GistMedia0: A United States citizen married to a Nigerian woman has taken to social media to express deep frustration over the challenges he’s facing in trying to acquire Nigerian citizenship and a passport, despite being legally married and having Nigerian children.
In a video making rounds online, the man, who is currently in the U.S., questioned what he described as a “double standard” in Nigeria’s immigration and citizenship process. According to him, his research online shows that when a Nigerian man marries a foreign woman, she becomes eligible to apply for a Nigerian passport almost immediately. However, the reverse doesn’t apply when a Nigerian woman marries a foreign man.
"Why is it that if a Nigerian man marries a foreigner, the wife gets her passport, but if a Nigerian woman marries a foreigner, he has to live in Nigeria for 15 years before even being considered eligible?" he asked.
The footage also shows him holding up the Nigerian passports of his wife and their children, further emphasizing his point that he is already family and committed to Nigeria by blood and marriage.
He lamented that the process appears discriminatory and questioned whether the information he found online is truly accurate or if there are exceptions. “Why me?” he repeatedly asked, hoping that what he read isn't entirely true and that there could still be a path forward for him.
PressMyButton: Afenifere, the pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, has urged legislatures in south-west states to make Yoruba the primary language of conducting parliamentary business.
The organisation made the call during a caucus meeting held on April 7, at the Akure residence of Reuben Fasoranti, its leader.
The meeting, which was presided by Seinde Arogbofa, saw representatives from various state chapters, including Kogi and Kwara, in attendance.
Afenifere also asked governments in south-west states to make Yoruba the medium of teaching “at elementary levels of education”.
“Afenifere is very persistent on the need to ensure that Yoruba language is used more as a medium of communication,” the statement signed by Jare Ajayi, its national publicity secretary, reads.
“The body specifically called on Governments in Yoruba-speaking states to make Yoruba the medium of teaching at elementary levels of our education: kindergarten/nursery, primary and junior secondary schools.
“Afenifere also urged Legislatures in Yoruba-speaking states to make Yoruba the language of conducting their legislative businesses as much as possible.”
INSECURITY
The organisation also asked for a comprehensive redesign of Nigeria’s security architecture to respond to the escalating insecurity across the country.
Afenifere expressed serious concerns over the spate of kidnappings and extra-judicial killings, citing recent incidents in Ogun, Ondo, Osun, Lagos, Ekiti, Oyo, Kogi, Plateau, Benue, Anambra, Edo, Nasarawa, Niger, and Kaduna.
The group urged the federal government and security agencies to delve deeper into the root causes of these security challenges and address them decisively.
The organisation implored governors in Yorubaland to strengthen the regional security network, particularly by increasing and training Amotekun personnel and deploying modern technology such as drones.
The group also reiterated its stance on the establishment of state police, calling for its immediate implementation.
Afenifere further urged state governors to address the issue of “unscrupulous herders terrorising farmers and disrupting agricultural activities”.
In order to be truly globally competitive, you have to have a blend of spoken Yoruba language and English language usage. You can't depend on Yoruba language alone which will be excellent for basic education as revealed in an Obafemi Awolowo University linguistic research back by global UNESCO research evidence as well showing that the mother tongue enables children to learn faster in Primary and post-Primary education. It was in Indonesia that they dropped the usage of the Colonial language for their own indigenous language BUT later found out that opportunities became limited for their citizens. This is why even the Chinese folks learn more than one language such as English or the French folks learn and speak English as well, even though for nationalistic reasons, the average French guy will NOT openly speak English to a tourist at first instance because they expect you to have a knowledge of some French as a visitor to their country.
So, having a knowledge of Yoruba language (which itself is an international language spoken in other countries) and other international languages such as English and French would make you to be more globally savvy. Period.
Slytiger: Roughly $2.5 trillion was erased from the S&P 500 Index on Thursday amid worries that President Donald Trump’s sweeping new round of tariffs could plunge the economy into a recession.
The damage was heaviest in companies whose supply chains are most dependent on overseas manufacturing. Apple Inc., which makes the majority of its US-sold devices in China, fell 9.3%. Lululemon Athletica Inc. and Nike Inc., among companies with manufacturing ties to Vietnam, were both down more than 9%. Target Corp. and Dollar Tree Inc., retailers whose stores are filled with products sourced outside of the US, dropped more than 10%.
Few stocks in the US were unscathed as the benchmark notched its biggest decline since June 2020. More than 80% of companies in the S&P 500 dropped, with more than two-thirds sliding at least 2%.
“There’s really not anybody getting spared in absolute terms,” said Garrett Melson, a portfolio strategist at Natixis Investment Managers Solutions. “You’re just wrapped up, today at least, in a broad de-risking, and so it’s kind of just across the board taking chips off the table.”
The breadth and severity of the levies dwarfed those imposed by Trump during his first term, threatening to upend global supply chains, exacerbate an economic slowdown and boost inflation. It also left investors struggling to game out what levies would do to corporate profits.
If Apple, for example, were to absorb the jump in costs as a result of tariffs on China, the iPhone maker’s gross margin could take a hit of as much as 9%, said Citigroup analysts led by Atif Malik. The plan is equivalent to the largest tax increase since 1968, JPMorgan economist Michael Feroli wrote in a note. It could add as much as 1.5% to prices this year, using the Federal Reserve’s preferred inflation gauge, while weighing on personal incomes and consumer spending.
“This impact alone could take the economy perilously close to slipping into recession,” Feroli wrote. “And this is before accounting for the additional hits to gross exports and to investment spending.”
