voice call tariffs over the weekend.

 

A senior Airtel official, speaking with The PUNCH on Monday, confirmed the development, emphasising that the adjustments were necessitated by rising costs.

“Yes, we have updated data prices today, and they are available on our website. However, the increase is not up to 50 percent,” the official clarified.

In its revised price list, Airtel assured customers of continued affordability, stating, “Whatever your data needs are, we have a plan for you. Our fast, affordable, and reliable internet experience will keep you connected anytime, anywhere. To get started, Dial *312#.”

 

The revised daily and weekly data plans include N50 for 40MB valid for 1 day, N100 for 100MB valid for 1 day, N200 for 200MB valid for 3 days, N350 for 1GB valid for 1 day, N350 for 350MB valid for 7 days, N500 for 750MB plus 1GB YouTube Night and 200MB YouTube Music/Spotify valid for 7 days, N500 for 1GB plus 1GB YouTube Night and 50MB Socials valid for 7 days, N500 for 2GB valid for 2 days, and N1500 for 5GB valid for 7 days.

Similarly, MTN, Nigeria’s largest telecom provider, has also adjusted its data and call tariffs in line with the NCC’s approval.

The revised pricing, implemented over the past week, has seen customers paying more for calls, SMS, and internet usage.

The latest increases come as telecom operators grapple with inflation, foreign exchange volatility, and the rising cost of network expansion.

While the adjustments aim to support long-term service improvements, subscribers may face increased financial pressure as communication costs rise.