FEATURES

FEATURES

As the severe petrol shortage in Nigeria extends into its sixth week, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has once again attributed the situation to “distribution challenges.”

This is the third major fuel scarcity episode in 2024, beginning in early July. Initially, the NNPCL explained the shortage as a result of logistics issues involving the transfer of petrol from mother vessels to daughter vessels.

 

The company cited the disruption of ship-to-ship (STS) transfers due to recent thunderstorms and adverse weather conditions.

These conditions, according to NNPCL, affected berthing at jetties, truck load-outs, and the transportation of petrol to filling stations, disrupting the supply chain.

In a previous statement, the NNPCL highlighted the flammability of petroleum products and compliance with the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET) regulations, which made it impossible to load petrol during rainstorms and lightning.

However, as the fuel scarcity continues without any sign of resolution, the NNPCL released another statement on Sunday expressing regret over the ongoing crisis.

The company’s Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Olufemi Soneye, acknowledged the “tightness in fuel supply” in parts of Lagos and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and attributed it to distribution challenges.

He urged motorists to avoid panic buying, assuring that the company is working around the clock with relevant stakeholders to restore normalcy.

Soneye said: “The NNPC Ltd regrets the tightness in fuel supply witnessed in some parts of Lagos and the FCT, which is as a result of distribution challenges.

“The Company further urges motorists to shun panic buying as it is working round the clock with relevant stakeholders to restore normalcy.”

Independent marketers have reportedly raised pump prices to ₦950 per liter, up from ₦720 per liter before the shortage began.

The departure of numerous multinational corporations from the country due to the challenging operating environment has raised concerns about the potential exacerbation of youth unemployment, HENRY FALAIYE writes

Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country, boasts a youthful demographic, with nearly 70 per cent of its population under the age of 30. This demographic advantage is often seen as a potential driver of economic expansion. Yet, the actual circumstances reveal a more complex and challenging reality.

In recent years, Nigeria’s economic indicators have suggested a cautiously optimistic outlook, with data indicating a drop in the unemployment rate and fuelling discussions of economic progress.

However, a deeper investigation uncovers a troubling contradiction: a significant portion of Nigerian youths remain unemployed, and lack requisite skills.

 

This phenomenon, despite the reported fall in joblessness, is a cause for deep concern, signalling a crisis that could have long-lasting effects on the country’s socio-economic fabric.

Despite recent reports indicating a decline in the country’s unemployment rate from 33.3 per cent in 2021 to 32.5 per cent in 2023, the number of young people who are neither working, studying, nor undergoing training has continued to rise.

The Manufacturing Association of Nigeria reported that 767 manufacturing companies shut down and 335 experienced distress in 2023 due to various economic difficulties, including rising inflation, exchange rate volatility, and a worsening investment climate.

 

According to an economist and former Director of Research and Advocacy at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Nigeria, Dr Vincent Nwani, the exodus of multinationals from the Nigerian economy has cost the country a N94tn loss of output in five years.

Nwani said, “If things continue this way and I don’t see anything being done to cause insecurity to stop, illegal taxation, corruption, and uncertainty of foreign exchange rendering companies unable to hedge risk, then I see at least 10 more notable names (of multinationals) that will go. We already have five by the end of May.”

Meanwhile, the youth unemployment dilemma stems from several underlying issues. Firstly, a decreasing unemployment rate does not equate to a surge in job opportunities. Instead, it often signals a drop in the number of individuals actively seeking employment, either because of discouragement or a move into informal, underpaid work that is not captured by official statistics.

The underemployment rate, which measures people working less than 40 hours a week or in jobs below their skill level, has remained high, indicating that many youths are stuck in unstable employment that offers little security or prospects for advancement.

According to the National Bureau of Statistics’ ‘Nigeria Labour Force Survey Q2 2023’, in Q2 2023, Nigeria’s labour force participation rate among the working-age population was 80.4 per cent, with an employment-to-population ratio of 77.1 per cent.

It mentioned that the combined rate of unemployment and time-related underemployment stood at 15.5 per cent, while the unemployment rate was 4.2 per cent, a slight increase from 4.1 per cent in Q1 2023. Self-employment remained dominant, with 88.0 per cent of workers engaged in it, and only 12 per cent were in wage employment.

