Amidst lingering crisis, Dangote Refinery has revealed that the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPC, is supplying insufficient crude oil for its production demand, hence it plans for alternative sources from Brazil and America.

Group Chief Commercial Officer, Dangote Industries Limited, Rabiu A. Umar made this known while speaking with newsmen in Kano.

Umar who said that NNPC supplies only 33 per cent of crude to the refinery, disclosed that it had to look elsewhere to source the remaining 67 per cent to meet its production capacity.

He said the refinery, which has the capacity of refining 650,000 per day, could not depend on short supply from Nigeria’s oil company.

According to Umar, the refinery had concluded plans to supply crude oil from Brazil and America by August.

“First of all the refinery is here in Nigeria. We have the crude oil here in Nigeria. We thought we would get the crude oil here and refined it here in our refinery for the benefit of the country and the citizens.

“Ironically, the country takes the crude oil overseas for refining while we have a refinery, one of the biggest in the world.

“So, we will not stay idle. We have to look for other sources to meet our production capacity. If we get the crude oil supply here in the country we have no reason to go overseas.

“Even now, we are planning to supply crude oil from countries like Brazil and USA,” he said.

He said the refinery had commenced supplies to foreign countries since February, disclosing that they receive orders from different countries for supply, especially aviation fuel.

The Chief Commercial Officer also revealed that the refinery needs 15 cargos of crude oil in September but NNPCL promised only 5 to it, lamenting that they see the government’s lackadaisical actions towards the refinery as sabotage.

According to him, the refinery should be celebrated and embraced by the government rather than painting it black as it is the biggest employer of labour with over 50,000 workers at the moment.

He emphasized that against the government’s false narratives, the refinery had started on a positive note as the quality of its refined products was world standard.

He said even the House of Representatives, under the leadership of its speaker, visited the refinery, saw the difference and was satisfied with the quality of the products.

The official also said, “We are here to defend ourselves and all the government narratives are not true. We urge the people to take samples of our products to ascertain their quality.

“We will not be deterred by the government’s criticism. We will continue until we reach the promised land,” Umar stated.

Recall, that the President of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, NMDPRA, alongside NNPCL, had been locked up in a dispute, ranging from monopoly allegations to supply of crude for the refinery, substandard fuel imports and ownership of blending plants in Malta

The House of Representatives has announced it will advocate for the dismissal of Mele Kyari, the Group Chief Executive Officer of Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), if what they perceive as efforts to undermine the Dangote Refinery are not halted immediately.

Naija News reports that the Deputy Spokesperson of the House, Philip Agbese, made this statement while addressing journalists in Abuja on Saturday.

Agbese highlighted that the lawmakers have already called for the removal of the leadership of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), expressing concern that both the NNPCL and NMDPRA are intent on sabotaging the Dangote Refinery.

Agbese noted that while many Nigerians have canceled planned protests over hardships, they insist on Kyari’s dismissal to ensure the refinery operates smoothly and supports the nation’s economy.

He emphasized that the House intends to investigate the ongoing conflict between Dangote Refinery and the NMDPRA.

Agbese stated, “We have been seeing a lot by way of demarketing campaigns to discredit the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and given the negative impact of this, which has caused panic in the country.

“It is on record that the House directed the President to sack NMDPRA’s CEO.

“The House of Representatives will not hesitate to call for the sack of Mele Kyari if the attempt to destroy the refinery project, a national asset, does not stop immediately.”

Naija News earlier reported that the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, recently led a delegation to visit the Dangote Refinery and Petrochemicals Company in Lagos.

During the visit, Abbas stated that the insights gained would help inform the House’s legislative actions and strategies.

The Lagos State Police Command has rescued a two-month-old baby boy from a couple, Mr and Mrs James Uwam, during the naming ceremony of the child in the state.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, in a statement on Saturday, said the couple paid N2,350,000 to buy the baby from a suspected child trafficker, Loretta Nelson, who bought the baby from a pastor, Peter Udoh, for N1,450,000.

