Nigerian Muslims faithful joined their counterparts all over the world to celebrate Eid-El-Kabir.

The celebration came amid worsening economic hardship and rising food inflation.

Findings by DAILY POST revealed that some Muslim faithful celebrated the festive season on a low key due to the increasing inflation that has caused a hike in the prices of food items and transportation fares.

DAILY POST reports that the rising inflation that peaked at 33.95 per cent in the month of May caused prices to continually increase daily.

According to the Nigeria Bureau of Statistics, NBS, food inflation in Nigeria is above 40%, making it extra difficult for many to purchase food items.

During a visit to some markets at the outskirts of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Abuja, DAILY POST found that the prices of items have continued to rise.

Some consumers, who spoke to DAILY POST, said regardless of the appreciation of the Naira against the dollar, the prices of foodstuffs were still exorbitant for the common man.

A dealer in pepper and tomatoes, who gave his name simply as Dauda in Mararaba Market, told DAILY POST that a basket of tomatoes sold as high as N200,000, adding that in April, the same basket was sold for N40,000 or even less.

“Most people can’t afford these things anymore,” he admitted.

“Smaller baskets and mini buckets of the perishable item were sold from N10,000 to N15,000, respectively,” he further lamented.

At ram selling points in the same Mararaba, DAILY POST gathered that an average-sized ram was sold above N80,000, with some going for as high as a negotiable price of N500, 000.

Similarly, at the Kugbo ram market in Abuja, the price significantly increased owing to several factors, including inflation, insecurity, hike in transport fares, multiple taxation and feeding costs.

A ram dealer, who refused to give his name, highlighted some reasons behind the rise in price.

He said, “Last year, the ram of this size was N350,000 but it is N550,000 now.

“The cost of feeding has changed and transportation costs have skyrocketed.

“Last year, transporting a ram from the Niger Republic border cost N2,000, but now it’s N8,000. A trailer load that used to be transported for N500,000 is now over N1,000,000.”

A Muslim faithful in the same ram market said the cost of ram had increased and was almost unaffordable due to the prevailing economic challenges.

“I went to the market to buy a big ram but ended up with a small one because I could not afford the big one.

“The one I ended up buying cost me N85,000, while the big one I wanted to buy was sold for a negotiable price of N190, 000.

“Many buyers went there and couldn’t afford the ram and they went home disappointed,” he said.

A commercial motorcyclist, Adamu Hassan said that people were only trying to fulfill their religious obligations.

He said: “I could not afford a ram last year and even this year because the price keeps going higher due to the inflation in the economy.

“If Allah permits me to buy, I will, but people must know that Allah has not put a burden on any Muslim who cannot afford a ram.”

A food seller, Njoku Mary lamented low patronage by customers as a result of the hike in the price of commodities and the low purchasing power of citizens.

“Imagine, maggi moved from N700 to N1,300 per pack and Spaghetti is N850. We are not making any gain, the government should help us, this is too much for us,” she said.

Also, a trader, Ene Joseph, who sells groceries and provisions at Nyanya Market, bemoaned the hardship she faced in her business as a result of the hyperinflation.

“We used to buy a bag of milk for 5,500, now it is N15,000.

“The loaf of bread that I used to buy from bakers at N600, now sells for N1600 to N2000 because of the high cost of flour, milk and sugar.

“As traders, we are tired, we just sit under the sun getting nothing and we pay for shop in the market,” she lamented.

Another trader, who sells cereal items such as local rice, corn, beans, and others, said a mudu of rice is now between N2,500 and N2,700, while a 50kg bag of rice is between N70,000 and N8,000.

In the same vein, a buyer, who gave his name simply as Mohammed said it was a sad thing that he could not afford what his family needed for the celebration because of the hike in the prices of food items.

“A lot of people are using the economic situation to dupe others and blame it on fuel subsidy removal.

“I witnessed how somebody will keep what she bought previously at a certain amount but refuse to sell those items.

“She kept them to watch when the prices would go higher so she could double the price and make a higher gain.

“Let the government monitor the market with a view to controlling the prices of goods. This will help a lot in curtailing the rising cost of things,’’ he said.

