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We have to be extremely careful when we push for a complete deregulation – Muda Yusuf
Against the backdrop of the presumed full deregulation of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), also known as petrol, which was believed to have led to the hike in the price of the product, last week, the price may go up again very soon, experts have warned.
The experts predicted their warning on further depreciation of the foreign exchange rate and an increase in the price of crude in the international market.
“And the increase in the price of crude is a very high possibility, given what is going on now in the Middle East, the geo-political tensions, the looming war between Iran and Israel”, Dr. Muda Yusuf, a renowned economist and Chief Executive Officer of Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise, CPPE, said.
On his part, another economist, Mr Teslim Shitta-Bey, Managing Director of Proshare, said: “The escalation of conflict in the Middle East could lead to rising global oil and gas prices, which could further raise the local retail price of petrol in Nigeria”.
Also speaking, Eze Onyekpere, Lead Director, Centre for Social Justice, CSJ, said the rising cost of PMS will increase the misery and poverty in the country
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL, had, on Thursday, raised the pump price of PMS by 15 per cent across Nigeria.
The development confirmed Vanguard’s report that plans were underway to fully deregulate the sector and that subsidy would no longer apply.
However, the complete deregulation effect pushed the price of the product to N1,030 per litre, from N897 in Abuja, while the price rose to N998 per litre, from N855, in Lagos.
Checks by Vanguard indicated that the Dangote Petroleum Refinery price also increased by 8.8 per cent to N977 per litre, from N898 per litre.
The latest price increase made it the second time the petrol price had been hiked in the past month.
This showed that the pump price of petrol has risen by more than 411 per cent since President Bola Tinubu came into office in May 2023.
Specifically, from N195 per litre before the President assumed office on May 29, 2023, the price of the product was increased to N448 (Lagos) and N460 (Abuja) in May 31, 2024; N557 (Lagos) and N617 (Abuja) in September 2024; N610 (Lagos) and N897 (Abuja) in September 2024 before the latest increase to N998 (Lagos) and N1,030 (Abuja) in October 2024.
The latest increase, which came against expectations that the crude-for-Naira deal between the Federal Government and Dangote Refinery might lead to a reduction in the pump price beginning from October 1, 2024, has left many citizens, especially motorists, in anger.
Oil markets
Oil markets were on edge throughout last week, dealing with rumors of an imminent Israeli attack on Iranian oil infrastructure. Ultimately, Israel’s attack failed to materialize. Consequently, Brent futures settled just below the $79 per barrel mark. “Prospects of further PMS price hikes are high if some of the major variables driving prices go up”, Yusuf told Sunday Vanguard at the weekend.
“If we see a further depreciation in the exchange rates, that may cause a further hike in price. “If there is an increase in the price of crude in the international market, that may also cause a further hike in price.
“And the increase in price of crude is a very high possibility, given what is going on now in the Middle East, the geo-political tensions, the looming war between Iran and Israel. “So, those geo-political concerns are things that can lead to a further hike in crude oil price which will invariably lead to an increase in PMS price. “These are the risks that we face when we talk about complete deregulation of PMS price. The risk and the possibilities are very high at this time”.
Caution
Yusuf, who is the immediate past Director General of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, LCCI, cautioned, “That is why we have to be extremely careful when we are pushing for a complete deregulation of PMS.
“The economy is highly sensitive, you know, to increases in PMS price. The citizens’ welfare is highly sensitive to movements in PMS prices.
“So, there’s a need to be extremely very careful because of the social consequences of further increases in PMS price”.
Dangote Refinery intervention
On the extent to which Dangote Refinery can ameliorate PMS price hikes, the economist said: “As to what Dangote can do, this is beyond Dangote. “Dangote Refinery is a business entity. It is the condition that we create either in terms of the foreign exchange environment or in terms of the crude oil sales to Dangote, that is what can make any difference in terms of price. “Dangote Refinery, on its own, cannot significantly determine the direction in which prices will go. “The best it can do is to try to be more efficient, try to be more competitive, and take advantage that the refining is taking place here.
“I think that is the best that can happen from Dangote. “If we want any significant impact on price through Dangote, then, the government policy must come into play.
“As to what the government should do with the removal of the subsidy, well, my take is that we should just relax all the pressures the citizens are facing, which may entail a trade-off in revenue.
