₦airaland Forum

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SDP chieftain, Adewole Adebayo and Malam Nasir El-Rufai.

Amid the defection wave to the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Adewole Adebayo, the party’s presidential candidate in 2023, has announced his 2027 presidential ambition.

Adewole, speaking on Arise Television’s ‘The Morning Show’ on Friday, March 14, 2025, expressed confidence that, regardless of the political stature of politicians defecting to the party, he would be their presidential candidate in the next election.

When asked if he’s worried about the ‘heavy-weight’ politicians joining the SDP, Adewole said he is not worried by the claim that the high-profile politicians defecting to the party can push him aside.

Adewole’s comment follows Malam Nasir El-Rufai’s defection to the party after the latter’s open criticisms of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and subsequent resignation.

Following his defection, El-Rufai has been making political moves to woo some politicians to his new party.

However, the 2023 SDP flagbearer said he is not afraid or threatened by the defectors, adding that every party member knows he will contest again.

“Let us understand something. I don’t worry about that; everybody who is coming in knows I will run in 2027.”

He added, “Any coward who will feel threatened by people coming to his party can not be president.”

Adewole also said President Bola Tinubu will be defeated in 2027, and an SDP president will emerge.

“Tinubu is going to be removed from power, that one is sure, and there would be an SDP president,” he asserted.

On coalition, he said the SDP is not yet discussing alliances with any party, adding that political parties that want a coalition can approach the party.

Source: https://gossipnaija.ng/2025/03/14/i-will-be-sdp-flagbearer-in-2027-2023-candidate-sends-message-to-defectors/

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has warned of severe heat stress in 12 states and the federal capital territory (FCT).

In its weather outlook released on Monday, the agency said the rising temperatures and high humidity levels in the next three to four days may cause thermal discomfort across several regions in Nigeria.

The agency said the most affected states would include Kebbi, Niger, Kwara, Oyo, Kogi, Nasarawa, Benue, Enugu, Anambra, Abia, Ebonyi, and Cross River.

NiMet added that other vulnerable regions are Taraba, Adamawa, Plateau, Kaduna, Zamfara, and Sokoto.

It urged the public to be wary of potential health risks, fatigue and irritability, reduced focus and motor skills, and lower productivity.

The agency advised Nigerians to stay in well ventilated areas, wear breathable clothing, drink plenty of water, avoid peak sun hours between 12pm to 3pm, and use sun protection.

On February 20, NiMet forecasted prolonged heatwave across the country, with temperatures expected to be between 38 to 40℃.

The Martin Amaewhule-led Rivers State House of Assembly, on Sunday, asked Governor Siminalayi Fubara to channel his invitation to the members properly and not through social media.

The reaction followed the invitation to the Assembly to a meeting with the governor at the Government House, on Monday (today).

Fubara, through the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Tammy Danagogo, said the meeting, scheduled for 10 am, was expected to address key issues, including the provision of sitting space for the Assembly, payment of outstanding allowances, and the presentation of the 2025 budget.

The 27 lawmakers of the Rivers State House of Assembly loyal to the former governor, Nyesom Wike, may, however, reject the invitation except their condition is met by the governor.

One of the lawmakers, Isaiah Opuende who represents Akuku-Toru Constituency 2, blasted the governor for inviting the Assembly members via social media.

Opuende urged the governor to communicate with them appropriately, adding that it was surprising that Fubara would call them after he had told them at several fora to “dey their dey.”

He stated, “It is time for us to determine our dey. When the ‘dey your dey’ started, our principal said the time for our own ‘dey your dey’ will come. Now, our ‘dey your dey’ has come.

“Dey your dey make we dey our dey. How can you wire a letter and post it on social media and expect us to honour it? You know we are not kids. The governor should properly write to the Assembly. That’s all. Thank you.”

Similarly, some former local government chairmen who served during the tenure of Wike were also seen in a viral video, singing and mocking Fubara over the invitation extended to the Assembly members.

A former chairman of Ikwerre LG, Dr Samuel Nwanosike, with scores of other dancing and singing in a mocking manner, asked the governor not to disturb the Speaker, Amaewhule.

They sang repeatedly, “Dey your dey, make I dey my dey, dey your dey, nobody worry Amaewhule.”

Following the Supreme Court judgment affirming their legitimacy, the lawmakers, in their first sitting, urged Governor Siminalayi Fubara to present the 2025 budget. They also demanded that he submit nominees for commissioner and other appointments, insisting that those currently serving in the cabinet lacked legal backing.

Additionally, they summoned the chairman and commissioners of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission to appear before them on Monday.

However, the requests were ignored, as Commissioner for Information, Joseph Johnson, stated that the government was awaiting the Certified True Copy of the Supreme Court judgment before taking action.

The CTC was eventually released on Thursday evening and widely published in national dailies on Friday.

In a bid to establish a relationship and woo the lawmakers, the SSG, Danagogo, wrote a letter addressed to the Speaker, Amaewhule, on Sunday, titled, “Meeting between the Governor of the Rivers State and the Honourable Members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.”

Danagogo stated in the letter that the meeting became necessary following the governor’s receipt of the CTC of the Supreme Court judgment.

The letter said the discussion would centre on the provision of a space for the lawmakers to be sitting, presentation of the 2025 budget, among others.

The statement read, “I hereby write in furtherance of His Excellency’s promise stated in my letter dated 5 March 2025 to notify you that His Excellency has received the Supreme Court judgment, and has, therefore, directed me to invite you and your colleagues – the honourable members of Rivers State House of Assembly, to a meeting to discuss:

“Provision of a befitting space for the Assembly’s sittings, payment of all outstanding remuneration or allowances of the Honourable members;

“Presentation of budget and sundry matters. Any other matter(s), as may be necessary, to chart the way forward in the best interest of the state.

