The federal government has directed the Vice Chancellors of universities to tighten security in their various campuses ahead of planned nationwide protests being organized bodies over the growing economic hardship in the country.

Chris Maiyaki, the Acting Executive National Universities Commission (NUC), in a letter to the Vice Chancellors on behalf of the Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, asked the Vice Chancellors to take other proactive measures to protect the school environment, its properties and staff.

The letter reads: “The Honourable Minister of Education has directed that the attention of Vice-Chancellors of all Nigerian Universities be formally drawn to the plan by unknown groups to embark on nationwide protests.

“The Federal Government is not unaware of the right of any Nigerian to peaceful protest, but is concerned about the safety of staff, students and university property should there be any protest action.

“Consequently, the Minister has directed that Vice-Chancellors of all Nigerian Universities should take proactive steps to ensure the security and safety of the university community, including staff and students.

“In addition, Vice-Chancellors are to please issue specific statements to assure staff and students of their safety. It is also advisable that students remain on campus to focus on their academic pursuits so as to avoid exposure to any potential danger during the planned protests. Please accept the renewed assurances of my highest considerations and best wishes.”

The highly anticipated ninth season of Big Brother Naija (BBNaija) has made its grand debut, introducing viewers to the dazzling new “No Loose Guard” house.

The housemates, who will be competing in the “better-as-pairs” format, will call this luxurious space home for the next 71 days.

As the season kicked off, organizers introduced the housemates who will vie for the coveted grand prize.

The winner of BBNaija Season 9 will walk away with a whopping N100 million, along with other fantastic rewards.

The “No Loose Guard” house is equipped with state-of-the-art amenities and stylish interiors, providing a comfortable and visually appealing environment for the contestants.

The housemates will be under constant surveillance, with cameras capturing their every move and interaction 24/7.

For a sneak peek at the interior of the BBNaija S9 house, check out the first glimpses of the luxurious living space that the housemates will enjoy.

See below;

Curvy Nigerian film actress, Destiny Etiko has queried Nigerians for getting excited over the new season of the Big Brother Naija amid the hardship in the country.

In a post on her official page on the photo and video sharing site, Instagram, she noted how the country is currently under an economic downturn, yet Nigerians still have money for data.

She stated that if Nigerians aren’t complaining, then who is she to complain as she is only concerned for the poor masses.

Destiny Etiko noted how the crime rate has increased, and insecurity is the order of the nation, yet everyone is calm.

“E don red for our country, and I still dey see people dey happy about BBN Hmmmm nawa o.
Oh, una still get enough money for data, Abi?
If you guys do not complain, who am I to do so?
Am majorly concerned about the pøor masses, though.
That you can survive does not mean that everyone can o.

Crime is now happening everywhere.
Insecurity has become the order of the day, and everyone is literally calm.
The earlier
The better”.

Singer and actor Tunde Obe says he had almost given up on his younger brother, Segun Obe getting married.

The younger Obe got married to Ghanaian, Nita Aboagye in Accra on Thursday, July 18 at the age of 50.

A joyous Tunde Obe shared pictures from the wedding activities on X on Saturday, confessing that he thought his sibling might no longer get married. Tunde Obe wrote:

“It is with GREAT pleasure and tremendous JOY that I announce the wedding of my dear aburo @SegunObe1 to Ms Nita Abogye… In fact, I had nearly given up. But it’s never too late to find love. Segun has found his missing rib, at 50. My happiness knows no bounds,”

The 55-year-old who attended the wedding ceremonies with his wife Wunmi Obe said in another post:

“It was a beautiful week in Ghana, celebrating one of the dearest people in my life, my younger brother.”

Tunde’s post came after his brother confirmed his marriage in a social media post on Saturday. Segun wrote:

“Not a word failed of ANY GOOD THING which the Lord has spoken to the house of Israel. All came to pass (Joshua 21:45).

“…and so, exactly a week ago, I got hitched with the love of my life NITA in the city of Accra in Ghana.

“God is never too early, or too late…He is ALWAYS right on time.

“To God be the glory,”

His sister-in-law Wunmi Obe also shared a video from the wedding on Facebook, writing,

“So last week Thursday 18th July in the beautiful city of Accra Ghana, Obe family went to ask for the hand in marriage of one the beautiful daughters of the soil, Nita Aboagye, on behalf of their son, Segun Obe. With this kain steeze on display, how were they going to refuse us?? Naija nor dey carry last, abeg!”

Crowds have besieged the offices of MTN Nigeria in some parts of the country over barred lines.