“We should relax measures, especially around trade, around importation, around taxes.
“If you look at sectors that can impact welfare, on productivity, let us reduce their taxes drastically. Look at sectors that can impact the welfare of the people and business productivity.
“Let us reduce the import duty drastically. So whatever we are getting from this hike, let us give it back. Not through the Federation Account.
“But through concessions, through fiscal policy channels, that way I think the economy will be better. “There is no guarantee that if the government puts this money in the Federation Account, the benefits will cascade down to the people, there is no guarantee. “Many of these state governments have different priorities. Don’t forget, we are talking about the three tiers of government, not just the Federal Government.
“There’s a limit to which the Federal Government can dictate to the states and local governments on how they will spend their money. “So, the chances that the benefits will cascade or trickle down to the ordinary citizens that are bearing the burden of this hike in energy are very slim. “This is why I believe that it’s better to give concessions in other areas, particularly around taxes, around importation”.
Disposable incomes
Also weighing in on the issue, Shitta-Bey, addressing how PMS price hikes will impact Nigerians, said: “Rising energy costs have fed into domestic inflation with headline inflation rising to 27.5% in September 2024, according to National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) figures.
“Globally, energy costs have been volatile as a result of geo-political conflicts and changes in demand from economic powerhouses like China. “In Nigeria, rising petrol cost will raise transport and food costs as distribution and logistics expenses rise. “Monetary policy tightening will be unable to deal with these issues because they are supply-side challenges rather than the consequences of excess money supply.
”Households are in for a harsher spell of falling real disposable incomes. This is Murphy’s law at work, that what can go bad can get worse!” The Managing Director of Proshare projected that the escalation of conflict in the Middle East could lead to rising global oil and gas prices, which could further raise the local retail price of petrol in Nigeria. However, according to him, if Saudi Arabia and Russia raise their outputs, the rise could be tempered and domestic retail prices in Nigeria may not rise significantly. He said, “If we can trust public officers, Nigeria’s oil output has increased from 1.4m/bpd to between 1.6m/bpd and 1.7m/bpd.
“The target is 2.3m/bpd in 2025, if this works as desired, rising dollar revenues should increase foreign reserves (roughly at $38bn) and strengthen the naira to dollar exchange rate, which should reduce domestic prices and pull down the domestic cost of PMS, other white oils and gas. “The probabilities of any set of events occurring must be assessed independently, and objectively. Local factors will be just as important as global.
“I support those calling for a swap arrangement with Dangote Refinery. “The government can pay for Dangote’s refined crude with unrefined or raw crude oil. “This means that the government would not need to pay Dangote in naira, and Dangote can hedge against volatility in crude oil prices by having forward contracts in the sale of crude or refined oil with foreign third parties.
“This helps the Dangote Refinery protect itself from exchange rate and price volatility but also helps reduce rapidly changing domestic refined oil prices. “With stable domestic prices for PMS and gas, domestic households are protected from the ‘noise’ of global events as foreign reserves build up slowly, possibly rising to between $48bn and $52bn by H2 2025. “Dangote Refinery is a for-profit enterprise, in Nigeria’s long-term interest, it should be allowed to operate commercially and viably.
“With the removal of toll-collecting non state actors from roads, transportation and logistics costs can be reduced without disrupting the economic logic of domestic oil refining by Dangote and others. ”Only the government can say how much will be saved from subsidy removal. Any other person would be engaging in speculation.
Nobody outside the government’s inner circle of knowledge knows the cost of subsidy, so it may be fool hardy to give a figure. “However, less spending on supporting PMS consumption could be redirected to improve strategic roads to reduce farmgate-to-city travel time, increase gas powered public transportation, and improve educational and healthcare infrastructure, simple things. “Nigerians are hardworking, smart, and entrepreneurial; with the right infrastructure and policy support, they will beat their own paths to prosperity”.
From stagflation to recession
Onyekpere, faulting the NNPCL’s increase of the price PMS, described it “as an exercise founded on dubious and mischievous foundations.” The CSJ Lead Director, who is a lawyer with specialization in development law, electricity reforms and fiscal governance, added, “To state that the increase arose from increased price of crude oil in the international oil market is a specious argument considering that when the price of crude oil falls, Nigerians have never enjoyed a decrease in price.
