Igboho emphasised that the Yoruba Nation has no intention of joining the protest, stating, “While the right to peaceful protest is enshrined in our Constitution, it does not extend to calls for an unconstitutional regime change.”
He further explained that during President Buhari’s tenure, there were no protests from the Southwest for regime change, even in the face of oppression and atrocities.
He said the focus of their protests has always been on protecting their communities, not destabilising the country.
“I and the Yoruba Nation Movement firmly declared that we will not participate in any protest aimed at using the Southwest as a battleground for political upheaval,” Igboho, said, affirming that the Yoruba Nation will not be a launchpad for disintegrating Nigeria.
Igboho also highlighted that economic hardship is a global issue and acknowledged the efforts of the government in reducing food prices and increasing the minimum wage.
He called on all Yoruba people and well-meaning Nigerians to reject what he described as politically motivated protest.
“The Yoruba Nation unequivocally opposes any such protests and believes that President Tinubu should be allowed to complete his term in office,” Igboho said, emphasizing that the path to change lies in democratic processes, either through the ballot box or a referendum.
Igboho urged their members and the broader community to resist the temptation to participate in these protests, as they do not serve the interests of the Yoruba people or the nation as a whole.
He also issued a strong warning against any individuals or groups attempting to instigate violence under the guise of these protests, stating that they will firmly resist and stay off the streets during the designated protest days and in the future.
Obasempire reports that President Bola Tinubu has approved a new directive to advance crude oil trade using the local currency.
The Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Zacchaeus Adedeji, revealed this to State House reporters on Monday, following the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
He stated that, effective immediately, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited will conduct transactions with local refineries in Naira.
This policy also applies to the sale of crude oil to Dangote Refinery, with Dangote’s subsequent product sales to be carried out in Naira.
Adedeji explained that the initiative aims to reduce the heavy dependence on foreign exchange for crude oil imports, which currently represents about 30 to 40 percent of Nigeria’s forex spending.
The FIRS Chairman added that by denominating transactions in Naira, the Federal Government hopes to significantly lessen the forex burden, projecting annual savings of approximately $7.3 billion.
He emphasized that the shift is expected to stabilize domestic crude oil prices by minimizing the effects of forex fluctuations and alleviate pressure on Nigeria’s foreign exchange reserves, reducing monthly forex expenditure from $50 million to roughly $600 million.
Afreximbank has been chosen as the pilot settlement bank to implement the transactions.
Obasempire reports that the Ogun State Police Command has detained a 25-year-old woman, known as Yetunde Gbadebo, for attempting to sell her three-year-old daughter on Aladiye Street in Sagamu.
Our correspondent learned on Sunday that the incident occurred around 10:00 AM on July 25, 2024.
A report from a police source at the command indicated that the suspect was apprehended while bargaining a N700,000 price for the child with a 38-year-old man named Sunday None.
A team of police investigators from the Sagamu Division raided the area after a resident reported seeing the two during the negotiation.
During questioning, the spokesperson for the command, Omolola Odutola, revealed that Gbadebo denied the accusation, while None admitted to the offense.
She said, “The woman was about to sell her three-year-old daughter to another suspect. A resident who saw the two suspects negotiating the price approached our station in Sagamu to report what she saw.
Obasempire reports that numerous depots for Premium Motor Spirit, commonly known as petrol, are currently empty, causing fuel shortages and long lines in Lagos, Ogun, parts of Abuja, Niger, and other states nationwide.
It has been reported that black marketers are exploiting the situation, charging up to N1,300 per litre and N1,500 per litre in some areas of Lagos and Ogun states.
Extended queues began forming at fuel stations in Abuja and Lagos on Friday and continue to this day.
On Saturday, in response to the ongoing queues and shortages in various regions, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited stated that the supply and distribution issues were due to a problem with the discharge operations of several 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.”
Obasempire reports that Osun State Governor, Adetola Adeleke, has endorsed the traditional method of controlling food prices recently introduced by some local rulers in the state.
Governor Adeleke has instructed the Food Security Implementation Committee to accelerate efforts to ensure a stable and accessible food supply chain. He characterized the traditional rulers’ method as “a local initiative to combat rising food inflation throughout the state.”
Reports indicate that the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, has instructed vendors in Ife to lower food prices and dissolved the market vendors’ association in the region.
Similarly, the Oluwo of Iwo land, Oba Abdulrosheed Adewale Akanbi, has mandated a reduction in food prices across the three local government areas of Iwo land.
In a statement released on Friday by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, Governor Adeleke urged the State Food Security Implementation Committee to act promptly. He expressed approval of the traditional rulers’ efforts to regulate food prices and address the exploitative practices of middlemen in markets.
Governor Adeleke criticized the artificial inflation caused by market intermediaries and praised the traditional rulers, led by the Ooni of Ife, for dismantling market associations that contributed to high food prices.
According to the Governor, “the actions of most members of the Osun State Council of Traditional Rulers on price control have assisted the government in its quest to address food insecurity in Osun State.”
