Members at the Church of the Brethren (EYN) Moduganari in Maiduguri, Borno State, were thrown into confusion on Sunday following the death of their pastor, Reverend Alaku Vincent.

The tragedy struck when Vincent suddenly slumped and died during a child dedication ceremony in the church.

According to Punch, efforts to revive Vincent were unsuccessful, and he was pronounced dead shortly after.

While the cause of death has not been officially disclosed, church members and colleagues have taken to social media to mourn the loss of their beloved pastor.

In a Facebook post, the District Church Secretary of Church Brethren of Nigeria, Timothy Hammajam, described the deceased as “a visionary leader with focus.”

He added, “KBC DCM 2003 graduating class will ever miss your elderly and prophetic words. May God comfort EYN and your family.”

Another church member with the Facebook name Prince Malikson Papaman shared a tribute, describing Vincent’s departure as leaving an “unfillable void” but took comfort in the Bible’s assurance that his death is but a sleep.

He said, “Just a few hours ago, he stood confidently on the altar… passionately shepherding his flock.

“His powerful message still resonates in my mind, as he emphasized the importance of family unity in worship.

“Little did I know it would be his final sermon.

“Rest in eternal peace, Rev. Vincent Alaku. Until we meet again.”

Suspected hoodlums have set sections of Eleme and Ikwerre local government secretariats in Rivers state on fire.

The torching comes barely hours after Kayode Egbetokun, inspector-general of police, ordered the immediate withdrawal of police personnel from the secretariats of the 23 LGAs of the state.

Grace Iringe-Koko, police spokesperson in Rivers, who announced the development, said the IGP’s directive “is in line with the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force stance to ensure neutrality and the smooth functioning of democratic institutions”.

Reports say some of the newly elected chairpersons and councillors arrived the facilities to the sight of thick black smoke billowing from what should be their new offices.

There are also reports of widespread chaos in a raft of other LGAs in Rivers, as the new council bosses set out their stalls for governance.

On Sunday, Siminalayi Fubara, Rivers governor, swore in 23 newly elected local government chairpersons.

The Action Peoples Party (APP) won 22 LGAs in Saturday’s election, while the Action Alliance (AA) was victorious in one LGA.

Speaking at the swearing-in ceremony on Sunday, Fubara said there were plans to perpetrate violence against the elected officials on Monday.

“I’m aware that they are mobilising 20 people per unit to go and confront you tomorrow when you resume in your local government headquarters,” Fubara said.

“Please if they are coming with violence, avoid them.

“The peace of this state is too important to us. Everybody knows what they are planning but please I want to beg everyone to follow my approach.

“At the right time, you will always win if you are patient and calculative. We have made our promises to our people. We are going to lead them to the promised land.”

There has been palpable tension in Rivers due to the prolonged turf war between Fubara and Nyesom Wike, minister of the federal capital territory (FCT).

On October 3, a crowd besieged the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) secretariat in Port Harcourt, the Rivers state capital, to protest against the LGA election.

Hours before commencement of voting, an explosion reportedly rocked the secretariat of an All Progressives Congress (APC) faction led by Tony Okocha, the ex-chairman of the APC caretaker committee in the state.

On Saturday, Police officers reportedly disrupted the local government election in Elekahia primary school, Port Harcourt.

A former Senator, Dino Melaye has been acquitted in the twelfth and final case against him by the Federal Government.

This lengthy legal battle began six years ago.

According to him, Justice Sylvanus Oriji delivered the verdict at the FCT High Court in Maitama, clearing Melaye of two charges of providing false information concerning an alleged assassination attempt on his life in 2017.

This legal saga began in February 2018 when Melaye faced accusations of falsely implicating Edward Onoja, the then-chief of Staff, to Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello in the assassination plot.

Taking to social media platform X on Monday to celebrate the verdict, Melaye expressed his gratitude towards his legal team and emphasised his unwavering faith in divine justice.

“I take life as it comes, but in all the vicissitudes of life, I trust in God only. He is always with the just,” he stated.

In his post, he also noted, “Justice served after six years. Justice delayed is never justice denied. God alone be praised. SEN. DINO MELAYE 12 – FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AND IGP 0. 12 CASES ALL WON BY GOD.”