Hundeyin said Udoh bought the baby for N500,000 from another suspected child trafficker, Gloria Sunday, who allegedly stole the baby on July 11, 2024, a situation that prompted the mother of the baby to report the case to the police.

Following the report, Hundeyin said the police swung to action and arrested Sunday, who led them to arrest other suspects linked to the crime by detectives attached to the Oko Oba Division of the command.

The PPRO said, “Detectives swung into action which led to the arrest of Gloria Sunday who during interrogation confessed to selling the baby for N500,000 to one Pastor Peter Udoh.

“Pastor Udoh, who was subsequently arrested in Ikene Town, Ogun State, admitted reselling the child for N1,450,000 to one Loretta Nelson who was then also apprehended in Festac Town, Lagos.”

Hundeyin said Nelson confessed to selling the baby for N2,350,000 to one Mr. and Mrs. James Uwam who were apprehended during the naming ceremony of the stolen child.

Hundeyin noted that investigations have commenced and the suspects will be arraigned at the court after the investigation.

The Senate has expressed deep regret over the sudden death of Senator Ifeanyi Ubah (APC – Anambra South) in London.

A statement by the Chairman Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Senator Adeyemi Adaramodu (APC – Ekiti South) reads in part: “It is with deep sorrow and profound regret that the Nigeria Senate announces the passing of our esteemed colleague, Senator Ifeanyi Uba, who until his passing represented the Anambra South Senatorial District.

“Senator Uba was an exemplary leader, a committed public servant, and an indefatigable advocate for his constituents. His untimely departure represents a significant loss to the Senate, his community, and the nation at large. 

“Prior to his illustrious career in public service, Senator Ifeanyi Uba distinguished himself as a prominent businessman and philanthropist. As the founder and CEO of Capital Oil and Gas Industries Limited, he made substantial contributions to Nigeria’s energy sector, fostering economic growth and creating numerous job opportunities.

“Through the Ifeanyi Uba Foundation, his philanthropic endeavors provided scholarships, healthcare, and vital support to the less privileged, profoundly impacting countless lives.

“Throughout his tenure in the Senate, Senator Uba demonstrated unwavering dedication to the progress and development of Anambra South and Nigeria as a whole.

“He was a beacon of hope, a champion of economic empowerment, and a steadfast supporter of legislative reforms aimed at improving the lives of all Nigerians.

“In expressing his condolences, the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, remarked, ‘Senator Ifeanyi Uba was a dedicated and passionate legislator whose contributions have left an indelible mark on our nation. His commitment to his constituents and his work in the Senate were exemplary. He will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing and working with him.’

“The Nigeria Senate extends our deepest sympathies to Senator Uba’s family, friends, and constituents. We also offer our heartfelt condolences to the Government and people of Anambra State. We pray that they find strength and solace in the legacy of service and dedication he leaves behind. 

“His memory will forever remain in our hearts, and his contributions to our nation’s progress will continue to inspire us all.”

Grammy-winning Afro-fusion singer Burna Boy marked the 5th anniversary of his critically acclaimed album “African Giant” with a thrilling YouTube Live show.

The event, supported by YouTube Music, featured Burna Boy performing songs from the album, which has become a cultural phenomenon and a testament to African pride.

The album, released in 2019, is a genre-bending blend of Afrobeat, dancehall, pop, and hip-hop, featuring international collaborations with artists like Jorja Smith, Jeremih, Future, Damian Marley, and YG.

Burna Boy expressed excitement about the event, saying it was an “incredible experience” to celebrate the album’s anniversary with his fans.

He thanked YouTube Music for helping create the memorable event and his fans for their unwavering support.

He said: “Celebrating the 5th anniversary of ‘African Giant’ with a special performance in London, supported by YouTube Music, has been an incredible experience.

“This album holds a special place in my heart as it represents a pivotal moment in my career and a powerful statement of African pride.