Veteran Fuji singer, Adewale Ayuba, has opened up on how he almost gave up his interest in music to explore lecturing in the United States of America.

Ayuba recalled traveling to US with his band for their three-month summer show in 1995, but being unable to return to Nigeria due to threats from late military head of state, Sani Abacha.

Speaking in a chat with Teju Babyface, the music star revealed that he was threatened by the military government after he released an album advocating for the freedom of political detainees, particularly the late MKO Abiola. 

Ayuba said during his three years in the US, he enrolled in school, became an American citizen and contemplated pursuing a career in academics. He said;

“I left for America with my full band members in 1995 for a summer show and others. We came to America for about three months and then returned to Nigeria.

“I returned to Nigeria in 1998 when Abacha died. The three years I stayed in America were by the grace of God because He is a good planner.

“When I was in America, I realised that I could only perform shows on weekends. My Mondays to Fridays were free. So, I enrolled in school. That was where I met my wife.

“After that, I took part in a lot of activities. Doing so was like building another foundation in America. That was not easy. From there, I completed my documentation and became an American citizen.

“I don’t see myself continuing in Fuji music, I believe I have done well. This is America, there’s more to explore in life, trusting that God has a plan”.

Asked if truly he almost lost interest in Fuji music, Ayuba said;

“True, true true, particularly the kind of genre that I met myself singing Fuji. I’ve started developing a kind of interest in my education. From day one, if anybody asked me what would I wanted to become in life, I would love to become a lecturer or teacher. I can’t lie to you.

“I was thinking if I finished my bachelor’s degree, I would go for my master, and P.hD to be a lecturer. I don’t want the level of being a Fuji musician, I believe I’ve done well, and I’m OK, this is America, let me choose another line.”

Nigerian music star Davido Adeleke has taken legal action against his first baby mama, Sophia Momodu, demanding full custody of their nine-year-old daughter, Imade Aurora Adeleke.

According to documents filed by Davido’s legal team, which includes prominent lawyers Dr. Olaniyi Arije and Okey Barrah, at the Lagos State High Court on April 17, 2024, the musician cited several reasons for his decision.

Davido accused Sophia Momodu of exploiting their daughter to extract substantial financial benefits from him, alleging that she consistently made exorbitant demands and refused reasonable accommodations offered by him.

Among the grievances outlined in the petition, Davido claimed he had diligently fulfilled his responsibilities towards Imade.

This reportedly included paying for her education, accommodation, and various other expenses essential for her well-being.

He stated that despite providing a secure apartment and vehicles for their daughter’s transportation needs, Sophia Momodu opted for continued financial support, insisting on hefty sums for rent and vehicle maintenance.

“That it is on record that I have been responsible for the payment of all the school fees of my daughter to provide her with the best education possible and to meet all her educational needs without a hitch.

“That I have also been providing money for the rent of the apartment where the respondent resides with our daughter.”

“The respondent rejected the offer to stay and live at the above-described secured Oniru apartment, which had been purchased already, but demanded that I continue to pay N5,000,000 annually for a rented facility as my own contribution towards my daughter’s accommodation” 

“I bought a Range Rover Sport Utility Vehicle for the use of the child and the respondent to meet the transport needs, including transportation of the child to and from school, etc.”

“She began to make excuses and complained that the Range Rover SUV was not in a good condition, however, she refused to inform me about that,” Davido said in the suit.

He went on allege that her demands for expenses such as nanny fees and international travel costs were excessive and not in the child’s best interest.

In his statement to the court, Davido expressed deep concern over what he described as Sophia Momodu’s unreasonable behavior, which he claimed had caused him significant emotional distress.

“That sequel to the information about the said condition of the vehicle, I provided another vehicle, Highlander SUV, and in addition, the sum of N5.8m as requested by her for the repair of the Range Rover SUV, making it two vehicles in the custody and use of the respondent and our daughter.”

“I also made commitments to pay for living expenses, the fees of the nanny to our child, provide medical and health care, insurance, periodic international travel expenses and tickets.”

“That notwithstanding my efforts in the overall interest of my daughter, the respondent has continued to make outlandish and Utopian demands to frustrate me,” the singer added.