“Sequel to the above, I hereby humbly invite the Rt. Hon. Speaker, and all the members of the Rivers State House of Assembly to a meeting with the Governor as follows”

The invitation of the lawmakers by the governor came as the 72-hour ultimatum given to the RSIEC chairman to appear before the House expires today.

Amaewhule had, during plenary on Friday, said the Assembly had taken legislative notice of Fubara’s failure to forward names of his commissioner nominees to the House for screening.

Efforts to reach the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Johnson, failed as his mobile line was not connecting as of the time of filing this report.

APC hails invitation

The development was hailed by the Chief Tony Okocha-led All Progressives Congress and the Emeka Beke-led faction, loyal to former Minister of Transport, Rotimi Amaechi.

The Okocha faction, loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, described Fubara’s invitation to the lawmakers as a welcome development.

The state Publicity Secretary of the party, Chibuike Ikenga, disclosed this during a telephone chat with our correspondent on Sunday.

Ikenga expressed the hope that the move would lead to a resolution of the crisis between the two arms of government in the state.

He stated, “Our position as a party is to the effect that whatever will bring lasting peace to Rivers State is what we support.

“And the two sides, the executive and the legislature, should make all these overtures to engender confidence building which of course will lead to a final resolution of this crisis.

“The Supreme Court had already put a nail on it, but interpersonal relationships between the leaders of the two arms of government are encouraged. There are overtures expected from the two sides which have quarrelled for close to two years.

“That the Rivers State House of Assembly had written letters to the governor and the governor has also responded and the governor has written, inviting them as part of the follow-up of the earlier letter, we welcome all these processes and procedures that will lead to final resolution.”

Also, the Chief of Staff to the Beke-led APC, Chizi Entire, described the development as a win-win situation.

He commended the governor for keeping to his promise of implementing the Supreme Court judgment.

“The letter written by the governor to the Assembly shows that he is a man who believes in the rule of law and who can also maintain his stand and do what he says. This is the first move to ensure orderliness in the state. The governor sees that the people matter and not him.

“So making peace with the lawmakers is the best thing he can achieve for now. When it is achieved, I think the state will move forward.

“The Supreme Court has recognised the Martin Amaewhule-led House of Assembly and the governor does not have any option but to obey the judgment of the Supreme Court.

“It is a win-win. Nobody is a loser and nobody is a winner,” he said.

Ex-LG chairs

Former chairmen of Ijaw-dominated local government areas in Rivers State have condemned threats by non-state actors over the political crisis in the state.

Some groups had threatened to disrupt oil production and cause a crisis in the state if Fubara was impeached.

The former campaign coordinators for Fubara in their various local government areas called on the police, the Department of State Security and other security agencies to enforce the judgment of the Supreme Court in the interest of the people.

The former members of the Association of Local Government Nigeria said Fubara failed to take the opportunity offered to him by the presidential intervention to end the crisis.

The Ijaw leaders, who said they remained the substantive chairmen of their local government areas, following their aborted tenure extension, said they heaved a sigh of relief that the Supreme Court had ended the crisis.

“Unfortunately, our attention was drawn to both subtle and frontal threats to the government, instigated by some individuals and organisations, who ostensibly are beneficiaries of the crises.

“It’s even worse that they use the Ijaw identity to fuel the embers of violence and intimidation against the Federal Government.

“In this category are organisations such as the Ijaw National Congress and some renegades of the Ijaw Youth Council.

“These organisations stated publicly that the Ijaws will resort to violence against critical national oil infrastructure if Governor Fubara is impeached.

“This implies that these pro-Ijaw ethnic organisations have not read the Supreme Court judgment they so condemn,” the LG chairmen said.

The statement was signed by Daniel O. Daniel, Abua/Odual; Dr Rowland C. Sekibo, Akuku Toru; Dr Erastus C. Awortu, Andoni; Onengiye George, Asari Toru; Michael John Williams, Degema; Chief Vincent Nemioboka, Ogu Bolo; Akuro Tobin, Okrika; Tamunotonye Douglas, Vice-Chairman, Port Harcourt City and Ubile Jack, Vice-Chairman, Ahoada West.

They said: “We condemn those empty threats and urge the Federal Government and Nigerians to disregard such comments which project the Ijaws in a bad light.

“Moreso, it is a fact that these threats attack the sensitivity of people from other ethnic groups in Rivers State who also voted for Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

“We have also seen videos and press statements of supposed stakeholders, including Prof Benjamin Okaba, Alhaji Mujaheed Asari Dokubo threatening the energy security of the Nigerian state if attempts at implementation of the judgment lead to the impeachment of the governor.”

The ex-LG chairmen queried: “Did the judgment call for Fubara’s impeachment? The simple answer is no. Where were these persons who claimed to be fighting the so-called Ijaw fight when the governor truncated the tenure and seized the allocation of the LGAs including those of us who are fellow Ijaws?

“Where were they when he stopped the salaries of the Assembly members and even made conscious attempts to use the courts to impeach them, including 10 Ijaw sons? They were all unconcerned because they were benefitting from the crisis and are not ready to stop benefitting from it.”

The ex-council bosses assured Nigerians that they would mobilise the support base to protect oil installations situated in their respective communities.

“We call on Governor Fubara to obey and ensure the full compliance with the decisions of the Supreme Court.

“As everybody is aware, impeachment is a profound constitutional prescription to penalise any erring governor or president in a presidential system of government.

“The Ijaws should at this point ensure that their beloved son does not carry out any act that will necessitate the deployment of this constitutionally approved procedure to check his excesses,” the statement read.