“Performing these songs for my fans, who have supported me every step of the way, is a reminder of the journey we’ve shared and the cultural impact we’ve made together. I’m grateful to YouTube Music for helping us create this memorable event and to all my fans for their unwavering support. Here’s to many more years of making music that resonates and inspires.”

Head of Music at YouTube in Africa, Addy Awofisayo said: “We are thrilled to present Burna Boy on YouTube Music Nights, celebrating the 5th anniversary of his groundbreaking album, African Giant.”

The Coalition of Nigerian Youth Leaders, an umbrella body of all the youth groups across the six geopolitical zones, have concluded arrangements to stage a solidarity march from August 1-10.

The solidarity march, according to them, is in  support of the administration of President Bola Tinubu, who, they said, has  been working round the clock to put the nation back to lost glory. 

A statement signed by Comrade Goodluck Ibem, National President of CONYL and Junaid Abubakar, National Publicity Secretary said: “The act of governance is not a magic show where what we expect just happen immediately at the same time for viewers on the show.  

“Governance demands we show some patience and tolerance by all waiting for our expected good results.

“President Tinubu is currently doing his best via different policies and programmes which in  due course, will bring about good tidings for our dear country. What we need now is a little patience to enjoy what the future holds for us. 

“Nigerian youths should be aware that some criminals are out there who will want to seize any little opportunity to perpetuate crime by looting and destroying private and public businesses and establishments currently putting food on the table of our follow Nigerians. 

“Though protest is the right of citizens in a democratic setting,,but now, is a wrong timing to engage in such given the current situation at hand. 

“We appeal to all aggrieved youths to shun any form of protest and join us who have seen the good things the future holds in a solidarity march in the 36 states of the federation including Federal Capital Territory, FCT, on 1st August to 10th August, 2024 in support of our nation headed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”

Nigerian comedian Anita Alaire Afoke Asuoha, popularly known as Real Warri Pikin, has shed light on the challenges female comedians face in Nigeria’s male-dominated stand-up comedy scene.

Speaking during an interview with Channels Television, Real Warri Pikin, 34, highlighted the systemic barriers that contribute to the scarcity of female comedians in the country.

According to Real Warri Pikin, female comedians must overcome significant hurdles to achieve recognition and success.

She described the comedy industry as heavily skewed towards men, requiring women to exert double the effort to stand out.

Despite her own notable success, she admitted facing criticism and derogatory comments from fans, critics, and peers.

Real Warri Pikin recalled her experience during a show in Abuja last year, where she was surprised to find a lack of female comedians among her guests.

She took to social media, asking her followers to recommend female comedians, which led to numerous tags and messages from aspiring performers.

However, she noted that many of these women were struggling due to the male dominance in the industry.

In her words:

“There are not many women that are doing standup comedy right now. I can actually count them. When I did my show in Abuja last year, I was like “no female comedian?” So I did a post on my page and said, “if you know any female comedian wey good, tag am” and I was shocked. I saw a lot of people tagged and I reached out to them via their DMs.

It was only a few of them that had videos of themselves doing standup here and there. I had conversations with them and they will tell you, it’s a male dominated industry. It is hard.

For woman to dey male dominated industry, you need to work twice as hard before they go come talk say na because you fine na why you funny. So I started having conversations with them, talking to them. It’s not easy for this male dominated industry, but you need to know the craft, and you need to be very strategic. I feel like for more female comedians to fill up the space, we need more encouragement.

I remember when I won standup comedian of the year, no be small curse them curse me for comment section, and if other female comedians see those comments, they will go back to their shell. There are a lot of very funny female comedians but there are a lot of factors.

First, you’re a woman. For you to be woman for this part of the world, the world don give you 1-0. And then the society, and then there’s how people see women.

