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Uju Stella, the lady who reportedly dated Grammy award-winning artist Burna Boy has slammed the singer.
She lamented that she wasted 3 years of her life with the singer and even got pregnant for him.
Stella had accused Burna Boy of treating their alleged relationship and the time they spent together as insignificant.
She reacted to an alleged post from the singer where he claimed he paid her N20K for their time together, Stella expressed her disappointment, blasting Burna for reducing their relationship to a mere transaction.
“Seriously, N20K? Let’s put things into perspective; I invested three years of my life with you and you’re reducing our relationship to a mere transaction. That is not just disrespectful but it is pathetic! After eight years, you have still not changed despite your accomplishments, you’re still that black big head Burna. You can’t buy class or respect neither can you comprehend the worth of someone who has been by your side through thick and time,” she stated partly.
Before President Bola Ahmed Tinubu assumed office on May 29, 2023, fuel was priced at N198 per litre. Outlets of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Ltd (NNPCL) also sold fuel at this rate, although prices now vary by location.
However, in his inaugural address at Eagle Square, Abuja, Tinubu exclaimed “Subsidy is gone”, resulting in an instant increase in fuel price from N198 to N540 at NNPC outlets.
According to the president, fuel subsidy had become a clog in the wheel of progress and needed to give way for the country to survive. Tinubu, who said subsidy was fueling corruption, vowed to pump the money saved from it into others aspects of the economy.
“You have paid attention to the subsidy removal. Why should we in good heart and sense, feed smugglers and be Father Christmas to neighbouring countries, even though they say not every day is Christmas? The elephant that was going to bring Nigeria to its knees is the subsidy. A country that cannot pay salaries and we say we have potential to encourage ourselves. I think we did the right thing,” Tinubu had told some monarchs who visited him at Aso Rock a month after subsidy removal.
FRESH INCREASE IN LESS THAN 2 MONTHS
On July 18, 2023, the pump price at NNPCL outlets rose from N540 to N617 per litre. This was when Nigerians were still trying to adjust the cost of living crisis occasioned by the increment. The Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPCL, Mele Kyari, had attributed the rise in pump prices to market forces.
According to him, the hike reflected the dynamics of a market-regulated pricing model.
Addressing journalists after a closed-door meeting with Vice President Kashim Shettima at the State House, Abuja, Kyari said, “They are just prices depending on the market realities. This is the meaning of making sure that the market regulates itself. Prices will go up and sometimes they will come down also.”
He debunked notions that the price increase was due to a shortfall in petrol supply.
13 MONTHS’ BREAK
Amid protracted fuel queues, NNPCL attributed fuel shortage to supply disruptions caused by outstanding debt obligations to international oil traders. The corporation did not disclose the exact amount owed to oil traders, but reports said the debt was to the tune of $6.8 billion. Before acknowledging being indebted, the oil firm had repeatedly told Nigerians that things were under control. However, the queue worsened and prices were inflated. In a statement on September 1, 2024, Olufemi Soneye, NNPC spokesperson, said the corporation’s ability to sustain fuel supply was under threat.
Experts had, however, told Daily Trust that the announcement was part of a game plan from the government, which may lead to 950/1,000 per litre price for petrol. They alleged that government officials had been pushing the narrative for weeks.
On September 3, 2024 NNPCL increased hiked pump price from N617 per litre to N897 per litre, an increase of over 45 percent.
FUEL PRICE HIKE NECESSARY – TINUBU
Addressing members of Nigerians in Diaspora Organization in China (NIDO China) and the Nigerian community at the China World Hotel, Tinubu had described the increment as one of the unprecedented steps aimed at reforming the country.
According to him: “Nigeria is going through reforms, and we are taking very bold and unprecedented decisions. For example, you might have been hearing from home in the last few days about fuel prices. But, can we help it? Can we develop good roads like you have here? You see electricity being constant in quantity and quality. You see water supply, constant and running, and you see their good schools. And we say we want to hand over a banner without stain to our children? What is the critical part to get us there if we cannot take hard decisions to pave the way for a country that is blessed and so talented?