Opportuneke:
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However, more explanations still needed to be done with respect to culture, customs and traditions of the countries mentioned since you are trying to sell them to the public for migration purpose.👌🏻

It will give people more insight of what they are going into. 👍

Ruke1989:
This is informative. We need more of this on nairaland

Fraudsters exploited vulnerabilities in Nigeria’s banking system to steal over N1 billion through Bank Verification Numbers (BVNs) illegally registered minors.

This is according to a new report by the Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS) on recent fraud trends in the country.

The report highlights a growing trend of financial fraud, with compromised bank officials and agents illegally registering BVNs for minors and using them to open enterprise accounts through which fraudulent transactions were carried out.

How the fraud was executed

The NIBSS report detailed two major cases where BVNs were fraudulently created for underaged individuals, leading to significant financial losses.

• In one instance, a compromised bank staff registered a BVN for a minor and proceeded to open an enterprise account linked to the fraudulent identity.

• The account later received N495.3 million, which was swiftly withdrawn.

• In another case, a corrupt banking agent enrolled a BVN for a minor and opened a business account under the name of a bakery. This fraudulent account received N507 million, which was immediately transferred out before authorities could intervene.

• The two cases alone resulted in losses exceeding N1.002 billion, with investigations showing that the funds were quickly moved through multiple accounts to avoid detection and recovery efforts.

Involvement of bank officials and agents

The report indicated that some financial institution employees played a critical role in facilitating these fraudulent activities.

A bank staff was directly implicated in one of the cases, while an agent involved in the second case has been reported to law enforcement authorities for possible prosecution.

Regulatory bodies are engaging with the affected bank to determine the extent of internal complicity and to enforce stricter verification measures to prevent further occurrences.

The report read, “BVN was registered for a minor I by compromised bank staff and an enterprise account was opened using the BVN. An estimated N495.3 million was later received into the account and drawn down.

“BVN was registered for a minor II by a compromised agent and an enterprise account of a bakery was opened with the BVN. An estimated N507 million was transferred into the account and moved out.

“Agent has been reported to LEA for arrest while engagement is ongoing with the bank on the role played by its staff in this fraud.”

A growing threat to Nigeria’s financial system

The revelations come amid a broader pattern of rising fraud cases in Nigeria’s financial sector.

• While the number of reported fraud incidents dropped by 31% between 2020 and 2024, the total financial losses due to fraud skyrocketed by 350% within the same period.

• According to NIBSS data, the amount lost to fraud surged from N11.61 billion in 2020 to N52.26 billion in 2024, highlighting how fraudsters have become more sophisticated in their operations.

•Many of these fraudulent activities exploit regulatory loopholes, weak identity verification processes, and corrupt financial service intermediaries.

Other fraud trends identified

The NIBSS report also detailed several other emerging fraud schemes beyond the misuse of BVNs for minors. One such case involved fraudsters stealing the identities of senior citizens to open bank accounts, with over N400 million funneled through these illicit accounts.

Corporate accounts have also been used for fraudulent activities. In July 2024, an oil and gas company was registered using doctored corporate documents.

The fraudulent account received N335 million on the day it was opened, with the funds quickly transferred to unlicensed Bureau De Change (BDC) operators. Authorities were, however, able to recover the funds following swift intervention by NIBSS and law enforcement agencies.

Another worrying trend involves the dissipation of fraud proceeds through cryptocurrency transactions disguised as gift cards. The report stated that financial institutions often refuse to disclose details of final beneficiaries, making it difficult to track stolen funds.

Calls for stronger regulatory measures

NIBSS has called for stricter controls to prevent similar fraud incidents in the future. Among the recommendations is the enforcement of rigorous identity verification during BVN registration, including real-time biometric validation.

• The report also emphasized the need for an Enterprise Fraud Management System that can flag and stop suspicious transactions in real-time.

• Additionally, it called for fraudulent BVNs to be permanently blacklisted to prevent further exploitation of Nigeria’s financial system.

• Authorities have also been urged to ensure that all new financial accounts are profiled within 24 hours of opening to improve fraud detection and enforcement efforts.

Over the weekend, a former Liverpool star Carragher while discussing Mohamed Salah’s chances of winning the 2025 omitted AFCON as a major tournament.

Former Manchester United defender, Rio Ferdinand has said the Africa Cup Of Nations(AFCON) needs to be given the same prestige as the likes of the World Cup and other major trophy tournament.

”It should be respected more than it is but what I would say is the lack of resources put into it.. the narrative from the media that comes out is that it is a Mickey Mouse tournament,” Ferdinand said during a podcast on Monday.

The 46-year-old’s comments come after fellow Englishman and pundit, Jamie Carragher speaking after Liverpool‘s 2-0 victory over Manchester City on Sunday, felt that Mohamed Salah playing in AFCON was a drawback in his becoming the best player in the world.

According to the Confederation of African Football (CAF), the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) shattered viewership records, reaching a total of 2.2 billion viewers worldwide

This surpassed the viewership of the Super Bowl in the United States, which averaged 123.4 million viewers that same year, a 1.8 billion gap.

The competition also saw a significant increase in digital engagement, with 2.1 billion digital interactions, 3.1 billion TikTok video views, and 12.5 million Instagram views.

Despite these impressive statistics, the six-time Premier League winner said such statements are due to ignorance as the cup competition has not gained the recognition it deserves even though it has provided players that have thrived in Europe.

”That comment is representative of the majority of the people out there, I don’t think that is right, that is ignorant. That is kind of a full process because of the Africa Cup of Nations.If you go to Abedi Pele, Didier Drogba, Samuel Eto’o all these players Riyad Mahrez, Mo Salah and Sadio Mane, we have to win this, it is a demand in their country to win this ”

”Yes, it doesn’t get back resources-wise like the Euros etc but that doesn’t mean you have to devalue it. It is a continent of huge power, a continent that contributes to European football, immensely; like the number of players in Europe and winning things from the African continent is a ridiculous number,” he said.