“Pray, the deregulated market only applies to increase in price and can never lead to a price reduction when the price of crude oil falls. “The rising cost of PMS will increase the misery and poverty levels in a country where over 133 million citizens were suffering from multi-dimensional poverty in 2022 before the twin policies of increase in PMS and floatation of the naira started wreaking havoc on the standard of living.
“If the geopolitics of the Israel-Iran conflict escalates, the price of crude oil is likely to increase in the international oil market, meaning that Nigerians will be required to pay more for PMS.
“A government states that it is fighting inflation through monetary policy rate/benchmark increases while at the same time increasing energy costs in PMS and electricity tariffs and still expects reduced inflation figures.
“This is a contradiction; it is absurd and shows the lack of harmony in economic policy planning and implementation. “It is imperative to reaffirm that for an economy to create value, grow consistently and in a sustainable manner, there should be harmony between fiscal, industrial, labour, monetary, trade, etc., policies. “This increase in the price of PMS would likely continue the gravitation from stagflation to a real recession
“Dangote Refinery can be managed to reduce the price of PMS if the government offers the refinery a production subsidy – through a slightly reduced price of crude feedstock it buys from NNPC.
“This proposed subsidy is a positive one that is different from the consumption subsidy paid on imported refined petroleum. “Now that all subsidy is gone, it is expected that government will save not less than $7 billion every year.
“It is expected that FGN, states and local governments should invest the savings in critical sectors like education, health and infrastructure rather than increased frivolities expenditure in the executive and legislature”.
The Enugu State Government on Sunday explained its decision to impose tax on corpses in mortuaries across the state.
The government said the move was not spurred by a revenue generation drive.
The Executive Chairman of Enugu State Internal Revenue Service (ESIRS), Mr Emmanuel Nnamani, said this while reacting to the Mortuary Tax circular addressed to all the morticians.
According to him, the tax was inline within the state Mortuary Tax Law which had existed for years adding that it was not new to the state.
Nnamani clarified that the mortuary tax was N40 daily only as against N40,000.
“It is an indirect tax paid by mortuary owners, not deceased family and it is just N40, not N40,000. Since its introduction, nobody has been denied burying their dead ones.
“It means that if the corpse stays in the mortuary for 100 days, the mortuary is expected to pay the state a sum of N4,000.
“The tax is not meant to generate revenue but to discourage people from taking their dead ones to the mortuary all the time,” Nnamani stressed.
Daily Trust reports that according to the circular, ESIRS in line with the provisions of section 34 of the Birth, Deaths and Burials Law Cap 15 Revised Laws of Enugu State 2004, approved the implementation of the Mortuary tax.
“The sum of N40.00 only is to be paid by owners of a corpse once it was not buried within twenty-four hours. The amount continues to count daily.
“Kindly ensure that owners of corpses make the payments before collection of the corpses for burial and then remit the same to the ESIRS in any commercial bank under the mortuary tax in Enugu State IGR Account,” part of it reads.
[DailyTrust]
Lagos State Police Command has confirmed that a 50-year-old man, identified as Emmanuel, was crushed to death by a moving train.
The Command’s spokesperson, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed this to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday.
Hundeyin said that the incident happened on Tuesday at about 9:00 am at the ARENA Shopping Complex area, in Oshodi.
According to him, a woman, who claimed to be the younger sister of the deceased, reported the case to the Mosafejo Police Division.
The PPRO added that the woman reported that she got a phone call that her elder brother was allegedly crushed by a moving train while walking along the track.
Hundeyin said that based on the report, the scene was visited and photographed by a team of detectives, while the corpse was evacuated to a public morgue for autopsy.
The case has been handed over to the Railway Police Command, Ebute-Metta, for further investigation.
[DailyPost]
- ….NDLEA intercepts N22.7billion worth of opioids at Lekki, Apapa, Onne seaports
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), says it has arrested a Thailand returnee, Oguejiofor Nnaemeka Simonpeter for importing 13.30 kilograms of heroin worth over N3.192billion at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) Ikeja Lagos.
Director, Media and Advocacy, NDLEA Headquarters, Abuja, Femi Babafemi, who disclosed this in a statement on Sunday, said it was in a fresh wave of interdiction operations targeting transnational drug cartels.
Babafemi added the operatives at three seaports intercepted large consignments of opioids with a combined monetary value of N22,740,958,000.