WHERE WE ARE CURRENTLY
24 hours after Daily Trust reported a likely pump price increase as a result of NNPCL’s exit as a middleman in the Dangote Refinery fuel purchase deal, NNPC increased pump price from N898 to N1,030 per litre, Previously, the NNPCL was the sole off-taker of fuel from Dangote Refinery. In the cause of doing this, the national oil company covered the price gap between the facility’s price and the selling price to retailers, absorbing a subsidy of N133 per litre. But in the quest to shift towards a fully deregulated oil market, it allowed marketers to deal directly with the refinery.
Marketers can now negotiate petrol prices directly under a “willing buyer, willing seller” arrangement, aligning with practices for other deregulated products such as diesel and kerosene.
WHAT NIGERIANS ARE SAYING ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Below are some of the reactions of Nigerians to the recent fuel price hike:
@Sthabbey: “This situation is becoming unacceptable. Nigerians deserve respect from @officialABAT and his administration. This is unwarranted, and our patience has been stretched to its limit.”
On X, @rolandjick267: “How do we survive? This is becoming too much.”
@qudus_kalas: “At this point they should just throw atomic bomb ? in the country make every body kuku kpai once and for all”
@Abubakar_tatari: “It’s getting out of hand , no sympathy for the masses . This regime is just heartless.”
@Chambez84: “Thank you Mr President for us. we like the suffering and I am happy about it. please suffer us more Nigerian love you.. I am suggesting for Nnpc to sell the fuel at 5000 per liter it will strengthen our economy.”
@El_khaleel: “Tinubu just take the price that you want it to be we tired with this your policies yesterday price is not todays price ??.”
@khalifakila: “Nigerians are very patient people wallahi. This can’t happen in other countries. Just wake up one morning and add price of PMS and life goes on.”
@Sirpascal: “Instead of Nigerians to benefit from dangote refinery , they’re paying more for fuel , even though crude is sold in Naira to him … Nigeria is not a place for the living ..”
On Facebook, Abdullahi Bala Muhammad said: “The president should call them to order bcos what they are doing these days is getting out of hand’s in fact they are pushing poor Nigerians to the wall and if they pushed back the things won’t be good to the government.”
Nurabros Ahmed: “Well let’s president Tinubu Knows that all this things that he is Rulling people with hardship suffernes day will come he will be Accountable to the Almighty Allah.”
Naija News reports that this is ahead of the October 24 adjournment for the court appearance of Yahaya Bello.
This move is aimed at bolstering the agency’s case against Bello, who is facing allegations of corruption and misappropriation of public funds throughout his tenure.
According to a PM News report, sources suggest that the probe could result in the arrest of former aides, some of whom now hold positions in the current administration. Their involvement is believed to have facilitated the alleged financial misconduct attributed to Bello while he was governor.
Attempts to reach EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale for comments on the agency’s strategy were unsuccessful. However, insiders claim that the EFCC has gathered a significant amount of evidence against Bello, far beyond what has been filed in the ongoing Federal Court case in Abuja.
The agency is reportedly eager to move forward with the case against Bello, who has successfully evaded arrest for several months.
Sources on Wednesday revealed that the EFCC has been cautious about advancing the case primarily because they have yet to bring Bello to court to commence a full trial.
An EFCC official remarked, “We have more evidence against Bello than many anticipate. He knows we possess information related to his alleged financial mismanagement during his governorship.”
The official also mentioned that Bello’s attempts to avoid arrest, relying on his successor, Governor Usman Ododo’s immunity, would only delay the inevitable.
“He will face justice; no one is above the law,” the official added.
Another senior EFCC official, speaking anonymously due to the sensitivity of the case, indicated that new charges may be brought against Bello.
