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Afrobeat sensation Davido has warned netizens against trying to calculate his net worth because they’ll never get it right.
His post on X sparked a flurry of reactions, particularly from his rival, some mocked him, saying his wealth comes from his family, while others doubted his financial stability.
“Stop watching my pockets, you won’t ever understand,” he said.
Fans and followers responded.
@DanielRegha stated: “Watching ur pockets, & rendering financial advice are two different things; It never hurts to put oneself on a budget, especially since no-one knows tomorrow. Life happens.”
@reallest_gee said: “Na if you don broke you go drop coin wey go rug or beg 1x bet for gigs then drop game wey go spoil.”
@lifeofolaa wrote:: “Them wan count your money, them don forget say money na water.”
@RespiratoryDafe asked: “OBO, how Yankee stadium go be on Saturday?”
@wizkidfc_stated: “Your matter just dey make me laugh.”
@dammiedammie35 wrote: “Who dey watch your pocket OBO ?”
@honest30bgfan_ said: “You don later broke?”
@Philips_Teq wrote: “David, you don’t really have a pocket, na adeleke pocket you de use guide.”
[TheNation]
A federal high court in Abuja has granted bail to Bristol Tamunobifiri, popularly known by his X name PIDOM.
At the court session on Friday, Emeka Nwite, presiding judge, granted PIDOM N5 million bail with one surety in like sum.
Nwite said the surety must be a resident of Abuja and depose to an affidavit of means. The surety must also provide evidence of three years of tax clearance with two passport-sized photographs.
The judge also ruled that the defendant must deposit his passport with the court.
PIDOM was arraigned on September 3, on a nine-count charge brought against him by Olukayode Egbetokun, inspector-general of police.
He was accused of “mobilising and soliciting support to unduly compel the government to act or abstain from certain acts through the #EndBadGovernance protest”.
The police said the whistleblower also laundered N970,000 deemed to be “proceeds of an unlawful act”.
Other charges include false money laundering allegations against President Bola Tinubu, and unlawfully obtaining, retaining and disseminating classified secret documents in contravention of the official Secret Act 1962.
The defendant was remanded in Kuje correctional centre. His bail application was moved by Deji Adeyanju, his lawyer.
[TheCable]
Tunisian Presidential Candidate, Ayachi Zammel Jailed For Certificate Forgery Days Before Election
AFOLABI
A Tunisian presidential aspirant, Ayachi Zammel was on Wednesday, September 25, sentenced to six months imprisonment by a court over charges of falsifying documents, making this the second prison sentence against him in a week.
The sentencing, which comes just days before the presidential election, highlights rising tensions ahead of the election, amid opposition and civil society groups' fears of a rigged election aimed at keeping President Kais Saied in power.
Zammel was sentenced to 20 months in prison last week on charges of falsifying popular endorsements.
"It is another unjust ruling and a farce that clearly aims to weaken him in the election race, but we will defend his right to the last minute," Zammel attorney Abdessattar Massoudi told Reuters.
Zammel was among only three admitted candidates competing for the position of president alongside incumbent Saied and Zouhair Magzhaoui.
Political tensions in the North African country have risen ahead of the October 6 election since an electoral commission named by Saied disqualified three prominent candidates this month amid protests by opposition and civil society groups.
The Federal Government has vowed that nobody involved in the alleged bribery saga involving a crossdresser, Idris Okuneye, aka Bobrisky, will escape punishment.
Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, made the vow at a press briefing to mark his one year in office, on Friday in Abuja.
The minister had earlier ordered a comprehensive investigation into allegations of bribery and corruption within the Nigerian Correctional Service, NCoS.
Tunji-Ojo gave the order following reports that Bobrisky, who was sentenced to prison earlier this year, did not serve his jail term inside the correctional centre.
Amid the ongoing investigation, the Nigerian Government, through the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board, on Thursday 26th September, 2024, suspended some senior officers of the country’s prisons service.
Those suspended are Michael Anugwa, Deputy Controller of Corrections (DCC), in-charge of Medium Security Custodial Centre (MSCC), Kiri-kiri, Lagos State; and Sikiru Adekunle, Deputy Controller of Corrections (DCC), in-charge of Maximum-Security Custodial Centre (MSCC), Kiri-kiri, Lagos State.