US assets emerged as the biggest losers after the announcement. The S&P 500 fell 4.8%, and a gauge of the dollar slumped. The impact elsewhere was muted in comparison: A broad gauge of Asian stocks fell less than 1% and the Stoxx Europe 600 slid 2.6%, while the euro rose about 1.6% against the dollar.
Semiconductor and industrial companies also took a beating. The Philadelphia Semiconductor Index sank 9.9%, with Micron Technology Inc. down 16% and Broadcom Inc. 11%. Caterpillar Inc. and Boeing Co., which get a big chunk of sales from China, dropped at least 8%.
Apple led declines among the Magnificent Seven stocks with roughly $300 billion in market value wiped out. The group, which also includes Tesla, Microsoft, Nvidia, Alphabet, Amazon.com, and Meta Platforms, has been responsible for much of the US stock market’s gains over the last two years.
“We see 5,300 as the near-term target for the S&P 500, but if tariff uncertainty persists or negotiations with trading partners don’t go well, risks of downside through 5,000 become real,” UBS Group AG’s Bhanu Baweja wrote in a note to clients. “The probability of US stocks entering bear market is going higher.” https://finance.yahoo.com/news/trump-tariffs-set-wipe-nearly-120038363.html
It's an opportunity for the bargain hunters who have the nerves of steel to take positions and move right in...
But based off of the bigger picture, these uncertainties are the direct consequences of the global tariff trade wars triggered by Trump which the World Trade Organization (WTO) could easily have resolve for all parties.
Expect stronger global economic headwinds later on in 2025 leading right into 2026. It will be like NO other in recent times if a de-escalation doesn't occur. Period.
I saw last week where Kemi was wishing President Tinubu “Happy 83rd birthday” and claiming that Tinubu is just a decade younger than her father, Omololu Olunloyo. She was invariably saying her father, Omololu was 93years.
Don’t mind Kemi Olunloyo's goofiness. She was just being sarcastic.
Her father who was the former Governor of the Old Oyo State was a very brilliant UK-educated mathematician and Western Region scholar (during the government of the iconic Chief Jeremiah Obafemi Awolowo, GCFR, SAN) distinguished himself in his Uni studies while in the United Kingdom is his exact age of 89.
As an avid reader, I've read a lot about him (and many other historically famous folks) right from the early 1980s and without a shadow of doubt, he is his exact age.
JKisOK: VICTOR OLUNLOYO GOES HOME. With a heavy heart but gratitude to the Almighty, we announce the passing into glory of Dr. Victor Omololu Olunloyo, former governor of Oyo State, mathematician and engineer and renowned technocrat, a few days before his 90th birthday.
The Balogun of Oyo and Otun Bobasewa of Ife, Dr. Olunloyo was first Rector, Ibadan polytechnic and first Rector, Kwara State Polytechnic among other notable appointments. His long record of service to the nation and humanity is a source of pride to his family and associates even as we come to grip with this devastating event.
The Olunloyo family will appreciate the understanding of the press and the public as they commence efforts to give him a befitting burial.
Even from everlasting to everlasting, He is God.
Signed OLADAPO OGUNWUSI ESQ.
One of the Godfathers of mathematics (who had distinctions in his Uni studies while in the United Kingdom for which he was commended and gained the attention of some members the British royalty and aristocracy), has ended his cycle of human existence at 89. Well done to Dr. Victor Omololu for a life of service to mankind.
I wish the entire Omololu family the fortitude to bear the loss, BUT 89 years is also OK to bow out of the physical world within the African cosmotology context.
By: Ajukura, Fidelis O. ajukurafidelisobi@gmail.com 6th February, 2024.
The life of Marie-Antoinette represents the true picture of the 18th century European society which was made up of the aristocrats and the commoners. Though members of the same society, their experiences were radically different. While one group (the aristocrats) enjoyed life, the other (the commoners) toiled and gnashed their teeth before they ate. This was the time Marie-Antoinette featured.
Marie-Antoinette was born in 2nd November, 1755 in Hofburg Palace, Vienna. At the age of 14, she was married to Dauphin Louis, grandson of France's King Louis XV on 16th May, 1770. Eight years later, she ascended the throne and was actively involved in policy and decision making.
One day while being dressed in her tastefully furnished room by her lady-in-waiting, she observed from her window that a large crowd of people were around the palace. Confused, she asked, "why is that massive crowd gathered outside the palace gate?". The lady-in-waiting replied that; "the people are hungry and crying for bread". Marie-Antoinette, due to her alienation and unfamiliarity with the people's plight or predicament said, "if there's no bread, give them brioche (cake)". Because her life was confined to the ivory tower of France, she didn't know that brioche (cake) was only available in the palace. At the end of the protest which turned out to become one of the fiercest in world history - the French revolution, she and several others were consumed; they lost their head to the guillotine.
In Nigeria, members of the aristocratic or political class, like Marie-Antoinette are unaware of the excruciating hardship that ordinary Nigerians are going through. Those living in the ivory tower of the Nigerian society do not know that many people are dying because of starvation. With the rising cost of living, many people have resorted to taking the easy way out - suicide. For others who must survive by every means necessary, crime and criminality is the answer.