Even till now, I still get it, as big as I am. You just need to ojiri as a woman. When you don understand the dynamics around the industry, you need to chop ojiri tell yourself all die na die. I must do it regardless.“

Several reactions have followed a video interview of a popular Yoruba movie actor, Femi Adebayo, in which he narrated his experience slapping his father, Adebayo Salami, better known as Oga Bello, on a movie set.

The Jagun Jagun hero shared his experience while he was a guest on a show and spoke about acting with his father.

According to Femi Adebayo, the event happened when he acted the role of a notorious armed robber in the 2008 hit movie Taiwo Taiwo, a movie by Box Office queen, filmmaker and actress, Funke Akindele.

According to the movie star, he had gone into a man’s house to rob, which was his father. On getting there, he demanded the money they had come for, but the man [Oga Bello] was stubborn.

Femi Adebayo remarked that he subconsciously raised his hand and landed it on his father’s cheeks. The actor affirmed that his action was not in the script and felt quite sorry afterwards. In his defence, he perpetrated the act to give more life to his role as a notorious armed robber in the movie.

Nonetheless, Femi Adebayo, who recently won a piracy case, confessed to tendering an apology to his father after the scene. However, his father commended him and told him that he would have been in trouble if he had not slapped him.

Actor Damola Olatunji has revealed personal information on his past relationship life.

He disclosed this to Biola Bayo on her show Talk To B, that his ex-fiancée became pregnant with someone else’s child just weeks before their introduction, leaving him heartbroken.

Olatunji also addressed the rumors surrounding his marriage to colleague Bukola Arugba, stating that he never abandoned his family and continues to pay their children’s school fees.

He emphasised the importance of co-parenting and warned against bashing each other on social media, as it can harm their kids in the long run.

The actor surprisingly revealed that he receives advances from both men and women, acknowledging that he’s not perfect.

He said: “My fiance got pregnant for someone else, weeks to my introduction.

“As a matter of fact, this will be the first time anybody will say I’m talking about my divorce. Some said Damola left his marriage, Damola left the house, and I will be like, these are my kids.

“Feelings die, and love fades. If things are not working in a relationship, it’s better to go separate ways than to become physical. Couples that have kids together should not come online and fight dirty.

“Your kids will grow up one day to read about the things you have said. I am not a deadbeat father. Despite our separation, I still pay my kids’ school fees and attend to their needs. My kids will tell you, ‘My dad is the best in the world. They can never lack as long as I am alive. When you have kids with someone, something will always bring you together for life.

“I get toasted the way ladies get toasted. Both from male and female. Hey, listen, I am not a saint, but I will not do what I will not do”.

Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections, Peter Obi, has mourned the passing of Senator Ifeanyi Ubah.
Recall that Ifeanyi Ubah died in London on Saturday

Reacting to the development, Obi, in a statement on his X handle, said Ubah’s death was a rude shock.

“I received a rude shock this morning, the news of the death of my dear younger brother, and Senator Representing Anambra South Senatorial District, Senator Ifeanyi Ubah.” 

Obi recalled that he was welcomed by Ubah after attending the burial of Chief Pius Onwuzo in Nnewi, Anambra State, on July 12th.

Obi also prayed that God should grant Ubah eternal rest.

“Senator Ubah personally welcomed me at the burial and requested that I visit his house for lunch, to which I pleaded with him to reschedule to another date as I already had several engagements for the day.

“During our discussions on the state of the nation, he told me that he now understands my commitment to the progress of humanity and that he aligns with it.

“He assured me that, despite our party differences, we would work together as a family, in serving our people.

“Similarly, despite party differences, I commended him for his contributions to a better humanity through his Ifeanyi Ubah Foundation, via which he cared for the less privileged in society, by investing in their education and health and pulling people out of poverty. I urged him to continue in that direction.

“May God Almighty who called him home, at this time, forgive his sins and grant him eternal rest, and grant his family, the entire Anambra South Senatorial District; Anambra State; Nigeria; and all of us, the fortitude to bear this sad irreplaceable loss.

“God Almighty protect and bless his family always.”