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Dangote Refinery Responds to IPMAN and PETROAN Allegations, Discloses Petrol Pricing

By
Chamberlain Izidor
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After weeks of speculation, the Dangote Refinery has officially disclosed its pricing for Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), or petrol, announcing an ex-depot price of N990 per liter for truck sales and N960 per liter for shipments. This announcement comes amid complaints from the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) and the Petroleum Retail Outlet Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) regarding high fuel prices from the refinery.

In a statement by Anthony Chiejina, Group Chief Branding and Communications Officer for Dangote, the refinery emphasized that its pricing aligns with international standards, countering claims from IPMAN and PETROAN that they could land PMS in Nigeria at a cheaper rate. Chiejina argued that such assertions imply that substandard fuel products are being imported into the country, potentially harmful to Nigerians’ health and vehicles.

Also Read IPMAN Confirms Ongoing Negotiations with Dangote Refinery Amid Fuel Pricing Concerns

“We have refrained from engaging in media disputes, but we must respond to recent misinformation being spread by IPMAN, PETROAN, and similar associations,” Chiejina stated. “Claims of cheaper PMS imports only suggest that substandard products are being brought into the country. These products can affect vehicle longevity and safety, and regrettably, the regulator (NMDPRA) lacks laboratory facilities to detect such imports.”

He further explained that Dangote’s pricing strategy was informed by the market benchmark set by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), which recently began selling PMS domestically at N971 per liter for ships and N990 for trucks. In response, Dangote Refinery adjusted its own rates to N960 for shipments and maintained N990 for trucks.

The statement also highlighted concerns over an international trading company renting depot space near the Dangote facility, allegedly with plans to blend and sell substandard products that could undercut Dangote’s higher quality, domestically refined petroleum. Chiejina urged for policies that would protect Nigeria’s emerging refining industry, comparing the situation to how other countries, such as the U.S. and European nations, implement tariffs to protect their domestic industries.

“We remain committed to supplying affordable, high-quality, domestically refined products in Nigeria,” Chiejina concluded, urging the public to dismiss “disinformation” from groups resistant to developing Nigeria’s refining capacity and economic growth.

Nollywood ‘Shanty Town’ Director, Dimeji Ajibola Confirmed Dead

By
Benedicta
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Nigerian filmmaker and director Dimeji Ajibola, celebrated for his groundbreaking work on the popular series Shanty Town, has passed away, leaving a significant void in the Nigerian film industry.

Ajibola’s unique approach combined the essence of traditional African storytelling with cutting-edge digital artistry, creating a distinctive cinematic experience that resonated with audiences.

The tragic news first came to light in an emotional Instagram post from actor Bolanle Ninalowo, who shared his grief, stating, “I love you brother and I will miss you @dimejiajibola. May God heal your family and loved ones. Till we meet again, dido vox. Rest on Champ.”

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Nollywood actor Samuel Olatunji also confirmed Ajibola’s passing, expressing his sorrow, “Dimeji Ajibola was my client and guy! So sad to hear this sad news. Rest in peace to a great guy! Sad Sunday as the director of Shanty Town passed away.”

Ajibola’s career was marked by a relentless pursuit of excellence. He refined his skills at prestigious institutions, including the New York Film Academy for filmmaking and cinematography, Animation Mentor for advanced character animation, and VFXLearning for visual effects. His dedication to his craft leaves a lasting legacy in African cinema.

NSCDC Raids Illegal Refinery in Rivers, Arrests Two, Destroys Bunkering Site

By
Chamberlain Izidor
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The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has made strides in its fight against oil theft, arresting two suspects involved in illegal oil refining at Obeama Creeks, Rivers State. The operation, carried out by the Commandant General’s Special Intelligence Squad (SIS), led to the dismantling of an artisanal refinery site notorious for oil bunkering.

Also Read: Navy Nabs Armed Suspect: Illegal Weapon, Ammunition Recovered in Crackdown

During the raid, officers seized a range of illicit refining equipment, including locally fabricated ovens and a large tarpaulin-dugout pit used in the refining process. All equipment was destroyed on-site to prevent further illegal activities.