Listing the other demands allegedly made by Sophia Momodu, he said, “The respondent, among others, is demanding that I should pay the nanny she hired the sum of $800 per month, and that the total sum of $19,600 per annum be paid as a lump sum.”

Popular relationship expert Blessing CEO has taken to social media to call for a complete ban on all betting platforms in Nigeria.

The social media personality, whose real name is Blessing Okoro, took to Instagram to voice her strong opinions on the matter, asserting that betting has had profoundly negative effects on individuals across the country.

In a video shared on her Instagram page, Blessing CEO expressed her firm belief that the Nigerian government should intervene to prohibit betting platforms.

Despite acknowledging that betting is a source of income for many, she emphasized that its detrimental impacts far outweigh any economic benefits.

Blessing CEO went on to disclose that she has turned down lucrative endorsement deals from betting companies, claiming that she views their operations as tantamount to fraud.

She criticized celebrities who endorse betting platforms, stating that she has lost respect for any celebrity who promotes such activities.

She went on to further argue that betting has led to the ruin of countless young and older Nigerians, rendering them “useless” in society.

“Make government ban betting platforms… It has rendered a lot of our young youth and old people us€less. Make government ban am. I don’t regard any celebrity that influences for them,” Blessing CEO said in part.

The video quickly gained traction on social media, prompting a flurry of responses from both supporters and critics.

Famous Afrobeat singer, Divine Ikubor popularly known as Rema has sparked a buzz online by declaring himself a ‘god‘ and announcing that his new girlfriend will soon be the mother of his first child.

The “Calm Down” coroner took to his Instagram page to share the news with his followers.

Posting a photo where the woman’s face was not visible, Rema praised her physical attributes, particularly highlighting her figure and revealing that she had gotten a tattoo dedicated to him.

Emphasizing her devotion, he stated that she would do anything for him, including bearing his child.

In his Instagram broadcast on Ravers, which boasts over 54,000 members, Rema boldly proclaimed;

“My new girlfriend got a big ass. She got a tattoo for me, she do anything for me. She will have my child – a child for a god. I’m a god.”

This declaration comes in the wake of Rema’s recent appearance at Paris Fashion Week alongside other prominent Afrobeat artists.

His statements have sparked various reactions among fans and critics alike, with many expressing surprise at his bold assertion.

Dr Folashade Yemi-Esan, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HoCSF), announced that the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS) verification exercises had uncovered 1,618 civil servants with fake or illegal employment letters.

Speaking in Abuja during a media conversation as part of the 2024 Civil Service Week Celebrations, Yemi-Esan revealed that 69,308 civil servants who participated in the compulsory verification exercise have been fully integrated into the IPPIS after their verifications. 

Yemi-Esan highlighted ongoing efforts to enhance civil servants’ capacity and talent. Under the Structured Mandatory Assessment-Based Training Programme (SMAT-P) in the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan (FCSSIP 2021-2025), 8,905 workers have received training.

Addressing corruption within the civil service, Yemi-Esan noted that her initiatives have led the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) to identify and investigate over 3,600 public servants. The clean-up effort has also resulted in the removal of numerous individuals, including retirees, who were improperly on the payroll.

Efforts are underway to address the issue of Nigerians who have relocated abroad but continue to receive salaries from the civil service. Yemi-Esan warned that the Federal Government is cracking down on this practice, and many of these individuals voluntarily resign following physical verifications. Civil servants abroad without official permission and still on the payroll will be dismissed once the ongoing verification is completed.

Yemi-Esan discovered that many employees who have left the country but continue to receive salaries are primarily in parastatals rather than core ministries. She accused some top officials of plotting to ensure these positions were not declared vacant.

“It’s a Nigerian thing. We are running hard against the culture that tolerates it. Outsiders don’t know the bashing we get every day trying to do the right thing,” Yemi-Esan remarked.

She added that once the verification report is finalized, any employee not in the country will automatically lose their job. She also noted a positive development: many individuals have started resigning their positions during the verification process.

The police in Edo State have been given seven days ultimatum to arrest the killers of one Glory Adekolure.