On Sunday, many Nigerians took to social media platforms to lament that their MTN lines have been barred from making or receiving calls.

TheCable understands that telecommunication companies commenced a mass disconnection of telephone lines not linked with national identification numbers (NINs) late Saturday.

Most 9mobile subscribers have also not been able to receive or make calls since Saturday night.

The restriction comes ahead of a planned nationwide protest billed for August 1.

More to follow…

Tension is rising across the country as organizers of the nationwide protests scheduled for August 1 to 10 have vowed not to back down.

DAILY POST reports that some Nigerians, who are irked by the prevailing economic situation ravaging the nation, vowed to stage mass protests in the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, next month.

The demonstration, according to the organizers, is aimed at drawing the attention of the governments at various levels to the hardship bedeviling the citizens. 

The agenda is also to possibly persuade the current administration into reversing some policies that birthed the current economic reality.

This has triggered tension across the country with some government officials, business owners, security agencies fidgeting over possible attacks on them.

Hardship

DAILY POST reports that the nation has been clouded in the plague of hunger since President Bola Tinubu announced the end of fuel subsidy era in 2023.

On Wednesday, the National Bureau of Statistics disclosed in its June report that prices of some food items skyrocketed as high as 250 percent recently.

According to the data obtained by DAILY POST, one kilogram of white Garri (sold loose) went up by 181.66 percent on a year-on-year basis from N 403.15 in June 2023 to N1,135.51 in June 2024, while there was an increase of 1.86 percent on a month-on-month basis.

Also, the price of 1kg of beans brown (sold loose) stood at N2,292.76 indicating a rise of 252.13 percent from N651.12 recorded in June 2023.

Similarly, 1kg of Yam tuber increased by 295.79 percent on a year-on-year basis from N510.77 in June 2023 to N 2,021.55 in May 2024.

The report added that there was also a notable price increase of Irish potato by 288.5 percent on a year-on-year basis from N623.75 in June 2023 to N2,423.27 in June 2024.

According to the organizers of the looming protest, the inability of Nigerians to afford the food items and other basic needs is what stimulated the move for the ten days nationwide protests titled the “Days Of Rage”.

Security concerns

There are concerns that the proposed protest may worsen the security crisis already facing the nation.

The Nigeria Police Force, the Nigerian Defence Headquarters and the Department of State Services have all raised the alarm that the planned protest may result in anarchy.

DAILY POST recalls that the Defence Headquarters on Thursday warned that the planned protest has the potential of degenerating into anarchy and a reign of terror.

The Director of Defence Media Operations, Edward Buba, who spoke while briefing journalists in Abuja, said that there were signs of status-related violence such that persons with things as basic as smartphones and cars were targets, not leaving out those who own houses and shops.

Similarly, the Nigeria Police Force issued a cautionary alert, citing credible intelligence about potential manipulation by foreign mercenaries and the involvement of malicious groups aiming to disrupt public order.

Olukayode Egbetokun, the Inspector-General of Police IGP, expressed concerns about the involvement of external actors in the protests, emphasizing the need for Nigerians to exercise caution before joining any protest groups.

In the same vein, the Department of State Services, DSS warned the organisers of the protests against proceeding with their plans.

The service alerted the general public that it uncovered a plan by some criminal elements to hijack the protest and cause unrest in the country.

DSS, in a statement by its spokesperson, Peter Afunanya, described the motive behind the protest as political

He claimed that plotters of the protest intended to use the violent outcome of the demonstration to smear the federal and sub-national governments.

Organizers vow not to back down

Despite the warnings, cautions and concerns raised from different quarters, the organizers of the proposed protest said there is no going back.

A former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress, AAC, Omoyele Sowore, who is one of the key organizers, told DAILY POST on Saturday that the protest will hold as scheduled.

He said, “The #EndBadGovernmnetInNigeria #DaysOfRage will take place on August 1st 2024 as scheduled; Organizers are under pressure to start earlier”.

Asked if he would be physically present during the protest, Sowore who as of the time of this report is in the United States, said “the revolt will occur globally; yes, I will participate fully”.

On the controversy surrounding the inclusion of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, in the 15 key demands recently reeled out by the organizers, Sowore said demanding Kanu’s release “is the right thing to do”.

He said, “We understand that as an ethnically, culturally and religiously diverse country, some may find the inclusion of free Nnamdi Kanu a bit challenging but it is the right thing to do to address the monumental injustices intertwined in the legally tangled conundrum the federal government has found itself in sustaining Kanu’s unjust incarceration.

“When Free Elzakyaky was included in 2019, some people frowned at it but today, he is a free man and the heavens did not fall”.

