Fuel Shortages Cause Long Lines Across Lagos, Abuja, And Other States

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.

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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.

Read more: Tinubu-Ojo Urges Lagos Traders to Keep Children from Protests

“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.”

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Tinubu-Ojo Urges Lagos Traders To Keep Children From Protests

Obasempire reports that Folasade Tinubu-Ojo, the Iyaloja-General of Lagos and daughter of President Bola Tinubu, has advised merchants in the state to deter their children from joining the upcoming nationwide demonstrations starting on August 1.

Addressing attendees at Dosunmu market on Saturday, Tinubu-Ojo highlighted that the Lagos state government has made significant strides in improving residents’ lives.

Read more: Alaba Market Leader Declines Participation In Nationwide Protests, Cites Business Concerns

Recalling the aftermath of the #EndSARS protests in 2020, Tinubu-Ojo pointed to the damage to government properties and the prolonged recovery difficulties faced by businesses as instances of the negative consequences of protests.

Tinubu-Ojo urged families to dissuade their children from participating in protests and called on Lagosians to remain composed and support the state government, which she asserted is working earnestly to better the welfare of its citizens.

Her words: “Let’s tell ourselves, family, and children that there is nothing like protest in Lagos. It is a gimmick to destroy the country.

“Look at what they did during the last protest (#EndSARS), look at how they burnt government properties. Can you see that they are fighting against us?

“Don’t allow any political party to give money to some persons to fight. Don’t allow our children to get killed during the process.

“Look at the ShopRite at Adeniran Ogunsanya, Sangotedo, Lekki. Those businesses that were destroyed… have the owners recovered from their losses?

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“I’m begging you in the name of God, let’s talk to ourselves and our children that there is nothing like protest in Lagos state because the government of Lagos state is making us proud.

“They (Lagos government) are making us happy. They gave us a sense of belonging.

“The federal government recently assumed office. Before you say a government is not doing well, let it spend three years in office. Let everyone tell their children at home to remain calm.”

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Osun Governor Backs Traditional Food Price Control Measures By Rulers

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.”

Read more: Alaba Market Leader Declines Participation In Nationwide Protests, Cites Business Concerns

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.

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“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.

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SSS Recovers 2,000 Bags Of Rice Diverted By Officials In Katsina

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.

Read more: Femi Falana: Government Threats Won’t Stop August 1 Protests

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.

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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.”

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‘Thank God for Carry Over’: Facebook User Celebrates Minimum Wage Increase

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.

Read more: Senate President: No Nigerian Employee Can Be Paid Below N70,000

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.

Read more: Femi Falana: Government Threats Won’t Stop August 1 Protests

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.

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Nigerians Donate N4.2m To Family Of New Quadruplets

Obasempire reports that Nigerians have donated more than N4.2m to the family of Sodiq Olayode, whose wife, Abiodun, recently welcomed quadruplets.

A coworker of Olayode, known as James and tweeting under #jamysax on X.com, announced the news on Wednesday.

Read more: Katsina Hisbah Seizes N60m Worth Of Alcohol And Drugs

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.”

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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.

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Senate President: No Nigerian Employee Can Be Paid Below N70,000

Obasempire reports that Senate President Godswill Akpabio has stated that Nigerian employers must not pay their employees less than N70,000.

Read more: Akpabio Apologizes for Remarks Against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan

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.”

Read more: Tinubu Urges Nigerians To Cancel Protests Amid Economic Hardships

Recall that President Bola Tinubu had approved N70,000 as new minimum wage for workers during a meeting with the organized labour.

Following his approval, the president had transmitted the minimum wage bill to the National Assembly for passage.

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Ohanaeze Ndigbo Condemns Onanuga’s Remarks As Anti-Igbo And Divisive

Obasempire reports that Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the leading socio-cultural group for the Igbos, has voiced strong objections to the remarks and actions of Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy.

Read more: Tinubu Urges Nigerians To Cancel Protests Amid Economic Hardships

The organization accused Onanuga of holding a deep-seated animosity towards the Igbo people.

