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FCT traders :commuters lament fuel price hike will increase food costs

By
Eka-Yusuf
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0

Some traders and commuters in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have frowned at the increase in the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) by the NNPC Ltd.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the NNPC Ltd. Retail Management approved the upward review of PMS pump price from ₦617 per litre to ₦897 per litre effective from September 3.

The commuters and traders, who spoke to NAN in Abuja on Tuesday, said the development would increase food prices which were gradually crashing and also the sufferings of the masses.

Ignatius Ugwu, a civil servant, said the fuel pump price increase would further reduce the purchasing power of workers. He said the increase would hike transportation fares which would make it difficult for workers to resume work promptly and be productive.

Ugwu appealed to the Federal Government to pay workers minimum wage and introduce other palliatives that would help cushion the effect of the increase on the masses.

“This information is very scary for a country like ours where people are struggling to eat even one good meal a day.

“This increase will make transport fare and other prices of goods and services to go up.

“The government should have been magnanimous enough to put some things in place before this increase.

“They should have paid minimum wage and other arrears, they should have brought out buses to help the masses because whether we like it or not, prices of things will go up, ” he said.

Antonia Ogbede, a housewife, said the increase would automatically hike food prices which were gradually coming down. Ogbede said that traders would take advantage of the fuel increase to also increase the prices of their goods. She said the spending burden would increase on her spouse who was the sole breadwinner of the family.

“I went to the market today and I saw some traders discussing about the fuel increase.

“I heard one of them making call for some goods to be delivered to him by the company he buys from and they told him that the price will increase by the end of the week.

“The trader ordered 100 cartons and he said he will sell them at an increased price.

“The government should please help us before our breadwinners will develop sicknesses as a result of too much spending,” she added.

Evelyn Otapu appealed to the Federal Government to consider its citizens first before some policy formulation. However, Andy Kolapo, a driver, said that the increase would make the fuel queues disappear.

“We heard that they (NNPCL) has been planning to increase the price of fuel to ₦1,000 per litre and this they have achieved.

“We hope that this will bring to an end the recurring queues in fuel stations,” he noted.

NAN reports that independent marketers were selling between ₦1,000 and ₦1,200 per litre.

News Agency Of Nigeria

NAF special forces eliminate notorious terrorist kingpin and 5 others in Kaduna

By
tvafrinet
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0

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Special Forces have eliminated a known terrorist kingpin, Mustapha Abdullahi, and five members of his group in Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

The Director, Public Relations and Information, NAF, AVM Edward Gabkwet, in a statement on Sunday, said the special forces were deployed from the 413 Force Protection Group.

Gabkwet said the deployment followed an intelligence report received on Aug. 31, that the terrorist kingpin and his group were sighted near Sabon Gida forest along Sabon Birni Road.

He said that their mission was likely intent to kidnap, harm or kill innocent civilians.


According to him, after making contact with the terrorists who were on motorcycles, the terrorists immediately opened fire on sighting the Special Forces but were met with superior firepower by the troops.

The troops eliminated all the terrorists and recovered five Dane guns, a locally fabricated sub-machine gun, and live ammunition, as well as assorted charms, lighters, sim cards and cell phone cases.

“Efforts by the troops to rid Igabi, Birnin Gwari and environs of criminals and their activities remain ongoing.

“Troops have also been commended and urged to intensify ongoing efforts to safeguard lives and property,” he said.

News Agency Of Nigeria

Kano Fire Service saves 3 lives: ₦102.9m property from 21 fire incidents in August

By
tvafrinet
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0

The Kano State Fire Service said it saved three people and property worth ₦102.9 million from 21 fire incidents recorded in August.

The Public Relations Officer of the Service, Alhaji Saminu Abdullahi, disclosed this to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Kano.

Abdullahi said that about three persons died during the period under review, while property worth ₦47.8 million was destroyed by fire during the period.

“The service responded to 11 emergency calls and zero false alarms from residents of the state,” he said.