The initial case regarding the alleged assassination attempt saw delays, including the unfortunate passing of Justice Aromeh Benson Akogu, the judge overseeing the matter, during a cross-over service on December 31, 2017.

The Attorney General’s Office formally charged Melaye on January 31, 2018, claiming his allegations were unfounded, stemming from an investigation into the supposed assassination attempt at his hometown in Ayetoro-Gbede, Kogi State.

He pleaded not guilty on March 1, 2018.

Some other alleged assassination attempts

Again, in July 2018, Melaye accused the Kogi State police command of attempting to kill him.

He made this accusation in response to claims that his security details had shot at policemen conducting ‘stop and search’ operations in Mopa.

In March 2019, Melaye again alleged a conspiracy against his life by the Kogi State government, which the state authorities denied.

Details later

President Bola Tinubu has been reportedly fuming inside the State House over the intense backlash from Nigerians regarding the ongoing economic crisis, with some citizens labelling him “Tpain” just under a year into his administration.

According to Peoples Gazette, this revelation comes from internal memos and aides familiar with the president’s sentiments.

In a recent meeting at the Presidential Villa, President Tinubu confided in two guests and aides, expressing his dismay at the relentless criticism his administration faces.

Sources indicate that he conveyed his sadness over the situation, lamenting that many Nigerians prefer to mock him rather than engage in constructive dialogue to find solutions to the country’s pressing issues.

An aide at the meeting told Peoples Gazette, “The president has been very sad and not hiding his frustration over how quickly the so-called Tpain label was allowed to spread on social media.

“The president was mostly angry with unpatriotic people who sit on social media to call him names without offering any unique solutions of their own but only to malign the government.”

Another aide subsequently corroborated the account.

Both officials sought anonymity to discuss the president’s annoyance with The Gazette, fearing administrative backlash.

One of the officials said the president was not particularly seeking to muzzle speech and other fundamental rights on social media, but only decried the undesired impact of its unfettered deployment on the government’s ability to deliver on its promises without distractions.

The official said, “We’re just trying to determine where the campaign to humiliate the president and people working for him is coming from.

“The president respects the rights of Nigerians to express themselves, but some of us will push back hard against the attackers before they do further damage to the country’s image.”

Nigerian citizens gathered in major cities across the United States, including New York, over the weekend to partake in a vibrant carnival celebrating the 64th anniversary of Nigeria’s independence.

The parades and carnivals were organized in other significant U.S. states, such as Texas, Maryland, Georgia, Massachusetts, and New Jersey.

The Nigeria Independence Day Parade and Carnival in New York closed East 38th to 24th Street and Madison Avenue, uniting Nigerians from diverse backgrounds and supporters to honour their nation’s independence through remarkable cultural displays.

The event highlighted the richness of Nigerian culture and community spirit, as well as the contributions of Nigerian-Americans to both New York and the broader United States.

The audience was captivated by a stellar performance from KCEE, along with other artists and DJs, while various stage acts added to the event’s allure, allowing attendees to enjoy singing and dancing to Nigerian music.

The week-long celebration, which concluded on Sunday, featured the raising of the Nigerian flag in Bowling Green, the financial hub of the world, alongside a gala dinner, a welcome party, and an after-party.

In his welcoming remarks, the Consul-General of Nigeria in New York, Ambassador Abubakar Jidda, expressed to the attendees that “the Nigeria of our dreams is not a distant reality but one that we are all striving to achieve together.”

Ambassador Jidda emphasized the importance of maintaining hope among Nigerians in the diaspora, assuring them that despite the challenges faced at home, the country they envision is attainable.

“We must remain prayerful, and resilient, as well as contribute in our own unique way to the development of our country.

“Let us not forget what makes us uniquely Nigerians. Our talents have continued to shine both at home and abroad,” the Nigerian envoy said.

He paid glowing tribute to Nigerians who were excelling on the global stage, like Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Akinwumi Adesina, Phillip Ozuah, Amina Mohammed, Benedict Oramah, and Phillip Ozuah, among others, as examples of the brilliance and leadership that Nigeria brought to the world.

“Their achievements remind us that Nigeria has a wealth of talent that continues to contribute positively to global progress. I also celebrate millions of our unsung heroes in the United States and beyond,” he said.

Jidda said Nigeria had continued to be a pillar of strength on the global stage, adding,“We have led in peacekeeping, championed democracy, and contributed to economic development across Africa and globally”.