According to the statement, Oguejiofor was arrested on Monday 7th October 2024 while attempting to smuggle out of the airport the illicit drug concealed in six backpacks and then packed into two big suitcases.
Babafemi said the 29-year-old graduate of Mechanical Engineering from the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Uli, Anambra state, had left Thailand on 3rd October on Qatar Airways flight and stopped over in Doha where he spent two days before heading to Lagos while his luggage was routed to Accra, Ghana, his original destination.
The Spokesman said after arriving Lagos on the 5th October, the suspect contacted the airline to reroute his luggage to Nigeria so that he can pick them up as rush bags in a bit to beat security checks.
The statement indicated that, however, NDLEA officers intercepted him at the point of exit.
Babafemi said a search of his two suitcases revealed three empty backpacks in each box with a large parcel of heroin neatly sewn to all the six backpacks.
The six parcels were subsequently recovered with a gross weight of 13.30kg, Babafemi said.
In his statement, Oguejiofor claimed he was hired for a fee of $7,000 upon successful delivery of the parcels. He said he was to deliver two parcels in Lagos and the other four parcels in Accra, Ghana, the Spokesman said.
The statement read: “Meanwhile, a total of Thirty Two Million Six Hundred and Seven Thousand Nine Hundred (32,607,900) pills of tramadol worth over Twelve Billion Five Hundred and Seventy Seven Million Naira (N12,577,000,000) and One Million Four Hundred and Fifty One Thousand Nine Hundred and Ninety Four (1,451,994) bottles of codeine-based syrup with a street value of Ten Billion One Hundred and Sixty Three Million Nine Hundred and Fifty Eight Thousand Naira (N10,163,958,000) have been intercepted at the Lekki Deep Seaport, Apapa seaport in Lagos and Port Harcourt Port Complex, Onne, Rivers state.
“The combined monetary value of the seized opioids comes to Twenty-Two Billion Seven Hundred and Forty Million Nine Hundred and Fifty-Eight Thousand Naira (N22,740,958,000).
The illicit consignments were seized from containers watch listed by NDLEA based on intelligence and processed for 100 percent joint examination with men of the Nigeria Customs and other security agencies at the three seaports between Monday 7th and Friday 11th October 2024.
“In the same vein, NDLEA operatives in Anambra on Saturday 12th October arrested a suspect, Okelue Chidera, 29, with 50,000 tablets of tramadol 200mg at Upper Iweka, Onitsha. Also, in Edo state, operatives raided a cannabis transit and loading point at Aviose, Owan West LGA where 70 bags of the psychoactive substance weighing 1,050kg were recovered, while a suspect Monday Akele, 38, was arrested on Friday 11th October in another raid at Owan Village, Ovia North East L GA where 110kg of same substance was seized.
“With the same vigour, Commands and formations of the Agency across the country continued their War Against Drug Abuse, WADA, sensitization activities to schools, worship centres, work places and communities among others in the past week.
“These include: WADA enlightenment lecture to students and staff of Sacred Heart Girls International Secondary School, Calabar, Cross River; students and teachers of Methodist Girls High School, Utu/Ikpe, Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom; students and staff of Federal Government Girls Secondary School, Bida, Niger state; students and teachers of Ekunle High School, Iseyin, Oyo state; students and teachers of St. Theresa Secondary School, Abakaliki, Ebonyi; students and teachers of Joy Primary and Secondary School, Idogbo, Benin city, Edo state; students and staff of Model Secondary School, Maitama, Abuja; and WADA advocacy visit to the founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti, Aare Afe Babalola, among others.
“While commending the officers and men of MMIA, Lekki seaport, Apapa, PHPC, Anambra, and Edo Commands of the Agency for the arrests and seizures, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) stated that their operational successes and those of their compatriots across the country especially their balanced approach to drug supply reduction and drug demand reduction efforts are well appreciated.”
‘Mummy, leave me alone,’ Reactions as El-Rufai’s wife, Shehu Sani clash on Twitter over grammar
Admin
Hadiza El-Rufai, the former First Lady of Kaduna State, has engaged in a public exchange with Senator Shehu Sani on X (formerly Twitter).
The former senator, who represented Kaduna Central in the 8th Assembly, had posted a comment on the platform about President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which caught El-Rufai’s attention.