She hinted at significant revelations during the trial, noting, “Many of his supporters, including Civil Society Organizations and lawmakers in the Kogi State Assembly who have called for the removal of our chairman, might need to rethink their stance when the full details come to light.”
Bello is expected to respond to a public summons and a new 16-count charge on October 24, alongside two other defendants, Umar Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu.
[NaijaNews]
Former Presidential aide, Bashir Ahmad has reacted to the worsening economic hardship faced by Nigerians under the Tinubu-led administration.
In a heartfelt post on social media platform X, Ahmad highlighted the struggles that numerous citizens are enduring silently during these challenging times.
“Truly, many people are struggling silently in these times of critical economic hardship,” Ahmad, who previously campaigned in support of Tinubu, lamented on Wednesday.
In his appeal, Ahmad called on Nigerians to extend support to those who have fallen into poverty as a result of the prevailing economic conditions.
He emphasized the importance of community solidarity, urging individuals to offer help even when it is not explicitly requested.
“Let’s extend a helping hand to as many people as we can, even when they don’t ask for it. Small acts of kindness can make a big difference. Encourage those in your circle to also do the same,” he advised.
Ahmad’s call for compassion comes on the heels of a recent announcement from the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPCL), which saw fuel prices surge above ₦1,030 per litre.
The fuel price hike has exacerbated existing frustrations among Nigerians, with many taking to social media to criticize President Tinubu’s administration.
Operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Tactical Squad, Enugu State Police Command, have arrested one Dr. Emmanuel Chimaobi Ugwumba of Ezimo-Agu, Udenu Local Government Area of the state for his alleged involvement in child trafficking.
A statement by the spokesman of the Command, Daniel Ndukwe disclosed that the arrested suspect has been arraigned in court and remanded in a Nigerian Correctional Centre, pending further hearing.
Ndukwe explained that the doctor’s arrest followed the interception of a public notice on an abandoned child he made and endorsed in the name of the Enugu State Ministry of Gender and Social Development as the Director of OTZ.
Ndukwe averred that upon the arrest of the suspect, he was found to be involved in child trafficking, with one pregnant woman, the four-year-old publicised child and another two-year-old child, both female, being rescued.
He added that investigation revealed that the suspect, who claimed to be a graduate of medicine and surgery from the University of Jos, owns and manages Chima Hospital and Maternity located at Ugbaike Enugu-Ezike in Igbo-Eze North Local Government Area.
Ndukwe stated that further investigation revealed that between 2017 and 2024, the doctor conspired with an acclaimed staff of the Ministry and others at large to conduct anti-natal care and delivery of seven yet-to-be traced children from different mothers in the hospital.
“The suspect was also found to be in unauthorised possession of different documents from the Ministry of Gender Affairs and unverified pest/vector certificates from the Enugu State Ministry of Environment and Mineral Resources,” he stated.
[Leadership]
A report from the Centre for Fiscal Transparency and Public Integrity (CeFTPI) has ranked 510 ministries, departments and agencies of government low in transparency and integrity.
The report, which was released yesterday in Abuja tagged “Transparency and Integrity Index 2024” assessed 514 different MDAs out of which only four were ranked high.
Presenting the report, the Executive Director of the centre, Mr. Umar Yakubu said the MDAs were assessed based on sub-variables including “anti-bribery policy, whistleblower policy, conflict of interest policy, control of corruption implementation report and citizens engagement,”
He added that the report “Is geared towards assessing openness and transparency of public institutions by evaluating the publication of vital information relating to good governance, as it aims to evaluate the publication of information that is statutorily supposed to be within the public domain,”
Other variables used in scoring the MDAs according to him include “Budget allocation of last eight years, budget released in the last eight years, budget implementation in the last eight years, revenue remitted in the last eight years as well as auditor general’s report of the last eight years.
