The Lagos State House of Assembly has announced the appointment of its principal officers, Naija News reports.

The Lagos State Assembly carried out the appointments during the plenary session on Friday.

The members appointed are: Hon Temitope Adedeji (Ifako Ijaiye 1) as Majority Leader, Hon Sanni Babatunde ( Kosofe 1) as Chief Whip, Hon. Richard Kasumu (Ikeja 2) as Deputy Majority Leader while Hon. David Setonji (Badagry 2) as Deputy Chief Whip.

Recall that the Lagos Assembly impeached its former Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa on Monday, citing multiple statutory and financial violations.

Obasa was replaced by his deputy, Mojisola Meranda, a former chief whip and representative of Apapa Constituency 1.

Following Obasa’s impeachment, all principal offices and committees were dissolved immediately.

The daughter of the late Alaafin of Oyo, Adeyemi Adebisi Aminat, has accused her father’s ex-wife, Queen Dami of paternity fraud.

She accused Queen Dami of shaming someone over the paternity of their child, despite not knowing who the father of her child is.

Recall that Queen Dami was married to the late Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyeye but the marriage crashed after she allegedly broke a palace rule, an act that prompted her to leave her marriage and run away from the palace.

She later blamed the whole act on frustration and wrong advice from friends. Unfortunately, her relationship with the monarch was never repaired before his demise last year.

Speaking via series of Instagram post, the late monarch’s daughter accused Queen Dami of buying her child from Port Harcourt.

She warned that the Alaafin’s throne must not be rubbished, adding that she had all the blood tests and evidence before the King passed away.

She noted that the fact that the palace isn’t talking doesn’t mean they don’t know what to say.

She wrote, “Dammy you are insulting someone that they don’t know the father of their child. Do you know the father of your own child? The child you went to buy in Port Harcourt. The fact that we are not talking doesn’t mean we don’t know what to say.

“The Alaafin’s throne is not to be rubbished. Don’t play with me. I have all the blood tests and evidence before the king passed away. Go and give the child to the rightful owner”.

Martina Luis, the estranged wife of Pastor Abraham Daniel Ejeh, has broken her silence in an emotional revelation that has shocked the Nigerian Christian community.

Martina, visibly shaken but resolute, recounted how her once-loving husband and former Dunamis pastor spiralled into a life of turmoil after delving into occultic books like ‘The Seven Days of Moses’.

“He was a godly man, full of love and compassion for our family and the church,” Martina began, her voice heavy with grief. “But everything changed when he started reading those books. He became withdrawn, unstable, and began seeing everyone, even me, as an enemy.”

Martina shared that her husband’s transformation led to terrifying moments, including an instance where he allegedly attempted to harm their daughter. “He once held a knife to her, claiming that ‘sacrifices must be made.’ I was horrified, and it was then I knew he had completely lost his way,” she said, tears streaming down her face.

Her heartbreaking account continued with allegations of threats to use their children for rituals, violent outbursts, and an eventual abandonment of his faith. “He left God, fought the church, and became a man I couldn’t recognize anymore. It’s painful because he was such a good man before this.”

Martina has called on Nigerians and the Christian community to pray for Abraham, hoping he finds redemption and mental stability. “The God of Pastor Enenche is still at work,” she said, clinging to hope for the man she once loved.

This shocking revelation raises important questions about spiritual vigilance and the dangers of straying from one’s faith. It is a somber reminder that even those in positions of spiritual authority are not immune to the struggles of life and faith.

In response to a sustained increase in the price of Brent crude, the global benchmark, the Dangote Petroleum Refinery, has announced a new price list for its customers for Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly referred to as petrol or fuel.

In a statement reportedly disseminated via email on Friday, The PUNCH quoted Dangote Refinery to have revealed that the new price for its refined products will be set at ₦955 per litre at the loading gantry, indicating a revision in its pricing framework.

The refinery specified that marketers purchasing between 2 million and 4.99 million litres will be charged ₦955 per litre, while those acquiring 5 million litres or more will benefit from a slightly lower rate of ₦950 per litre.