The Board also suspended ASC II Ogbule Samuel Obinna, serving at the Medium Security Custodial Centre (MSCC), Afikpo, Ebonyi State, for allegedly accompanying a convicted inmate out of the custodial centre to a location outside the facility.
Another senior officer, Iloafonsi Kevin Ikechukwu, Deputy Controller of Corrections (DCC), in-charge of Medium Security Custodial Centre (MSCC), Kuje, Abuja, was suspended for allegedly receiving money on behalf of an inmate.
Speaking on the bribery and corruption saga that is currently rocking the country’s correctional service, Tunji-Ojo urged Nigerians to be patient, and wait for the conclusion of the investigation.
But he assured that all those involved will face the music.
“We will not spare anybody no matter how highly placed. Let’s be patient. Investigation is on but let’s be assured that nobody will be shielded and nobody will be protected,” the minister stressed.
He added that the investigation will go beyond the allegations involving Bobrisky.
“It is not just about Bobrisky. Of the four people we suspended only two are linked to Bobrisky. The one in Afikpo took somebody out. This will continue. It is not going to stop here.”
Tunji-Ojo described the persons in the investigation committee as people of integrity.
“Look at the integrity of the people that are involved. Let the integrity of the people in the committee give you confidence,” he added.
The National Bureau of Statistics has revealed that the prices of Beans, Rice, Bread, Egg have continued to rise in Nigeria.
NBS disclosed this in its recently released Selected Food Prices Watch for August. 2024.
The data showed the prices of one Kilogram of Beans rose by 271.55 percent on a year-on-year basis to N2,574.63 in August 2024 from N692.95 recorded in the same period last year.
Also on a month-on-month basis, the price of Beans increased by 5.31 percent to N2,444.81 in July 2024.
It noted that the average price of 1kg local rice sold loose went up by 148.41 percent on a year-on-year basis from N 737.11 in August 2023 to N1,831.05 in August 2024, while there was an increase of 3.65 percent on a month-on-month basis.
This is as the price of medium size eggs (12 pieces) experienced significant price increases year on year by N121.92 percent from N1,031.55 in August of last year (2023) to N2,289.19 in August 2024.
On a month-on-month basis, the average price of this item rose by 5.48 percent from N 2,170.17 in July 2024.
On the price of bread, there was also a notable price increase of bread (sliced) by 113.16 percent on a year-on-year basis from N684.85 in August 2023 to N1,459.85 in August 2024
On a month-on-month basis, it increased by 2.28 percent from N 1,427.25 in July 2024. On the other hand,
Meanwhile, the prices of Tomatoes and Yam declined on a Month-on-month basis but remained high on a year-on-year basis.
This is as tomato 1kg declined by 11.07 percent month-on-month from N1,693.83 in July 2024 to N1,506.35.
Also, the average price of 1kg of Yam tuber increased by 188.31 percent on a year-on-year basis from N576.39 in August 2023 to N1,661.80 in July 2024. On a month-on-month basis, it decreased by -7.82 percent from N1,802.84 in July 2024.
These figures follow August headline and Food inflation data which stood at 32.15 percent and 37.52 percent.
At least 30 members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, have resigned from Sa’adu Zungur University, SAZU in Bauchi State.
Namo Timothy, the Zonal Coordinator of ASUU, Bauchi Zone, made this known at a press conference at Yuli Campus of the university on Friday.
He explained that the Sa’adu Zungur University, SAZU a state government-owned varsity, is in the shadow of death due to poor handling of the affairs of the university and the well-being of its members.
The ASUU coordinator, while calling on the Bauchi government to declare a state of emergency on the university to reverse trends of poor handling of affairs over the years, warned that except that is done, the ASUU branch zone can no longer guarantee industrial harmony between its members and the university administration.
He bemoaned that ASUU members at SAZU do not have a pension nor death benefit scheme as obtained in a structured public service organisations across the country.