He advised the general public to handle fire with care and make sure they turned off electrical appliances, gas and generators before leaving their homes.

News Agency Of Nigeria


I’ve been here since 3 am but can’t get fuel – Calabar residents lament scarcity

By
tvafrinet
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0

Some residents of Calabar have raised alarm over the high cost of Premium Motor Spirit, also known as petrol, describing it as highly worrisome.

The residents who spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday, also expressed worries that the product was scarce even when being sold at between ₦880 and ₦950 per litre.

A NAN checks around some fuelling stations in the city showed long queues of vehicles and people waiting to buy petrol. NAN reports that some motorists arrived at the NNPC station in Stadium Junction as early as 3.00 am to queue up and wait for sales to begin.

Speaking to NAN, Johnson Effiong, a motorist, expressed worries that petrol was not being sold to customers even when the station got supplies on Monday.


“We saw petrol being discharged on Monday, based on this, I came here at about 3.00 am to queue up, but they have yet to commence sales.

“The pump attendants are here but they are not dispensing products to customers. We do not know their reason,” he said.

Another motorist, Daniel Uwem, expressed concerns that it was difficult to see the product event with the high cost at which it was sold.

“We don’t know what to complain about anymore, the price of petrol is high, and it is difficult to find stations that are open and selling freely.

“When they decide to sell, they sell for a few hours and tell you that the product is finished, it is so painful,” he added.

Matthew Archibong, a mini bus driver, said that he spent several hours at a fuelling station along the Muritala Mohammed Highway before the station manager announced that petrol would not be sold.

“On hearing that, I left that place to queue up at the NNPC fuel station around Stadium Junction. It is sad to also see that they are not selling,” he stated.

News Agency Of Nigeria

Akwa Ibom SSCE top scorer awarded ₦1.5 million for outstanding performance

By
tvafrinet
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0

The management of Topfaith Schools, Mkpatak, in Essien Udim Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom, says it gave a cash prize of ₦1.5m to Master Emmanuel Zekhome, the winner of its 2024 top scholar award.

The school’s Chairman, Dr Emmanuel Abraham who disclosed this to newsmen in Uyo on Tuesday, said that the top scholar award was instituted to encourage hard work.

Abraham said Zekhome’s performance at the 2024 Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination (SSCE) was “brilliant and outstanding” He said that the award was the school’s way of encouraging academic discipline, hard work and development of the mind.

“Other scholars have grabbed the cash prize in the past. As an institution, we shall continue to spur our students to be more focused and hard-working.

“Academic success is never a miracle, it comes out of painstaking and intentional efforts by teachers, parents and the students,” he said.

Abraham said that out of 193 students of the school that sat for the SSCE, 40 students scored higher grades, and that three of them had ‘A’ in eight subjects.

“Nine other students scored ‘A’ in seven subjects. Our philosophy is to always aspire to be on top because our faith is top,” he added.

Abraham urged parents and guardians to be more committed to instilling discipline and a spirit of hard work in their children and wards

“Every success has an input to be made. Every success also has a reward. No success comes without hard work,” he stated.

News Agency Of Nigeria

Lagos residents rejoice as Sanwo-Olu reopens 25% discount food market

By
tvafrinet
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0

Residents of the Ikoyi-Obalende area of Lagos State on Sunday expressed joy over the reopening of the ‘Ounjè Eko’ Discount Market initiative of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the state government had on Wednesday announced that Phase II of its ‘Ounje Eko’ Discount Market would commence on Sunday.

Earlier in March, the government had successfully implemented Phase I of the market across its 57 Local Government Areas (LGAs) and Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs).

The temporary markets operated on Sundays to provide selected food items at a 25 per cent discount

A NAN correspondent’s visit to one of the market locations, a former Nursing School Ground, Awolowo Road, Ikoyi, showed residents in a queue to purchase discounted foodstuffs.

Also, there was orderliness as people took advantage of the reduced prices of food items.