One of the primary causes is the mismatch between the education system and the labour market. Many Nigerian youths graduate from secondary schools and universities with qualifications that do not align with the demands of the modern economy.

 

Also, the curriculum in many institutions is outdated, focusing on theoretical knowledge rather than practical skills that are in high demand. As a result, graduates often find themselves ill-equipped for available jobs, leading to frustration and a sense of hopelessness.

Moreover, the high cost of education in Nigeria is a significant barrier for many young people. The rising cost of tuition, coupled with the economic hardships faced by many families, means that many youths are unable to afford higher education or vocational training.

The unemployment crisis is worsened by the lack of job opportunities for young people. Although Nigeria’s economy, is heavily reliant on the oil sector, it offers limited employment.

Other sectors like agriculture and manufacturing are underdeveloped, and the private sector struggles with poor infrastructure and limited credit access. As a result, many young people are left with few viable options for meaningful employment.

The lack of purpose and direction can lead to increased involvement in criminal activities, including drug abuse, armed robbery, and internet fraud, which are already prevalent in some parts of the country.

Moreover, the disillusionment and frustration among these youths can fuel political instability and violence, as they become easy targets for radicalisation and recruitment by extremist groups.

The phenomenon in Nigeria is also gendered, with young women disproportionately affected. Cultural norms and gender biases often limit the opportunities available to girls and women, particularly in rural areas.

 

Also, many young women are forced into early marriages or domestic responsibilities, which curtail their access to education and employment.

Experts have warned that the consequences of the growing NEET (not in education, employment, or training) population are dire. Youths who are not engaged in productive activities are more likely to experience poverty, social exclusion, and mental health issues.

Speaking with The PUNCH, a human resources consultant, Mr Tolu Adedayo, said, “As the former President Buhari Muhammadu stated, Nigeria is sitting on a keg of gunpowder. We have a high level of unemployed youth coupled with a high inflation rate, especially food inflation. It is a big problem and we have not seen a definite plan from the government to roll out an employability plan so that these youths can be absorbed and given meaningful employment.”

He stated that one of the cushioning effects would be the entertainment industry, which has engaged thousands of youths to keep them busy and that religious organisations were also providing a cushioning effect to reduce the spate of restiveness.

According to Adedayo, these are not solving the unemployment challenge, they are just cushioning their restiveness.

He explained that the macroeconomic factor regarding the number of youths is a major concern. “It is a red flag that, if not addressed, could lead to more serious consequences such as a high crime rate, fraud, and insecurity, among other things,” he stated.

He noted that though the Federal Government was trying to provide palliatives, they would not go a long way because they were just a temporary measure.

 

“Unfortunately, the palliatives are not even going around and even if they get to the right people, how long will they last? Which is not realistic, sustainable and effective considering the long-term effect.

“The government should just declare a state of emergency when it comes to unemployment so that all hands will be on deck. Many of our youths are quite enterprising, so the government can start supporting them with soft loans and grants to engage them and enable them to start something,” he posited.

He added that the government should roll out a comprehensive employment plan or train them with skills acquisition, which are in demand right now, like technical skills and vocational skills. A lot of graduates who have a basic foundation will require some of this training to upskill and be able to get employed and generate income.

“Many of the training and courses received from schools are no longer relevant to what the job market demands right now. At the same time, the government must rejig and review our curriculum across the board, starting from primary schools to tertiary institutions and make it contemporary to meet global best practices because Nigeria is far behind looking at the community of nations,” Adedayo remarked.

Experts have also suggested that youths could be deployed to areas like sports, agriculture, and manufacturing, where the country has strengths to make them productive and contribute to the economy.

The rising number of Nigerian youths who are not in employment, education, or training is a ticking time bomb that requires urgent and comprehensive action. Addressing this crisis will require a multi-pronged approach that involves government, the private sector, civil society, and international partners.

First and foremost, there is a need to reform the education system to make it more relevant to the needs of the labour market. This includes updating curricula, promoting vocational and technical education, and fostering stronger links between educational institutions and industries. By equipping young people with the skills required in the modern economy, they will be better prepared to secure decent jobs and contribute meaningfully to society.