The Nigerian diplomat urged compatriots to celebrate this year’s independence anniversary with “Renewed Hope”, charging them to: “continue to strive, build, and hope.”

“For as long as we remain united, there is nothing that can stop the rise of our great nation. We are Nigeria, and there is no limit to what we can achieve together,” Jidda admonished.

In his address earlier, the Mayor of New York City, Eric Adams, lauded Nigeria’s rich culture and Nigerian-Americans’ lofty contributions to the City, especially his election, the positive energy, and the unique music, cuisines and fashion.

“The Nigerian community is strong, business-minded, family-minded and dedicated to community, so raise the flag, show your strength,” Adams said.

The President of the Organization for the Advancement of Nigerians (OAN), Tomi Aregbesola, emphasized in her opening remarks the importance of global unity among Nigerians.

Olayinka DanSalami, Chairman of the Nigeria Independence Day Committee (NIDC), stated that the parade and carnival, held annually since their inception in 1991, serve as a platform to present Nigeria to the international community.

The NIDC comprises a coalition of Nigerian cultural, religious, professional, business, and civic organizations dedicated to preserving, presenting, and celebrating Nigeria’s rich history and culture.

Super Eagles striker, Victor Osimhen took to Instagram on Sunday, October 6, 2024, to celebrate his daughter,  Hailey, as she turns 2.

Osimhen expressed gratitude to God for blessing his child with another year and showered her with wishes for grace, kindness, and infinite mercy.

The 25-year-old Napoli striker wrote: “Thank you GOD for giving my child another year in this new era. I hope that this year will be marked by many instances of your goodness in our lives, continue to shower her with your grace, kindness and infinite mercy. Keep her on the right track and away from harmful forces AMEN! HAPPY BIRTHDAY MY LOVE.”

Victor Osimhen accompanied the birthday message with adorable photos and a video of him and Hailey at Galatasaray’s stadium.

Hailey True, the daughter of Victor Osimhen and his girlfriend Stefanie Kim Ladewig, holds multiple citizenships, blending her Nigerian heritage with Italian and German roots.

Victor has spoken about the importance of ensuring that Hailey embraces her Nigerian heritage while reminiscing about his own childhood experiences.

Revenue of electricity distribution companies in Nigeria increased to N887.86 billion in the first seven months of 2024 amid an electricity tariff hike.

This is according to analysis of Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission data on Discos’ commercial performance for the seven months of 2024.

The data showed that out of N1.14 trillion electricity bill issued by Discos to customers, the companies recorded 79.7 percent collection efficiency which stood at N887.86bn in the period under review.

A breakdown of the bill collection by Discos from January to July 2024 includes N95bn, N97bn, N100.44bn, N142.92bn, N191.65bn, N150.86bn and N162.14bn which amounted to N887.86 billion.

Further analysis showed that during the corresponding period in 2023, the companies issued bills totaling N797.18 billion, while they managed to collect N604.15 billion.

This surge in revenue collection is not unconnected to the hike in electricity tariff in April from N66 per kilowatt-hour to N225.

Recall that amid the call for the electricity tariff hike reversal, it was reviewed downward to 206.68 per kilowatt-hour, but was reviewed upward to N209 per kilowatt-hour thereafter.

Though the electricity tariff hike was introduced for customers getting at least 20 hours of power supply, Nigerians have lamented the burden occasioned by the tariff.

The energy cost pain has been exacerbated as Discos migrate more consumers to Band A feeders.

The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, however, insisted that Nigeria’s electricity tariff is among the cheapest within African countries.

The Nigerian economy has entered a period of severe hardship, marked by rapidly increasing poverty and hunger. This is driven by a complex combination of domestic economic challenges, policy choices, and external factors. The country's transition into deeper multidimensional poverty—where 133 million Nigerians were classified as such by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) in 2022—has been further compounded by the Bola Tinubu administration's policies, which have exacerbated inflationary pressures and eroded purchasing power. A combination of economic mismanagement, external shocks, and poor governance has resulted in significant devaluation of the Naira, skyrocketing fuel prices, and surging inflation, all of which continue to push more Nigerians into the poverty trap.