Ferdinand stated that the football regulatory body, FIFA has a big role to play in changing this narrative and placing the cup competition alongside the Euros and COPA America

”I understand what Jamie is saying but I don’t agree with it and it is not right the majority of people out there think so and I think that federations like FIFA need to implement a language around the AFCON that actually equals the Euris and COPA America that is the point.”

Jamie was trying to say; well I think he is right in what he is saying because that is what happens; If Mo Salah wins the Africa Cup of Nations that would have no bearing on anyone’s voting when they vote for the Ballon d Ór and that is wrong; that was what he was saying one part of his argument was.

Salah has yet to lift the African continental title but has twice been a runner-up doing so in 2017 and 2021.

”If Mane finished second in 2022, that has no bearing on anyone’s vote, in the captains, media and all the managers; I don’t think they would go (oh before I make an adjustment on who made the top three, where did Mo Salah finish in the Africa Cup of Nations).”

”I didn’t think anyone asks that question and that is wrong, that is where it needs to be changed and I think that is where the language, the media, and FIFA need to start punching that home that the Africa Nations Cup need to be taken seriously as the COPA America and the Euros”

The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has assured that the ambitious 750km Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway will be completed before the end of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s second term in office.

Umahi gave this assurance on Tuesday during the signing of the Engineering, Procurement, Construction, and Finance (EPC+F) contract for the project between the Federal Government and Hitech Construction Company Nigeria Ltd.

According to Umahi, the administration is committed to delivering the mega infrastructure project, which he described as the “biggest ever known in Africa,” within Tinubu’s tenure.

He stressed that the project, envisioned 27 years ago, is now becoming a reality under the Renewed Hope agenda.

“It is a wonderful thing to witness this and to be part of it. We will continue to pray for Mr President, we will continue to support him, and we must continue to say that, given the two tenures of Mr President, Nigerians are assured that the entire 750 kilometres will be fully completed before he leaves office. And God, who started this, will see it to completion,” Umahi stated.

He further explained that the project, initiated in March 2024, is structured under an EPC+F model, allowing Hitech Construction to secure foreign investments in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Finance.

The Federal Government has committed to providing 30% counterpart funding, while foreign financing will cover the remaining cost.

The first phase of the highway, covering 47.7km from Ahmadu Bello Way in Lagos, is expected to be completed by May 2025. Umahi also disclosed that each kilometre of the road would cost approximately N4 billion.

The minister reiterated the administration’s commitment to fast-tracking the project, ensuring it meets global standards and serves as a catalyst for economic growth along Nigeria’s coastal corridor.

He said, “The beauty of it is that the ‘F’ component of EPC+F is now being fulfilled. By signing this contract, we are paving the way for the contractor, through the Federal Ministry of Finance, to secure foreign investment for the project. The Federal Government’s commitment is 30 per cent counterpart funding, which the President is fulfilling.”

“And now, with the foreign financing component in place, the project’s execution will be accelerated. I am pleased with Hitech’s performance, the quality of work, and the speed of construction. If not for the need to settle a substantial fee, we would have been able to commission the entire first section within a year, even though the project is scheduled for 36 months.”

Seplat Energy eyes 14 trillion cubic feet of natural gas in acquired assets in Akwa Ibom.

The Chief Executive Officer of Seplat Energy, Roger Brown has disclosed that the company sees the potential of unlocking an estimated 14 trillion cubic feet of untapped natural gas in its newly acquired assets in Akwa Ibom State.

Brown said this while speaking at the Heirs Energies Leadership Forum 2025, in Abuja, where he spoke about Nigeria’s potential in accelerating oil & gas production, unlocking untapped gas reserves, and driving sustainable growth in the energy sector.

He reaffirmed Seplat Energy’s commitment to enhancing Nigeria’s energy sector by accelerating oil production and expanding its domestic gas supply capacity.

“We see tremendous potential in unlocking 14 TCF of untapped gas in our newly acquired assets in Akwa Ibom State and we are aligned with the government’s vision that every barrel of oil and molecule of gas counts,” he said.

Seplat Energy Targets 850 Million scf

He stated that the company will deliver 850 million standard cubic feet of gas for domestic and industrial use in Nigeria.

“Seplat Energy is committed to supporting the delivery of Nigeria’s energy future by accelerating oil production and delivering on our 850 million scf gas capacity to domestic industry including power, fertilizer production, and LNG.”

He noted that Seplat Energy’s targets and recent investments align with the Nigerian government’s vision of optimizing every available resource to strengthen energy security and economic growth.

“We are aligned with the government’s vision that every barrel of oil and molecule of gas counts. As such, we will continue to invest in safe and efficient operations to ensure long-term energy security and sustainable growth,” the CEO added.

He stressed that Nigeria’s energy sector is undergoing a historic transformation, with unprecedented divestments.

He said these new investments and divestments will unlock new opportunities for growth in the energy sector.

Backstory

Last year, Seplat Energy, which is listed in both Nigeria and London acquired Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited (MPNU) from ExxonMobil for $1.3 billion.

• The assets acquired primarily include oil and gas operations in several oil fields and export terminals in Akwa Ibom state.

• The acquisition has now bestowed on Seplat, equity in 11 blocks (onshore and shallow water); 48 producing oil and gas fields; 5 gas processing facilities; and 3 export terminals.

Nairametrics reported that the acquisition will double Seplat Energy’s oil production capacity.

The company described it as a “game-changer, positioning us to maximize the potential of mature assets through strategic investments and high-impact drilling campaigns.”

What you should know

• With Nigeria pushing to expand gas utilization as a transition fuel, Seplat Energy’s investments in oil and gas infrastructure, as well as other recent multibillion Naira investments, are expected to play a key role in enhancing domestic energy supply and supporting industries.