Furthermore, the government must prioritise job creation, particularly in sectors that have the potential to absorb large numbers of workers, such as agriculture, manufacturing, and information technology. This will require investment in infrastructure, improving the ease of doing business, and providing incentives for private sector growth.

Additionally, expanding access to education and training for all youths, regardless of their socio-economic background, is crucial. This can be achieved through policies that reduce the cost of education, provide financial aid, and create more opportunities for vocational training and apprenticeships.

More so, it is essential to address the gender disparities that contribute to the NEET crisis. Empowering young women through education, skills development, and access to economic opportunities will not only reduce the NEET rate but also drive broader societal progress.

Also, HR Analyst Victor Oyesina, said, “Nigeria must urgently address youth unemployment by revamping its education system to focus on practical skills that match market demands. The government should aggressively promote entrepreneurship by providing easier access to funding, reducing bureaucratic hurdles, and fostering innovation hubs across the country.”

According to Oyesina, massive investment in digital infrastructure and technology-driven industries is essential to creating sustainable, high-impact jobs.

Meanwhile, he explained that establishing strong partnerships between the government, private sector, and international organisations could help scale up efforts and ensure the long-term success of those initiatives, providing a clear pathway to economic stability for the nation’s youth.

He asserted that tackling corruption and creating a business-friendly environment would attract significant investment, driving large-scale job creation for the youth.

 

“Tackling youth unemployment in Nigeria also demands implementing extensive public works and infrastructure projects that can quickly employ a large number of young people,” he added.

However, Oyesina mentioned that the rising youth population in Nigeria, despite a falling unemployment rate, is a clear indication that the country’s youth were being left behind in the march toward economic development.

“If left unaddressed, this crisis could have severe consequences for Nigeria’s future, threatening social cohesion, economic growth, and political stability.

“All stakeholders must come together to tackle this issue head-on, ensuring that every young Nigerian has the opportunity to build a better future for themselves and their country,” he emphasised.

Adedeji Adeleke, father of Afrobeats star Davido, has made a whopping contribution of N1 billion to the Centenary Endowment Fund of a Cherubim and Seraphim (C&S) Church in Lagos.

The announcement was made during a thanksgiving service on Sunday at the church’s headquarters in Lagos, held in memory of his late mother, Esther Adeleke.

 

Adeleke expressed that the donation was made in honor of his mother, the late Mrs. Esther Adeleke, who was a revered figure in the C&S Church.

“On behalf of our late mother, senior mother in Israel, late Mrs. Esther Adeleke, we want to contribute to the centenary endowment fund, the sum of N1 billion,” he stated.

Esther Adeleke, originally from Akwete in Ukwa East Local Government Area of Abia State, was the founder of a C&S Church in Ede, Osun State. She held the esteemed title of Senior Mother-in-Israel within the church, a role now carried on by her daughter, Modupe Adeleke-Sanni.

This generous donation underscores the Adeleke family’s deep ties to the church and their continued commitment to preserving Esther Adeleke’s legacy.

Pastor Abel Damina has described as false the popular Christian slogan of ‘What God cannot do doesn’t exist’.

This is just as he said that he is not jealous of Pastor Jerry Eze, who is famous for having come up with the slogan.

He said this in a teaser for the upcoming episode of the Honest Bunch Podcast.

“What God cannot do does not exist is not the truth. People think that I am jealous of Jerry Eze. It is not about sentiments, it is about knowing what the truth is.

“I believe in miracles, I believe in healing, but not this ‘arrangee’ that we are seeing today. Most of those crutches are the same.

Damina also touched on the topic of tithes, noting, “Why are you asking for tithes? If you read the book of acts, nobody paid tithes to anybody, Jesus didn’t pay tithes, Jesus didn’t receive tithes.”

A former governor of Cross River State, Donald Duke has said that a lot of quacks are involved in politics in Nigeria.

He lamented that Nigeria is suffering because of the calibre of politicians in the country.


Duke stated this in Abuja, on Saturday, on the sidelines of the 2024 teens career conference titled ‘The power of music’

The conference was organised by the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), The Everlasting Arm Parish, Garki.

The former governor urged the political class to make concerted efforts to restore the hope and pride of youths in the country.

He stated that majority of Nigerian youths are not looking within the country for a better future as they have turned their attention to other climes.