He further stated that the SAZU administration owed its members Earned Academic Allowance and Excess Work Load Allowance to the tune of over N650 million from 2012 to date.
He also expressed displeasure at how a HND graduate was appointed Bursar of the university contrary to the provision of service of the university which spelt out that only candidates with a minimum of first degree would be considered for appointment as Bursar.
“The zone has engaged key stakeholders and exchanged several correspondences in an attempt to resolve these issues to no avail.
“This has not only dampened the morale of our members in the university but forced many, including 30 trained PhD holders to resign and migrate to other institutions where their future is secured,” he added.
Cabinet Reshuffle: Don’t trust your ‘kitchen cabinet’ for ministerial recommendation – Ex-Minister, Adebayo Shittu Warns Tinubu
AFOLABI
A former Minister of Communications, Adebayo Shittu has advised President Bola Tinubu to be cautious in dealing with his righthand men who would recommend persons for ministerial offices.
He said this was important, especially as there are reported plans for a cabinet reshuffle.
Shittu was a guest on Channels Television’s Politics Today programme on Thursday.
According to Shittu, some members of the President’s kitchen cabinet who should be on the lookout for technocrats to be appointed ministers have vested interests and would only recommend their persons.
“You cannot trust anybody, even if you are talking of kitchen cabinet.
“This will be the first time he (Tinubu) would be recruiting people from all parts of the country most of whom he may never have met in life. But he may just be riding on the recommendation, perhaps, of interested power blocs within the party who would give information and sell their candidate for one reason or the other.
“Mr President has an opportunity to decide what he wants. If you are not there and if he does not tell you exactly what he wants, it would be very difficult but I think one failing in our system in this country is that when people are appointed, or about to be appointed, we don’t have a kind of orientation exercise which perhaps will take a week or two weeks to school those to be given jobs to understand the priorities of their employer.”
Shittu’s call re-echoed growing calls for the President to reshuffle his cabinet over underperformance by some ministers.
1,331 APC members in Kano dump Ganduje, defect to Kwankwaso’s NNPP - Vow to work against ruling party in 2027
AFOLABI
No fewer than 1,331 members of All Progressive Congress (APC) in Dawakin Tofa Local Government Area, Kano State, on Thursday defected to the ruling New Nigerian People’s Party (NNPP).
The defectors, who are mainly from 11 wards of the area, vowed to work against the return of APC as the ruling party in Kano State.
Prominent among the former APC members included former Vice chairman of the local government area, Malam Kwa; former state House of Assembly aspirant, Hon. Audu Tumfafi.
Receiving the defectors at Dawakin-Tofa, State Chairman of NNPP, Hon. Hashimu Dungurawa commended them for the decision.
Dungurawa declared that NNPP under the leadership of Sen. Rabiu Kwankwaso was committed to the socio-economic and infrastructural development of Kano State.
While assuring them of equal opportunities in the party, Dungurawa dispelled rumours of mass defection of NNPP members to APC.
He maintained that NNPP was not losing grip of control of its structure across the wards in the state.
“We learnt one APC man has been receiving members of NNPP into APC. We have checked the roll call of our members and we have not noticed any reduction in our numerical strength.
“I need to advise them to beware of 419 people coming to collect the public funds in the name of decampees”, Dungurawa said.
Earlier, Kwa alleged that former governor, Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, an indigene of the area failed to develop it during his eight years in office.
Kwa also alleged that Ganduje had not managed the party very well leading to the ex-governor’s failure to clinch the House of Representatives seat during the 2023 general election.
After using the iPhone 16 for a few days, I felt the same way I did while watching the fourth season of Emily in Paris — familiar yet offering twists and turns that make the new edition much more adventurous. Maybe the changes aren’t as dramatic as before, but the allure of the new iPhone continues with more natural-looking photos, a button for taking pictures, and better battery life. The iPhone 16 won’t change the smartphone market, nor does Apple believe it will—it’s a guilty pleasure, much like every new season of Emily in Paris.