This operation aligns with the NSCDC’s commitment to combating oil theft and addressing the environmental impacts of illegal refining. The agency continues its crackdown on these illicit operations, which have long contributed to environmental degradation and economic loss in the region.

FG Releases Withheld Salaries for NASU, Begins Pension Payments

By
Rejoice Victor
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The Federal Government has released funds to cover withheld salaries of Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU) members in federal universities, a step aimed at easing long-standing salary arrears and addressing grievances among federal university staff. Some of the affected employees had previously engaged in strike actions over unpaid wages.

The announcement, issued by the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation (OAGF) through Director of Press and Public Relations Bawa Mokwa, also confirmed that funds are allocated to cover retirement benefits for members of the Nigerian Union of Pensioners Contributory Pension Scheme Sector (NUPCPS). This effort underscores the government’s commitment to fulfilling its pension obligations and supporting retirees’ welfare.

Mokwa noted that payments have already started, with several NASU members confirming the receipt of their outstanding salaries. This release is expected to relieve financial strains on university staff and contribute to stability in the public university system.

In its statement, the OAGF emphasized the government’s dedication to supporting Nigerian workers and retirees, stating, “The Federal Government remains committed to efficiently catering to the welfare of Nigerian workers and retirees.” This development is part of broader government efforts to resolve financial issues within the higher education sector, improving the welfare of active and retired personnel across the nation.

Public Servants Encouraged to Strengthen Labour Relations for National Growth

By
Chamberlain Izidor
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Nigerian public servants have been called to enhance labour relations with state and federal governments, fostering a harmonious work environment that supports national development. This message was delivered at the conclusion of the 2024 Separate and Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council meetings in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

Dr. Comfort Adeosun, the Council’s Chairman and Director Overseeing the Office of the Permanent Secretary, Service Welfare Office (SWO) in the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF), emphasized that trust within the workforce leads to open communication, constructive conflict resolution, and improved organizational performance.

Adeosun noted that strong workplace relationships promote productivity and reduce the need for strikes, stating, “We discussed the benefits of communication and collaboration to avoid work stoppages. Our three-day discussions have produced resolutions to be submitted to both labour and government, building trust and fostering a more productive environment.”

Addressing Nigeria’s “Japa” trend, where citizens leave for opportunities abroad, Adeosun highlighted that fostering trust and offering fair remuneration could encourage Nigerian professionals in the diaspora to return and contribute to the country’s growth. “Regardless of where one is in the world, there’s often a desire to return and aid the development of one’s homeland,” she remarked.

The meeting, themed Building Trust for Sustained Peace and Labour Relations, examined 11 proposals aimed at enhancing civil servant welfare. Adeosun assured that these recommendations would be forwarded to the national establishment for implementation. She also expressed gratitude to Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara for his support and acknowledged the participants’ dedication.

Reflecting on the council’s mission, Adeosun affirmed, “We’ve focused on the steps needed to advance the nation and strengthen labour relations with the government. Our discussions have been constructive and forward-looking, aimed at robust solutions for workforce stability.”

Rivers Government Warns Developers Against Substandard Materials, Launches Probe into Building Collapse

By
Chamberlain Izidor
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Following the collapse of a three-story building under construction in the Iriebe area of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, the Rivers State Government has issued a firm warning to developers against using substandard construction materials. The incident, which occurred on Tuesday, October 29, has prompted an official investigation to determine its cause and accountability.

During an inspection of the collapse site on Wednesday, Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Evans Bipi, expressed relief that no lives were lost. He warned, however, that the use of inadequate materials and lack of proper approvals could lead to serious risks. “It is unfortunate that this structure did not have the necessary government approval, which is essential to guarantee its integrity and safety,” he stated.

According to Bipi, preliminary observations suggest that substandard materials, particularly improper cement-sand mixtures, may have contributed to the collapse. “This negligence jeopardizes public safety,” he noted, vowing that the government would investigate the building’s owner and engineer to determine accountability and potential penalties.