Duke stressed the need to eliminate quacks who saw politics as a means of livelihood rather than a means of service.

According to him, “Hope is an eternal, effervescent power to create hope in the young ones that their tomorrow will be better than today, just as their today ought to have been better than yesterday.

“Politics could be the most elevating vocation, but a lot of quacks are involved in it right now, so they have brought it down to the lowest level.

“When politics is right, it elevates everything; it elevates medicine; it elevates your livelihood; when we complain about the country not being good, it is the politician.

“So, if you have the right politicians, we will have the right country; so, it is the most noble of vocations, but unfortunately full of quacks.”

He said the high inflation rate in the country is due to the cost of energy and tasked the political class with addressing the energy crisis by converting gas flaring to support the economy.

Nigerian singer Simisola Kosoko, popularly known as Simi, has revealed why she fell in love with her husband, singer Adekunle Gold.

The mother of one revealed that she fell in love with her husband because of his graphic designing and photoshopping skills.

She disclosed this while hailing Gold after he successfully edited a water bottle out of Nigerian chess master, Tunde Onakoya’s photo on X on Saturday after the chess master asked for the favour.

 

Reposting Gold’s edited version of the chess master’s photo, Simi wrote, “This was why I fell for you. I don’t know who sent you to start singing.”

DAILY POST recalls that Adekunle Gold was a sensational photoshopper before he got signed to Olamide’s record label, YBNL Nation, after designing the label’s logo.

Gold got married to fellow singer Simi on January 9, 2019, in Lagos. The couple welcomed their first child, Adejare, in 2020.

Last modified on Sunday, 18 August 2024 13:54

Shola Ogudu, the first babymama of award-winning singer, Ayodeji Balogun aka Wizkid, has opened up on getting pregnant and having her first child and son, boluwatife.

The single mother of one, in an interview with Maria Chike on the Mums Next Door podcast, revealed that she didn’t know she was pregnant until she was five months gone.

According to her, she didn’t have any symptoms until she got to 5 months, and then her tummy began protruding.

 
Boluwatife and mom, Shola Ogudu

Shola stated that she had an stress-free pregnancy because it was one devoid of any symptoms, expect  that she had to do away with her body spray and perfume during that period.

She revealed that she was still energetic enough to go to her school in Benin Republic until she was eight months and two weeks gone. In Shola Ogudu’s words:

“My pregnancy, I was pregnant for four months, to be honest, because I didn’t…. I was pregnant till I was four months gone. I didn’t have any symptoms. I don’t know the myth behind it; the moment I found out, my tummy just went big.

The rest of the pregnancy was good because I was going to University. I schooled in Benin Republic. I was going every week and coming home weekend till I finished my final exams. I stopped going to school at eight months, two weeks. The only difference was my tummy was big, but I had no symptoms or anything. It was my body spray and perfume I had to do away with”.

 

Watch her speak below:

Jude Okoye, the long-time manager of the defunct P-Square group, has revealed the sharing formula of the group proceeds following fraud allegations against him and Paul by Peter.

He explained that P-Square’s proceeds were shared between him, Peter and Paul.

He stated that he took 40 per cent while the duo took 30 per cent each.

 

Speaking in an Instagram live session on Saturday night, Jude Okoye denied the allegations leveled against him by Peter that he diverted P-Square’s royalties worth millions of dollars into a private account. Jude explained:

“I went to the EFCC office with just Paul. I didn’t go with my lawyer. I gave them all the documents, an officer looked at it and asked if Peter signed. I pointed at his signature for him. I showed him the CAC certificates used in opening both Square Records and Northside Entertainment.

“They were like, you’re even more than P-Square. I said I don’t understand what you mean. They said, look, you’re entitled to 40 per cent shares while the duo are entitled to 30 per cent each. I said, well, I’m not supposed to say it with my mouth, you can see for yourself.”

He said he also presented a memorandum of understanding, MOU, to the anti-graft agency to prove that they all agreed on a sharing formula.

They [EFCC officers] started asking me some irritable questions like where I got the money to build my house in Ikoyi,” Jude recalled, noting that the building was partly financed by selling his house in America and borrowing money from colleagues.