Apple iPhone 16 price in India (as reviewed): Rs 79,900 onwards
Improved design, with useful new buttons
When I first unboxed the iPhone 16 in a white finish, I immediately opened my closet to find all the early Apple products designed during the Jony Ive era—the iPod, iBook G3, iBook G4, and more. Even though Ive is no longer with Apple, I can still see his influence in the company’s newest products. There’s so much warmth when you hold the iPhone 16, and it evokes nostalgia—at least for me. The finish and quality are premium, and the thought that the iPhone 16 is an entry-level smartphone didn’t cross my mind. This is what I love about Apple, and that one thing hasn’t changed a bit.
The iPhone 16 is still a one-handed device and slides comfortably into my Levis. The flat-edged shape returns, as do the aluminum rails. Even the front-facing camera cutout morphs into a genuinely useful Dynamic Island, which remains the same as on the iPhone 15 (review). Externally, the iPhone 16 may not look any different from its predecessor, aside from the camera island, which is now a pill-shaped, two-lens oval reminiscent of the iPhone X. The new lens alignment allows the iPhone 16 to shoot stereoscopic spatial videos that enhance viewing with the Apple Vision Pro VR headset. Truth be told, the design continues to be impressive, but there’s nothing particularly special about the iPhone 16 from that perspective, so you could comfortably stick with your iPhone 14 or 15 without upgrading for at least another 2–3 years.
However, the iPhone 16 is getting a couple of new hardware buttons that may or may not change how you use the phone, depending on what type of user you are. But I beg to differ. I actually like the Action Button, which has been passed down from the Pro models and replaces the ring/silent switch. The Action Button serves as a shortcut to useful functions and features, like enabling ChatGPT or activating a Focus mode that limits distractions. You can assign it to a shortcut, including both complex user-built shortcuts and simpler Apple Shortcuts provided by the developers of the apps you use. I feel the Action Button will be relevant to far more users than the ring/silent switch ever was. It’s fun to use and makes it very easy to change your settings. Another new addition is the Camera Control button, which lets you quickly access camera functions and features (more on that later). It’s a brand-new hardware button that’s also coming to the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max.
The iPhone 16 now has a USB-C port instead of Lightning, just like the iPhone 15. It’s a good change, and if you are upgrading from older iPhones, it’s more than just swapping cables—Apple includes a very nice braided USB-C to USB-C cable in the box.
Camera Control button is an interesting addition to the iPhone
Camera control offers DSLR-like camera control to the latest iPhone. (Image credit: Anuj Bhatia/The Indian Express)
Apple likes to keep the design simple and avoid unnecessary buttons. But for a change, Apple is adding a second physical button to a device for the first time in many years. I think it’s a clever implementation. However, I have mixed feelings about the Camera Control button, which allows you to launch the camera, take photos, and adjust some settings. On the right side of the iPhone 16 is the Camera Control button—a real button that, when fully pressed, launches the camera app. It works like a traditional camera. However, the difference between this and a typical camera shutter button is that the one on the iPhone 16 is also touch- and pressure-sensitive, allowing you to “push halfway” to bring up another set of options, such as zooming in or switching between photographic styles. If you keep your finger on the button and half-push twice in quick succession, you’ll move up one level in the hierarchy and can swipe to access different commands. Then, half-push once to enter whatever controls you want, and you’re back to swiping.
The button itself feels good, and it only took a few minutes to learn how to navigate the Camera Control. However, I won’t be using it every day as Apple might hope, because sometimes the button feels too stiff to operate. There are times when I find myself going back to the on-screen shutter just for convenience. I believe the dual functions of the button need to be implemented better.
Bright display, but no 120Hz refresh rate yet
The display is bright but only refreshes 60 times per second. (Image credit: Anuj Bhatia/The Indian Express)
I wouldn’t make a big deal out of it, but seeing a 120Hz screen on a super affordable Android smartphone and not on a premium device like the iPhone 16 is worth mentioning. While it’s true that 120Hz is just a visual upgrade and doesn’t improve functionality, I would argue that a high-refresh-rate screen has a meaningful impact on the user experience, whether you are scrolling through your Instagram feed or playing a game. Apple ships the iPhone 16 with a 60Hz screen, which looks dated. Sure, the 6.1-inch display is bright and colorful, and if you have used the Pro models, you will notice that the iPhone 16’s feeds and web pages don’t feel nearly as buttery smooth by comparison.