Stakeholders beg organizers to shelve protest, embrace dialogue

Politicians, groups, organizations, business owners and other stakeholders have continued to call for dialogue in place of the planned protest.

Pan-Yoruba socio-cultural and socio-political organization, Afenifere on Saturday told DAILY POST that rather than embarking on a protest that may eventually lead to destruction of lives and properties, the organizers should engage in dialogue.

Comrade Jare Ajayi, Afenifere national publicity secretary, in a chat with our correspondent, said memories of the destruction that marred the 2020 EndSARS still remained fresh.

He said, “like we have said, the experience of what happened during the EndSARS in 2020 is still fresh in our minds. Scars of the protests can still be felt in various places.

“The nonpareil modern laboratory in Lagos that was destroyed then could not be replaced up till now. A laboratory that had nothing to do with what the protesters were venting their anger against.

“The destruction of the laboratory has meant that tests that could be routinely done in Lagos now have to be taken to the United States of America. Instances abound in other parts of the country.

“Since, dialogues would be employed to resolve conflicts, it’s better to engage in dialogues rather than allowing conflicts to degenerate into street protests that stand the chance of being hijacked by irate mobs.”

Planned protests lack well-defined objective – Arewa Youths

The Arewa Youth Consultative Forum, AYCF, says it won’t participate in the planned nationwide protests, saying the objective of the organizers is not well defined.

The President General of AYCF, Yerima Shettima told DAILY POST on Saturday that though protest is a legitimate right of citizens, violence should not be an option.

He said, “The right to peacefully assemble and voice grievances is a fundamental right that is enshrined in the constitution of many countries, including Nigeria.

“However, the effectiveness and appropriateness of the protests that are being planned in Nigeria have sparked a debate on many issues.

“While protest is a legitimate and vital tool for citizens to gather and raise their voices in unity, it is essential that protests are conducted in a peaceful and organized manner.

“Violence and destruction during protests can have negative consequences, leading to harm to individuals and property and undermining the message that the protesters are trying to convey.

“It is crucial that protests are aimed at sparking dialogue, raising awareness, and enacting positive change, rather than inciting chaos and harm.

“It is essential that the North and other regions in Nigeria are advised against participating in protests that do not have well-defined objectives and may potentially lead to unrest and instability”.

Super Falcons head coach, Randy Waldrum has attributed his side’s defeat against Spain to poor marksmanship.

The West Africans suffered their second consecutive defeat at the 2024 Olympic Games, going down 1-0 against the world champions on Sunday.

The Super Falcons were pinned back by the Spaniard for the majority of the game but still created enough scoring chances to get at least a point.

Waldrum confessed his side’s failure to put their chances to bed was responsible for the defeat.

“We had three to four good opportunities today, regrettably, we did not convert them”, the American said after the game.

“We had one in the first half, a breakaway and Asisat and Rash (Rasheedat Ajibade) missed those chance. We had chances, regrettably, the Spanish converted theirs.”

Waldrum, however, said his team have shown they can compete with any team in the world.

“We lost to two of the best teams in the world. Spain is the best team in the world right now and Brazil are in the top 10,” he added.

“We have shown that we could have gotten something out of those matches. It shows we can play against anybody in the world. So I am proud of the players.”

Former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress, AAC, Omoyele Sowore, has alleged that the current fuel crisis in the country was introduced to stifle Nigerians planning protest on August 1.

Sowore in a post on his X handle on Monday also accused mobile telecommunication companies of deliberately targeting Nigerians to slow down their ability to communicate and mobilize.

According to him, Nigerians were more than ever determined to end bad governance in Nigeria.

He said: “FUEL CRISIS has been introduced to stifle Nigerias planning #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria

TELCOS – @MTNNG @GloWorld @AirtelNigeria are deliberately targeting Nigerians to slow down their ability to communicate and mobilize.

Nigerians are determined more than ever to #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria during the #DaysOfRage
#Nogoingback #RevolutionNow.”

DAILY POST reports that depots for Premium Motor Spirit, PMS, popularly called petrol, are currently dry, leading to fuel scarcity and attendant queues in major states across the country.

DAILY POST learnt that black marketers have taken advantage of the situation, with some selling as high as N1,300 per litre and N1,500 per litre in Enugu, Lagos and Ogun states.

The development is coming on the heels of the plan by some Nigerians who are mobilising for nationwide protest slated for August 1 to August 10, 2024.

The organisers of the protest have lamented about widespread hunger and inflation in the country.

A Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, has claimed that elecommunications companies in the country could be trying to hinder the upcoming protest against economic hardship.