In his post, Sani humorously suggested that President Tinubu’s international travels have an impact on the economy, particularly taxes and commodity prices.
He wrote, “New law of economics; When the President travels out, Taxes and Prices goes up.”
El-Rufai, well-known for correcting grammar on social media, pointed out the error in Sani’s post.
She noted that the phrase should be “go up” rather than “goes up.”
In response, Shehu Sani, referring to her as “mummy,” urged her to leave him alone.
He pointed out that despite both of them having unfollowed each other, she still continues to linger around him.
He wrote, “I unfollowed you and you unfollowed me.And you still de hang around me.Mummy,leave me alone abeg.”
Her correction sparked reactions from Nigerians in the comment section, with users sharing their views on the exchange between the former First Lady and the senator.
@Balatic wrote, “If you converted this grammatical energy into moral energy and channeled it on your husband, Southern Kaduna population for no reduce significantly during his 8 horrible years in charge.”
@AustinINstate said, “Madam, Uncle senator was right do your research no sentiments please my little understanding :The correct phrase is “price goes up.” Since “price” is a singular noun, it requires the singular verb “goes.”
@Wasser_02 noted: For 8 yrs as governor wife and chief grammar corrector, Kaduna state didnt improve or come first in any external English examination. So ma, this Twitter correction is a waste. You can go ahead to correct mine.
@davidoj_10 said, “If you both advised the government or effected changes in such capacities, we’d be way better than where we are right now but here you’m are correcting grammatical errors.”
Umar Namadi, governor of Jigawa, has suspended Bashir Ado, his special adviser on salary and pensions, over a “premature statement” on implementation of the N70,000 new minimum wage.
Bala Ibrahim, secretary to the state government, disclosed this on Saturday in a statement.
Ibrahim said the government “viewed with serious concern, a statement circulating in various sections of the media alleging that the governor has approved N70,000 as new minimum wage for workers in the state”.
“This sounds embarrassing and pre-mature as the committee headed by Head of the State Civil Service, set up by the Government to advise on the appropriate wage is yet to complete its assignment and submit a report,” the statement reads.
He added that as a consequence, the governor has approved the immediate suspension of Ado, pending findings of a committee chaired by Bello Abdulkadir, attorney-general of the state and commissioner for justice.
Ibrahim added that the committee, which was given two weeks to submit its report, will investigate the source, actual content of the alleged statement and the motive behind it.
Ibrahim named Sagir Musa, commissioner for information, youth, sports and culture; Abdullahi Muhammmad, commissioner for health; and Muhammad Yahaya, permanent secretary of establishment and service matters, office of the SSG; as members of the committee.
On July 29, 2024, President Bola Tinubu signed the minimum wage bill into law.
The legislation increased the country’s minimum wage from N30,000 to N70,000.
In September 2024, the federal government approved the upward review of the consolidated public service salary structure (CONPSS).
[TheCable]
Activist-cum-politician Aisha Yesufu on Saturday said she’s not a card-carrying member of the Labour Party, LP, or any other political party.
Yesufu, a member of the 2023 LP presidential campaign council, made the declaration on Seun Okinbaloye’s podcast, Mic On.
She also denied ever looking for an appointment because she works for her financial independence.
According to Yesufu: “For me, I worked on my financial independence before I started speaking on the Nigerian issues.
“I am not a member of the Labour Party. I have never been a card carrying member of any party.
“I dare anybody; living or dead to say that I, Aisha Yesufu, have ever been to your place to look for appointment, contract or whatever. I am a trader! I buy, I sell, I distribute, build and sell houses.”
The Imo State Police Command have foiled an attempt by suspected human organ traffickers following the arrest of a 38-year-old man in connection with the kidnapping of a 19-year-old girl in Owerri.
Briefing journalists on the development, the command’s public relations officer, ASP Henry Okoye, in a press statement, informed that on October 10, 2024, following an intelligence, the police encountered a suspected kidnapping and organ trafficking syndicate in the popular Douglass area inside the state capital.
He stated that the operation led to the arrest of Justine Emmanuel, a 38-year-old male from Amaimo in Ikeduru LGA, Imo State, as a 19-year-old young lady, whose name is withheld for privacy, was rescued.
