Beauty Queen “Beauty Tukura” indeed looks good in just about anything. But when it comes to posing for a photoshoot, the reality star proves time and again that you can be comfortable, fun, or even tell a beautiful story without uttering words.

See more photos below

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by 𝐁𝐄𝐀𝐔𝐓𝐘 𝐄𝐓𝐒𝐀N𝐘𝐈 𝐓𝐔𝐊𝐔𝐑𝐀 (@beautytukura)

Home Blog Page 34

Dangote petrol: Marketers wait as delivery date extended again

There are strong indications that the Dangote Petroleum Refinery may not roll out petrol on Monday in line with its earlier schedule.

 

The President, Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, had last month projected that the refinery would begin the production of petrol between August 10 and 12, 2024.

 

However, findings by The PUNCH reveal that the 650,000 barrels per day capacity refinery might not roll out petrol on Monday (today).

 

But multiple officials close to the development confirmed to The PUNCH on Sunday that all was set for the refinery to begin the production of the much-awaited Premium Motor Spirit before the end of August.

 

“All is set. The refinery will roll out petrol this month. However, its concern is that the refinery cannot stop for one minute, it needs the constant supply of crude to keep going,” one of the top officials close the refinery told The PUNCH on condition of anonymity on Sunday.

 

However, further findings show that the ongoing crude supply crisis might be a setback to the Dangote oil refinery which is supposed to commence the supply of the much-awaited Premium Motor Spirit, popularly called petrol, into the market today.

 

This is also as PMS marketers await the sale of the commodity by the refinery this week.

 

The PUNCH reliably gathered that the refinery has put efforts in top gear to roll out petrol this August, even as it awaits 29 million barrels of crude oil from the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission.

 

Reliable sources privy to the development told our correspondent that the refinery is ready to release petrol this month, regardless of the crude crisis.

 

The sources, who did not want to be mentioned because of the sensitivity of the matter, disclosed that the company is 100 per cent ready to pump out petrol as planned. However, they said the low supply of crude may impact the process.

 

“I can confirm to you that we will start the sale of PMS this August, though the low supply of crude oil has always been affecting the process. But from the information at my disposal, we are 100 per cent ready for the supply of PMS,” a source stated.

 

Another informed person said the refinery is still awaiting 29 million barrels of crude oil from the NUPRC.

 

“The NUPRC is yet to fulfil the supply of the 29 million barrels promised to Dangote. They are still waiting for that. Surprisingly, the 29 million barrels were allocated on paper, they didn’t get to the refinery, yet the NUPRC told the media on Friday that the crude was supplied.

 

“Dangote refinery needs 15 cargoes for September, only six cargoes have been supplied. Where do you want him to get the remaining nine cargoes? He will have to import again. Though the President said local refineries should buy in naira, but if it is at the international rate. What is the difference?” she asked.

 

Our correspondent reliably gathered that though Dangote will roll out the supply of petrol in August, the product may not be sold locally due to price differential.

 

Experts familiar with the company stated that the current price being offered by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited for petrol is not competitive for any trader.

 

“For Dangote to sell to Nigerians, it has to be at a competitive rate. Dangote will source crude at the international rate, how do you expect him to sell at a rate below the cost price? So, it will be better to sell outside the country than to sell in Nigeria at a loss.

 

“There is a lot of politics in oil and gas, and this is heavily killing Nigeria. Just like former President Olusegun Obasanjo said, those making money from fuel importation are frustrating Dangote,” the expert said anonymously.

 

Some workers of the refinery who spoke reluctantly to our reporter maintained that all was set for the sale of petrol, but they would not know the exact date and the price.

 

“I learnt PMS will be out probably by next week, but I don’t know the exact date,” one of the workers disclosed, pleading not to be mentioned because he was not authorised to speak to the press.

 

29 million barrels

 

The PUNCH reports that the Dangote refinery engaged in an exchange of words with the NUPRC over the alleged supply of 29 million barrels of crude oil to the refinery.

 

The Dangote Group Thursday accused the NUPRC of failing to effectively enforce the Domestic Crude Supply Obligations regulations, saying the refinery had yet to get enough crude locally.

 

Reacting, the NUPRC debunked the claim, stating that it facilitated the supply of over 29 million barrels of crude oil to Dangote from January to June 2024.

 

The NUPRC argued that it had facilitated the domestic supply of crude oil to Dangote refinery and other refineries using the monthly production curtailment platform.

 

“A breakdown shows that nine refineries have benefitted from the 32,088,122 barrels of crude as Dangote alone enjoyed 29,047,098 barrels out of the total supply between January to June 2024.”

 

According to the commission, the Warri refinery reportedly received 949,670 barrels; NDPR refinery got 823,395 barrels of crude; Port Harcourt refinery received 471,123 barrels; Seplat-WPSOL refinery was allocated 419,541 barrels while Waltersmith-WSPOL refinery got 296,353 barrels.