• The federal government has a target of producing over 2 million barrels per day of crude oil in 2025, but its output for January was 1.5 Mbps.

• It is short of 500,000 bpd, but the government has vowed to meet this target this year, as the 2025 budget is benchmarked on an output of 2.06 Mbps.

Former presidential spokesperson and prominent social commentator, Reno Omokri, has revealed why former Kaduna state governor, Nasir El-Rufai, was not appointed as a minister by President Bola Tinubu.

In a widely circulated tweet titled: “On Nasir el-Rufai’s Allegations Against President Tinubu and NSA Ribadu on Arise TV Today,” Omokri claimed that El-Rufai allegedly failed security checks and was not confirmed by the National Assembly.

Omokri wrote: “On Monday, 24, 2025, Malam Nasir el-Rufai appeared on Arise Television and accused President Tinubu and the National Security Adviser of being behind his failed ministerial nomination.

“Mr. el-Rufai said, among other things, that “the President did not want me in his cabinet.”

“Nothing could be further from the truth. The fact is that President Bola Tinubu nominated Malam Nasir el-Rufai as a minister and, as is constitutionally required, sent his name to the National Assembly for Senate confirmation.

“During the Senate confirmation process, the National Assembly requested security clearance from both national and international security and intelligence agencies, and it was discovered that Nasir el-Rufai failed his security screening woefully.

“For these and other reasons, Malam Nasir el-Rufai failed his security clearance and could not be cleared by the Senate of the National Assembly. He has himself to blame for this, not the President or the NSA.

“Nigerians may recall that el-Rufai was not the only ministerial nominee who was refused clearance. Nasir el-Rufai and two others, including Danladi Sani, the Taraba state nominee, and Stella Okotete of Delta state, were rejected because security agencies refused to clear them.

“None of the others has blamed the duo of the President or his NSA. None. Except el-Rufai.

“Thereafter, el-Rufai withdrew his nomination and named his former commissioner for local government, Jafaru Sani, as his replacement.”

Liverpool legend, Jamie Carragher, has dismissed the Africa Cup of Nations as a major tournament.

Carragher argued this following the Reds’ 2-0 win at Manchester City in the Premier League on Sunday.

Egyptian superstar, Mohamed Salah, continued his stunning form this season with a goal and an assist for Dominik Szobozslai at the Etihad.

Speaking on Sky Sports, Carragher suggested that Salah’s nationality and Egypt’s lack of success on the global stage could hinder the player’s chances of winning the Ballon d’Or this year.

He said: “I think the problem [is] the fact he’s with Egypt, and he’s probably not playing in the major tournament as such or maybe got a great chance of winning.

“I think it’s either the Champions League or the major tournament.

“Normally, the player who excels in that, like Vini Jr and (Kylian) Mbappe right now, Real Madrid looking really good going for the Champions League.”

Former Manchester City defender, Micah Richards, hit back at Carragher saying, “Just to say, AFCON is a major tournament because a lot of people are at home saying ‘they aren’t taking it seriously’. AFCON is a big tournament, just so you know.”

Carragher responded by questioning if Egypt would be contenders for the World Cup, because according to him, only the biggest international competitions influence the Ballon d’Or race.

However, ex-England striker, Daniel Sturridge shut down the argument, saying, “If you win the Euros or Copa America, it’s deemed to be big, so the AFCON is on the same level.”

SarkinYarki:
Grounding is really good

The Publicity Secretary of the Crude Oil Refiners Association of Nigeria (CORAN), Eche Idoko, has challenged the continued issuance of licences for the importation of Premium Motor Spirit by the Nigeria Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).

In an exclusive chat with Nairametrics, Idoko disclosed that the Dangote Petroleum Refinery currently has 500 million litres of PMS in stock as of Thursday, February 20.

Nairametrics reported that the Executive Director of Distribution Systems, Storage, and Retailing Infrastructure at the NMDPRA, Ogbugo Ukoha, said Nigeria currently consumes about 50 million litres of PMS daily and that local refineries are unable to meet 50% of this demand.

The senior official of the regulatory agency said it was necessary to grant importation licenses to oil marketers in order to prevent local shortages of petrol.

Idoko challenged the assertion of the NMDPRA official, saying that the Dangote refinery’s available stock alone can conveniently meet local consumption for 10 days, not to mention the various modular refineries in the country.

“I find that submission by NMDPRA rather curious. As we speak, Dangote has in stock 500 million litres of PMS in stock. That’s their production stock for 10 days, and it hasn’t been depleted. You know, I mentioned to you that in December, they were almost having a tank-top situation. So, I don’t understand why there’s a need to give licenses for importation when we have 500 million litres from only one refinery.

“That’s about 940 metric tonnes vessels available for take-up,” he said.

He noted that Dangote’s PMS is confirmed to be cheaper than even that of the Nigeria National Petroleum Company (NNPCL).

He argued that with available cheaper petrol in Nigeria and in line with the local content and backward integration policy in the oil sector, the NMDPRA has no justification to allow the continued importation of PMS at this time.

“Why won’t the marketers or whosoever is importing simply go to Dangote and pick that when we have seen empirically that the Dangote product is cheaper? Because right now, MRS that is getting from Dangote, is selling cheaper than NNPC. So, there’s nothing to justify importation of petroleum products as per the provisions of the PIA and the requirements for backward integration.”

Controversy over importation

There is an ongoing legal battle between the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals FZE, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), and the NMDPRA.

• Nairametrics reported that the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals FZE filed a suit at the Federal High Court in Abuja seeking to void import licenses issued by NMDPRA to NNPCL, Matrix Petroleum Services Limited, A.A. Rano Limited, and four other companies for importing refined petroleum products.