Keeps getting faster
The iPhone 16 runs iOS 18 out-of-the-box. (Image credit: Anuj Bhatia/The Indian Express)
The iPhone 16 is a fast phone, and I bet it will feel faster than most premium Android smartphones on the market. However, the A18 chip that Apple used in the base iPhone 16 models (the Pro models use the A18 Pro) continues to improve incrementally. So yes, the A18 is faster, combined with extra RAM, than the A16-powered iPhone 15. However, I feel the improvements in chip processing power are modest, to say the least, and even older iPhones have enough horsepower for most general use cases. That said, the A18 may have an edge over older processors when running Apple Intelligence features, which I will highlight in detail later. Considering all this, the iPhone 16 offers a significant performance boost compared to the iPhone 15 or iPhone 14. Notably, the iPhone 16 does feel a little faster in daily use and when running the same apps compared to the iPhone 15. Does that warrant an upgrade to the iPhone 16? Probably not, but Apple Intelligence may change your mind, especially since these AI features will only support the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 16 series and won’t be available on the iPhone 15.
Apple Intelligence is not a killer feature yet, but it might be in the future
The iPhone 16 model will be capable of running Apple Intelligence. (Image credit: Anuj Bhatia/The Indian Express)
It’s ironic that Apple Intelligence is not yet available on the iPhone 16, yet Apple is heavily branding its AI features as a killer reason to upgrade to the latest iPhones. Maybe it’s a marketing ploy for some, but in reality, the set of AI features coming to the iPhone and other Apple devices may play a significant role in deciding whether to upgrade to the iPhone 16 or stick with your older iPhone.
I’m not an analyst or a trade pundit to forecast anything, but as a reviewer, all I can say is that compatible hardware is needed to run Apple Intelligence, which I feel is promising but still has a lot of room for improvement. I have been using Apple Intelligence as part of the developer beta for a couple of months, and Apple plans to roll out the first wave of AI features later this year for certain markets, with India possibly getting them sometime in the first half of next year. Based on my experience, what Apple is trying to do with Apple Intelligence isn’t too different from what Google has built into the Pixel 9 series. There’s a lot of common ground between Apple Intelligence and the features Google is incorporating into its Pixel smartphones, such as writing tools that use generative AI to proofread and improve text, summarising emails and notifications, and an image cleanup feature for removing unwanted objects from photos.
However, the difference between Apple Intelligence and other generative AI features lies in the ecosystem advantage that Apple offers and the promise of privacy that others can’t easily match. As I mentioned earlier, Apple Intelligence is still work in progress, and so is the iPhone 16. The reason for this is that Apple Intelligence serves as the foundation for an AI-powered smartphone like the iPhone 16, and if it isn’t available at launch, it puts Apple in an awkward position. Apple AI is not on the phone right now, which is running iOS 18. That being said, even without Apple Intelligence, the iPhone 16 does come with solid software features as part of iOS 18, including new ways to customise your home screen, reorganise your photos, send cash with a tap, and store your passwords in Apple’s sleek new password manager, among others.
[indianexpress]
Five people were arrested in India for the killing of a seven-year-old boy in an alleged ritual sacrifice aimed at bringing good fortune to a public school, police said Friday.
The victim was found dead in his bed on Sunday night at the hostel where he lived in the city of Hathras, not far from the country’s famed Taj Mahal.
Instead of alerting authorities, police said that school director Dinesh Baghel hid the body in the trunk of his car.
Police officer Himanshu Mathur told AFP that the boy was killed before a black magic ceremony conducted by Baghel’s father.
“The boy was meant to be taken to an altar as part of a ritual, but got killed before the ceremony could be completed,” he said.
Baghel and his father were arrested along with three other teachers at the school, Mathur added.
Mathur did not give further details on how the child had died and local media reports said the body was undergoing a post-mortem examination.
India’s National Crime Records Bureau lodged 103 cases of human sacrifice in the country between 2014 and 2021.
