The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has reported that the average price of a 5kg cylinder of cooking gas rose from N6,430.02 in August to N6,699.63 in September 2024.

According to the report, the average retail price for refilling a 12.5kg cooking gas increased by 4.89 percent on a month-on-month basis from N15,552.56 in August 2024 to N16,313.43 in September.

The average retail price for 12.5kg cooking gas rose by 76.41 percent on a year-on-year basis from N9,247.40 recorded in September 2023 to N16,313.43 in September 2024.

The NBS disclosed this in its newly released “Cooking Gas Price Watch” report for September 2024, published on Friday in Abuja.

According to the report, the September price represented a 4.19 percent increase, compared to what it was in August.

The average price of 5kg of cooking gas increased on a year-on-year basis by 59.90 percent from N4,189.96 in September 2023 to N6,699.63 in September 2024.

Analysis by states revealed that Rivers State recorded the highest average price at N7,285.71, followed by Gombe State at N7,271.88, and Borno State at N7,089.72.

Kebbi recorded the lowest price at N5,950.00, followed by Kano and Benue at N6,133.33 and N6,143.52, respectively.

The North-East recorded the highest average retail price at N6,929.02 for 5 kg of cooking gas, followed by the South-East at N6,893.47.

“The North-West recorded the lowest average retail price at NN6,382.30,” the NBS said.

The report also showed that Rivers recorded the highest average retail price of N17,992.86, followed by Gombe at N17,942.86 and Zamfara at N17,475.00, while the lowest average price for 12.5kg of cooking gas was recorded in Adamawa at N13,983.33, followed by Nassarawa and Bauchi with N14,938.50 and N15,000.00, respectively.

Analysis by zone showed that the South-East recorded the highest average retail price of N16,957.29, followed by the South-West at N16,665.45.

The report said the North-East recorded the lowest price at N15,770.75.
Similarly, the NBS said the average retail price per litre of kerosene increased to N1,957.44 in September 2024 on a month-on-month basis.

The increase showed an increase of 5.97 percent, compared to the N1,847.59 recorded in August 2024.

According to the NBS National Kerosene Price Watch for September 2024 on a year-on-year basis, the average retail price per litre of kerosene rose by 50.68 percent from N1,299.03 in September 2023.

The report’s state profile analysis indicated that Abuja had the highest average price for kerosene in August at N2,816.67 per litre, followed by Kaduna at N2,437.50 and Akwa Ibom at N2,411.11.

“On the other hand, the lowest price was recorded in Bayelsa at N1,416.67, followed by Borno at N1,477.83 and Ekiti at N1,635.00.”

The NBS also analysed that the North-Central recorded the highest average retail price per litre of kerosene at N2,194.05, followed by the North-West at N2,092.92, adding that the South-East recorded the lowest average retail price per liter of kerosene at N1,718.89.

The average retail price per gallon of kerosene paid by consumers in September 2024 was N6,818.1, indicating an increase of 5.84 percent increase from N6,441.94 recorded in August 2024.

On a year-on-year basis, the average price per gallon of kerosene increased by 55.69 percent from N4,379.31 in September 2023.

Katsina recorded the highest average retail price for kerosene at N8,400 per gallon, followed by Jigawa at N8,100 and Kebbi and Ogun at N8,000, while Nasarawa had the lowest at N5,250, with the North-West averaging the highest regional price at N7,809.52.

Martins Otse aka VeryDarkMan has shared the reason the founder of Mavin Records, Michael Ajereh popularly known as Don Jazzy donated ₦100 million to his Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO).

The VeryDarkMan unveiled his NGO on Saturday.

The NGO is geared towards transforming public education in Nigeria through the integration of cutting-edge technologies and innovative teaching methods, including Artificial Intelligence (AI).

After the launch, he received more than ₦35 million in 24 hours from different sectors.

In an Instagram post on Thursday, VDM acknowledged the donation, explaining that Don Jazzy decided to support the critic’s initiative because it revolves around humanity.