• In suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/1324/2024, Dangote Refinery is seeking N100 billion in damages against NMDPRA for continuing to issue import licenses to NNPCL, Matrix, and other companies to import petroleum products such as Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) and Jet Fuel (aviation turbine fuel) into Nigeria.

• Dangote refinery refines PMS, AGO (diesel), and other petroleum products in excess of what is consumed daily without shortfalls.

The NNPC has denied claims that it is importing refined petroleum products despite the refurbishment of state-owned Port Harcourt and Warri Refineries. However, the NMDPRA has confirmed that it gave licenses to some other oil marketers to import.

The struggles of private petroleum refineries in Nigeria

Some years ago, Nigeria produced well over 2 million barrels of crude oil per day yet lacked substantial refining capacity locally. The country exported its crude oil and imported refined products.

• Now, it boasts of having the world’s largest single-train refinery with a full capacity of refining 650,000 barrels of crude oil per day and multiple modular refineries that refine between 1,000 and 5,000 barrels per day.

• However, Nigeria struggles to meet the crude oil demands of these private refineries, forcing them to import crude oil and subject Nigerians to an unstable exchange rate.

• Nairametrics reported that the crude-for-Naira initiative to make crude oil available to local refineries is marred by inconsistent implementation. As a result, local refineries import crude oil, and when they buy locally, they sometimes buy in Dollars.

• We also reported that the Dangote refinery is importing crude oil from the United States, and it is building new storage facilities to boost feedstock security.

With the continued importation of refined petroleum products and the inability of local refineries to secure feedstock locally with the Naira, experts say this situation has exposed Nigerians to the instability of the global oil market, an abnormal situation for a major oil-producing country.

Former Republican congressman, Joe Walsh has alleged that President Donald Trump of the United States might be a “Russian asset.”

Walsh alleged that Trump might be planted and doing the bidding of his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin.

He disclosed this while appearing on CNN This Morning on Thursday.

Speaking during the discussion on Trump criticizing Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Walsh alleged: “The American president right now could be a plant, could be a Russian asset. I mean, think about that.

“Here I am. I know it’s early in the morning to say something like that, but think about that. And if the American people don’t care about that, that Putin might have something on Trump.

“That he’s an asset, that he’s a plant, that he’s doing the bidding of Vladimir Putin.”

Recall that Trump had called Zelenskyy a dictator without elections.

Trump said Zelenskyy refused to organize elections, noting that he is very low in Ukrainian polls.

The US President warned that Zelenskyy should better move fast or else he is not going to have a country left.

He accused Zelenskyy of deceiving the US into using $350 billion to prosecute the war with Russia that can’t be won.

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has clarified the newly reviewed N100 charge on withdrawals at another bank’s ATM (Not-On-Us Transactions), stating that the fee applies whether or not the withdrawal amount is up to N20,000.

In a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) document on the review of ATM transaction fees seen by Nairametrics, the CBN explained that the reason for applying the fee for every N20,000 withdrawal is to prevent customers from being compelled to break their withdrawals into smaller amounts.

“Yes, the fee of N100 will apply if you withdraw less than N20,000 from another bank (a bank other than the one that issued your payment card). The reason for applying the fee for every N20,000 withdrawal is to prevent customers from being compelled to break their withdrawals to less than N20,000 per transaction.

“In other words, ATM transactions will incur a base fee of N100 per transaction. It is also important to note that a tiered fee structure will apply for transactions exceeding N20,000, with an additional N100 charged for each subsequent withdrawal of N20,000 or portion thereof,” the document explains.

Sanctions await offenders

The CBN emphasized that banks are required to allow customers to withdraw up to N20,000 per transaction. “Any bank that compels a customer with sufficient funds in her account to withdraw less than N20,000 per transaction against the customer’s desire for a higher sum would be contravening this regulation’s spirit and sanctioned appropriately,” the CBN warned.

• The apex bank also encouraged consumers who are denied the right to withdraw up to N20,000 per transaction to file a complaint with the CBN via cpd@cbn.gov.ng.

• The CBN also provided an explanation of the difference between on-site and off-site ATMs: on-site ATMs are located within or directly affiliated with a bank branch, while off-site ATMs are found in locations such as shopping malls, fuel stations, or other public areas.

• The CBN noted that banks and other financial institutions are not allowed to charge more than the N500 per N20,000 surcharge for an off-site ATM withdrawal prescribed in the earlier circular. These fees will be displayed at the point of withdrawal, allowing customers to make informed decisions before proceeding with the transaction.

For withdrawals outside Nigeria, the CBN stated that banks will apply a cost recovery fee, meaning the exact charge imposed by the international ATM acquirer will be passed on to the customer.

What you should know

Nairametrics reported on Wednesday that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has announced a major revision to its Automated Teller Machine (ATM) transaction fees, effectively eliminating the three free monthly withdrawals previously granted to customers using other banks’ ATMs.

• This directive, outlined in a circular dated February 10, 2025, applies to all banks and financial institutions operating in Nigeria and is set to take effect from March 1, 2025.

• The circular was signed by John S. Onojah, Acting Director of the Financial Policy and Regulation Department, and released on the apex bank’s website on Tuesday.

According to the circular, the CBN has reviewed the ATM transaction fees stipulated under Section 10.7 of the CBN Guide to Charges by Banks, Other Financial and Non-Bank Financial Institutions (2020).

Nigeria’s headline inflation rate has dropped to 24.48% year-on-year in January 2025, following the rebasing of the Consumer Price Index (CPI), according to data released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).

There is a decline in the general price level of goods and services compared to 34.80% in December 2024, which was calculated using the previous methodology.

The recent rebasing of Nigeria’s CPI by the NBS significantly altered inflation metrics across the country.

The NBS updated the base year from 2009 to 2024, revised the weighting structure to reflect current spending patterns, and expanded the product basket to better capture household consumption. The shift from the Dutot index to the Jevon index also improved price measurement accuracy. While the revised CPI figures suggest lower inflation, the reality for many households remains unchanged, as food and essential goods continue to drive up living costs.

