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Shun Exploitation, Minister Tells Traders To Reflect Food Price Reductions

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  The Federal Government has urged retailers to reflect the reduction in food prices and shun exploiting consumers. The Minister of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Abubakar Kyari, stated this on Tuesday during the 2025 Wheat Farmers Green Field Day, at Dabi village in Ringim Local Government Area of Jigawa. He decried the nonchalant attitude of retailers to reflect the reduction in their sales despite a drop in prices, describing it as unpatriotic and unacceptable. “The federal government is aware of the significant drop in the prices of food items across major markets, particularly for essential commodities such as flour, sugar, rice, and pasta. “However, it is deeply concerning that many retailers, bakers, and shop owners have refused to reflect this reduction in their selling prices, thereby denying Nigerians the relief they deserve. “In previous months, stakeholders in the retail value chain raised concerns about the rising cost of food items. Now that the prices have dropped, such as flour, which fell from N81,000 per bag to below N60,000, Spaghetti has fallen from N20,000 to N15,000. “It is only fair and just to let consumers benefit from food price reduction,” Kyari said. He reiterated the government’s commitment to ensure food availability and engage with relevant stakeholders to reflect the current market realities. The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the event was organised in collaboration between the Flour Milling Association of Nigeria and, the federal and Jigawa state governments. (NAN)

Osun Electoral Commission Denies Military Siege, Confirms Saturday LG Poll

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  The management of Osun State Independent Electoral Commission has dismissed insinuations that its premises had been sealed by military personnel. This was contained in a statement by the commission’s Information Officer, Sadiat Isiaka, obtained in Osogbo on Tuesday, in reaction to the information circulating on the social media that OSSIEC office in Osogbo had been taken over by soldiers. The commission also assured all that the local government election slated for Saturday would hold as scheduled, noting that, wrong information should not to be allowed to inhibit people from participating in the election. It enjoined members of the public to disregard the unsubstantiated report, noting that the premises of the Commission was well secured and safe as evident in the heavy presence of inter-agency security personnel. “OSSIEC wishes to alert members of the public to the fake news in circulation that the premises of the commission have been sealed off by the Nigerian Army. “The general public especially the electorate are hereby enjoined to disregard the fake news as the premises of the cpmmission is well secure and safe as evident in the heavy presence of inter-agency security personnel comprising the combined team of the police, DSS, NSCDC, NDLEA, Amotekun Corps, the Vigilante etc. “Our commendations to the security agencies for providing adequate security for the staff, facilities and election materials at OSSIEC. We wish to add that the fake news was a propaganda concocted by some miscreants to mis-inform and create panic among the electorate, therefore should not be taken serious. “We hereby assure the good people of Osun State that the election will hold as scheduled, as such, no pseudo information should inhibit the people from participating in the democratic process,” the statement read in parts. Punch

Oyo Govt To Connect UCH To State Power Grid Amid Energy Crisis

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  IBADAN – The Oyo State Government has announced plans to connect the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, to its Independent Power Plant (IPP) to mitigate ongoing power supply challenges at the federal health facility. In a statement posted on its official social media handle, the state government acknowledged the hospital’s electricity woes and emphasised that, despite UCH being a federal institution, it intends to offer a medium-term solution through integration with the state’s power infrastructure. UCH, one of Nigeria’s foremost medical institutions, has struggled with erratic power supply in recent months, leading to disruptions in critical healthcare services. Reports from patients and hospital staff indicate that frequent blackouts have affected medical procedures, laboratory operations, and patient care The Oyo State Government’s intervention, though temporary, is expected to provide some relief to the hospital’s management and patients. The Independent Power Plant (IPP), which currently supplies energy to key state facilities, will be extended to UCH as part of the medium-term solution. However, officials have not disclosed a timeline for the implementation. While the federal government remains responsible for the hospital’s overall management and infrastructure, this move signals a growing trend of state governments stepping in to address local energy deficiencies affecting federal institutions. Patients and residents have welcomed the announcement, with many urging swift implementation to prevent further disruptions to medical services.