“Let it be known that on the 16 October 2024, this man named Michael Collins Ajereh aka Don Jazzy donated 100 million to give public school kids advanced education with the aim to give them a good educational foundation.

“Let it be known that Don Jazzy gave money to someone named Martins Vincent Otse aka VeryDarkMan because he believes in his work for humanity,” he wrote.

VDM disclosed that they have only met once, adding that they did not interact for long during that moment.

“I and him met once, shook hands and that was it. We no even talk for 1 minute ooo, no be say he no my background or anything.”

The Bauchi State Police Command has arrested two 15-year-old junior secondary school students for their alleged involvement in a robbery at a mobile phone shop in Wunti Market, Bauchi Metropolis.

The incident, reported to the Police by the shop owner on October 1, involved the theft of numerous electronic items, including 100 mobile phones, 75 MP4 players, and various accessories.

A press release by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Ahmed Wakili, indicates that the complaint prompted the Commissioner of Police, Bauchi State, CP Auwal Muhammad to order a swift investigation led by the Operation Restore Peace (ORP) unit, under the direction of CSP Kim Albert.

The investigation led to the arrest of suspects, identified as Hamza Sadiq and Adamu Ahmadu, both JSS 3 students at Bakari Dukku Comprehensive Secondary School.

“During interrogation, the suspects confessed to having managed to obtain the shop key from where it was stored for safekeeping, timed the shop owner’s departure for the village market, and repeatedly opened the shop door to steal from it during the day. The suspects sold the stolen items randomly at lower prices, ranging from N8,000 to N5,000.” 

The police added that “The proceeds of the crime were used to purchase clothes, food, and a smartphone, which was later stolen from one of the suspects as well.”

The police recovered 21 mobile phones, 5 MP4 players, and additional items from the suspects.

Upon completion of the investigation, both individuals will be placed in a remand home for rehabilitation.

The Bauchi State Police Command has reiterated its commitment to combating crime and encouraged the public to report suspicious activities to local authorities

Professor Iliyasu Usman, an Igbo man, has been appointed as the Imam of the Abuja National Mosque.

Usman delivered his first khutbah (sermon) today during the Jumm’at prayer, signifying an important occasion for the Muslim community in Nigeria.

This appointment has been widely celebrated, particularly among the South East Muslim Organisation of Nigeria (SEMON), which regards it as a reflection of Usman’s dedication to Islamic scholarship and leadership.

In a statement, SEMON commended the inclusivity demonstrated by the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), led by the President-General and Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar.

SEMON highlighted that this appointment represents not only a personal achievement for Usman but also a sacred responsibility to guide the Muslim community in worship and service to Allah.

The organization expressed optimism that his leadership would strengthen the Igbo Muslim community and promote unity within the broader Nigerian Muslim populace.

The statement reads, “We, the South East Muslim Organisation of Nigeria (SEMON), extend our heartfelt congratulations to Professor Ilyasu Usman on your recent appointment as an Imam of the National Mosque, Abuja.

“This prestigious role is not only a testament to your unwavering dedication and scholarly excellence but also a divine blessing and responsibility to lead the Ummah in worship and service to Allah.

“We pray that Allah (SWT) grants you the wisdom, strength, and steadfastness to discharge this sacred duty with diligence, integrity, and humility. May your leadership inspire unity, peace, and piety.”

Forbes has published the list of highest paid footballers at the moment. Al Nassr forward Cristiano Ronaldo and Inter Miami superstar, Lionel Messi, lead the list.

Despite that Ronaldo and Lionel Messi were in the last days of their careers, they still enjoy superb financial benefits from the round-leather game.

Both players are widely regarded as the two greatest footballers in the history of the game.

Ronaldo is at the top of Forbes latest list, earning a whopping $285m per year.

The 39-year-old earns $220m per-year in wages from Al-Nassr, while the rest comes from sponsorships.

Messi, on the other hand, is the only MLS player in the top ten list.

The Argentinean earns $135m in total, out of which $60m is from wages and $75m is earned from off-field sponsorships.

The list is heavily dominated by players in the Saudi Arabian league.