During an interview with a renowned Nigerian political economist and former presidential candidate, prof. Pat Utomi recently, he said, "every Nigerian is in distress except those stealing money". Similarly, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor E.A. Adeboye during February Thanksgiving Service (last Sunday) confirmed that political office holders like; Governors, President etc will, no matter the situation, lack food and fuel for their vehicles. This situation is made worse by the fact that these people or members of the political class are alienated from the ordinary people. For instance, despite the biting hardship in the land, they throw lavish parties, buy jets, expensive cars, build gigantic houses etc: they and members of their families are ignorant of the troubles that the ordinary people go through every day in order to stay alive. As the economic situation continues to deteriorate, people are most likely to hit the streets with a view to registering their displeasure over the fate of the economy. Yesterday, 5th February 2024, residents of Minna the Niger State capital took to the street to protest against the biting hardship and rising cost of living in the country.
Yesterday's protest in Minna should not be treated with kid gloves by the government; as a matter of fact, the protest should be viewed as a warning signal. The suffering of the masses must be addressed immediately to forestall the type of tsunami that swept across France consuming Marie-Antoinette and other members of the aristocratic or ruling class.
jazzman7711: Nigerian Military, Briech Unveil First Indigenous Attack Drones, Bombs in Africa
The Nigerian Military, in collaboration with Briech UAS, an indigenous communications company, has unveiled the first and largest indigenous attack drones and bombs in Nigeria and Africa.
Briech UAS, in partnership with the Nigerian Army, demonstrated and unveiled these attack drones and bombs at the company’s headquarters on Wednesday in Abuja.
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, described the initiative as a major milestone in Nigeria’s journey toward self-reliance in defence technology and a significant step in strengthening national security capabilities.
Musa emphasised that the development of combat drones was a timely intervention, highlighting their efficiency in intelligence gathering.
He said that these drones would facilitate decisive actions against threats in an era where security challenges were increasingly complex and asymmetric.
“These force multipliers will play a vital role in enhancing the operational effectiveness of our military.
“Particularly in a world where global politics surrounding the procurement of advanced military hardware have become more intricate.
“Countries that do not produce such solutions face bureaucratic bottlenecks and diplomatic hurdles when acquiring these critical platforms. We are facing such challenges directly.
“If you don’t produce what you need, you will be at the mercy of others, even when you have the financial resources to acquire them.''
“By manufacturing these drones locally, Nigeria reduces its dependence on foreign resources, ensures prompt acquisition, and strengthens its ability to respond swiftly to security threats.''
“With the brilliant minds we have, particularly among our youth, we can create outstanding technology that competes globally,” he said.
The Governor of Plateau, Caleb Mutfwang, stressed that Nigeria’s growth depended on recognising and patronising indigenous products.
Mutfwang stated that the drones would play a critical role in protecting national sovereignty both in Plateau and across the nation.
He revealed that some of these locally made technologies had already been deployed to Plateau, significantly improving the efficiency of ground forces.
He also noted that his state was partnering with local bomb and drone manufacturers like Briech UAS to counter insurgency using domestically produced weapons.
“As a nation, we made a mistake by allowing non-state actors to acquire capabilities that nearly rival those of state actors.
“We have entered into a partnership that has enabled the deployment of these facilities in our state.''
“We have witnessed significant improvements in the efficiency of our security forces.''
“Indeed, it was an error to allow non-state actors to amass capabilities that almost overpower those of legitimate state forces.
It is time to rectify that imbalance. We must ensure that no one within our borders possesses capabilities that match or exceed those entrusted with the constitutional duty of protecting our national sovereignty,” he said.
Earlier, the Chairman of Briech UAS, Dr Bright Echefu, noted that insurgent groups such as Boko Haram and ISWAP had recently adopted commercial drones for reconnaissance and attack missions.
NewDigitalWorld: These range from simple phone settings adjustments to more advanced techniques, such as choosing the cheapest data subscription plans.
Mobile data costs continue to increase as demand for data-intensive activities such as social media, streaming, and gaming rises. As a result, mobile data consumption has increased dramatically, and many users find it challenging to manage their data usage effectively.
Fortunately, there are several strategies for reducing data consumption on mobile phones, with or without unlimited data plans. These range from simple adjustments to phone settings, more advanced techniques, and choosing the cheapest data subscription plans. This article outlines seven effective ways to reduce data consumption on your mobile phone.
1. Turn off Background Data
Many apps run in the background and consume data even when not actively used. To reduce data consumption on your mobile phone, disable background data for such apps when you aren’t using them. To do this, go to your phone’s settings, select “Data usage,” and toggle off “Background data” for these apps.
2. Turn Off Auto-Update
While convenient, automatic updates can use up mobile data, especially if you have many apps. You can disable this feature by going to your phone’s settings, selecting “Apps,” and turning off “Auto-update” for these apps.
3. Limit Streaming Activities
Streaming media over mobile data consumes a substantial amount of data. To reduce data usage and avoid extra costs, store media on your device and download content when connected to Wi-Fi. Most streaming apps also have adjustable resolution settings.
Opt for lower resolutions or download content over Wi-Fi for offline viewing to save data, prevent additional charges, and extend your phone’s battery life. Remember to close or delete video streaming apps when they're not in use.
4. Use Wi-Fi Networks
To reduce mobile data consumption, connect to free Wi-Fi networks in public areas like cafes, restaurants, and offices whenever possible. Additionally, postpone using data-heavy apps like YouTube until you have a Wi-Fi connection.
5. Reduce Data Usage for Social Media
Data-intensive features like pictures and videos can make social media apps like WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter consume a lot of mobile data. To reduce data usage, consider limiting your time on these apps or adjusting settings such as turning off media auto-download, auto-play videos, and using data-saving modes.
6. Disable Cloud Backups on Mobile Data
Cloud storage apps like Google Drive, Dropbox, and Google Photos can use up your mobile data by backing up your phone’s data to the cloud. To prevent this, turn off the backup option in these apps when you’re using mobile data.