A resident, Janet Obi, who lauded the initiative, highlighted the significant savings compared to regular market prices.

Obi commended Sanwo-Olu and a representative in the state House of Assembly, Mr Gbolahan Yishawu, for bringing back the discount market.

“For instance, a crate of eggs that costs N5,000 in the outside market is sold for N3,600 here; even Garri of four kilogrammes is offered at a lower price,” she said.

Another resident and buyer, Tunrayo Oredola, said the initiative was important in addressing food insecurity.

“This initiative is highly appreciated because there is a real hunger in the land,” Oredola said.

Also, another buyer, Isaac Jared, said the reopening of the market was a huge relief, following the present high cost of living.

Jared urged the government to maintain and expand the initiative across the state.

“People are suffering and this market brings relief; it is also orderly, and there is no need for connections to access the foodstuffs.

“We also appreciate the N1,000 voucher provided to our constituency,” he said.

In her remarks, the location’s market leader, Olabisi Lois, said the market aimed at providing families with affordable balanced diets.

Lois assured residents that there was enough food for everyone, hence, no need for any dispute.

“There is a 20 per cent increase in product prices, however, the discount still makes a significant difference, given the current economic situation,” she said.

News Agency Of Nigeria


Troops disable MRAPs stuck in Zamfara forest to thwart terrorist use – DHQ

By
tvafrinet
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0
A MaxxPro MRAP sets up a secure position, allowing Soldiers from White Platoon, Apache Troop to dismount and conduct nearby street-level engagements with local villagers April 4, 2014. (U.S. Army photo by 1st Lt. Joseph Krebsbach)

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) says the two combat vehicles known as Mine Resistance Ambush Protected (MRAP) Vehicles, which were destroyed by terrorists in a viral video were immobilised by troops after they were stuck in Zamfara forest.

This is contained in a statement by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, on Monday in Abuja.

Buba said that the troops of Operation Hadarin Daji had on August 29, embarked on a fighting patrol to dislodge terror gathering at Kwashabawa Village in Zurmi Local Government Area of Zamfara and engaged the terrorists en route to the location.

He said that two of the troop’s MRAPs got bogged down due to the swampy terrain occasioned by rains during the fight while attempting to outflank the terrorist. According to him, while, troops tried to extricate the MRAPs, the terrorists mass up knowing the challenge troops had encountered with the MRAPs.

“Subsequently, troops dismounted and demobilised the MRAPs, when efforts to backload them were futile.

“The sad demobilisation of the MRAPs by troops was to prevent it from being useful to the terrorists after abandonment.

“These situations further illustrate the effect of weather in changing conditions for ground operations,” he said.

Buba also clarified that another viral video propagated from the terrorist camp suggesting the mass killing of allegedly abducted villagers in Sokoto was fake.

According to him, the video depicted the killing of several civilians in a mass grave, saying the incident never took place in Nigeria but in a nearby African country faced with terrorism.

“The terrorist in an act of desperation, tried to manipulate the situation to mislead gullible members of the public.

“The armed forces unequivocally state that at no time were 150 persons abducted in Gobir (Sokoto State).

“The rumoured abduction was deliberately planted by the terrorist to undermine troops’ winning efforts and cover up terrorist weakness.

“On the whole, the public is urged to be circumspect of the antics of the terrorist to propagate misinformation, disinformation and fake news as part of their war propaganda effort.

“These situations are not uncommon in war.

“The dynamic and ever-changing environment of war creates some of these experiences.

“Nevertheless, troops retain operational flexibility to make adjustments in achieving the strategic objective of winning the war,” he stated.

News Agency Of Nigeria

Fuel scarcity set to worsen as NNPCL admits $6bn debt to petrol suppliers

By
tvafrinet
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0

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) is experiencing financial strain, which has put considerable pressure on the company and poses a threat to the sustainability of fuel supply.

Olufemi Soneye, Chief Corporate Communications Officer of NNPC Ltd, made this known in a statement on Sunday, acknowledging reports in national newspapers regarding the company’s significant debt to petrol suppliers.