“The arrest followed the swift response of vigilant operatives on visibility patrol, who observed the syndicate in a blue and white bus forcefully taking the young girl to an undisclosed location where they intended to kill her and harvest her organs. During the chase, the victim managed to jump from the bus and was immediately rescued,” he stated.
The police spokesperson further informed that the operatives engaged in a hot pursuit, leading to the abandonment of the vehicle and the arrest of one suspect, while others escaped into the nearby bush.
He revealed that the command is currently conducting further investigations to identify additional members of the syndicate and assess the full extent of their criminal activities.
He maintained that the successful rescue underscores the State Police Command’s commitment to combating violent crime and ensuring community safety.
ASP Okoye used the moment to urge members of the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities informing that further development will be communicated as the investigation unfolds.
In a bold move during his inaugural address at Eagle Square, Abuja, President Bola Ahmed Tinubudeclared, “Subsidy is gone,” a statement that triggered an immediate surge in fuel prices from ₦198 per litre to ₦540.
During his speech, Tinubu emphasized that the fuel subsidy had become a significant impediment to Nigeria’s progress, arguing that it was fueling corruption and inefficiency within the economy.
Tinubu had told some monarchs who visited him at Aso Rock a month after subsidy removal, “You have paid attention to the subsidy removal. Why should we in good heart and sense, feed smugglers and be Father Christmas to neighbouring countries, even though they say not every day is Christmas? The elephant that was going to bring Nigeria to its knees is the subsidy.
“A country that cannot pay salaries and we say we have potential to encourage ourselves. I think we did the right thing.”
Interestingly, Tinubu, as the national leader of the opposition Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), condemned the removal of petrol subsidy by the administration of Goodluck Jonathan in January 2012.
He called it “Jonathan tax” and accused the then president of breaching his social contract with the people.
In a piece titled, ‘Removal of oil subsidy: President Jonathan breaks social contract with the people’, he noted that with the subsidy removal, the people would become “enslaved to greater misery.”
The piece reads, “By taking this step, the government has tossed the people into the depths of the midnight sea. Government demands the people swim to safety under their own power, claiming the attendant hardship will build character and add efficiency to the national economy.
“It is easy to make these claims when one is dry and on shore. Government would have us believe that every hardship it manufactures for the people to endure is a good thing. This is a lie. The hardships they thrust upon the poor often bear no other purpose than to keep them poor. This is such a time.
“I am not calling President Jonathan an evil man. I do not believe he is perverse. However, the economic ideas controlling him are so misguided that they have a perverse impact. Because he is slave to wrong-headed economics, the people will become enslaved to greater misery. This crisis will bear his name and will be his legacy.
“The people now pay a steep tax for voting him into office. The removal of the subsidy is the ‘Jonathan tax.’ This situation shows that ideas count more than personalities. People may occupy office but how that person performs depends on the ideas that occupy his mind.”
Gospel artiste Tope Alabi has celebrated her daughter Deborah Alabi who recently graduated from Covenant University with impressive grades.
On Saturday, Tope shared photos on Instagram of Deborah alongside herself and her husband Soji Alabi as they expressed their gratitude to God for Deborah’s academic success.
Tope Alabi wrote:
“Our hearts are filled with so much joy, seeing my little daughter from yesterday all grown up and graduating from Covenant University with good grades today. Thank you, Jesus, for blessing us with such a brilliant and godly Deborah.”
She continued with prayers:
“I pray that your paths are straightened for greatness, that you find favor in all your endeavors, and that God continues to guide you toward success and happiness.
“May you always be surrounded by love and support, and may your future be filled with endless opportunities. It’s from here to amazing things with God. Amen!”
Fans and celebrities quickly joined in the celebration. See their comments and more photos below:
Fellow gospel singer Rejoice Iwueze commented, “Massive congratulations dear.”
Actress Funke Akindele added, “Oluwaseun. Congratulations ma.”
Another actress Biola Adebayo wrote, “Congratulations to my darling prophetess Deborah… Oluwaseun.
“Congratulations mummy and daddy. Aku orire o.”
Gospel singer Sinach also congratulated the family, commenting, “Congratulations.”
This isn’t the first time the Alabi family is celebrating such a milestone.
In 2020, Tope’s first daughter Ayomiku Alabi graduated with a second-class upper degree in music from Bowen University.
Tope had also shared the good news with her followers, expressing pride and joy.