For example, in Google Drive, you can do this by opening the app, selecting the hamburger menu (three horizontal lines), choosing “Settings,” and enabling “Transfer Files Only Over Wi-Fi.” In Google Photos, open the app, select your profile picture, choose Photos Settings > Backup, select “Mobile Data Usage,” and tap “No Data.”
7. Monitor Your Data Usage
Regularly check your data usage to identify areas for change. For older Android versions, go to Settings > Network & Internet > SIM card & mobile network > Data usage. For newer Android versions (up to Android 12), go to Settings > Network & Internet > Mobile network > App data usage.
You can also download data usage tracker apps, such as My Data Manager, Data Usage Monitor for Android users, and Data Manager for iOS users, to monitor your data consumption.
8. Use Data-Saving Apps
Data-saving browsers like Opera Mini, UC Browser, and Android Data Saver compress data and reduce consumption. Additionally, apps like GlassWire and Data Usage Monitor can track your data usage and help you identify which apps consume the most data.
9. Embrace Offline Accessibility
Enable offline access for apps that support it, such as Google Docs, where you can access and work on your documents offline. This lets you view important content without an internet connection, reducing data usage.
Mariangeles: Honestly, I can't wait for you to try the bread, then give me your honest review. I had some this evening sef. Very warm and delicious.
That's another thing; you can get one fresh out of the oven, if you want.
If I may suggest, tell them to give you nicely browned one, not white, so that the flavour is not too intense. You will enjoy it, I promise.
Take a look at some of the stuff I just got from there.
The first item on the list, a roll of it is between N2,800-N3,000 elsewhere.
Another thing is, you're sure to get original stuff from them, because there are lots of fake outside.
So, you see? They're not just about bread.
@Mariangeles
Alright then, I'll do just as you've suggested: "a nicely browned loaf" fresh from the oven. But these Bokku folks would end up reducing Shoprite's customer base for oven-fresh loaves of bread if they keep surging ahead with their guerilla tactics around Shoprite's locations.
Indeed, you're right about the FACT that they offer other items besides the bread and the price differential of that first grocery item from Bokku and other outlets is VERY significant (a N1000 to N2100 price difference) in terms of effective cost-cutting and personal budgeting.
I appreciate your detailed insights here because I only got to know about Bokku online as of March 2025. By default, I've always been a SPAR and Shoprite person (while NEVER visiting other stores because of concerns about counterfeit and repacked expired products) BUT I'm definitely curious to see what this relatively new kid on the block is all about and I'll give you my reviews when I'm done.
A group of bandits has demonstrated skills and expertise on drone operation.
In a video posted by ZagazOla Makama, a counter-insurgency expert, at least five bandits were seen sitting on the floor.
One of bandits was seen operating a drone while the others watched it navigate through the air.
Laughing and excited as the operator maneuvered the device, one of the bandits could be heard saying, “There is something that holds it (the drone) there in the air.”
Later they spoke in chorus, albeit in a manner that appeared to reveal their utter conviction and satisfaction with the display.
ZagazOlaMakama
Bump.
This isn't an attack drone, just basically a simple drone that can be used for surveillance situations.
Mariangeles: I used to call it the Nigerian brioche bread.
The truth is, when it came out, most people couldn't get enough of it because the taste, which was not like the usual plain tasting bread we're used to, was quite addictive at first.
Well, until people got fed up with it.
You know what they say about too much of everything...now, they come out to condemn it like it has always been bad.
About the store as a whole, most Nigerians are just ungrateful people by nature, who never appreciate when something good happens. They're too blinded by ingratitude to see good. They must always find something to complain about anything.
Bokku stores came at a time when Lagosians needed them the most. (I don't want to say Nigerians because I'm not sure if they operate in other states like they do in Lagos)
@Mariangeles
Indeed, based off of the fact that the guy whose quote I posted ABOVE (from that other thread right BELOW which hit the NL frontpage yesterday) said Bokku bread has a shelf life of up to 5 days before going stale and is largely made up of a lot of butter and milk MORE than sugar (and NOT sugar being MORE as wrongly perceived by a lot of people), the FIRST thing that occured to me was that this bread could be based on a variant of the classic French brioche loaf which has a lot of butter, milk, and eggs in it to give it it's unique taste and color (while during the fermentation process, the starch in the flour breaks down into simpler sugars, further adding to the sweetness).
So, you're the FIRST person on this Website who is emphasizing on my "exact thoughts" by calling it a sort of Nigerian "brioche bread." I haven't tasted it yet, but it perhaps comes close to brioche loaves with the high butter and milk contents. You're indeed well-read in the foodie or culinary ecosystem.
I actually read some of your robust takes on that other NL thread yesterday in support of the Bokku brand and more.
Tbh, I too find a significant number of Nigerians do NOT like to take responsibility for their actions, are largely ungrateful for what they currently have and they complain a lot without using creative intelligence to solve simple problems. It's bad enough and I just like to keep folks who give off insidious bad energy at arms length (if they don't want to change from within).
I find the business model Bokku is using to be very fascinating as they are gradually obliterating the bigger outlets in terms of pricing and location. I hope they do NOT overextend (and become unprofitable) due to overhead costs though. The bottom line is to be able to gain sustainable profit margins from a ready (BUT sometimes fickle) market who are ready to abandon you when they get BETTER deals elsewhere.
Great100000: The former president of Costa Rica, Oscar Arias, says his US visa has been revoked.