Recall that the ongoing fuel queues and scarcity have been attributed to the six billion dollars owed by NNPC Ltd to suppliers, causing them to become reluctant about importing Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) for the company.

Reacting to the situation, Soneye stated that the financial strain had placed considerable pressure on the company and posed a threat to the sustainability of fuel supply.

“In line with the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), NNPC Ltd remains committed to its role as the supplier of last resort, ensuring national energy security,” he said.

Soneye added that the company was actively collaborating with relevant government agencies and other stakeholders to maintain a consistent supply of petroleum products nationwide.

News Agency Of Nigeria

Burndown shops and houses: Many killed as Boko Haram terrorists attack in Yobe state

By
tvafrinet
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0

Gunmen suspected to be Boko haram insurgents looted and set ablaze shops and houses in Mafa village in Tarmuwa Local Government Area of Yobe.

DSP Dungus Abdulkarim, the Yobe police Command Spokesman, made this known to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Damaturu on Monday.

“We are yet to ascertain the number of lives lost in the incident, which occurred at about 4 pm on Sunday in the remote village.

“The incident was reported to the Tarmuwa Divisional Police Station by Babagana Goni and Bako Ibrahim both residents of Mafa.

“Suspected Boko Haram terrorists armed with rifles and RPGs attacked Mafa ward on more than 50 motorcycles and set ablaze many shops and houses.

“The terrorists also killed many people, but we are yet to ascertain the actual number of the casualties,” the spokesman said.

He said that the gunmen also dropped some fliers with Arabic inscriptions. NAN reports on Friday, that terrorists also attacked a private school in neighbouring Geidam, killing three students and injuring one.

News Agency Of Nigeria


Tinubu approves 50% electricity subsidy for universities after UNIJOS power cut

By
tvafrinet
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0

The House of Representatives has commended President Bola Tinubu for approving a 50% electricity subsidy for universities, hospitals, and other tertiary institutions of learning.

Rep. Abubakar Fulata, the Chairman of the House Committee on University Education, gave the commendation in a statement on Monday in Abuja. He commended Tinubu for his magnanimity in yielding to their call and subsidising electricity tariffs for tertiary institutions.

Fulata said his committee in the last few weeks had visited over 30 federal universities in 25 states and the Federal Capital Territory. He said that the high electricity tariff had affected almost all the universities in Nigeria.

“While almost all the universities are struggling to pay the high electricity tariff, some of them have been disconnected from public light by the electricity distribution companies.

“Prior to the grouping of electricity users that placed universities in Band ‘A’, which is the group that pays the highest electricity tariff, some of the universities could no longer afford the bill.”

He said, “For instance, the University of Jos was paying around ₦20 million monthly, but after the grouping, the institution’s monthly electricity tariff jumped up to over ₦100 million.”

He said that UNIJOS was one of the universities disconnected from public light due to the challenge of high tariffs.

“So we are grateful for this decision the President has taken as it will go a long way in addressing the challenge of electricity supply in the tertiary institutions of learning in the country.”

He said that this was not the first time the President would listen and yield to the Rep’s call for improvement in the educational sector.

According to him, we have talked about the issue of IPPIS, which brought a heavy burden on university management, like seeking permission from about seven MDAs before even a cleaner will be recruited.

He added that the President listened and approved the removal of tertiary institutions from IPPIS, adding that the President also yielded its call to reconstitute the councils for tertiary institutions. Fulata expressed confidence that irrespective of political affiliation, ethnic, and religious differences, the lawmakers would continue to partner with the executive arm.

This, he said, also includes relevant stakeholders to improve the standard of education in the country. It would be recalled that the Minister of State for Health, Dr Tunji Alausa, broke the news of the 50% electricity subsidy for tertiary institutions and hospitals in Kaduna. Alausa said the Ministry of Power was already working out the subsidy payment modalities.

News Agency Of Nigeria

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