 

Other beneficiaries listed include the Edo refinery which got 58,504 barrels of crude and Du-port refinery which got 22,438 barrels of crude.

 

It added that in the pursuit of its mandate, if it became necessary for licences to be withdrawn, the commission would do so, but it would not resort to the ‘presumptuous and arbitrary’ withdrawal of licences because of the ‘sanctity of contract.’

 

But in a swift response, the Dangote Group also denied receiving 29 million barrels of crude from any source.

 

Spokesperson of the Dangote Group, Anthony Chiejina, had said, “We receive NUPRC’s statement that they have facilitated the allocation of 29 million barrels of crude oil to the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals, we would like to thank them for this allocation but at the same time, we wish to let them know that we are yet to receive these cargoes.

 

“Aside from the term supply we bilaterally negotiated with NNPCL, so far NUPRC has only facilitated the purchase of one crude cargo from a domestic producer. The rest of the cargoes we have processed were purchased from international traders.”

 

Chiejina added that all the refinery was asking for was for refineries in Nigeria to buy crude directly from the companies that produce it in Nigeria rather than from international middlemen.

 

“Unfortunately, the NUPRC has effectively admitted in their statement that they will be unable to enforce the domestic crude supply obligation as specified in the PIA, citing ‘sanctity of contracts’ as an excuse,” Chiejina stated.

 

In a chat on Sunday, the NUPRC spokesperson, Olaide Shonola, told our correspondent that the commission was looking into the claims by the refinery that the allocated 29 million barrels were not received.

 

“We are looking into this,” Shonola said, promising to revert later.

 

As August progresses, Nigerians are beginning to ask whether or not the Dangote refinery will be able to supply petrol this month as promised by the President of the Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote.

 

The worries of many Nigerians stemmed from the crude shortage crisis that has been rocking the facility since it commenced operations a few months ago.

 

The PUNCH recalls that Dangote had to postpone the supply of PMS like three times since the refinery began the sale of diesel and aviation fuel in April.

 

In May, Dangote told Nigerians that fuel importation would completely stop in Nigeria the moment the refinery began the sale of petrol in June.

 

Related News

During the Africa CEO Summit in Rwanda, Dangote promised that the refinery would put an end to the monthly importation of an average of one billion litres of PMS in Nigeria from June.

 

According to him, following the laid-down plans of the Dangote refinery, Nigeria will no longer need to import petrol starting in June.

 

He said, “Right now, Nigeria has no cause to import anything apart from gasoline (petrol) and by sometime in June, within the next four or five weeks, Nigeria shouldn’t import anything like gasoline; not one drop of a litre.

 

“We have enough gasoline to give to at least the entire West Africa; and diesel to give to West Africa and Central Africa. We have enough aviation fuel to give to the entire continent and also export some to Brazil and Mexico.

 

“We have started producing jet fuel, we are producing diesel, and by next month (June), we’ll be producing gasoline. What that will do is that it will be able to take most African crude.”

 

In June, Dangote informed Nigerians that his plan to release petrol into the market in the sixth month of the year would no longer be possible, sparking reactions from Nigerians.

 

While on a tour of the facility with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State and other dignitaries, he announced, “We had a bit of delay, but PMS will start coming out by 10 to 15 of July. But then, we want to keep it in the tank to make sure that it settles. So, by the third week of July, we’ll be able to come out to take it into the market,” Dangote had said.

 

However, this could not happen in July as Dangote again told pressmen that the supply of petrol was impacted by a fire incident that broke out at the refinery’s effluent treatment plant on June 26. He said the product would be out between August 12 and 15.

 

Marketers await Dangote

 

Meanwhile, petroleum marketers in Nigeria said they are still waiting to hear from the refinery on when it would begin the release of petrol.

 

Both major and independent marketers showed interest in buying PMS from Dangote, especially after years of depending on the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited for petrol.

 

The Executive Secretary of the Major Energies Marketers Association of Nigeria, Clement Isong, told The PUNCH on Sunday that the major marketers are waiting to hear from the Dangote Group.

 

According to him, MEMAN members are currently buying PMS from the NNPC while most of them get diesel and aviation fuel from the Dangote refinery.

 

“We are still waiting for them. Currently, it is only the NNPC that imports PMS because of the price differential. So, we are waiting (for Dangote refinery).

 

“Currently, we are all buying AGO (diesel) and ATK (aviation fuel) from the Dangote refinery. To the best of my knowledge, marketers are not buying PMS yet,” Isong stated.

 

Crude crisis

 

The PUNCH recalls that the management of the Dangote Group had alleged that the International Oil Companies were still frustrating crude supply to the 650,000-capacity refinery.