Arias, a Nobel laureate, said he was informed of the decision weeks after he had publicly criticised Donald Trump, comparing the behaviour of the US president to that of a Roman emperor.
The 84-year-old, who was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his role in brokering an end to conflicts in Central America, said US authorities had given no explanation.
Arias hinted, however, that it may be due to his rapprochement with China during the time he was president from 2006 to 2010.
Speaking at a news conference in the Costa Rican capital, San José, Arias said he had "no idea" what the reason for the cancellation was.
He said he had received a "terse" email "of a few lines" from the US government informing him of the decision.
He added that he thought that it was not President Trump but the US State Department which had taken the decision.
While he said it would be conjecture on his part to speculate about the reason behind the visa revocation, he did point out that "I established diplomatic relations with China.
"That, of course, is known throughout the world," he told journalists of his 2007 decision to cut ties with Taiwan and establish them with China instead.
The Trump administration has sought to oppose China's influence in the Western hemisphere and has accused a number of Central American governments of cosying up to the Chinese government and Chinese companies.
However, it has been supportive of the current Costa Rican President, Rodrigo Chaves, praising his decision to exclude Chinese firms from participating in the development of 5G in Costa Rica.
But this perceived closeness between President Chaves and the US was criticised by Arias, who wrote a post on social media in February saying that "it has never been easy for a small country to disagree with the US government, less so when its president behaves like a Roman emperor, telling the rest of the world what to do".
He added that "during my governments, Costa Rica never received orders from Washington as if we were a banana republic".
Arias is not the only Costa Rican to have had his US visa revoked. Three members of the country's national assembly who opposed President Chaves's decree to exclude Chinese companies from participating in the development of 5G have also had theirs cancelled.
Ah! C'mon Oscar Arias, Trump as the POTUS knows full well about this visa cancelation and NOT just the U.S. State Department.
The United States under the Trump Presidency occasionally violates the rights of others yet some of the U.S. Department of State officials and foreign embassy staff regularly call governments of their host countries out for alleged infractions on people which in itself is a complete violation of global diplomatic protocols of embassy staff not dabbling into the internal affairs of their host countries. This simply reeks of gross hypocrisy tbh which portrays the "Rethuglicans" as irresponsible. Period.
iwaeda: THERE are indications that Nigerians would pay less for the Premium Motor Spirit, PMS, also known as petrol as the price of Brent dropped to $65 per barrel from $69.90 per barrel in the global market.
The price of Brent is used globally to benchmark the prices of other crudes – major feedstocks – and by extension petroleum products prices.
Checks by Vanguard indicated that the development was partly fueled by the already heavy losses following U.S. President Donald Trump’s announcement of sweeping new tariffs.
The checks further showed that it was also fueled by the decision of the Organisation of Oil Producing Countries and its allies, also known as OPEC+ to increase oil output by 410,000 barrels per day starting in May 2025 far above the 135,000 barrels originally planned.
Depot owners slash petrol prices
Already, the depot prices of Mainland, A.Y.M and Ever have dropped to N918 per litre from N920 and N919 from N920 per litre, respectively.
Also, the depot prices of Prudent, Eterna and Soroman have dropped to N912 from N913 per litre, N897 from N900 per litre and N915 from N916 per litre, respectively.
According to petroleumprice.ng, oil marketers would likely adjust their pump prices downwards as they get new supplies next week, if the current market condition persists.
Expect decrease in fares, goods, services — marketers
In a telephone interview with Financial Vanguard, weekend, the President of Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria, PETROAN, Billy Gillis-Harry, expressed optimism that the development would culminate in low costs of fares, goods and services if the fundamentals persist in the market.
However, in a report, OPEC, stated: “The eight OPEC+ countries, which previously announced additional voluntary adjustments in April and November 2023, namely Saudi Arabia, Russia, Iraq, UAE, Kuwait, Kazakhstan, Algeria, and Oman met virtually on 3 April 2025, to review global market conditions and outlook.
“In view of the continuing healthy market fundamentals and the positive market outlook, and in accordance with the decision agreed upon on 5 December 2024, subsequently reaffirmed on 3 March 2025, to start a gradual and flexible return of the 2.2 million barrels per day voluntary adjustments starting from 1 April 2025, the eight participating countries will implement a production adjustment of 411 thousand barrels per day, equivalent to three monthly increments, in May 2025.
“This comprises the increment originally planned for May in addition to two monthly increments. The gradual increases may be paused or reversed subject to evolving market conditions. This flexibility will allow the group to continue to support oil market stability. The eight OPEC+ countries also noted that this measure will provide an opportunity for the participating countries to accelerate their compensation.
“The eight countries reaffirmed their commitment to the voluntary production adjustments agreed at the 53rd Joint Ministerial Monitoring Committee, JMMC meeting on 3 April 2024. They also confirmed their intention to fully compensate any overproduced volume since January 2024 and to submit updated front-loaded compensation plans to the OPEC Secretariat by 15 April 2025.” https://www.vanguardngr.com/2025/04/oil-prices-drop-expect-decrease-in-fares-goods-services-marketers-tell-nigerians/
Tbh, the prices of goods and transportation are NEVER going to drop unless you have official price control mechanisms in place in each State of Nigeria overseen by the State Governors. The level of greed by Nigerians to rip their fellow citizens on the street level and make quick profits is largely responsible for a lot of hyperinflation for many years in Nigeria. The State Governors led by Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State MUST introduce specially leased CNG-fueled cargo trucks and CNG-fueled trains, etc, to URGENTLY bring cheaper food commodities from the farming belts in each Nigerian State right into the major city centers in order to crash food prices for folks over there in Nigeria and stop sitting on their bums! The greedy road transport unions should not be part of this move because they already said they will NOT reduce the cost of transportation over the reduction of fuel price from the refineries. CNG fuel costs N250 per standard cubic feet of gas which is the cheapest fuel and way cheaper than the Dangote Petrochemical Refinery's PMS fuel. Dangote can still sell PMS abroad in exchange for FX.