Adegboruwa in a statement on Sunday, said there were a lot of complaints about network restrictions as the date for the protest approaches.

Scheduled to begin on August 1, the demonstration aims to address issues of hunger, poverty, and dissatisfaction with current economic policies.

He noted, “In recent days, some telecom companies have been disconnecting subscribers for trivial or unexplained reasons.”

Adegboruwa also criticised the timing of these disconnections, suggesting that they are intended to limit the reach of protestors and frustrate the planned demonstration.

The SAN noted that telecom contracts are binding and that subscribers should be given adequate time and information to address any issues.

He urged the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC. to investigate the matter and ensure that subscribers’ rights are protected.

Fuel scarcity has hit several states across Nigeria, including Lagos, Ogun, Abuja, Niger, and others, leading to long queues at fuel stations and a hike in prices.

Naija News understands that the situation has been exacerbated by the dryness of many depots, with black marketers taking advantage of the scarcity to sell fuel at exorbitant prices.

According to reports, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) attributed the tightness in fuel supply and distribution to a hitch in the discharge operations of a couple of vessels.

“The NNPC Ltd wishes to state that the tightness in fuel supply and distribution witnessed in some parts of Lagos and the FCT is as a result of a hitch in the discharge operations of a couple of vessels,” the NNPC Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Olufemi Soneye, said.

The company added that it was “working round the clock with all stakeholders to resolve the situation and restore normalcy in the operations.”

However, despite the assurance by the NNPC that the situation would be resolved, the scarcity has worsened, with many fuel stations running dry.

According to The PUNCH, there was no loading of trucks in the Apapa depots as of Sunday.

A depot operator, who did not want his name in print, stated that there was no fuel in almost all the depots on Sunday after the little available was supplied on Saturday.

The source confirmed that the depots are dry, saying “supply gets late thereby affecting product load out.”

In Lagos, black marketers were selling fuel for as high as N1,300 per liter and N1,500 per liter in some areas. The situation was similar in Ogun State, where fuel was sold for N1,200 per liter. In Abuja, the capital city, fuel was sold for between N660 per liter and N800 per liter, while black marketers sold for N1,200 per liter.

Oil marketers revealed that they were also queuing up to load petrol, adding that most depots lacked stock to sell.

The National Vice President of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, Hammed Fashola, stated that marketers were buying PMS at a price above N700 per liter from private depots.

“We, marketers, too are surprised that we couldn’t get fuel as we used to get at depots. We were worried too; we didn’t know the cause until the NNPC came out with a release on Saturday. Let’s just believe what the NNPC said, that they would arrest the situation,” Fashola told The PUNCH.

“I believe that within this week, everything will be normalised by the time they push products to the depots for marketers to pick from. Ours is to pick from the depots, take it into our stations, and dispense to the public. But for now, most of the depots are dry. The implication of that is that the stations will be dry too. Most of our members have run out of stock. That is the cause of the queues we are experiencing now,” he added.

He noted that marketers were still buying PMS “at a price that is above N700/litre from the private depots.

“We are not yet getting direct supply from the NNPC as we are supposed to. What we are getting is so small compared to our population. That is why we are forced to go to the third parties, the private depot owners, and they are not helping matters with the kind of price they are putting out there.

“That is why independent marketers sell around N800 or so. Until we address this issue of direct supply, there will be issues. We keep shouting to the NNPC to look at that area properly because something is fundamentally wrong with our distribution channel and until they correct that, we will continue to have this issue of fuel scarcity.”

The Executive Secretary of the Major Energies Marketers Association of Nigeria, Clement Isong, confirmed that there had been low stock but could not tell when the situation would improve.

He noted that the problem was that the stock was low because there had been some challenges in bringing the product into the country from the vessels.

“The problem is that the stock is low because there have been some challenges in bringing the product into the country from the vessels. We are all queuing up for products, everybody is looking for the product from the NNPC. Only the NNPC knows when normalcy will be restored. It is the sole supplier,” Isong stated

The situation has led to an increase in transportation fares, with commuters lamenting the hike in prices.

In some areas, black marketers were selling fuel for as high as N1,500 per liter, while fuel stations sold for between N750 and N800 per liter.

The fuel scarcity has also affected economic activities, with many businesses struggling to operate due to the high cost of fuel. The situation has further increased the cost of living in many states, with residents lamenting the hardship.

The NNPC has been urged to address the issue of direct supply, as marketers are forced to buy from private depots at high prices. The situation has led to a call for the government to intervene and resolve the fuel scarcity.