 

The group said the IOCs insisted on selling crude oil to its refinery through their foreign agents, saying the local price of crude will continue to increase because the trading arms offer cargoes at $2 to $4 per barrel, above NUPRC’s official price.

 

It also alleged that the foreign oil producers seem to be prioritising Asian countries in selling the crude they produce in Nigeria.

 

The Vice President of Oil & Gas, Dangote Industries Limited, Mr Devakumar Edwin, had said, “If the Domestic Crude Supply Obligation guidelines are diligently implemented, this will ensure that we deal directly with the companies producing the crude oil in Nigeria as stipulated by the Petroleum Industry Act.”

 

Edwin insisted that IOCs operating in Nigeria have consistently frustrated the company’s requests for locally produced crude as feedstock for its refining process.

 

He highlighted that when cargoes were offered to the oil company by the trading arms, it was sometimes at a $2 to $4 (per barrel) premium above the official price set by the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission.

 

Edwin was reacting to a statement by the Chief Executive of the NUPRC, Gbenga Komolafe, who in an interview on national television said, “It is ‘erroneous’ for one to say that the International Oil Companies are refusing to make crude oil available to domestic refiners, as the Petroleum Industry Act has a stipulation that calls for a willing-buyer, willing-seller relationship.”

 

The Chief Executive of Nigerian NMDPRA, Farouk Ahmed, had also debunked the claim by the Dangote official, saying Nigeria could not rely heavily on the Dangote refinery for its fuel supply.

 

Ahmed had also alleged that Dangote diesel had a higher sulphur content than the ones imported into the country.

 

But the President of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, had denied the allegation, wondering how he could be a monopoly when the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited was renovating government-owned refineries with $4bn.

 

President Bola Tinubu has since ordered the NNPC to sell crude oil to Dangote in naira.

 

Hasten crude supply

 

Oil marketers who weighed into the matter called on the NNPC and the International Oil Companies to hasten up the process of crude oil supply to local refineries both in naira and adequate volumes.

 

Reacting to the claim by Dangote and other domestic refiners that they had yet to get crude both in naira and as required, the National Publicity Secretary, Chief Ukadike Chinedu, said, “I think the NNPC is on top of this matter.

 

“However, I must state that they need to expedite action to ensure that crude oil is sent to the refineries. But you need to understand that the process of getting something from the government does not happen easily, some processes must be followed.

 

“While we admit that there are processes, we are advising those implementing these processes to hasten it up so that the refineries will start refining as quickly as possible and bring down the costs of these petroleum products which have remained a burden on Nigerians.

 

“It is not sensible that we are an oil-producing country and refined products are still high in our nation, and we are still importing from other refineries when we have refineries in Nigeria. We have to act and it has to be fast.”

 

Also speaking on the matter, the National Operations Controller of IPMAN, Mustapha Zarma, called on NNPC and IOCs to strive to supply crude oil to domestic refineries both in naira and the required volumes.

 

This, he said, was because of the enormous gain that the domestic supply of crude oil would have on the local currency and the Nigerian economy.

 

“The directive of Mr President on the supply of crude oil to Dangote and other local refineries is a welcome development and will help the naira appreciate. This is because most of the demand for forex comes from the petroleum sector.

 

“So if the refineries get crude oil in naira, I believe that there won’t be much pressure again on the naira. It is a welcome development that should be implemented by the oil producing companies and NNPC.

 

“Also, they must strive to ensure the supply. Of course, this may not be immediate considering the processes that it may require but the fact is that it should be given the necessary speed to save our local currency from further depreciation,” Zarma stated.

 

 

 

How Kate Henshaw reinvents self, stays relevant

0

Despite being in the industry for over two decades, veteran actress, Kate Henshaw, has continued to maintain her relevance in a space where old stars quickly fade off the scene and are instantly replaced by fresher ones.

 

From her early days as a budding actress to her current status as a respected industry leader, the 52-year-old’s journey in the movie industry remains captivating.

 

Henshaw has consistently demonstrated her versatility and dedication to her career as she seamlessly transitioned from romantic lead roles to more complex, dynamic characters, showcasing her impressive skill as a performer.

 

One key factor that has contributed to her enduring relevance is her willingness to evolve, and embrace new challenges. She has successfully navigated from traditional Nollywood to the more modern, digitally-driven industry, leveraging social media and streaming platforms to connect with her audience and promote her work.

 

In recent times, she has worked with younger acts. To celebrate the last Children’s Day on May 27, 2024, she joined social media influencer, Enioluwa Adeoluwa, and other entertainers, including Bisola Aiyeola, Toke Makinwa, Sola Sobowale, Hilda Baci, Shaffy Bello, Taymesan, Steve Chuks, Toyin Abraham, Korty, Chimezie Imo, Odunlade Adekola, Asogwa Alexandra, Veekee James, Okusaga Adeoluwa, Waje Iruobe, Praiz, Korede Bello and Progress, to sing a version of the hit song, ‘We Are The World’, made popular by the late pop icon, Michael Jackson, and Lionel Richie.