The exchange rate of N1600 to 1 USD will NOT be a hindrance in dropping prices of goods and services significantly with CNG-fueled vehicles and food trucks specially leased by Lagos State and other States from Lanre Shittu Motors which already has a Lagos factory making CNG vehicles OR Dangote which has a truck assembly factory already in Lagos.
The regulation of high prices (due to artificial inflation) is largely within the purview of State Governors such as Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Dapo Abiodun of Lagos and Ogun States. I've always emphasized on this fact even before the 2023 President elections in Nigeria BUT the largely uninformed who do NOT understand political job descriptions like to relentlessly insult and scapegoat just one man (Tinubu) out of over 230 million folks. People must learn to be problem solvers and get financially literate instead of complaining as well because Trump's global tariff trade wars will further send the global economy into a tail spin in 2025 leading into 2026 and those who are NOT prepared for the dire unintended consequences will be more negatively affected economically. A word is enough for the wise. Period.
Odewaleadesoye: Owoade succeeds the 45th Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, who died on April 22, 2022, at the age of 83.
The staff of office had earlier been presented to the new king by the Oyo state Governor, Seyi Makinde, in January.
He completed the compulsory 21-day traditional rites known as Oro Ipebi last Saturday, March 29.
The coronation event took place today (Saturday) at Oliveth Baptist High School in Oyo, where Governor Seyi Makinde led a host of dignitaries, including notable Nigerians.
Dignitaries present at the coronation included the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin; the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi; the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Ghandi Olaoye; Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi; and Aare Oona Kankanfo of Yoruba, Iba Gani Adams, among others.
His coronation marked the beginning of the process of enthroning a new king for the ancient and one of the most revered stool [THRONES] in the Yoruba Kingdom.
Today’s event also signalled the beginning of a new era for the sons and daughters of Oyo Town, the state and the entire Yoruba race home and abroad.
Congratulations to the newly crowned 46th Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade. "K’ade pe Lori, ki bata pele lese."
It's a historic turning point in world history. From a long line of Kings (starting with Oranmiyan) right from the days of the Oyo Empire which extended from modern Nigeria to Benin and the Republic of Togo.
Second...
A quick point of note: Obas DON'T sit on OR ascend stools (as reported in the post by Channels Television here), BUT on thrones. ALL the Alaafins of the Oyo Empire have always ascended the THRONES.
Obas and Kings worldwide largely "ascend thrones" NOT stools EXCEPT in the case of the Ashanti Empire where the "Asantehene or King " sits on a "golden stool." This irresponsible misinformation and circular reasoning from some journalists and editors in media outfits and others on the street level MUST stop!
LeopardX: They buy both flour and sugar in massive quantity from BUA.
The sugar is just too much. I don comot hand from that bread pata pata. I never wan die.
Seriously... I've never tasted this 900g Bokku bread but curiousity will make me do it as soon as I get back to Naija to know what the "sugary" hype is all about.
But in my opinion, the bread is just a mixture of too much sugar and flour. I don't see anything special in it.
Constant consumption of the bread and you may be qualified for a long term ailment. My mom and sister don't even like the bread.
I'm also beginning not to like it. Health is wealth. Thank you.
Bump.
Interesting takes.
An NL poster on the thread page which hit the NL frontpage right just yesterday BELOW said that the Bokku bread majorly contains milk and butter NOT sugar. His full quote is right below as well.
"Is there any bread for adults and any for children? Come on you guys should stop this na. For every one person that doesn't like the bread, there are hundreds more who love it so they had already done their survey and they know their target customers. Honestly you need to visit bokku stores and see how many people even elderly are queueing up for the bread. They got it spot on! Even the bread can stay up to 5 days without decomposing cos of the quality yeast and my work colleagues on the island always want me to bring some when coming to work. What you mostly perceive and taste in that bread isn't really sugar. It's majorly milk and butter. They add lots of milk to the bread. Next time you buy the bread, look at the warning at the back. People who are lactose intolerant need to avoid eating too much of it in one sitting due to the high amount of milk."
GloriousGbola: right now in lagos i would say your best price outside of bokku is spar and market square
there is NOTHING in shoprite if you are a penny pinching thrifty shopper
i always have a mental record of prices
it used to be shoprite was the best price for soft drinks, five alive variants , detergent, indomie, dishwashing soap.
infact what happens with bokku bread [reselling] used to happen with five alive. i guess shoprite had a bulk purchase deal with coca cola so their five alive was between 25% to 50% lower than the price everywhere else. so some people just bought to resell. Nigerians scalping orange juice . eventually they slapped a limit on how many packs a customer could buy
now their prices are significantly higher for everything. i have to wonder just who their target market is, particularly in this economy.
i live in festac and wonder of wonders, spar opened a branch last year over there. so now i have access to their prices without having to go to vi, though their stock does not match 100% . there are some items [eg 9k bag of 5kg golden penny garri] that seem limited to the vi branch
i also think the way bokku was set up is deliberate. today there is almost nowhere to hangout and so people have turned supermarkets like shoprite and market square to semi hangouts. you see people taking selfies in market square.