A breakdown of the report by Daily Trust shows that among the least ranked agencies, who scored only 4 points out of 100 include the Nigerian Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI), Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, National Assembly Service Commission, Ministry of Police Affairs, Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation and the Nigerian Office for Trade Negotiations
Other least ranked MDAs who scored 8 points out of 100 points include Nigeria Football Federation, National Broadcasting Commission, Ministry of Petroleum resources, National health insurance scheme, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), and Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Council (FCCPC).
Others are National Hajj Commission, Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF), Ministry of Transportation, NAFDAC, Ministry of Défence, Ministry of Aviation, Ministry of Interior and Ministry of Transportation.
Also on the least ranked agencies are the Bureau of Public Procurement, Nigerian Communications Commission, Nigerian Shippers Council, Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, Debt Management Office, Office of Auditor General of the Federation, NNPCL, Nigerian Ports Authority, Nigeria-Export Import Bank among others.
On the other hand, the four agencies that were ranked high are National Oil Spill Detention and Response Agency, Nigeria Investment Promotion Commission, Development Bank of Nigeria and the Nigerian Institute for Advanced Legal Studies.
Earlier in his remarks, the Director General of the Bureau of Public Service Reforms (BPSR) noted that “The BPSR’s partnership with CeFTPI is inspired by the bureau’s strategic role as a driver as a driver in MDAs strategic reforms which aligns with the development objective of the public financial management reforms,”
He further stated that since the commencement of the Presentation of the report in 2021, “Records have revealed that most public institutions have adopted the methodology matrix, although responses remain low, the BPSR intend to intensify drive towards a broader awareness by all public institutions.”
[DailyTrust]
A married woman in Harare identified as Melocia Gwata, approached a court to seek legal protection from her husband, George Kusotera, over his excessive demands for intimacy and abusive behaviour.
Gwata revealed her ordeal to the Harare Civil Court, describing how her husband coerced her into having intercourse up to eight times per night, resorting to violence whenever she refused.
The matter came to light after Melocia appeared before Magistrate Judith Taruvinga at the Harare Civil Court. She disclosed that her husband, Kusotera, had been making excessive demands for intimacy daily, even waking her up in the middle of the night after multiple encounters on the same day.
“He wants to have s3x every day and wakes me up in the middle of the night, even after we’ve been intimate countless times on the same day,” she recounted, expressing how this has taken a toll on her physical and mental health.
Gwata further explained that when she could no longer endure his demands due to fatigue and physical pain, her husband would assault her. She recounted how Kusotera threatened to divorce her if she continued to reject his advances, with the abuse even occurring in front of their children.
“He has been assaulting me in front of our children, shouting obscenities and telling them I don’t deserve to be called their mother,” she added.
In response to the accusations, Kusotera acknowledged his wife’s concerns, apologizing for his actions and attributing his behaviour to his love for her. “I didn’t realize I was making her uncomfortable. I apologize and promise not to physically abuse her anymore,” he stated.
After hearing both sides, Magistrate Taruvinga granted Gwata a protection order against her husband, ensuring her safety from further abuse.
The former first lady of Kebbi state, Shinkafi-Bagudu, has been elected as the new president of the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC).
Shinkafi-Bagudu, a paediatrician consultant, made history by becoming the first African to hold this position following a virtual election conducted during the UICC General Assembly on Tuesday, October 8.
Her election was confirmed in a statement released by the UICC.
The statement also revealed the election of a new board of directors consisting of 14 members.
In response to her election, Shinkafi-Bagudu expressed appreciation for the electoral process and committed to being a collaborative leader, drawing on the experiences, insights, and energies of her colleagues to guide the union in the coming years.
She is set to serve as UICC president from 2024 to 2026.
Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Shinkafi-Bagudu on her latest achievement.
In a statement on Wednesday through his Special Adviser, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu highlighted the historic importance of her election as the first African and fifth woman to lead the global cancer control organization.