“I have not been with P-Square for the past eight years, since 2016,” Jude stated, revealing that the rift between the twins began in 2013 and continued until the group officially split in 2016.

According to Jude Okoye, the situation worsened in 2021 when the brothers attempted a reunion, which ultimately failed due to unresolved differences.

He added that several prominent Nigerians had attempted to reconcile P-Square in the past but failed. He said:

“Emeka Offor, the late Ifeanyi Uba, Dantata, Atiku, Peter Obi, governors, ministers, our village king, etc have all tried to reconcile Psquare to no avail,”

Controversial actress, Esther Nwachukwu, has claimed that lazy married men don’t last on bed.Nwachukwu made this disclosure during a recent episode of The Honest Bunch Podcast, where she said she doesn’t have sex with single guys.

“I don’t have sex with single guys.I go for married men. Married men are more mature.They understand you.Some lazy married men don’t last in bed because they want to save their strength so that their wives won’t know they have had sex outside”.

 

Nwachukwu also added that she doesn’t care if a man cheats on her, as long as he is rich and gives her money.

“I don’t care if a man cheats on me as long as he gives me money.Money is love.I don’t mind if a man beats me as long as he gives me money. ’E go better’ is not love.In this generation, women love money more than love.I need to elevate myself.I wasn’t born with poverty”.

The outspoken role interpreter also revealed that she is available to marry a man that has six wives.

“I am available to marry a man that has six wives, I just want to be comfortable.I am coming from a poor background so I cannot end up in a poor home.I can only marry an average man if he knows how to make love”.

A chemist operator, name undisclosed, has allegedly raped a minor and 9-year-old girl, Rumaisa Sadiq to death in Jaba, Fanisau area of Kano State.

 

It was gathered that the ugly incident happened when little Rumaisa was taken to the chemist for malaria treatment by her father.

 

The Kano State Commissioner of Women Affairs, Disabled and Children, Hajia Aisha Saji in a statement through her Director, Public Enlightenment, Aishatu Haruna, after a condolence visit to family of the deceased, condemned the unholy act and vowed to follow up the case to a logical conclusion.

Hajia Saji said despite moves by some individuals to divert the case, the Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf’s led government will ensure justice for the deceased, little Rumaisa, in order to serve as deterrence to others fond of perpetrating the act.

According to the statement, “Despite moves by some individuals to infuse diverters into the reported case of a fatal rape against nine year old Rumaisa Sadiq, the Commissioner of Ministry of Women, Children and the Disabled, Hajiya Aisha Lawan Saji Rano has insisted that there must be justice for the late victim and her family.

“Speaking during a condolence visit to the family house of the victim, the Commissioner said, “there must be justice for the little girl who lost her life simply because someone chose to display his animalistic instinct on her.

“Infact, full and quick dispensation of justice in this case is necessary in order to serve as lesson and deterrence to others like this grown up person that carried out this merciless act against an innocent nine year old girl.

“The Kano State Government under the justice-loving Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf will follow up the case in court to a conclusive end.

“In addition to this assurance, the Commissioner also conveyed His Excellency’s condolences to the family and offered her assistance to the family, which included a bag of 50kg rice, a bag of maize, a carton of Macaroni and a gallon of vegetable oil.

 

“It could however be recalled that Rumaisa was allegedly raped by the owner of a chemist where she was taken to by her father for treatment against malaria.”

The statement added, “According to the Founder, Hidaya Ahmad VVF Aid Foundation, Hajiya Nafisa Salisu Ahmad, who first hinted the Commissioner of the incidence, the case which is already before a court of law, is already attracting concerns from a number of human rights organizations.

“Hajiya Nafisa who accompanied the Commissioner’s delegation to the victim’s family house, also thanked Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and Honourable Aisha Lawan Saji Rano for their constant efforts in the struggles against injustice and inhumanity.

“The father of the victim, Alhaji Sadiq who was in hand to receive the delegation, expressed happiness over the Honourable Commissioner’s efforts and His Excellency’s concerns. He prayed to God to keep on protecting them as He sees them through the rigours and demands of office.

“Earlier, the bereaved mother who is apparently yet to recover from the shock of the unfortunate incidence that led to the death of her daughter, thanked both Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and Honourable Aisha Saji for making efforts to comfort the family and to assure them of justice,” the statement however reads.