each store more or less has the same layout and arrangement - meaning they have three cashiers and two security guards per store. i am not sure they have designated cleaners.a market square store is much larger, and they have like 8 cashiers, a supervisor, and a bagger for each supervisor. this is in addition to people who clean, and the operators of their cooked food.
though it seems market squares policy is to employ kids waiting for university for most of their customer facing roles. i doubt any of the cashiers is over 20 years of age.
i cant see anyone doing that in the sterile warehouse like setup of bokku.
as per the bread, i buy it. it is not as good as other breads but the fact of the matter is your taste is driven by your disposable income in nigeria, more people buy tecno [a clear shit phone] than samsung. in fact imho tecno phones forced samsung to start introducing multiple tiers of phones so they could catch the market who were not going to shell out on a galaxy flagship but still wanted a nice phone.
twitter for the most part is not a real place - but an echo chamber of people privileged enough to buy bread at 2k while grumbling about the price.
@GloriousGbola
I appreciate your deep insights here. I never knew that SPAR now has an outlet in Festac Town so that folks over there don't have to go far to get quality items. I used to live in the well-planned Festac Town (even when the newly built duplexes on 5th Avenue in the early 1980s had not yet been fully occupied).
Anyone who plans to go into the wholesale and retail business ecosystem has to "innovative or die" because the consumers are very fickle. They'll drop you as soon as they get alternatives in the market space. Globally, people are looking out for bargains and when those who operate from the standard bricks-and-mortar outlets with higher overhead costs don't use disruptive strategies, they won't be able to compete with the more nimble ones with lower overhead costs.
With the crude oil price that has dropped to a 3-year low down from $69 to $66 as of yesterday, and the cataclysmic global tariff wars triggered by Trump, definitely there'll be a global shift by many consumers towards cheaper bargains as recession (and depression) looms in the United States later in 2025. Those who have the ability to discern opportunities and threats at this point in time and space will survive.
kay29000: It all adds up. I remember going for a seminar like 19 years ago and this man was breaking down how much the people that make tomtom make. It was selling for like 10 naira at the time, and let's say profit on one might be 2 naira. But they sell millions every month. It's all in the numbers. I think that's why Bokku has many stores. Whichever of their stores you buy the bread from, you're still sha buying their major product.
That's it... A lower cost of production in order to gain sustainable profit margins (selling to a large number of loyal consumers year after year). It's all about having a robust research and sales strategy.
GloriousGbola: every mallam sells coke and pepsi at 500 bokku sells coke at 390, pepsi at 370
kings cooking oil 3 litres ws 12k, noww 11k. it is like 15k everywhere else i bought canoe soap the big one at n600 . in most su0permarkets it is over n700 bag of rice is definitely less
they sell sugar 1100. same sugar is 1250 to 1500 in other stores
rat board is n300 in bokku, n500 everywhere else
a lot of their prices are lower.
shoprite is dead, imho. there is NOTHING worth buying there anymore
the best that can happen is one goes there when they are doing promos
i have no idea who they are chasing with their pricing
Insightful perspectives.
By default, I gravitate towards only SPAR and Shoprite whenever I'm back to base.
The founder of Bokku must have done his homework right in order to sell at lower retail prices and still have profit margins left based on turnover. Then again, the vast array of prices of commodities and more in Nigeria for years now are based off of artificial inflation caused by greedy goods haulage truck owners, wholesalers and retailers who just want to make fast bucks from the consumers on the street level in the absence of official price control measures.
Azazyel: It's quality bread honestly. This is what Nigerians need right now. The first time I tried it and discovered the shelf life of the bread, I stopped buying any other bread. Also bokku mart has the best prices that you can't get in any other supermarket in Lagos when it comes to groceries, beverages, junk food, drinks, household items e.t.c
@Azazyel
I appreciate your insights here on the Bokku Mart bread which I heard via an online media ad is about N1300 and will give it a try whenever I'm back to Lagos and this thread has awakened my curiosity. I first heard of Bokku Mart in March 2025 via an online media broadcast and hope their business model doesn't get too overextended (with many unprofitable outlets) and works out right for them down the road.
Islie: •Experts set agenda for oil, gas development
By Udeme Akpan, Energy Editor
There are indications that more heads will roll in the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL and its subsidiaries as Engineer Bayo Ojulari yesterday assumed office as the new Group Chief Executive Officer.
This was even as the management and staff of NNPC Ltd welcomed the appointment of a new GCEO Officer and Board of Directors for the company by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
However, checks Vanguard showed that the reorganisation would start from the corporate headquarters to the subsidiaries, including Upstream, Gas and Power, new Energy, Downstream and Non-Energy businesses.
The checks indicated that the reorganisation would be targeted at ensuring that round pegs are placed into round holes based on the commitment of the new leadership to achieve national goals and objectives in the oil and gas industry.
It was confirmed that the businesses to be impacted include the NNPC E&P Limited (NEPL), NNPC Upstream Investment Management Services (NUIMS), NNPC Energy Services Limited (EnServ), NNPC Engineering and Technical Company (NETCO), NNPC New Energy Limited (NNEL), NNPC Gas Infrastructure Company (NGIC), NNPC Gas Marketing Limited (NGML), and NNPC Gas & Power Investment Services (NGPIS).
They also include NNPC Trading Limited (NTL) NNPC Retail Limited (NRL), NNPC Shipping Limited (NSL), NNPC RefChem Limited (NRCL), NNPC Downstream Investment Services (NDIS), Nigerian Pipelines and Storage Company Limited (NPSC), National Energy Reserve Management Company (NERMC), NNPC Non-Energy Investment Services (NNIS), NNPC Foundation Limited/Gte, NNPC Academy, NNPC Properties Limited (NPL), and Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) and Research Technology and Innovation (RTI).