This adjustment represents an increase of ₦55.5, or 6.17 per cent, from the ₦899.50 per litre price that was offered as a holiday discount to Nigerians in December of the previous year.

The new pricing structure will apply to all stock balances that have not yet been lifted by the specified time, and any pending stock as of the effective time will also be subject to the revised rates.

The statement further indicated that this new pricing regime will come into effect at 5:30 PM today.

The notice titled, “Communication on PMS Price Review” read, “Dear Esteemed Customer, Trust this email finds you well.

“Kindly be advised that effective from 5:30 PM today, an upward adjustment has been implemented on the gantry price of Premium Motor Spirit.

Quantity:

• Previous Price (NGN/Litre)
• 2 million-9.99 million -N899.50
• 10 million Litres & Above N895

Quantity:

• New Price (NGN/ Litre)
• 2 million – 4.99 million N955
• 5 million Litres & Above N950

“Please note that all stock balances yet to be lifted as at the above-stated time are to be repriced at the new reviewed prices.

“We shall communicate with customers on their revised volumes based on the reviewed prices, in due course.”

Naija News reports that the anticipated rise in prices is likely to significantly impact the downstream petroleum industry, especially private depots and retail markets.

An oil and gas specialist, Olatide Jeremiah, told newsmen that depots are expected to raise the loading prices of refined petroleum products due to the substantial influence exerted by the refinery.

Jeremiah, who is the Chief Executive Officer of Petroleum Price.ng, said, “Dangote Refinery’s influence on Fuel price has become unmatched; private depots, Major marketers, and independent Marketers will compete with this new price. Therefore, Nigerians should expect an increase in Petrol Pump Price.

“Brent Crude oil as of today is $81.84, highest in 2025, its one major factor for the increase.”

On Thursday, the Minister of State Petroleum Resources (Oil), Heineken Lokpobiri, disclosed that the price of crude oil in the international market remains a significant force in driving the fluctuations in the pump prices of petrol.

He said the downstream sector is now fully deregulated, and the government is no longer involved in setting prices.

29-year-old Clement Adewale Adeyemi Oluyide, on Thursday, slumped and died on the football pitch at the Ataoja School of Science, Osogbo, during the 5th Isiaka Adeleke Memorial Cup final tournament in Osun State.

Incidentally, Oluyide, an Ikinyinwa-Ijesa born football star, died on his birthday anniversary trying to win laurel to celebrate his 29th birthday ceremony.

Oluyide, a midfielder whose team was playing against Ejigbo local government area team, slumped on the field while his team was preparing to take a free kick.

The demise of Adewale Oluyide was confirmed in a statement by the Osun State Police Command issued on Thursday by its Public Relations Officer, Mrs Yemisi Olawoyin Opalola.

Opalola stated that Adeyemi Adewale Oluyide from Ilesa West local government area football team slumped on the pitch of Ataoja School of Science and was rushed to Osun State University Teaching Hospital, Osogbo, where he was confirmed dead.

The Police spokesperson added that his remains were deposited at the hospital morgue.

The shocking incident has thrown Ikinyinwa-Ijesa into mourning as all public activities were suspended in honour of the departed illustrious son of the community.

No official statement has been issued by the Osun State government or the organisers of the tournament in memory of the first executive governor of Osun State, late Senator Isiaka Adetunji Adeleke.

Nigerian singer Habeeb Okikiola Badmus, aka Portable, and his former lover, Queen Dami, have refollowed each other on Instagram.

This comes after the duo had a messy clash in December 2024. The estranged couple’s relationship made headlines due to their messy fight on social media.

At the time, Queen Dami moved out of the apartment Portable reportedly got for her, and the singer blamed the former Oyo queen for all his misfortunes.

In a shocking twist of events, it appears all is now well between the supposed lovebirds despite Portable’s relationship with several other baby-mamas.

One of the first things Portable and Queen Dami did when their relationship hit the rocks was to unfollow each other on Instagram.

However, as rumours about them getting back together trended, a look through their social media pages show that they were now back to following each other.