He praised the traditional rulers for impressing upon market leaders the need to avoid unnecessary price increases and called on all other traditional rulers in Osun State to emulate the actions of the royal fathers at Ile Ife, Ede, Igbajo, Iwo, and other areas.
“I task our royal fathers to engage market associations and stop the exploitation of our people. I read the report of the initiative by the Ooni of Ife. I also read of similar actions by the Oluwo of Iwoland and the Timi of Ede Land. This approach should be adopted by all royal fathers.
“I am also directing my Special Adviser on Markets to move quickly to support our royal fathers in this new drive to institute traditional price control. The Iyalojas and Babalojas should be integrated into the implementation process.”
Meanwhile, Governor Adeleke also tasked the Committee on Food Security Implementation to quickly come up with actionable plans, deliverables, and timelines, noting that food security is a matter demanding urgent attention.
“The Committee is composed of tested experts. It is time for action. We already have a well-thought-out food security report. We only need a roadmap to execution.
“I commend the Commissioner for Agriculture for rising to the occasion on our agro-industrialization agenda. We have started with the supply of tractors, which I will be unveiling at a ceremony soon. We have embraced traditional price control through our traditional rulers.
“We must implement a holistic agenda which addresses all segments of the agricultural value chains. That is what we have in our Food Security Committee report, and the actualization is what I demand from the implementation committee,” the state Governor declared.
Obasempire reports that Chief Camilus Amajuoyi, the President General of Alaba International Market in Ojo Lagos, has declared that the market’s members will abstain from the upcoming nationwide demonstrations.
He explained that this choice is not due to ignorance of the current severe economic conditions but rather from the view that large-scale protests might not be the most suitable remedy at this moment.
Amajuoyi stressed that many vendors in the market depend on daily earnings and cannot afford to halt their business operations.
He noted that the informal sector, which encompasses numerous market participants, has been significantly impacted by the tripling expenses of running a business, without any governmental support, incentives, or interest-free loans to ease their difficulties.
Nevertheless, he voiced his trust in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s capability to tackle the country’s urgent issues.
“The fluctuating exchange rates and high costs of duties at national ports, coupled with increased transportation expenses, have made it nearly impossible for business owners to plan effectively. These factors have contributed to the sharp rise in the prices of goods and services across the country.
“These are realities staring Nigerians in the face, from the North, East west and South of the nation. Even at that, we members of Alaba International market unequivocally state that we are not going to partake in any planned protest in Nigeria, we are not closing our market in solidarity with any group or persons with regard to any protest.
“We believe that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will definitely find a lasting solution to the numerous challenges facing Nigerians now, ranging from insecurity, high cost of food, drugs, transportation, bad roads, corruption among other things,” Amajuoyi said.
Amajuoyi however decried the perilous state of the only access road to Alaba International Market, which has caused numerous accidents involving heavy-duty trucks.
Obasempire reports that Chief Camilus Amajuoyi, the President General of Alaba International Market in Ojo Lagos, has declared that the market’s members will abstain from the upcoming nationwide demonstrations.
He explained that this choice is not due to ignorance of the current severe economic conditions but rather from the view that large-scale protests might not be the most suitable remedy at this moment.
Amajuoyi stressed that many vendors in the market depend on daily earnings and cannot afford to halt their business operations.
He noted that the informal sector, which encompasses numerous market participants, has been significantly impacted by the tripling expenses of running a business, without any governmental support, incentives, or interest-free loans to ease their difficulties.
Nevertheless, he voiced his trust in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s capability to tackle the country’s urgent issues.
“The fluctuating exchange rates and high costs of duties at national ports, coupled with increased transportation expenses, have made it nearly impossible for business owners to plan effectively. These factors have contributed to the sharp rise in the prices of goods and services across the country.
“These are realities staring Nigerians in the face, from the North, East west and South of the nation. Even at that, we members of Alaba International market unequivocally state that we are not going to partake in any planned protest in Nigeria, we are not closing our market in solidarity with any group or persons with regard to any protest.
“We believe that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will definitely find a lasting solution to the numerous challenges facing Nigerians now, ranging from insecurity, high cost of food, drugs, transportation, bad roads, corruption among other things,” Amajuoyi said.
Amajuoyi however decried the perilous state of the only access road to Alaba International Market, which has caused numerous accidents involving heavy-duty trucks.
He urged the Lagos State government to prioritize the repair of this critical route and focus on other projects that could significantly reduce the suffering of the masses.
He also warned potential protesters to stay away from Alaba International Market to prevent any looting or damage to goods.
He called on the Lagos State government, Nigerian police, military, DSS, and other security agencies to ensure that all market places are protected from criminal elements.
He urged the Lagos State government to prioritize the repair of this critical route and focus on other projects that could significantly reduce the suffering of the masses.
He also warned potential protesters to stay away from Alaba International Market to prevent any looting or damage to goods.
He called on the Lagos State government, Nigerian police, military, DSS, and other security agencies to ensure that all market places are protected from criminal elements.
Obasempire reports that the operatives of the State Security Service (SSS) in the Katsina State Command have recovered 2,000 bags of rice from the 20 trucks provided to the state by the Federal Government.