Not Knowing Me Doesn’t Make You Less Christian, Nathaniel Bassey Cautions Against ‘Unholy Obsession’

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  Gospel artist and pastor, Nathaniel Bassey has cautioned his followers against turning their passion into an “unholy obsession.” In a statement on his X handle on Monday, Bassey emphasised that not recognising him or other young ministers does not make anyone less of a Christian. He also clarified that choosing not to participate in his midnight “Hallelujah Challenge” does not diminish one’s faith. The statement read, “My dear brothers and sisters, you are blessed. Just a note of caution. “Please, let’s be careful and guided so we don’t turn our passion to unholy obsession. “Not knowing Nathaniel Bassey or any of the young vibrant servants of God being used does not make you any less a Christian. In fact, there are so many Christians who have never heard of me nor my music. It doesn’t make them any less Christians. They don’t have to know me. I’m not the best thing after slice bread. “I do not even see myself in that manner. I would be thinking of myself more highly than I ought doing so. “’For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.’ Romans 12:3. “Also, not joining the Hallelujah challenge does not make you less a Christian. People are free to connect with what’s best for them. “I describe it in this way. Apples don’t grow everywhere. It doesn’t mean the places apples don’t grow are bad. It may just not be apples’ environment. “Those of us joining should never look down on those not joining. Those who are not joining should also not look down on those joining. “Let not him that eateth despise him that eateth not; and let not him which eateth not judge him that eateth: for God hath received him. Romans 14:3. “Let every man where in He is called abide. 1 Cor 7:24 “Sharing this due to the various tags I’ve been mentioned. And normally would not comment on such. But felt a need to enlighten a few of us. “Having said this, HC is back tonight after a short break, with Day 7. So let’s gather, before our Father, at the altar, to offer, hallelujah, together ! No wahala! Only hallellujah.” Punch

Tariff Hike: Airtel Raises Data, Call rates

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  Airtel Nigeria, the country’s second-largest telecom operator, has revised its data pricing structure, implementing a tariff adjustment of up to 50 per cent, according to details published on its website on Monday. The price revision, which affects various data bundles, aligns with ongoing industry concerns over escalating operational costs. While the company has yet to issue an official statement, the move underscores the broader push among telecom operators for a tariff review to cushion the impact of inflation and forex volatility. Beyond data adjustments, the operator with over 56 million subscribers had also increased voice call tariffs over the weekend. A senior Airtel official, speaking with The PUNCH on Monday, confirmed the development, emphasising that the adjustments were necessitated by rising costs. “Yes, we have updated data prices today, and they are available on our website. However, the increase is not up to 50 percent,” the official clarified. In its revised price list, Airtel assured customers of continued affordability, stating, “Whatever your data needs are, we have a plan for you. Our fast, affordable, and reliable internet experience will keep you connected anytime, anywhere. To get started, Dial *312#.” The revised daily and weekly data plans include N50 for 40MB valid for 1 day, N100 for 100MB valid for 1 day, N200 for 200MB valid for 3 days, N350 for 1GB valid for 1 day, N350 for 350MB valid for 7 days, N500 for 750MB plus 1GB YouTube Night and 200MB YouTube Music/Spotify valid for 7 days, N500 for 1GB plus 1GB YouTube Night and 50MB Socials valid for 7 days, N500 for 2GB valid for 2 days, and N1500 for 5GB valid for 7 days. Similarly, MTN, Nigeria’s largest telecom provider, has also adjusted its data and call tariffs in line with the NCC’s approval. The revised pricing, implemented over the past week, has seen customers paying more for calls, SMS, and internet usage. The latest increases come as telecom operators grapple with inflation, foreign exchange volatility, and the rising cost of network expansion. While the adjustments aim to support long-term service improvements, subscribers may face increased financial pressure as communication costs rise.

