Following the recent rebound of the naira against the dollar, the price of a 50 kilogramme bag of rice has dropped to an average of N67,000 in Lagos, Abuja, Ogun, and others, from about N90,000 in February 2024. In communities close to the borders, our correspondents gathered that the staple was selling at a much lower rate compared to what was obtained in the cities. For example, in Ogun border communities like Imeko, Idiroko, Oja-Odan, and others, a bag of rice was selling for around N49,000 or below. According to Ms Mayowa Tosho, a bag of rice now sells for…
Author: Editor Francis
The Federal Government has declared the unbundling of power distribution companies (Discos) along state lines. This decision, announced on Monday, seeks to address the challenges posed by the large sizes of these companies, which have often led to inefficiencies. While reaffirming that the privatisation of the Discos will not be reversed, the government emphasised the necessity of breaking them into more manageable structures along state lines to facilitate better service delivery. The move comes amidst concerns over the performance of the Discos, with some currently under the management of banks and the Assets Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) due to…
An Abuja-based retail shop, previously under fire for allegedly discriminating against Nigerians by restricting entry to Chinese nationals only, has rebuffed accusations of exclusivity. Liu Bei, the owner, clarified that her establishment is not a supermarket but rather a retail shop serving the diverse needs of the local community. Bei, in a statement issued in both Chinese and English to Punch Online, expressed unease at the sight of unfamiliar individuals gathering outside her premises. This response comes in the wake of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission’s summons notice and threats of sanctions after sealing the store. The controversy…
The University of Lagos (UNILAG) has recently unveiled a groundbreaking initiative known as the Entrepreneurship, Innovation, and Business Incubation Certification (EIBIC) programme. This initiative promises to revolutionise the educational landscape by offering students the opportunity to earn two certificates upon graduation. During the official launch of the programme, Prof. Ayodele Atsenuwa, the university’s deputy vice chancellor for development services, highlighted its significance in addressing socioeconomic disparities while preparing students for the evolving job market. Emphasising the pivotal role of entrepreneurship in driving economic growth, Atsenuwa underscored that the EIBIC programme is not merely an optional activity but a Senate-approved course…
The two wives of Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State have each released individual posters extending a warm welcome to the visiting First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu. Scheduled for Tuesday, the impending visit has sparked a clash between Ngozi and Titilola Adeleke, both vying for recognition as the First Lady of Osun. In an unprecedented display of rivalry, the posters feature contrasting messages, with Ngozi inviting Mrs. Tinubu to experience the scenic beauty of Osun State, asserting her role as the state’s First Lady. Meanwhile, Titilola extends her own welcome, also laying claim to the title of First Lady. Such…
In response to widespread outrage sparked by a viral video, the China General Chamber of Commerce in Nigeria has addressed allegations of discrimination at a Chinese supermarket situated in the Royal Choice Estate, Airport Road, Abuja. The video, which surfaced on social media, depicted purported instances where Nigerians were denied entry into the supermarket, igniting a wave of public condemnation. In an official statement issued on Monday, the Chamber clarified that the Royal Choice Estate is not solely a supermarket but encompasses an office complex and residential apartments. It underscored that the supermarket in question operates within the residential area,…
The National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, has announced a significant decline in terrorism-related fatalities in Nigeria. Speaking at the High-Level African Counter-Terrorism Meeting in Abuja, Ribadu attributed this remarkable reduction, stating that the number of deaths has plummeted from a staggering 2,600 per month to fewer than 200. Highlighting the tangible impact of President Bola Tinubu’s administration in combating insecurity, Ribadu underscored the dramatic shift in the arms market dynamics. He disclosed that the once easily accessible AK-47, which previously sold for less than N500,000, now commands a price tag of over N5 million. This surge in price, Ribadu emphasized,…
The Kogi Governorship Election Petition Tribunal in Abuja, the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Olayemi Cardoso, has been ordered to appear before the tribunal on Tuesday. This order comes as the tribunal seeks clarification on the role of the apex bank in the November 11, 2023, off-cycle election in Kogi State. The three-member panel of justices, led by Justice Ado Birnin-Kudu, took this action in response to an application by Alex Izinyon, SAN, representing Governor Usman Ododo of Kogi State. The application was filed within the petition brought by the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and its candidate…
In a dramatic turn of events, workers at a Chinese supermarket nestled within the China General Chamber of Commerce in Abuja have revealed that the establishment’s owner, Cindy Liu Bei, has absconded from the premises along with her family. This revelation came to light during a surprise visit by officials from the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) on Monday. According to reports from the facility’s predominantly Nigerian staff, Liu Bei hastily departed on Monday morning at 8:26 am, a departure captured by the establishment’s Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) system. Following this development, the FCCPC swiftly took action, ordering the…
In a bid to address the pressing challenges hindering the completion of crucial power transmission projects, Sule Ahmed Abdulaziz, the Chief Executive Officer of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), made a direct appeal to the Senate Committee on Power for financial support. Led by Chairman Enyinnaya Abaribe, the Committee convened to hear firsthand from TCN about the obstacles facing power transmission and explore legislative interventions. During the session, Engr. Sule Abdulaziz highlighted TCN’s strategic focus on grid expansion to meet the escalating demand for electricity. He underscored the importance of ongoing rehabilitation and reinforcement projects in achieving this objective,…
The Investigation and Enforcement Directorate of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has uncovered illicit activities at the Balogun Trade Fair Gate, situated within the Trade Fair Complex in Lagos. NAFDAC revealed via its official communication channel on Monday, April 22, that Mr. Pius Eyoh, the proprietor of Pasco Global Limited, has been apprehended for engaging in the production, packaging, distribution, and sale of counterfeit cosmetic products. The seized items, which include products like “Skin Balance Perfect Knuckle Organic Peel Therapy” and “Golden Face Triple Action Concentrated Perfect Skin,” were found to be substandard and…
The Federal Government has issued a directive stipulating that candidates seeking admission to tertiary institutions must be at least 18 years old. The announcement was made by the Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, during a recent monitoring exercise of the 2024 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) held in Bwari, Federal Capital Territory. Expressing concern over the undue pressure exerted by some parents on underage students to secure admissions, Minister Mamman emphasised that the 18-year benchmark aligns with the 6-3-3-4 education system. “It’s imperative that the minimum age for university entry is 18,” Mamman stated, citing instances of candidates as…