In a statement from Dr. Alex Ogbonnia, the National Publicity Secretary of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the group criticized Onanuga for his provocative comments regarding the planned nationwide protests, suggesting they were orchestrated by supporters of Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate, and implying that the Igbo were behind these protests.

The organization called on the government to create policies and programs that address the hardships of all citizens, instead of issuing threats and making divisive remarks.

Dr. Ogbonnia highlighted Onanuga’s history of making disparaging comments about the Igbo, including a statement on March 19, 2023, where Onanuga advised the Igbo to stay out of Lagos politics.

Ohanaeze Ndigbo emphasized that the current nationwide difficulties stem from long-standing systemic issues and marginalization, requiring inclusive and thoughtful solutions.

Read more: Katsina Hisbah Seizes N60m Worth Of Alcohol And Drugs

“It may be necessary to inform Onanuga that Nigerians of all persuasions, North, South, East and West are in pains of diverse forms: excruciating hardships, poverty, naira downward spiral, incessant kidnappings, banditry, farmers-herdsmen conflict, most terrifying insecurity, joblessness, rising food prices and cost of living challenges. And that the prevailing hardship in Nigeria is blind to ethnicity.

“It is necessary to inform Onanuga that this is a time for the Presidency to initiate policies, programmes, activities, and a body language that will appeal to or assuage the downtrodden, dispossessed, oppressed, the deprived, including Obidients.”

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Tinubu Urges Nigerians To Cancel Protests Amid Economic Hardships

Obasempire reports that President Bola Tinubu has urged Nigerians to cancel their planned protests, asserting that measures are in place to ease hardships.

Read more: Labour Party Denies Involvement In Protest Against Tinubu Administration

Speaking at a National Council of Traditional Rulers meeting in Abuja on Monday, July 22, 2024, Tinubu, represented by Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume, highlighted the importance of patience and support during this crucial time.

Tinubu criticized those exploiting the nation’s economic challenges to provoke protests.

He emphasized that instead of participating in demonstrations, Nigerians should exhibit patience and dedication to the success of the reforms.

He called on citizens to consider past instances where crisis and violence have endangered national unity.

He said, “We should learn from the experiences of countries like India and Sudan,” he said. “With over 200 million people, we cannot afford such discord.”

Read more: Lawmaker Yusuf Gagdi Faces Backlash for Gifting SUV to Daughter

The President highlighted the administration’s efforts to ease economic hardship, including the procurement of Compressed Natural Gas vehicles, the introduction of a student loan scheme, distribution of palliatives, and provision of agricultural inputs such as tractors and fertilizer.

He also affirmed the government’s commitment to addressing insecurity.

Tinubu appealed to traditional rulers to promote peace and convey this message to the youth and their communities.

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Katsina Hisbah Seizes N60m Worth Of Alcohol And Drugs

Obasempire reports that the Katsina State Hisbah Board announced on Sunday that it had confiscated and destroyed alcoholic beverages and illegal drugs valued at N60 million in the Funtua Local Government Area.

Hisbah Commander Dr. Aminu Usman revealed this to the News Agency of Nigeria in Katsina on Sunday.

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Usman reported that over 1,750 crates of alcohol and approximately 33 jerry cans of homemade beer were recently seized and destroyed in Funtua.

He stated that this action is part of their mandate to uphold moral standards within the state.

While praising the board’s officials for their efforts, he urged them to strengthen their dedication to their duties.

Usman also requested the support of religious leaders in the state, emphasizing that Hisbah is not affiliated with any particular group or sect.

He thanked Governor Dikko Radda for his unwavering support of the board’s operations.

Read more: Lawmaker Yusuf Gagdi Faces Backlash for Gifting SUV to Daughter

Usman appealed to the public to provide genuine information about locations of immoral activities.

He called on parents, educators, and community leaders to enhance efforts in instilling discipline and good morals in the youth.

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