Others on the list, according to Sportskeeda.com, include Al-Hilal’s Neymar ($110m), Al-Ittihad’s Karim Benzema ($104m) and Al-Nassr’s Sadio Mane ($52m).

Real Madrid duo Kylian Mbappe ($90m) and Vinicius Junior ($55m) are the only representatives from LaLiga.

The Premier League trio of Erling Haaland ($60m), Mohamed Salah ($53m), and Kevin De Bruyne ($39m) complete the list of the 10 best-paid players in the world.

He stated that the investigation conducted by the command revealed that the video depicting individuals, including vendors, accusing Anjorin-Lawal of theft was based on a misunderstanding of the facts.

“There was no case of stealing to start with; our investigation revealed that the seller of the goods gave the wrong account number. Out of the 10 digits the person was to provide, one digit was given wrongly and our investigation revealed that Lizzy Anjorin-Lawal did the transfer to the wrong account number.

“But when it turned out that it was a mistake of facts and that they called her a thief in error, Lizzy (Anjorin-Lawal) took the assault meted out against her up and after the suspects were arrested and the case had gone to court, for reasons best known to her, she said she was no longer interested in the case and the case was withdrawn,” Hundeyin told The PUNCH.

Hundeyin elaborated that the individuals who accused Anjorin-Lawal of theft acknowledged their error while providing their statements at the police station, clarifying that it was the seller who had provided her with incorrect account information.

“Lizzy Anjorin-Lawal transferred what she was supposed to transfer, which was about ₦90,000, into the wrong account that she was given and there was a receipt; when it was becoming too hot, she again transferred money to the correct account number they gave her.

“So, she did a double transfer just to avoid trouble, even though the mistake was not hers. So, I am confirming that the police investigation revealed that there was no stealing. Lizzy Anjorin-Lawal was not culpable of stealing as she did not engage in stealing according to our investigation,” the PPRO added.

Naija News understands that Anjorin had been accused of theft and assaulted by several traders during her visit to the market, an incident captured in a video that gained widespread attention online.

The actress has since debunked the accusation.

In February 2024, at least six traders were apprehended in connection with the assault.

These individuals were subsequently brought before the Chief Magistrate Court in Lagos Island Local Government, facing charges of assault and blackmail against Anjorin-Lawal during her attempt to purchase gold.

The accused—Qudus Jokogbola, Suru Olawale, Edu Shakirat, Fausat Mohammed, Kafayat Ahmed, and Opere Simiat Morenike—were formally charged, while two additional suspects remain at large.

Prosecutor Sola Samuel informed the court that the six defendants, along with the two fugitives, conspired to commit the crime by forcibly pushing and dragging Anjorin-Lawal, resulting in significant bodily harm within Oba Akintoye Market in Lagos Island.

Samuel asserted that the defendants’ actions disrupted public order.

He indicated that the alleged offences violated Sections 411 and 413; 168(d) and 170(b) of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State of Nigeria 2015, which carry corresponding penalties under the same legislation.

All defendants entered a plea of not guilty to the charges.

The defence attorney, Ade Oshodi, requested that the court grant bail under the most lenient conditions, emphasizing their status as traders.

In his decision, Magistrate A.A. Paul approved bail for each defendant in the amount of ₦200,000, requiring one surety per individual.

The sureties must be residents of Lagos and provide proof of tax payment.

The defendants were ordered to remain in the custody of the Nigerian Correctional Services until they fulfill their bail conditions.

Governor Dapo Abiodun’s government of Ogun State has announced plans to hire an additional 1,000 educators to address current staffing shortages in state-owned schools.

The recruitment plan was announced in a statement issued on Friday by the State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof Abayomi Arigbabu.

The statement mentioned that applicants are required to have a minimum of a National Certificate in Education (NCE) or a Bachelor’s degree in Education (B.A. (Edu)/B.Sc. (Ed)/B.Ed.) with a Second Class Lower in the appropriate subjects or courses.