The new development has drawn the attention of many Nigerians on social media. Some of them questioned if the music star and the former queen of Oyo are truly back together especially after Queen Dami wrote:

“There’s no love without forgiveness and there’s no forgiveness without love. Your relationship doesn’t need to make sense to anybody except you and your partner.

99 advisers, O helper. Oloriburukus will advise you and still badmouth you at the back. True love never dies. No matter what, follow your heart and that is what I am about to do.

My happiness is all that matters.”

United States President-elect Donald Trump wants Pastor William Kumuyi, the revered General Superintendent of the Deeper Life Bible Church, to attend his second inauguration in Washington, D.C., on Monday, January 20, 2025.

The invitation, confirmed by A. Larry Ross Communications, a leading U.S.-based public relations firm, reflects Trump’s desire to have globally influential spiritual leaders present at this historic event, highlighting the significance of faith in his leadership journey.

In the statement regarding the invitation, Pastor Kumuyi commended Donald Trump for his bold commitment to defending Christian values and championing international religious freedom throughout his first term in office.

He lauded Trump’s efforts to strengthen faith-based initiatives and prioritize issues that resonate deeply with the global Christian community.

Kumuyi noted that these initiatives have not only bolstered religious liberty in the U.S. but also sparked important conversations on the need for moral leadership worldwide.

During this visit to Washington, D.C., Pastor Kumuyi is expected to engage in a series of high-profile meetings with U.S. lawmakers, prominent church leaders, and influential media representatives.

SEE SCREENSHOT BELOW

This is coming shortly after Nigerian gospel singer and pastor, Nathaniel Bassey, recently made headlines following his tell-all account behind his invitation to the same upcoming US Presidential Inaugural Prayer Breakfast.

While ministering at Pastor Poju Oyemade’s World Faith Believers Convention (WOFBEC), Bassey recounted the life-changing phone call that led to this honor.

The acclaimed gospel artist revealed that Reverend Merrie Turner extended the invitation after a moment of divine inspiration during prayer. According to Turner, she felt led by God to call on Bassey to bring His glory upon the United States through his ministry.

Federal lawmakers on Thursday engaged in a heated argument at the National Assembly Complex during the 2025 budget defence by the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.

Trouble began when Egbetokun was providing a breakdown of funds allocated for the construction of five zonal police headquarters across the country.

The police chief had barely started his presentation when a member of the House of Representatives, Mark Esset, from Akwa Ibom, stopped him in track, questioning why the details being read by the IG were not contained in the documents circulated among lawmakers.

Events took a new turn when Senator Onyekachi Nwebonyi, a member of the All Progressives Congress, said as a senator, he ought to have the appropriate copy of the document the IG was presenting.

Nwebonyi, who represents Ebonyi North Senatorial District said,  “We are here to serve Nigerians, and Nigerians should see us as a very serious institution.

“We are not against the presentation of the IG. But I, as a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, should have what the IG is reading.”

Efforts to clarify his point were fruitless as the Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Police Affairs, Abubakar Yalleman, overruled Nwebonyi’s Point of Order, allowing the IG to continue his presentation.

Angered, Nwebonyi packed his belongings and left the budget defence session. As he exited, he exchanged heated words with several House of Representatives members who jeered at him.

Yusuf Gagdi, a member of the House of Representatives representing Panshin/Kanam/Kanke Federal Constituency of Plateau State, expressed disappointment at the incident.

He explained that the committee’s decision to allow the IG to continue speaking was in line with established parliamentary procedures.

Gagdi added that it was inappropriate for lawmakers to interject when they did not have the floor.

When order was restored,  Egbetokun resumed his presentation, pointing out that the police require adequate funding.

He also called for an end to the envelope budgetary system.

On recruitment, Egbetokun disclosed that President Bola Tinubu has increased the yearly recruitment quota from 10,000 to 30,000, a move he said would significantly enhance the Force’s performance.

He urged the National Assembly to assist the police in delivering on their mandate, stressing that “Otherwise, we are entirely dependent on budgetary allocations.

“We are glad that this committee has recognised the gross underfunding of the police.”