Ritual killings are usually conducted to appease deities and are more common in tribal and remote areas, where belief in witchcraft and the occult is widespread.
Last year police arrested five men for the 2019 murder of a 64-year-old woman who was killed and decapitated with a machete after visiting a temple in India’s remote northeast.
Police said the alleged ringleader had been conducting a religious rite to mark the anniversary of his brother’s death.
More...
It has been congratulations galore for the founder of Living Faith Church a.k.a Winners Chapel, Bishop David Olaniyi Oyedepo who turned 70 today, September 27, 2024.
Notable pastors and organizations from across the country and other parts of the world have joined the members of Living Faith Church in sending their congratulatory messages to the revered Preacher.
Joining the host of others in celebrating Oyedepo ’s 70th birthday, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, RCCG, Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye, and his wife, Pastor Folu Adeboye on his Facebook page wrote, ‘ Happy 70th Birthday, our dear son, Bishop David Oyedepo’.
Pastor Adeboye in his congratulatory message said: “Today, Mummy & I celebrate not just your life, but the incredible journey of faith, dedication, and service to God that you have walked.
“Watching how God has used you to impact countless lives and expand His Kingdom has been a great joy for me. Your passion, unwavering commitment, and boldness in faith have been truly inspiring.
“As you step into this new decade, my prayer is that God continues to renew your strength, guide your every step, and fill your heart with His peace.
“May His grace over your life multiply, and may your influence for His Kingdom continue to grow beyond measure.
“Thank you for being a faithful servant of the Lord. Happy Birthday, and may God bless you abundantly, our dear son.”
The Presiding Pastor of Salvation Ministries, David Ibiyeomie, wrote on his social media handle: “Happy Birthday Dad. Thank you for the sacrifice of alignment. Thank you for the privilege of access. Thank you for the gift of fatherhood and mentorship. Thank you for bringing light and direction to my life and ministry.
“As you celebrate 70, I pray that you will celebrate greater years of impact and exploit. I love you Papey.”
Also, the Senior pastor at Dunamis International Gospel Centre in Abuja, Dr. Paul Enenche and his wife Dr.
Becky said: “Exactly 70 years ago, a generational shining star, trailblazer, road pointer, pace-setter, history maker, men raiser, God-addict was born. “Blessed be the womb that carried you and blessed be the day of your birth Papa. You have not left your generation the way you met it. Papa, as your days, so may your strength be.
“The Lord cause you to finish the race set before you in strength, victory and triumph. And may Heaven be your home at the end of the day in Jesus Name.
“Happy! Happy! Happy birthday Sir. We love you dearly Sir.”
It has been alleged that controversial Nigerian cross-dresser, Idris Okuneye, widely known as Bobrisky spent only three weeks behind bars, instead of the 6 months that he was given to serve by a court. This is according to a report by FIJ.
This has now raised eyebrows regarding the integrity of the Nigerian Correctional Service.
He was Initially sentenced to six months for naira abuse in April.
It all started after social media influencer, Martins Vincent Otse, known as VeryDarkMan released an alleged audio of Bobrisky allegedly confessed to serving his term outside prison.
He alleged that Bobrisky paid ₦15 million to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to have ‘money laundering’ charges expunged from her record.
A prison official told FIJ, “Bob spent only three weeks here with us in Kirikiri before she was taken out to another place we don’t know.
“That was where she spent her time; it was an ‘arrangee thing’. And money was involved.”
The source revealed how Bobrisky was “guarded like a president” until he was “secretly taken away after three weeks.”
“(S)he received VIP treatment all through,” said the source. “(S)he lived in a special cell. The money (s)he said she paid is actually true; no lies. Yes, (s)he paid the money.”
Although the prison authorities did not allow Bobrisky to mingle freely with other inmates, consequently reducing the chances of his eventual disappearance being spotted, the prison official told FIJ about one noteworthy incident.
“There was this day one guy was on a video call with his girlfriend, and he suddenly turned the camera on Bobrisky,” the official said. “It was deemed an invasion of Bobrisky’s privacy, so, as punishment, he was locked up in his cell for nearly two months.”