Experts set agenda for oil, gas development
Meanwhile, in an interview with Vanguard, Prof Wumi Iledare, Executive Director of Emmanuel Egbogah Foundation, called on the new team to revisit the Naira for Crude deal with local refineries.
He said: “Second is selling NNPCL shares to the public with a limit to what individuals can buy and restricting corporate buyers. Third, divest some JV shares in divested IOC shares.
“Fourth, rekindle, restructure, and rebound NNPC Limited along the intent of the PIA. Fifth, disavow agency mindset to please the branch instead of the federation and focus on the commercial mandate in the law.
“Sixth, promote economy of scale mentality. Seventh and perhaps most important, encourage more recruitment, training and capacity building to increase productivity.”
Osanebi hails Avuru on NNPC appointment Prof. Iledare commended the former GCEO, Mele Kyari for his contributions toward the development of the industry, adding that with their rich professional background and experiences, the new team would likely deliver value to the NNPCL and Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.
Similarly, the Chief Executive Officer, CEO, Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise, CPPE, Dr. Muda Yusuf, said: “The quality of the governance and management of our oil and gas sector has been the bane of our economic progress over the past few decades. The country has not been able to leverage the huge oil and gas resources to advance our economic development frontiers as many other oil producing countries have done.
“Our peers as oil producing countries have done much better – UAE, Norway, Saudi Arabia etc. We have largely succeeded in building a huge rent economy around our oil and gas sector.
“In all of these, our national oil company [NNPC] is a very strategic institution. If we must change the narrative, we must get it right with the governance and management of the NNPC.
“Recent changes in the NNPC signal the commitment of the present administration to chart a new course. The new management team is populated by professionals with a proven record of performance in the private sector segment of the oil and gas sector. They are therefore expected to change the face of the sector. We would like to see an NNPC that is comparable to its peers like Saudi Aramco, China National Petroleum Corporation, PETRONAS etc.
“We expect to see a dramatic improvement in corporate governance, better optimisation of oil and gas assets, a PPP investment framework that would drive efficiency, productivity and profitability.
“We would also like to see an end to refineries that have become a huge burden rather than assets on the economy. Above all is the imperative of fostering the highest standards of corporate governance. The listing of the NNPC Limited on both national and international stock exchanges would reinforce the desired corporate governance standards.
“However, all of these would be difficult to achieve if the political environment does not complement the realisation of this vision. It is therefore very critical that the independence of the new NNPC is guaranteed with zero tolerance for interference from the Political leadership, the national assembly and the bureaucracy. These are critical success factors.”
NNPCL Embraces New Team
In a statement, the Chief Corporate Communications Officer, NNPCL, Olufemi Soneye, said: “The Management and staff of NNPC Ltd have welcomed the appointment of a new Group Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Bayo Ojulari, and Board of Directors for the Company by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“We extend our profound appreciation to the outgoing GCEO, Mr. Mele Kyari, and the former Board Members for their selfless and dedicated service to the Company and to the nation.
With crude oil prices dropping to a 3-year low as of yesterday, the Saudi Aramco business model is one of the major keys to unleashing the full powers of NNPCL. It's doable.
I wish the oil and gas technocrat, Bayo Ojulari and the rest of the team success as they proceed to reposition NNPCL subsidiaries into global powerhouses.
Azazyel: Is there any bread for adults and any for children? Come on you guys should stop this na. For every one person that doesn't like the bread, there are hundreds more who love it so they had already done their survey and they know their target customers. Honestly you need to visit bokku stores and see how many people even elderly are queueing up for the bread. They got it spot on! Even the bread can stay up to 5 days without decomposing cos of the quality yeast and my work colleagues on the island always want me to bring some when coming to work. What you mostly perceive and taste in that bread isn't really sugar. It's majorly milk and butter. They add lots of milk to the bread. Next time you buy the bread, look at the warning at the back. People who are lactose intolerant need to avoid eating too much of it in one sitting due to the high amount of milk.
That must be a bread made from well-made bread recipe for it to last for 5 whole days before going rancid or mouldy in room temperature. It takes normally about two days max to store bread at room temperature before it begins to go stale.
Storing bread at room temperature in a cool, dry place (in a bread can/bread box or airtight container) is ideal.
koladata: I think only Market Square has a great potential. I first noticed Market Square in PH about two months ago, their location is almost everywhere in PH, then on getting back to lagos, I saw about two locations again. Bukku marts is just selling sugary breads everywhere with small mini mart. Market Square is taking Justrite's glory, Justrite needs to expand to other states.
Insightful, I'm really curious now. I have to visit these outlets whenever I fly back to any of those cities in order to get a flavor of what they're all about. My usual joints have always been SPAR and Shoprite outlets whenever in Naija.
kay29000: That Bokku is everywhere, I always wonder where the owner or owners got funds from. In some 4-5 kilometer roads, you can have as many as 3 on same road. This was kinda how Addide was back in the 2000s, but Bokku is spreading at a faster rate than how Addide did back then.
They are also advertising in electronic mainstream media that I've monitored online. I never heard of Bokku until 2025 tbh. They have to ensure they do NOT get overextended in order to gain the required ROI on their investments.
Travel › Re: I'M Married To A Nigerian—Why Can’t I Get A Passport? – US Man Cries Out (Pics) by Konquest: 8:18am On Apr 10, 2025