Within Nigeria had reported on Wednesday how Adekolure, a UNIBEN fresh graduate, was beaten and raped to death by some yet-to-be-identified persons. 

The incident was said to have happened at Iyowa Community, Benin City, on Thursday, June 13, 2024.

After her gruesome murder, the body of the 22-year-old was dumped close to her mother’s house.

A family source disclosed that the 22-year-old was on her way home after processing her clearance forms when she she met her grisly end in the hands of the diabolical men. 

Reacting to the incident, Obaseki directed Edo State Commissioner to go after the perpetrators of the heinous act.

The governor’s directive was contained in statement by the state’s communications and orientation commissioner Chris Nehikhare.

According to the statement, the state government expressed shock and sadness over the incident.

“Governor Godwin Obaseki has ordered the Commissioner of Police, Funso Adegboye, to fish out the perpetrators of the evil act within the next seven days,” he said.

The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has reported a significant increase in Premium Motor Spirit’s (PMS) national average retail price, commonly known as petrol. In May 2024, the price rose by 223.21% year-on-year, reaching N769.62 per litre, compared to N238.11 per litre in 2023. The price increased by 9.75% month-on-month, up from N701.24 per litre in April 2024.

The NBS report, titled “Premium Motor Spirit (Petrol) Price Watch for May 2024,” highlighted that Jigawa State had the highest price at N937.50 per litre. This was followed by Ondo and Benue States, where prices were N882.67 and N882.22 per litre, respectively. Conversely, Lagos, Niger, and Kwara States recorded the lowest average retail prices at N636.80, N642.16, and N645.15 per litre, respectively.

Analyzing the data by region, the North-West Zone had the highest average retail price of N845.26, while the North Central Zone had the lowest average price of N695.04.

Additionally, the average retail price of Automotive Gas Oil (Diesel) paid by consumers increased by 66.29% to N1403.96 per litre in May 2024, up from N844.28 per litre in May 2023. However, on a month-on-month basis, there was a slight decrease of 0.78% from N1415.06 per litre in April 2024.

The report detailed the state-by-state variations in diesel prices. Adamawa State recorded the highest average price at N1709.00 per litre, followed by Sokoto State at N1675.00 per litre and Bauchi at N1657.92 per litre. The lowest prices were observed in Niger State (N1140.20), Kano State (N1153.33), and Oyo State (N1236.92).

The zonal representation of diesel prices showed that the North-East Zone had the highest average price at N1605.91, while the South West Zone had the lowest price at N1303.60.

Furthermore, the average retail price per litre of Household Kerosene (HHK) increased by 0.74% to N1,450.35 in May 2024, up from N1,439.64 in April 2024.

Manchester United are considering signing Dutch forward Joshua Zirkzee, who currently plays for Bologna in Italy.

The 23-year-old, whose mother is Nigerian, had an impressive debut season with Bologna, helping them secure qualification for the Champions League for the first time in their history. 

Manchester United is in the market for a new forward following Anthony Martial’s departure. They face competition from the Italian club AC Milan, which is prepared to meet Zirkzee’s release clause of €40 million (£33.7m) and has reportedly agreed on personal terms with the player.

Zirkzee had to cut short his holiday in Florida recently after being called up last-minute by the Netherlands for their Euro 2024 campaign. He was on the bench for the Netherlands’ 2-1 victory over Poland in their Group D opener.

In a recent interview with Corriere Di Bologna, Zirkzee commented on his future: “At the moment, my focus is solely on Bologna. I will decide based on what is best for the club. I will only make decisions that feel right to me.”

During the previous Serie A season, Zirkzee scored 11 goals in 34 appearances for Bologna.

Crystal Palace have offered a new deal to Michael Olise, amid interest from Chelsea.

This is according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.

The Italian journalist revealed that the new deal comes with higher salary and new release clause for 2025.

He stated that despite this, Chelsea are still confident as they push to agree on personal terms; it’s up to the player.

Aside Chelsea, Bundesliga heavyweight Bayern Munich and Newcastle are also allowed to talk to Olise.

The 22-year-old scored 10 goals and made six assists in 19 league appearances for Palace last season.

He is currently with the French U-23 squad for the Paris Olympic games.