Naija News reports that this recruitment effort is being managed by the State Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, working together with the State Teaching Service Commission, the State Universal Basic Education Board, and the Ogun State Technical and Vocational Education Board.

The Ogun State Teaching Experience Acquisition Channel is a unique program aimed at addressing staffing gaps in the state’s public elementary, middle, and technical schools.

“Those from other disciplines (different from education) must possess a Post-Graduate Diploma in Education from reputable universities,” adding that “applicants to be considered for Technical Colleges will be expected to hold B.Sc. in Technical Education/B.Sc. in Engineering/B.Eng./HND in Engineering Fields.

“Interested applicants are to apply through the Ogun State Job Portal via www.teach.ogunstate.gov.ng between Wednesday, October 16, and Wednesday, November 6, 2024.”

According to the statement, successful applicants, referred to as TEACH Interns, will be assigned to Local Government Areas requiring their assistance and will be compensated with a monthly allowance for a period of two years.

Following this, they will undergo evaluations based on various criteria, including skill level, dedication to their responsibilities, timeliness, regard for established authority, and readiness to serve in any location assigned to them.

The 1,000 interns set to be hired represent the final group of 5,000 interns pledged by Governor Dapo Abiodun.

Naija News understands that a portion of the initial 4,000 interns received job offers and now serve as full-time educators.

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has authorized higher institutions of learning to admit candidates who will be 16 years old by August 31, 2025.

The issue of the minimum age for admission to the nation’s tertiary institutions was discussed at the 2024 Policy Meeting, where it was decided that the minimum age for the 2024/25 academic session would be 16 years.

Muhammed Babaji, the Director of Admissions, stated in a press release on Thursday that candidates who meet the institution’s admission standards should not be denied admission by August 2025 solely based on age.

“The Board acknowledges that some institutions expect the 2024/2025 admission process to extend into July 2025.

“Without compromising standards or infringing on individual institutions’ admission policies, the Board has decided to allow any willing institution to admit candidates who will be 16 years old by August 31, 2025.

“This is without prejudice to any institution that has set its own minimum age requirement of 16 years, which remains unchanged,” he said.

The statement also requested institutions to gather information from their Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS) and submit a list of candidates who will turn 16 between January 1 and August 31, 2025, who are eligible for admission, within a week of the announcement.

He noted that this effort aims to ensure fairness, as those whose 2024 admissions extend until August 2025 should not be unduly favored.

The Board reiterated that any institution that insists on maintaining a minimum age of 16 years as of 2024 is free to do so.

Barcelona reportedly fell victim to a scam during the signing of Polish striker, Robert Lewandowski.

The Spanish club were allegedly tricked into sending €1million (£830,000) to a fraudster, who pretended to be working with the agent of star striker Robert Lewandowski.

Barca signed Lewandowski from Bayern Munich in the summer of 2022 for an initial fee of €45m (£37m). The Polish striker has banged in 71 goals in 106 matches for Barcelona since then to prove his worth to the team.

Spanish outlet Cadena SER reported the club had received an email during the transfer, which was claimed to be from the forward's agent Pini Zahavi.

The email is said to have instructed the club to pay a €1million (£830,000) agent's commission, before later making demands for two separate transfers of €250,000 (£208,000).

The €1m payment had been requested to have been paid into the bank account of a lawyer instead of Zahavi, with the email providing details of the account.

Barcelona are said to have paid the fee into a Bank of Cyprus account.

The sum was reported to have been frozen with the payment considered suspicious due to the newly opened account.

Barcelona reportedly came under pressure with another email sent urging them to lobby the bank to unfreeze the payment or risk being reported to football's governing body FIFA.

The bank account was ultimately closed after the bank contacted the club and the alleged scam had been exposed. 

Officials from Barcelona acknowledged to Cadena SER they had been deceived and the funds had been recovered.

Zahavi revealed to the same publication that Barcelona had contacted him one month after the transfer to ask whether he had received the payment.

The agent told the club he was unaware of the lawyer and that the email had not been from him.

Barcelona contacted Zahavi again after it was confirmed the email and bank account were unconnected to him.