Naira Devaluation and Its Effects on Poverty

One of the most severe blows to the Nigerian economy has been the rapid depreciation of the Naira. Since President Bola Tinubu took office in May 2023, the Naira has fallen from N465/$ to N1,700/$ in the parallel market—a more than 70% loss in value . This drastic depreciation has not only diminished the purchasing power of Nigerians but also led to inflationary pressures that have particularly hurt the poor.

The reasons for the Naira's decline are multi-faceted. Nigeria remains heavily dependent on oil exports for foreign exchange, yet oil production has been severely constrained due to widespread theft and declining output. Furthermore, Nigeria’s future oil earnings are increasingly tied up in debt obligations, reducing the inflow of foreign exchange needed to stabilize the currency. The government’s decision to float the Naira in hopes of attracting foreign investment backfired, as it created more volatility without bringing in the expected influx of foreign capital.

This loss of value has translated directly into higher import costs, especially for essential goods like food and fuel, both of which are highly dependent on imports. The manufacturing sector has been hit hard, as many industries rely on imported raw materials. This has led to higher production costs and a subsequent rise in the prices of manufactured goods. As manufacturers struggle to stay afloat due to the scarcity of foreign exchange and rising energy costs, many have been forced to reduce operations, leading to layoffs and further weakening consumer demand.

Rising Fuel Prices and the Energy Crisis

The removal of fuel subsidies, which saw petrol prices soar from N187/litre to N1,000/litre, has been another key factor driving poverty and social unrest. With petrol being a critical input not just for transportation but also for electricity generation—due to Nigeria’s unreliable power grid—the increase in fuel prices has had a cascading effect across the economy. Transportation costs have surged, driving up the price of food and other essential goods, and businesses, particularly small enterprises, have struggled to cope with the added operational costs.

The government’s decision to end fuel subsidies aligned with IMF and World Bank policies aimed at market liberalization, but the timing and execution have worsened living conditions for the average Nigerian. The policy change was intended to free up government revenues for more productive uses, but in the absence of a social safety net, the poor have borne the brunt of the cost increases. Furthermore, the expectation that the Dangote Refinery would lower fuel costs has been met with delays and uncertainties. Even when operational, the refinery’s ability to stabilize fuel prices is constrained by broader issues like exchange rate volatility and global oil market dynamics.

Inflation and Food Insecurity

Nigeria's inflation has risen sharply from 22.4% when Tinubu took office to 32.15% by August 2024. The country is caught in a vicious cycle of rising costs, reduced economic activity, and declining consumer demand. High inflation has been driven by several key factors:

1. Monetary policy and high interest rates: The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has raised the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) to 27.25% in a bid to control inflation, but this has only made borrowing more expensive for businesses, particularly manufacturers. The resulting slowdown in production has led to supply shortages, which in turn have driven up prices.

2. Agricultural disruptions and food inflation: Food inflation has been particularly damaging, especially for the poor, who spend a significant portion of their income on food. Nigeria’s agricultural sector has been hit by insecurity, particularly in the northern regions, where insurgency and banditry have disrupted farming activities. This has led to reduced output and higher food prices, with no immediate solution in sight. Additionally, Nigeria loses up to 50% of its agricultural produce post-harvest due to poor infrastructure and storage facilities, exacerbating food shortages.

3. Currency depreciation: As the Naira has continued to fall, the cost of imported food and agricultural inputs has risen, putting further pressure on food prices. Smuggling of essential goods like food across Nigeria’s porous borders into neighboring countries has also contributed to domestic shortages and price hikes.

The Outlook: No Relief in Sight

Given the current trajectory of the Nigerian economy, there is little hope that poverty and hunger will abate any time soon. Several structural challenges will continue to prevent any meaningful economic recovery in the short or medium term:

- Dependence on imports and a weak manufacturing base: As long as Nigeria remains dependent on imported goods, including fuel and food, the country will continue to be vulnerable to global price fluctuations and exchange rate volatility. The lack of a robust manufacturing sector limits the ability of the economy to generate foreign exchange, exacerbating the currency crisis and perpetuating poverty.

- Foreign exchange shortages: The scarcity of foreign exchange will continue to drive up the cost of imports and fuel inflation. The government’s limited ability to intervene in the currency market means that the Naira is unlikely to stabilize without substantial foreign investment or an increase in oil production, both of which seem unlikely in the near term.

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