Tension As Thugs Kill Reinstated Osun LG Chair Amid Crisis

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  Suspected thugs have reportedly shot and killed Remi Abass, the recently reinstated Chairman of Irewole Local Government in Osun State. The sad development occurred on Monday as Abass arrived at the council secretariat with his supporters, sources revealed. Armed assailants, believed to be thugs, ambushed the group, leading to the fatal shooting. Meanwhile, security forces, including personnel from the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS), have apprehended several individuals suspected of involvement in the violence. Efforts to reach Osun State Police spokesperson, SP Opalola Yemisi, for confirmation proved unsuccessful, as she neither answered calls nor responded to messages. The incident follows recent political tensions in Osun State, where Governor Ademola Adeleke had earlier accused the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Gboyega Oyetola, of attempting to incite unrest. Adeleke alleged that Oyetola, leveraging his ties as President Bola Tinubu’s nephew, was issuing unauthorized directives to security agencies to facilitate the reinstatement of sacked local government chairmen. Speaking at a press conference on Sunday, the governor warned that the alleged plot, if executed, could plunge the state into turmoil. He insisted that President Tinubu, whom he described as a true democrat, would not support actions that could lead to bloodshed. Adeleke clarified that the affected council chairmen had been removed based on two Federal High Court rulings before he assumed office, countering claims that his administration was responsible for their dismissal. He called on the president and the public to intervene, warning that the abuse of power by certain political figures could destabilize the state.

I Still Face Four Lawsuits From Afe Babalola’s Firm – Farotimi

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  Activist and lawyer, Dele Farotimi, on Sunday, disclosed that he was still faced with four separate suits in different states filed by members of the Aare Afe Babalola law office. Farotimi disclosed this while speaking during the Toyin Falola Interviews on Sunday. Farotimi’s disclosure comes after the Founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti, Aare Afe Babalola (SAN), on January 27, agreed to withdraw the cases instituted against Farotimi. Following Afe Babalola’s petition to the police commissioner in Ekiti State that Farotimi defamed him in a book titled ‘Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System,’ the police arrested the activist lawyer and arraigned him before two courts in Ekiti. Consequently, Farotimi stood trial for alleged criminal defamation before an Ekiti State Magistrate Court, Ado Ekiti District and as well for alleged cyber-bullying before the Ado Ekiti Division of Federal High Court. Babalola had announced his withdrawal of the case against Farotimi citing the intervention of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, and other top traditional rulers. But featuring on Sunday’s conversation, with the theme: “Politics, Law and Society,” Farotimi disclosed that while the police had withdrawn criminal charges against him following Babalola’s petition withdrawal, he still faced four civil suits across different states, all filed by members of Babalola’s law office. “My inability to speak to certain aspects of this issue is borne out of the fact that, despite the discontinuation of the criminal proceeding, I still have four suits that I am aware of, in four different states of the federation, filed by members of the same law office, against my person,” he revealed. Farotimi emphasised that his book was not written in a moment of idle talk or baseless accusations but rather a well-researched work documenting his experiences and observations about the Nigerian judicial system. “I did not sit down in a beer parlour; I was not at an officers’ mess; I was not gossiping. It was not idle, cheap talk. I wrote a book,” he declared. “Let us deal with veracity. Anybody can go and read and then come back and challenge me with the lie that I have told.” Dismissing claims that the controversy surrounding his book is a personal battle, Farotimi insisted that what is on trial is not his reputation, but the Nigerian legal system itself. “This is not a trial of Dele Farotimi. Let nobody make that error. It is a trial of the legal system that we have built as a collective,” he asserted. He reaffirmed that his controversial book, ‘Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System’, is not an attack on individuals, particularly legal luminary Chief Afe Babalola, but rather a critique of systemic corruption within the judiciary. He stressed that his work was written in pursuit of justice, not personal vendettas. “Chief Afe Babalola is more than old enough to be my father,” Farotimi said. “I did not set out to destroy the man or to tarnish his image. Nothing personal. I was writing about the institution of the judiciary.” Speaking, Farotimi maintained that his critique aimed at institutional failings rather than individuals. “Multiple names were mentioned in the book, and offices were mentioned. I did not set out to libel anybody,” he explained. “I simply told the truth of what I saw. All I did was write a book. Maybe we have become too accustomed to lies and allergic to truth, to the point where telling the truth has become a sin.” According to him, Nigerians must engage with uncomfortable truths if the country is to experience meaningful reform. “We have built a system that rewards deception and punishes truth. I am being sued not because I have lied, but because I have dared to speak the truth.” Farotimi also criticized those who dismissed his book without reading it, labelling their actions as intellectually lazy. “Ninety per cent of the persons criticizing me for whatever they believe my tactics to have been in writing the book have not read the book,” he argued. “If Nigerians would stop being so philistinic and illiterate, if they would dare to read, there would be no arguments as to the proof of what I have written.” Punch