He hailed her competence and character, affirming “the enormous talents that abound in Nigeria”.
The president described Shinkafi-Bagudu’s rise as “a landmark achievement and a testament to Nigeria’s growing influence in global health leadership”.
“President Tinubu recalls Dr Shinkafi-Bagudu’s invaluable services to Kebbi state and the country, for which Nigeria is deeply grateful.
“He lauds her stewardship as Chairperson of the First Ladies Cancer Initiative and her contributions to establishing the Kebbi State Strategic Plan for Cancer Control during her tenure as the First Lady of Kebbi State.
“President Tinubu expresses confidence in Dr. Shinkafi-Bagudu’s ability to use her new office and leadership to improve cancer control and global health.
“The Geneva-based UICC was founded in 1933 and has more than 1100 member organisations in over 170 countries and territories,” the statement added.
Fuel Is Now N1,065 And People Still Think I’m The Problem In This Country - Bobrisky Laments
AFOLABI
Controversial Nigerian crossdresser, Idris Okuneye aka Bobrisky has raised concerns over the recent increase in the prices of fuel in the country which is now selling at N1,065 per litre.
On his Instastories, Bobrisky pointed out the irony of being blamed for problems in the nation while larger issues like the fuel hike persist.
The socialite wrote: "Fuel is now 1065 per litre and some people still think I’m the problem in dis country gosh."
See Post Below;
The Lagos State Government has opened up that only 15% of property owners in the state have building approvals.
The government also added that only 75% have complied with the physical planning laws.
This is according to the State Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr Oluyinka Olumide, and his Information and Strategy counterpart, Gbenga Omotoso.
They were speaking during a media briefing on Wednesday, at Alausa, Ikeja, to herald the Physical Planning Summit scheduled to take place on October 15 and 16 at Victoria Island, Lagos, where stakeholders are to brainstorm on ways to chart a better course for the state development.
The summit with the theme, ‘Thinking Lagos: A new vision for a regional and integrated megacity,’ will have stakeholders from both the private and public sectors to address challenges in physical planning within the State.
Olumide said, “Statistics show that only 15 per cent of property owners have building approvals, while 75 per cent property owners have complied with the state physical planning laws.
“We are committed to being able to benchmark accordingly and arrive at the master plan. Building approval in Lagos is below 25 per cent. Across the country, we have between 18 to 28 per cent and the highest is 32 per cent.
“We have a lot of challenges so we must ensure that we increase the percentage. This is one planet earth we have and everyone has a name, the same thing applies to structures, every building must get approval.”
This comes as the state government is set to review the urban developmental plans to meet infrastructure demand while creating opportunities for stakeholders to take advantage of investments at the maiden Physical Planning Summit.
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Petrol pump prices rose to N998 and N1,030 per litre on Wednesday at various outlets of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) in Lagos and Abuja, respectively.
The recent development comes after the NNPC decided to terminate its exclusive purchase agreement with Dangote Refinery.
Here are five ways to reduce fuel consumption
1. Use AC when driving at higher speeds:
While it might seem counterintuitive, driving with your windows down at speeds above 80km/h can actually use more fuel due to increased wind resistance. In this case, it’s more efficient to switch on the air conditioning—your car will glide more smoothly without the extra drag.
2. Accelerate smoothly:
Rapid acceleration and revving your engine to high RPMs might feel powerful, but it guzzles fuel. A steady, smooth acceleration keeps your engine running efficiently and helps conserve fuel, making your drive easier on both your wallet and your car.
3. Brake gently:
Slamming on your brakes not only wears them down faster but also forces you to burn more fuel when you accelerate again. Try to maintain a safe distance from the car ahead, so you can brake gradually and avoid wasteful fuel usage.
4. Turn off the engine when idle:
If you’re waiting for more than a couple of minutes, it’s a good idea to turn off your engine. Even when you’re stationary, an idling engine continues to consume fuel unnecessarily. A quick switch-off can save fuel and reduce emissions.