The commissioner reminded developers of the importance of obtaining government-approved building plans, emphasizing that these approvals allow for regular safety inspections and compliance with state regulations. The state government, he affirmed, is committed to stricter oversight to minimize structural failures in Rivers State.

As a precautionary measure, the collapsed building site has been sealed off pending the outcome of a thorough investigation by the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development and the Greater Port Harcourt City Development Authority. The Rivers State Government continues to encourage developers to prioritize safety standards, pledging that enforcement measures will be intensified to prevent future incidents.

Nollywood Actress Ronke Odusanya Opens Up on How Her Friend Broke Her Marriage

By
Benedicta
-

Renowned Nollywood actress Ronke Odusanya has opened up for the first time about her separation from Saheed Olarewaju, known as Jago.

In a candid interview with fellow actress Bimpe Akintunde, Odusanya revealed that her marriage broke partly due to harmful rumors spread by a close friend.

According to Odusanya, the friend falsely informed Jago that she intended to leave the marriage for a life of prostitution. The same friend further alleged that she was involved with a senator.

“My ex later realized that he shouldn’t have listened to the things he heard back then,” Odusanya stated.

She recounted the moment Jago confronted her with these allegations. “A friend of mine told my partner that I wanted to leave him and go into prostitution. I went to sleep in a Senator’s house with our daughter, Fife. My mouth was left open when he told me.”

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In an effort to clear her name, Odusanya provided photographic evidence of her actual location and shared video recordings with timestamps, showing her whereabouts during the alleged incident. “God gave me grace because I did a video recording of the time and date on my phone. I recorded it when we got to where we would sleep.”

Aftermath of the separation, Odusanya explained that she was left with no financial support. “I had nothing when we separated; all my jewelry was taken away, and I fainted. I was wondering where to start.

“I cried so much that day because I didn’t have up to N10,000 in my account, but I decided this was it. No money to get an accommodation,” Odusanya said, revealing the personal and financial struggles she endured following the end of her marriage.

Ahoada cries out as flood submerges communities

By
Editor
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By Mark Lenu

 

The people of Ahoada West Local Government Area of Rivers State are calling for help, following the invasion of their communities by flood.

The General Secretary of Isua Joinkrama, in Ahoada West, Comrade Wisdom Owolo told our correspondent that the four communities that make up Joinkrama have been taken over by flood.

He said the flood had submerged scores of houses, adding that the water level is still rising and would soon affect the school buildings in the area.

“My area is flooded as I speak. So many houses have been affected, forcing residents to look for alternative places to stay.

“This is what we suffer every year and we want the government to proffer lasting solutions to this perennial flooding that comes to destroy lives and property every year,” Owolo said.

The area is surrounded by the Orashi River where the flood that is disturbing the people of Ahoada is reported to have been coming from and it occurs yearly.

2012 was reported to have been one of the worst floods in decades, leading to the death of several persons and property worth billions of naira destroyed by flood.

People especially women and minors were reported to have drowned, while others were bitten by snakes in 2012. The flood also forced the farmers to harvest their crops prematurely.

Some of the schools that were destroyed by the previous flood have not been renovated to date. The report revealed that some schools in the area don’t have classroom desks for learning as students are said to have been sitting on bare floors to learn.

Rivers: Villagers commend LG chairmen on power supply

By
Editor
-

By Mark Lenu

Some villagers in Rivers State have commended their newly elected council chairmen for providing electricity for them which they said had helped to make their communities lively.

The local dwellers who hail from some communities in the Degema Local Government Area of the state told our correspondent that these current council chairmen are different from their predecessors especially in the area of power supply.

They said past chairmen used to provide electricity for their communities during elections to get their votes and refuse to continue after winning the election but the current chairmen didn’t toe the line of their predecessors.

“Though the power supply is not only what we need from our elected chairmen, it is good to still commend them for the good thing they have done. At least we see electricity almost every evening till the next morning and we like it,” they said.

Prioritizing the development of their areas has been a consistent urging on the elected chairmen in the state whom the Supreme Court had empowered with financial autonomy.