Telecoms Tariff Hike: FG Deploys Security Agents As NLC Insists On Protest

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  The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps on Sunday warned the Nigeria Labour Congress against its planned March 1 shutdown of telecommunication services in response to the recent 50 per cent tariff hike. The Private Telecommunications and Communications Senior Staff Association of Nigeria and the Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria similarly pushed back against the NLC’s planned boycott of telecom services and shutdown of telecom infrastructure, arguing that such actions are misguided and could harm the industry. The spokesman for the NSCDC, Babawale Afolabi, in a chat with The PUNCH on Sunday, said the agency had deployed operatives to the base stations to prevent any illegal action by the protesters. The NSCDC, tasked with protecting critical national infrastructure, including telecommunications, expressed concerns over the potential risks the NLC action could pose to national security and public safety. The NLC announced its intention to shut down the operations of telecommunications companies across the country if the tariff hike announced by the Nigerian Communications Commission was not reversed by the end of February. The union directed Nigerians to boycott the services of major telecom providers, including MTN, Airtel, and Glo, daily between 11am and 2pm starting February 13 and continuing through the month. The NLC in a communiqué signed by its President, Joe Ajaero and General Secretary, Emma Ugboaja, accused the telecom operators of breaching public trust by implementing the tariff hike before the conclusion of a 10-man review panel’s deliberations. The union also faulted the government for failing to protect citizens from corporate exploitation. The NLC argued that the tariff increase represented a betrayal of public trust, given the earlier agreement to establish a committee to review the proposed hike. However, the NSCDC urged the NLC to reconsider its planned protest, warning that any disruption to telecom services could expose the country to criminal activities and compromise national security. Afolabi made it clear that the agency will not allow any action that could jeopardise the security of the nation. He revealed that state commandants had been directed to maintain round-the-clock surveillance at telecom facilities, with a nationwide deployment of officers, including undercover operatives, to ensure the protection of these assets. Citing the importance of telecommunications to national security, the corps warned that any disruption could result in vandalism and other criminal activities. He added, “Already, the NSCDC commandant-general has directed state commandants to maintain round-the-clock surveillance in and around all the telecom masts in their locations. “Also, there is going to be nationwide massive deployment of the officers and men of the corps, including undercover and intelligence operatives, to maintain peace and ensure that all the government and corporate organisations’ critical national assets and infrastructure are protected from the miscreants who might likely use the opportunity of the planned protest to carry out their criminal activities.’’ “Available credible intelligence already established the fact that the planned protest will be hijacked by hoodlums and that is why the NSCDC is on top of the situation,” he further stated. The NSCDC called for dialogue to resolve the dispute and hoped that the NLC would reconsider its stance. Afolabi stated, “The NSCDC, under the leadership of Commandant-General, Dr. Ahmed Audi, is appealing to the organized labour under the umbrella of the Nigeria Labour Congress to shelve their planned protest of March 01, 2025 and the move to shut down telecommunication facilities nationwide. “Although peaceful protests are allowed under the law, experience and fallouts of similar threats in the past necessitate the need to appeal to the NLC not to embark on any action that will further affect the security of the country. “NSCDC will not fold its arms and allow any action that will expose the nation’s security and eventual compromised economic stability and public safety, under the guise of protesting the increase in telecom services tariffs. “The scars of similar protests that turned violent in the past are still there as reference points and the NSCDC and other security agencies in the country will not allow the miscreants, hoodlums and other non-state actors to hide under the guise of NLC protest to loot and vandalise government and corporate organisations assets and infrastructure.” The NSCDC stressed its commitment to safeguarding the nation’s critical infrastructure and stated that it is prepared to take decisive legal action against those who attempt to undermine the security of the country. “The NSCDC is committed to safeguarding the lives of Nigerians and property of the government and corporate organizations we are ready to take decisive actions against any individual or group that embarks on any action that can jeopardise the security architecture of the country,” he added. The corps said it has placed its personnel on high alert and warned that anyone found engaging in illegal activities during the protest will be dealt with according to the law. “We still believe that dialogue remains the best solution and we hope that organised labour will listen to the voice of reason and jaw-jaw with the government. We advise organised labour leaders to stay away from base stations and telecom mast locations as NSCDC personnel have been placed on red alert. “Anybody found wanting will be dealt with according to the stipulated law of the country,” the spokesperson cautioned. The Private Telecommunications and Communications Senior Staff Association of Nigeria criticised the NLC over its planned protest. The Secretary-General of PTECSSAN, Abdullahi Okonu, told The PUNCH on Sunday that the union had already made its position clear, arguing that the increase is necessary to prevent a collapse of the industry. In a letter addressed to the NLC, PTECSSAN said the labour congress had acted “in error” by taking decisions without consulting the union, which represents workers in the telecom sector. “It is our firm belief that the Congress Leadership has acted in error in taking these decisions without prior consultation with our union that operates in the sector,” the letter read. “Perhaps, getting in touch with us to provide you with information on the happenings in the sector would … Read more