5. Keep your tires properly inflated:
Underinflated tires create more friction with the road, causing your car to work harder and consume more fuel. Keeping your tires at the right pressure not only enhances fuel efficiency but also extends the life of your tires, saving you from future expenses.
[TheNation]
The Lagos State Government has said a recent Federal High Court judgment in Abuja, which barred the Directorate of Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO) from stopping and impounding vehicles does not apply to the VIO Lagos directorate operations.
Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi made the claim in a statement on Tuesday in Lagos.
Osiyemi said it was important to note that in law a court has limits of its territorial jurisdiction and in this case, the judgment was restricted to Abuja.
“It is also important to know the rationale of the judgment of Justice Evelyn Maha in the fundamental rights enforcement suit: FHC/ABJ/CS/1695/2023.
“The rationale is that there is no law which empowers the VIO in Abuja to stop, impound seize, or impose fines on motorists, whereas, in Lagos State, there is the Transport Sector Reform Law of Lagos State (TSRL-2018) which dictates; Part II, Section 11-22 of the law to the establishment, duties and power of VIO in the state.
“This is with the penalties or fines that can be imposed for traffic violations as contained in the schedule of the law (violations-1-52).
“Therefore, the decision of the Federal High Court Abuja on VIO is inapplicable in Lagos State,”he said.
The government of Sokoto State has disbursed the whopping sum of N95.4 million for the maintenance of Juma’at mosques across the state.
The funds were released on Wednesday at the Sultan Muhammadu Maccido Institute for Qur’anic and General Studies by Governor Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Bello Goronyo.
A total of 87 Juma’at mosques benefitted from the funds, categorized into three tiers: 20 mosques received N500,000 each, 17 mosques were granted N400,000 each, and 50 mosques were allocated N300,000 each. The payments, which cover the months of August, September, and October, had been delayed due to some mosques lacking bank accounts.
Governor Aliyu emphasized that this initiative aligns with his administration’s 9-point agenda, which includes the promotion of religious activities. In his remarks, Sultan Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar commended the gesture and called on other states to emulate such efforts. He urged the mosque committees to use the funds responsibly, reminding them of their accountability to God.
The Commissioner for Religious Affairs, Dr Jabir Maihula, revealed that the state government is also constructing over 35 mosques across the 23 local government areas of the state, encouraging committees to ensure the mosques remain conducive for worship.
Jigawa State Governor, Malam Umar Namadi has given approval for workers in the state to be paid the approved N70,000 minimum wage.
This was made public by Special adviser to the Governor on salary and pension, and committee member for the minimum wage implementation. Hon. Bashir Ado.
Ado disclosed this on Saturday while responding to a question from newsmen on the government’s plan for the implementation of the minimum wage shortly after casting his vote at Kanya Babba.
According to him, “Governor Umar Namadi has already approved the N70,000 as minimum wage; what remains is for the committee to complete its assigned responsibility for the implementation.”
He said the committee had completed 90 percent of its work and would soon present the report to Governor Umar Namadi for onward approval of the new salary structure.
He said the state has about nine salary structures and those with special salary scales that are above the minimum wage will enjoy consequential adjustment.
Ado explained that even the NLC was pleased with the increment when they saw the template and the increased amount each civil servant will receive.
“I am sure civil servants will laugh and appreciate Governor Umar Namadi’s effort when they see the salary increase,” he added.
Recall that the Jigawa State Executive Council, presided over by Governor Umar Namadi, had approved a 10-member committee to implement the new minimum wage in the state.
The committee is chaired by the State Head of Service, Muhammad Dagaceri, with the Permanent Private Secretary to the Governor serving as Secretary.
He added that Governor Namadi has also approved over N5b for the settlement of retirees’ benefits delayed for over 20 months.
He commended Governor Umar Namadi for his efforts to improve the welfare of civil servants and pensioners.