The chairmen came into office in early October 2024 after being declared the winners of the October 5 LG election which was conducted by the state Independent electoral commission.

The Action Peoples Party (APP) won 22 out of the 23 chairmanship seats, a victory that was attributed to Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s full and total endorsement of APP.

However, there are ongoing legal tussles in court, challenging the legality of the election that produced the chairmen and also moves to stop the chairmen from accessing—funds from the federal allocation.

Edi Abali throne: South-south chiefs celebrate Alhaji Asari as he clocks one year

By
Editor
-

By Mark Lenu

 

The chiefs of the South-South geopolitical zone of the country have rolled out this week to celebrate the one year anniversary of Alhaji Mujahid Dokubo Asari on his throne as the Edi-Abali of Kalabari Kingdom.

A statement jointly signed by the Anniversary Organising Committee Chairman, Dr Ebbi Robinson and Secretary, Sepiribo Braide, the celebration started November 1st to 2nd at the Da Edi Polo, in the Buguma headquarters of Asari Toru LGA of Rivers State.

Speaking with our correspondent, the National Chairman of the South-south, Elders, and Opinion Leaders of Nigeria, High Chief (Dr) Omubo Atuboinoma Harry (JP) described Alhaji Asari as a fearless freedom fighter who came to rescue the Niger Deltans from marginalization and oppression.

High Chief Harry who is also the Head Chief of the Atuboinoma Group of Houses in the Obuama Community of Kalabari Kingdom said Alhaji Asari is a blessing to the Kalabari Kingdom and the Niger Delta at large.

His words: “Alhaji Dokubo Asari who is the current Edi-Abali of Kalabari Kingdom was born in the royal family of King Amachree and his biological father was a jurist. He was a law student in the university before he left it to answer the freedom-fighting call for the Niger Delta region.

“Every person has a destiny and Alhaji Asari came into the limelight as a no-nonsense man. Right from youth, he doesn’t take nonsense. That is who he is.

“He came in to deliver the Niger Deltans from oppression and marginalization. He is a freedom fighter. So, we the people of the Niger Delta owe Alhaji Asari a lot who came out single-handedly to fight against marginalization and oppression.

“One of the most disheartening is when the crude oil is coming from the Niger Delta region and the environment is nothing to write home about. So, Alhaji Asari took that challenge as a course and did his best to fight against marginalization by the oppressors. And that is why I also named him, a freedom fighter.

“His policy is that what you know should not be done against you; you shouldn’t do it against others. Alhaji Asari is a fearless human being.

“Alhaji Asari was given the Edi-Abali traditional title to head the stool of one of the founders of Kalabari Kingdom. The Edi-Abali was one of the strong men who co-founded the Kalabari Kingdom.

“So, his stool anniversary is a celebration of the entire Umubo Group of Houses, a celebration of the whole Buguma Council of Chiefs, and also a celebration of the entire Kalabari Kingdom because of the Edi-Abali stool he is occupying.

“Alhaji Dokubo Asari is a blessing to the Kalabari Kingdom just as the biblical Moses was to the Israelites when they were suffering in Egypt. Moses led the Israelites out of bondage and that is what Alhaji Asari has done to the Niger Deltans.

“If not for the likes of Alhaji Asari, I don’t think the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), and the Niger Delta Basin Development Authority would have been created. These were our basic rights that were denied of the Niger Deltans by the oppressors. So, Alhaji Asari is the Moses who fought Pharaoh and led the Israelites out of bondage.

So, that is how I see Alhaji Dokubo Asari, the Edi Abali of Kalabari Kingdom. We all rejoice with him on his one year anniversary. We also pray that God Almighty should give him long life to pilot the affairs of the ancient stool he is occupying.”

Alhaji Asari now holds the traditional title of His Highness Opuda Alhaji Mujahid Dokubo Asari.
Inabiobuari II, Alabo Edi Abali of Kalabari Kingdom, and the Paramount Head of Da-Edi Group of Houses and its Satellite Communities.

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