Gov Abiodun’s Intervention Sought By Ogun Youth Group To Resolve AMORAN Leadership Dispute, Ensure Peace

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  The concerned youths in Ogun State under the aegis of Ogun Youth Arise (OYA) has called on Governor Dapo Abiodun to wade in the crisis rocking the leadership of Articulated Motorcycle Owners and Riders Association of Nigeria (AMORAN) to avert looming danger in the state. The coalition of concerned youth organizations, community leaders, and progressive minds across the state on Saturday during a Press Conference held in Ibadan, the Capital City of Oyo State compelled the Governor to intervene before it is too late in order to further ensure stability, safety of lives and properties of residents of Ogun State. While voicing their deep concerns over the unfolding crisis within the leadership of the Articulated Motorcycle Owners and Riders Association of Nigeria (AMORAN), particularly under the current executive led by Hon. Taofeek Danku, the National Coordinator of the group, Ambassador Abdulraman Demola noted that it is high time Governor Dapo Abiodun take a decisive action over the lingering leadership tusse in AMORAN under the present leadership of Hon. Taofeek Danku. Ambassador Abdulraman Demola further noted that AMORAN under the current leadership poses a clear and present danger to the peace and stability of Ogun State. Abdulraman said, “It is no longer news that the state has, in recent times, witnessed pockets of unrest fueled by dissatisfaction within the transport sector, particularly among commercial riders who now feel disconnected from the leadership that ought to be their voice. The once-structured association, which played a critical role in stabilizing the transport sector under previous leadership, is now embroiled in avoidable chaos, causing tension in different parts of Ogun State.

Aare Olayinka Segelu Celebrates Otunba Seye Famojuro’s Birthday, Describes Him As A Political Powerhouse

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  A Germany-based Ibadan-born businessman and politician of high repute, Hon Olayinka Oladimeji Segelu, has felicitated with Governor Makinde’s ally, Otunba Seye Famojuro on his birthday, which comes up today, Friday February 14, 2025. Hon. Segelu, a philanthropist and former Personal Assistant (PA) to ex-Speaker Dimeji Bankole, who was recently installed as Aare Akinrogun of Igbo-Elerinland, in a felicitation message made available to journalists in Ibadan, the Capital City of Oyo State hailed Otunba Seye Famojuro’s contributions to Oyo State politics. Aare Olayinka Segelu, a gubernatorial aspirant under the umbrella of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo State through a copy of the felicitation message described Otunba Seye Famojuro as a political powerhouse in Oyo State. He stated further, “I felicitate with Otunba Seye Famojuro, a trusted ally to His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Oyo State Engineer Seyi Makinde fnse, on the occasion of his birthday today. “Otunba Balogun Seye Famojuro is undoubtedly one of the great men to reckon with in the political firmament of Oyo State blessed with divinely inspired ingenuity that he has creatively applied to help in tackling many challenges that had bedeviled the state for decades. “He has obviously continued to play a significantly supportive role in societal issues and activities geared towards the transformation, growth and development of Oyo State under the leadership of our amiable Governor Makinde. “He is a friend, brother, and political associate whom everyone is looking up to in Oyo State of today. “Thank you for all you have been doing for the benefit and interest of our dear state. “As you add another year today on earth, May the grace, mercy and protection of the Most High God never cease to be upon you as I wish you many more fruitful years of sound health of mind and body.” “Happy birthday to you Balogun Seye!” Aare Olayinka stated.

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