The source added, “As I said, s()he was heavily guarded, so there weren’t many of such incidents to point at. And (s)he was quietly taken away after three weeks.”
Naija News reports that details of the debt were confirmed by the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) in its audit of the petroleum sector.
The report, presented on Friday in Abuja, detailed that as of August 31, 2024, the unpaid royalties and gas flare penalties owed to the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) amounted to $6.071 billion and ₦66.4 billion.
According to the report, the outstanding petroleum profit taxes, company income taxes, withholding taxes, and VAT owed to the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) totalled $21.926 million and ₦492.8 million as of June 2024.
NEITI also noted a 9 percent decline in industry revenue for 2023, with figures showing $16.467 billion compared to $18.106 billion in 2022.
The report highlighted a total loss of 7.68 million barrels of crude oil in 2023 due to theft and measurement inaccuracies, marking a significant decrease of 79 percent from the 36.69 million barrels lost in 2022.
Additionally, 153.44 million barrels of crude oil production were deferred in 2023, with companies such as SPDC (39.13 million barrels), TEPNG (6.07 million barrels), and TUPNI (3.5 million barrels) being notably impacted.
It was also reported that the government disbursed ₦3.01 trillion as a petrol subsidy in 2023, a decrease from ₦4.71 trillion in 2022.
The report indicated that 23.54 billion litres of PMS (premium motor spirit) were imported into the country in 2022, while imports fell to 20.28 billion liters in 2023, reflecting a reduction of 3.25 billion litres, or a 14 percent decline, following the subsidy removal.
“A detailed 10-year trend analysis (2014-2023) shows that the highest annual PMS importation into the country, 23.54 billion litres, was recorded in 2022, while the lowest, 16.88 billion litres, was recorded in 2017. A total of N15.87 trillion was claimed as under-recovery/price differentials between 2006 and 2023, with the highest amount, N4.714 trillion, recorded in 2022,” the NEITI audit revealed.
In his remark at the report unveiling, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume, assured stakeholders that the government would continue to grant NEITI the freedom to fulfil its mandate to the country and the global Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative, EITI.
Sen. Akume said: “As the Chairman of the NEITI Board, I stand before you today to underscore the Federal Government’s respect for NEITI’s independence. While my role as Chairperson is a testament to the importance the government places on NEITI, it also signifies the commitment to ensure that NEITI operates independently, without interference, as mandated by the EITI standard. We must safeguard this independence with great care and diligence, ensuring that NEITI can operate free from undue influence.”
EFCC Chair Vows To Recover Revenues
The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Olanipekun Olukayode, pledged to utilize the most recent report to facilitate the recovery of all outstanding revenues owed by the companies to the government.
He further stated that based on previous reports from NEITI, the EFCC has successfully recovered and remitted more than ₦1 billion to the Federal Government’s accounts.
[NaijaNews]
The Delta State Government has issued a stern warning to medical personnel who provide family planning for underage girls to desist from such acts or face the wrath of the law.
The State Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General (AG), Ohwovoriole Ekemejero SAN, gave the warning at the World Contraception Day held on Thursday in Asaba, the State capital.
Ohwovoriole, represented by the Director of Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Unit, Mrs Patricia Akanagwuna, said providing minor access to these facilities without the consent of the girl child’s parents or guardian is illegal in the eye of the law, and those involved must be punished accordingly.
“In the eye of the law, any medical doctor that provides family planning for minors will face prosecution. The law did not permit such, the doctor must seek the consent of the parents or guardians,” he stated.
He however advised the medical personnel that, as principles, “allow individual women to make informed choices about their reproductive health, free from coercion or judgment, in addition to Protecting their right to confidentiality when seeking contraceptive services.
In his remarks, the Commissioner for Health, Dr Joseph Onojaeme, said the family planning town hall meeting which was held today’s World Contraceptive Day was to sensitise every individual’s right to make choices about themselves.
He urged women to adopt family planning for their benefit
Also, the Executive Director, State Primary Health Development Agency, Dr Paul U. called on stakeholders, including local government chairmen, to fund to support family planning.