However, despite this methodological change, regional disparities in the cost of living persist, with some states remaining significantly more expensive than others.

Below is a ranking of the 10 most expensive states in Nigeria as of January 2025:

10. Kano

Kano ranks as the tenth most expensive state in Nigeria, with an all-items inflation rate of 12.51 per cent in January 2025, a sharp decline from the previously recorded 35.81 per cent in December 2024. Food inflation in the state also fell significantly from 40.39 per cent to 12.34 per cent following the rebasing. The drastic reduction in these figures reflects the NBS’s adjustment in the CPI methodology, which now incorporates a broader and more representative consumption basket. Despite the changes, Kano remains one of the priciest states, with food prices and general living expenses still exerting pressure on household incomes.

9. Borno

Borno is the ninth most expensive state, with an all-items inflation rate of 12.52 per cent in January 2025, down from 32.05 per cent recorded in December 2024. Food inflation experienced an even sharper decline, dropping from 41.69 per cent to 10.49 per cent within the same period. However, persistent supply chain disruptions, exacerbated by security challenges in the region, continue to push up costs, keeping Borno among the most expensive states despite the methodological adjustments.

8. Zamfara

Zamfara’s all-items inflation rate fell from 39.63 per cent in December 2024 to 13.82 per cent in January 2025, while food inflation dropped from 46.39 per cent to 11.81 per cent. The state has historically recorded high inflation figures due to logistical challenges affecting the distribution of goods, particularly food items. Food remains a major cost driver in the state, and despite the lower reported inflation, affordability remains a key concern for residents.

7. Rivers

Rivers State remains one of the costliest states in Nigeria, with an all-items inflation rate of 13.84 per cent in January 2025, a decline from 33.32 per cent in December 2024. Food inflation also dropped from 35.43 per cent to 12.27 per cent over the same period. As a major oil-producing state, Rivers experiences higher living costs, particularly in services and housing. The cost of essential services, particularly accommodation and transport, remains a significant burden on residents.

6. Enugu

Enugu ranks sixth among Nigeria’s most expensive states, with an all-items inflation rate of 14.69 per cent in January 2025, compared to 34.68 per cent in December 2024. Food inflation also saw a considerable decline, dropping from 43.15 per cent to 14.40 per cent. Enugu’s cost of living is primarily driven by rising food prices and increasing housing costs, which remain elevated despite the rebasing.

5. Kaduna

Kaduna’s inflation rate for all items stood at 14.82 per cent in January 2025, a decline from 36.44 per cent in December 2024. Food inflation followed a similar trend, falling from 42.21 per cent to 13.83 per cent. The rebasing exercise significantly impacted Kaduna’s reported figures, aligning them more closely with current consumption trends. However, essential goods and services continue to see price increases, making the state one of the most expensive places to live despite the lower official inflation numbers.

4. Abia

Abia recorded an all-items inflation rate of 15.38 per cent in January 2025, down from 36.18 per cent in December 2024. Food inflation in the state also saw a substantial drop, falling from 42.79 per cent to 15.21 per cent. The state’s cost of living has remained high due to persistent increases in the prices of essential goods and services.

3. Katsina

Katsina ranks third on the list, with an all-items inflation rate of 15.99 per cent in January 2025, down from 28.33 per cent in December 2024. Food inflation dropped from 37.12 per cent to 13.61 per cent following the rebasing. The state saw one of the largest declines in reported inflation due to the new weighting structure. However, the cost of food remains a major concern, with price pressures persisting despite the lower headline inflation figures.

2. Ebonyi

Ebonyi remains one of Nigeria’s most expensive states, with an all-items inflation rate of 16.13 per cent in January 2025, compared to 34.90 per cent in December 2024. Food inflation, which was previously at 42.79 per cent, declined to 16.88 per cent. The state’s high food prices and increasing cost of essential services contribute to its elevated position on the list. While the rebasing exercise adjusted the inflation metrics, the underlying price trends indicate that Ebonyi remains an expensive place to live.

1. Imo

Imo is the most expensive state to live in Nigeria as of January 2025, with an all-items inflation rate of 17.77 per cent, a decline from 29.99 per cent recorded in December 2024. Food inflation also dropped from 36.33 per cent to 16.80 per cent following the rebasing. The high cost of living in Imo is driven by persistent increases in food prices and essential commodities.

NewDigitalWorld:
Something exciting happened at the Super Bowl, which was held about a week ago in the United States of America. About nine players of Nigerian descent played in both teams: two for the Philadelphia Eagles (Moro Ojomo and C.J. Uzomah), who won it, and about seven for the Kansas City Chiefs (Felix Anudike-Uzomah, Charles Omenihu, Derrick Nnadi, Joshua Uche, Chukwuebuka Godrick, Chris Oladokun, and Joshua Ikechukwu Uche.)

At the end of the game, Ojomo celebrated with the Nigerian flag. Ojomo was born in Lagos State but left for the US when he was eight years old. In 2023, when the two teams met, Kansas City Chiefs emerged as winners. That year, Prince Tega Wanogho, who was born in Delta State and left Nigeria in 2014 with the plan to play basketball, ran around the pitch with the Nigerian flag, shouting, “All the way from Naija, we did it!” The import is that less than 10 years of being in the US, Wanogho—who grew up in a country that does not play American football—was winning the Super Bowl, which is rated the most watched television broadcast in the US every year.