The retrieved rice was reportedly misappropriated by certain government officials.
The Federal Government’s donation aimed to alleviate the impact of the current economic difficulties in the country.
SSS officials in the state, who confirmed the adverse development, chose not to provide further details and preferred to remain anonymous.
An investigation revealed that the 25kg bags of rice were stored in a warehouse at the Central Market in Katsina.
The discovery came after individuals notified the DSS on Wednesday night, prompting an immediate response.
Abdulrahman Abdullahi, Chairman of the Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in the state, expressed astonishment at the incident.
Mr. Abdullahi criticized how the Federal Government’s aid, intended for the needy, was reportedly redirected by some unscrupulous individuals.
He pledged to pursue the case until it reaches a proper resolution.
He also urged the government to thoroughly investigate the situation and penalize those responsible for the diversion.
Additionally, Katsina resident Suleiman Kofar-Durbi commented that the situation is regrettable.
“It is unfortunate that I received the information yesterday night that the President provided relief to the vulnerable and some people diverted it.
“People are experiencing hardship due to the current economic situation in the country, the government should investigate the matter thoroughly and bring culprits to book,” he said.
The Chairman, Market Traders Association, Shehu Usman, said that the rice was brought into the market by someone who was not a trader.
“Someone asked his brother to keep the rice for him in his stores in the market.
“We are calling on our members to be careful in receiving such items from people outside for keeping in the market,” he said.
Responding to the matter, the Principal Private Secretary to Governor Dikko Radda, Aliyu Abdullahi, said the rice was allocated to the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa, by the Federal Government.
He said, “The minister directed the Special Adviser to the Governor on Infrastructure Development, Alhaji Nasiru Lawal to keep it and he decided to take the rice to the market for safe keeping.
“The rice allocated to the minister were 1, 200 bags.”
Obasempire reports that a Facebook user known as Yahoo Driver expressed his elation today over the recent increase in Nigeria’s minimum wage, despite admitting to academic setbacks.
His jubilant post, shared shortly after Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced the wage increase from N30,000 to N70,000, has drawn widespread attention and amusement.
Yahoo Driver wrote, “thank God for the carryover.” This highlighted how the new minimum wage would positively impact his financial situation, even though it didn’t address his academic struggles.
His post quickly went viral, with many finding humor in his enthusiasm for the wage hike despite his educational challenges.
The wage increment, approved by the Senate, aims to ease the financial burden on many workers. For Yahoo Driver, it appears to be a rare bright spot amidst personal setbacks.
The reaction from the public has been a mix of surprise and humor, with many questioning the connection between academic performance and financial relief.
In a related development, another Facebook user, identified only as “Darling Anita,” has also shared her change of heart regarding her plans. Initially uninterested in public service, the new minimum wage has prompted her to reconsider her stance, possibly motivated by the increased financial stability.
The new wage policy is expected to benefit many Nigerians, particularly those in lower-income brackets. As the country adjusts to the higher minimum wage, it remains to be seen how individuals like Yahoo Driver and Missed Opportunity will adapt their personal and professional aspirations.
James had written X.com on Tuesday, “Fun fact: A colleague of mine who had two kids already said he should do it and add one more.
“Guess how many his wife gave birth to? Four at once (quadruplets). The man wan craze. Na so so lament for status every day.”
He further shared a screenshot of what he said was one of Olayode’s WhatsApp posts about the number of diapers used in a short period.
The post read, “105 pieces of diapers in 6 days. Haaa, mo gbe mo daran. E shanu mi eyin quadruplet yi.”
James’ post on X.com gained the attention of netizens, with some highlighting the challenges of raising young children.
By Wednesday, James stated that he had received permission from the couple to share the picture of the parents and the children, as well as Olayode’s bank account details, for those who had been asking.
He wrote, “I reached out to them yesterday for their permission to post their picture and that of the children, as well as his account details.
“Also, if you would love to send them diapers or anything else, kindly reach out to me. I will find a way to get it to them. Proper accountability would be done.”
Sharing further details, James stated that as of 9.42 a.m., Olayode had received N1,598,750, and some individuals had offered to give him baby items and diapers.Lawmaker Yusuf Gagdi Faces Backlash for Gifting SUV to DaughterSharing further details, James stated that as of 9.42 a.m., Olayode had received N1,598,750, and some individuals had offered to give him baby items and diapers.
Sharing hourly updates alongside a screenshot, James revealed that, as of 10:03 a.m., Olayode had received N2,811,277.
“As of 11:03 am they have received N4,226,769. Husband and wife are both in awe. They are speechless. God is kind,” he added.
Akpabio noted that employers are now prohibited from compensating their domestic workers, drivers, or security personnel below N70,000.
He made this announcement while enacting the new minimum wage legislation during a session in the Senate.
According to Akpabio: “If you’re a tailor and you employ additional hands, you can’t pay the person below 70,000. If you have a housemaid, you cannot pay them below 70,000. If you hire a driver or a gateman, you cannot pay them below 70,000.”