Tope Alabi who is married to Soji Alabi is blessed with three children.
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Big Brother Naija “No Loose Guard” winner Kellyrae Sule recently shared the heartwarming story of how he met his wife, Kassia. The couple, who entered the BBNaija house as a team, faced numerous challenges but ultimately emerged victorious.
During an interview with Arise TV, Kellyrae explained that his initial connection to Kassia came through her elder sister, who was his colleague during their movie production days. One of the film projects they worked on used Kassia’s house as a shooting location.
It was there that Kellyrae first met Kassia and immediately felt attracted to her. He recalled asking for her number, and what began as a casual friendship gradually blossomed into a romantic relationship about a year later.
Reflecting on their journey, Kellyrae noted that their relationship wasn’t always smooth. They experienced ups and downs and even spent months apart at times. Despite the challenges, they always found their way back to each other, solidifying their bond.
When discussing their marriage, which took place earlier this year, Kellyrae humorously described their time in the Big Brother house as their “first honeymoon.” Now that he is in a better financial position, he shared his plans to take Kassia on another honeymoon, celebrating their love in a more traditional setting.
Meanwhile, Nigerians were shocked to see a video of Kellyrae being interviewed on how his prize money would be spent and the percentage that goes to his wife, Kassia.
Recall that Ebuka asked Kellyrae what he would do following his win; he noted that he would love to focus his energy on his music and break the jink of BBN stars being unsuccessful in music.
In a fresh development, Kelly was asked how much money would be given to his wife, and his response took many aback. He says all the money will go to his wife, Kassia as she manages the funds in their home.
He explained that he is not a prudent spender and that it would not be wise for him to be in charge of all that money.
Nigerian actress Iniobong Edo has reacted to the rumours about her getting married soon.
In September, Ini Edo ignited excitement and speculations online by sharing what appeared to be a wedding announcement.
Many people quickly assumed she was engaged and preparing for her wedding because she was dressed in a traditional Efik bridal gown in the photo.
Ini Edo further fueled the speculation with her caption, which bothered on love and advising her fans not to give up hope in finding happiness.
Although it was later discovered that it was all a ruse to promote her upcoming 4-part movie.
The Nollywood star got married to a Nigerian-American businessman, Philip Ehiagwina, on November 29, 2008, in the United States, but they divorced in 2014.
In a recent interview with Premium Times, Ini Edo said that marriage is no longer a priority in her prayers or expectations. She however noted that the public stunt was a promotion for her upcoming four-part series, My Fairytale Wedding.
When asked if she is looking forward to a true fairytale wedding in the future, Ini Edo’s stated:
“I’m not crazy about marriage; I’m crazy about having a solid relationship. I’m not hoping, and it’s not any of my prayer points.”
“I had to raise 300 million in 24-hours” – Basketmouth Opens Up About His Experience as a Filmmaker
AFOLABI
Popular Comedian, actor, and filmmaker Basketmouth has shared his insights on the movie industry and the importance of budgeting for films.
In a recent interview, he emphasized the need for a sufficient budget to produce high-quality movies, highlighting the pitfalls of mismanaging funds.
Basketmouth recounted a personal experience where he had to secure 300 million Naira for a movie project within 24 hours, which he successfully accomplished.
He stressed the value of collaboration between older and younger filmmakers, noting that both generations can learn from each other.
Basketmouth also addressed the practice of soliciting funds on stage in the comedy industry, deeming it dishonorable and urging his colleagues to focus on delivering exceptional performances instead.
Maverick singer Seun Kuti has opened up about how he truly felt, when he wasn’t invited to Davido’s highly publicized wedding.
The event, which took place on June 25, 2024, was attended by numerous dignitaries and celebrities.
In a recent interview on ‘Curiosity Made Me Ask‘ with Bae U Barbie, Kuti shared his disappointment and frustration about not receiving an invitation.
He revealed that he struggled to sleep for a week due to the snub, which he found particularly hurtful given their past relationship.
Seun Kuti explained that Davido and his entourage would often visit his family’s bar, the African Shrine, and enjoy free drinks.
He felt that their past connection made the exclusion from the wedding guest list even more painful.
“Davido would come to the African Shrine with 100 guys, and he would drink without paying, but when it was time for his wedding, I didn’t get IV. I was pained, I didn’t sleep for one week,” he said.