In 2024, the Kansas City Chiefs beat the San Francisco 49ers to emerge champions of the Super Bowl. Several Nigerian players were in the winning team. This is a sport that just about two decades ago, it seemed as if Nigerians in the US were not cut out for and were not interested in. But one interesting point is that most of the players of Nigerian descent in the National Football League were born in the US to immigrant parents. Although Nigerians were not known for playing American football, they saw that it was popular and brought money and fame and therefore introduced their children to it. After some decades, the seed they sowed began to produce fruits.

Nigerians love career success that comes with a financial reward. In any profession in which success and money meet, Nigerians jump into it in droves. Before American football, Nigerians had made the same mark in basketball. Basketball was not as popular as association football or soccer among Nigerians, including Nigerians resident in the US. They saw it as an American game. But when Nigerian-born Hakeem Olajuwon of the Houston Rockets became a star in the 1980s and 90s, many Nigerians turned the attention of their children to basketball. Today, there are many players in the NBA with Nigerian ancestry, and most of them use their Nigerian names.

In the US military, a seed that was sown about three decades ago has matured to become a huge tree. Today, Nigeria can boast of a brigadier general in the US military in the person of Brigadier General Amanda Azubuike. She received her commission from the University of Central Arkansas in December 1993, earning a bachelor’s degree in communications. In 1995, she graduated from flight school and began her rise in the military. With the height she has attained, she has become an inspiration to many girls and boys who would like to join the military or other professions.

In the film industry, especially Hollywood, there are many Nigerian actors, including Chiwetel Ejiofor, John Boyega, Hakeem Kae-Kazim, Uzo Aduba, Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje, Cynthia Erivo, etc. Across Canada, the United States, Europe and Asia, there are many Nigerian sportspeople performing. In medicine, technology, finance, communications, etc., many Nigerians are making their mark.

What is happening is that the seeds sown some decades ago in different professions and the ones being sown in recent years are maturing to form a critical mass that can no longer be ignored. The first generation of Nigerians who settled in the US and other countries has produced children who have grown to become full-blown Americans, Britons, Canadians, Chinese, Koreans, Germans, etc.

The first generation of Nigerians, like Mr Herbert Macaulay, Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe, Prof. Eyo Eta, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Sir Tafawa Balewa, etc., who went to the UK and the US to study, returned shortly after their study to help in building the new Nigeria. This continued until after Nigeria’s independence in 1960. But by the 1970s, a new set of Nigerians travelling to Europe and North America did not return fully like the first pre-Independence set. By the 1980s and 90s, these people began to have children born in the USA, UK, and co. The children did not have the barriers that their parents had. They did not grow up with a Nigerian accent. They did not have the Nigerian mentality of seeing themselves as 100 per cent Nigerians who were abroad temporarily. Like the ancestors of White Americans, for example, who migrated from the UK or other parts of Europe, they saw themselves as Americans and Britons with Nigerian ancestry but with no plans of leaving to settle permanently in Nigeria. They can travel to Nigeria periodically; they can celebrate their Nigerian descent; but they are Americans or Britons.

The advantage this set of Nigerians has is that they can easily mix up with citizens of all races. They can assert their rights as full citizens, and display the genes of the Nigerians, the can-do spirit of Nigerians, but they also have the surefootedness and environmental consciousness of the Americans or Britons, respectively. Therefore, they have the best of two worlds.

Consequently, a new mindset is spreading among Nigerians in the USA, the UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, etc. That mentality is to recreate the Nigerian world physically and mentally in their place of abode and take conscious actions that mark them out as unique within their environment. That is why in every sphere of human endeavour abroad, Nigerians are contributing immensely. Everyone is consciously making a mark. The result is that in the next 20 years, Nigerians will have created an amalgam of successes too hard to ignore.

The positive side of it is that as Nigerians travel, they go with their cultures, dishes, dressing, languages, music, dance steps, mannerisms, and peculiar ways of speaking English. Comedians, content creators and filmmakers are replicating this Nigerian way of life in their productions, which sometimes cause people to laugh, but something significant is happening: the Nigerian consciousness is being created among people who could never distinguish between two African countries.

Afrobeats is also helping to make it easier to spread the Nigerian consciousness across the world. Nigerians are no longer shy or afraid to identify as Nigerians wherever they are. In fact, many non-Nigerians are now identifying with the Nigerian way of life on social media: they eat Nigerian food, wear Nigerian clothes, speak the Nigerian accent or pidgin English, make Nigerian jokes, sing Nigerian songs, imitate Nigerian dance steps, showcase the Nigerian marriage rites, etc. This increases their viewership online but also creates public relations capital for Nigeria.

One Nigerian politician seems to have understood the advantage the Nigerian community abroad confers on Nigeria. While most Nigerian politicians usually ask Nigerians abroad to come back home to help rebuild Nigeria, Mr Peter Obi has asked Nigerians not to rush back home. He noted that, like India and Israel, the Nigerian diaspora community will play a huge role in boosting the Nigerian economy and image. If trust is built at home, these Nigerians who earn in stronger foreign currencies can be mobilised to send more money home to execute projects.

When non-Nigerians see that the citizens have trust in their economy, too much campaigning will not be needed to convince them to invest in Nigeria. The Nigerians abroad will also serve as ambassadors who will be using their soft power to the advantage of Nigeria politically, socially, artistically, morally, culturally, etc. Whenever an issue arises that affects the interests of Nigeria, there will be people of Nigerian descent in government, parliament, public service, media, business, the stock market, entertainment, sports, etc., who will be part of the decision-making process.

Nigerians home and abroad are taking conscious and unconscious steps to rebrand Nigeria and boost its image in the world. And they have achieved tremendous results. The missing link is leadership at home. If Nigeria can get the leadership that ranks at the same level of excellence as Nigerians, Nigeria will be among the frontline countries of the world.

X: @BrandAzuka

Source: https://punchng.com/the-seeds-nigerians-planted-abroad-are-bearing-fruits/

LibertyRep:
Set to.....

Abeg implement this thing already