The National President of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, Festus Osifo, has projected that the cost of Premium Motor Spirit (petrol) may rise soon if crude oil continues to increase in price.

Osifo said this at the PENGASSAN’s National Executive Council Meeting on Thursday in Lagos.

He called for better exchange rate management, warning of potential price hikes as crude prices rebound.

“The crude price rose to $80 per barrel today. Without exchange rate improvements, PMS prices will increase in the coming weeks,” Osifo stated.

He also pointed out that the exchange rate collapse was behind high fuel prices nationwide, despite the commencement of the operations of domestic refineries, though not at full capacities.

He dismissed misconceptions about refining processes, emphasising that achieving a quality Premium Motor Spirit requires multiple refining stages.

Osifo, said, “The old Port Harcourt refinery is functional, and there is significant progress at the Kaduna and Port Harcourt refineries. Refineries globally engage in blending operations; it is a normal part of the process.”

On the high cost of PMS in Nigeria, the PENGASSAN official said it was due to the fluctuations in the exchange rate, stressing its impact on Nigeria’s economy.

“The price of PMS is directly linked to our weak naira. If the exchange rate improves to below N1,000 to a dollar, PMS could sell for N500–N600 per litre,” he noted.

Comparing Nigeria to countries like Venezuela and Zimbabwe, he highlighted the critical role of currency management.

“The oil and gas business is conducted in USD (United States dollar), from equipment to expatriate salaries. Weak currency translates to higher costs, including PMS,” he added.

He also debunked claims that local refining would drastically lower prices, explaining that cost margins are essential.

“Producing locally does not mean selling below cost. Even farmers calculate their production costs before adding margins,” Osifo emphasised.

In another development, Osifo criticised Nigeria’s 2025 budget of ₦49tn (approximately $30bn), labelling it insufficient to address the country’s challenges and inadequate for a nation of over 230 million people.

“The budget of $30bn is abysmally low for a country like Nigeria, especially when you compare it with nations like South Africa, which has a population of about 60 million but operates on a budget of over $120bn,” he stated.

Osifo emphasised the need for Nigeria to harness its abundant natural and mineral resources to expand its revenue base and reduce dependence on loans.

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) says the surge in terrorist activities in the country’s north-east and north-west is fuelled by an influx of foreign fighters.

Recently, Nigeria experienced attacks on military bases and civilians, sparking worries about the country’s national security architecture.

Speaking at the maiden military press briefing of the year, Edward Buba, director of defence media operations, attributed the development to a “collaboration” between Sahelian fighters and local accomplices.

“The resurgence in terror attacks can be attributable to the influx of foreign fighters who came in as reinforcements for these terrorists,” Buba said.

“These foreign fighters are from the Sahelian region. The other contributing factor is the support from local collaborators who serve as informants, reporting on troops’ movements.”

Buba reassured Nigerians of the military’s dedication to eliminating terrorism by breaking the terrorists’ will to fight.

“In spite of the situation, troops are profoundly conscious of their role and responsibility in ending insurgency and terrorism in the nation. Though we might record occasional tactical setbacks,” he said.

“Our strategic objective remains unhindered and it is to break the terrorist will to fight. In essence, defeating an enemy means destroying or breaking his will to fight.

“And we are achieving this by the cumulative effort of killing their operatives, Commanders and senior leadership.

“We are taking away their most important assets, such as their logistics, administrative and fighting capabilities. And of course, we are applying regional and international pressure, as well as engaging the media. All these combine to destroy the terrorists’ will to fight.”

The defence spokesperson said troops have continued to target the terrorists’ key assets, including their logistics, administrative structures, and combat capabilities.

“And of course, we are applying regional and international pressure, as well as engaging the media. All these combine to destroy the terrorist will to fight,” he added.

“Wars are fought and won all over the world by destroying the enemy’s will to fight. And we are bent on achieving just that.

“We understand that this war is not a quick fix, but a long and enduring military operation at the end of which these terrorists will be destroyed and we will have a better world.

“Overall, we understand that we all want to be in a different situation — a situation whereby all this insecurity is over and the terrorist is completely eradicated,” he added.