 

Related News

Her appearances in movies such as ‘Blood Sister’ and ‘New Money’ on Netflix have also introduced her to a new generation of fans, solidifying her position as a respected figure in the industry.

 

Also, Henshaw’s commitment to fitness and wellness has inspired countless fans, showcasing her dedication to self-care and personal growth. Her impressive dancing skills have made her a social media sensation as well.

 

Indeed, she has lent credence to the saying that ‘age is just a number’, as she continues to live her unapologetic and authentic life.

 

As Nollywood continues to evolve, Henshaw’s enduring relevance serves as a testament to her talent, dedication, and willingness to adapt to changes.

#EndBadGovernance Protests: How Dangote’s Mother’s charity food store, others were looted

0

One week after hoodlums turned the #EndBadGovernance protest into an orgy of looting and vandalism in Kano State, the owners of the affected businesses and properties are counting their losses.

 

A food store established as a charity by Mariya Dantata, the mother to Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, was one of the many stores looted during the protest in Kano.

 

The protest started on 1 August across Nigeria but resulted in the disruption of economic activities, wanton destruction of properties, mass looting and loss of lives in some states.

 

The protest organisers demanded reducing the size and cost of governance, reducing the prices of food, petrol, housing, and electricity, lowering interest rates, and checking insecurity. However, hoodlums hijacked the protests in many northern cities.

 

They looted government and private stores, shopping centres, a yet-to-be-commissioned facility of the Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC) in Kano and the headquarters of the state’s High Court, amongst other places.

 

Dangote Refinery

Some residents of Sarari in Dala Local Government Area, where Mrs Dantata’s charity food store was looted, recounted to PREMIUM TIMES how hoodlums invaded the area.

 

A resident, Kanzillahi Nasiru, said the looters, armed with dangerous weapons, arrived in the area from another community and headed straight to the store. They chased away the guards and dismantled a CCTV camera before looting the store.

 

“I saw the looters dismantle a surveillance camera opposite the food store. They met the gate of the store open and started looting sugar and flour. Other sets of looters later came and started dragging bags of maise and millet,” Mr Nasiru said.

 

“This camera that you are seeing, the looters dismantled it before it was later relocated to this higher position on pole wire. My elder brother advised me to remain indoors. I later heard gunshots and tear gas (canisters being fired by the police). The police later arrived and dispersed the hoodlums.”

 

 

Mr Nasiru said the looters operated freely in Sarari because the local youth had gone to join the #EndBadGovernance protest in the city.

 

Another resident, Abdulsalam Muhammad, known in the area as Source, said his mother warned him not to participate in the protest.

 

He said he also witnessed the looters invade and loot Mrs Dantata’s charity food store.

 

“When I heard a noise outside, I came out and saw people in clusters lamenting that some aliens had looted the Hajiya Mariya charity food store.

 

“There was nothing we could do because the looters were armed. We watched and saw them leave with looted items before the arrival of the police.

 

“We are sad because she has been helping the less privileged for over three decades. The looted food store is for the destitute. She is the only philanthropist in Kano whose gesture has reached homes, feeding the needy with cooked food every day, yet she was not spared,” Mr Muhammad said.

 

Owners of shopping malls count losses

Other private properties and shopping malls looted by the marauding hoodlums include Rufaidah Yoghurt, Sahad and Barakat stores.

 

An official of Barakat Stores, Muhammad Sani, estimated the business’s losses at N5 billion. He said about 300 workers lost their jobs following the attack.

 

Mr Sani said the hoodlums overpowered the security officials and looted one of their stores at Lodge Road, opposite the Government House in Kano.

 

“I was told of the security breach in the store, but by the time I arrived, the damage had been done. They looted it from the back despite a security wire fence.

 

“What we lost is estimated at over N5 billion. Two containers from China and two and a half containers from Turkey that arrived recently were looted.

 

“They looted 1,000 cartons of vegetable oil, which we have not even paid for. It was delivered three days earlier. Other goods we brought from Lagos, about 30 vans. The looted store is the central store; we dispatched goods to the other stores from there.

 

“Our newly acquired distribution van, bought at N15 million, was razed,” Mr Sani narrated.

 

He, however, commended security agents who recovered some looted items he listed as flour, noodles, oil and others.

 

Food store at Qur’anic school looted

In the Gandun Albasa area of Kano, a charity school established for the recitation of the Qur’an by Shehu Sagagi, the chief of staff to Governor Abba Yusuf, was also looted.

 

Residents said the school has about 120 students, the majority of whom are orphans and less privileged. At the school, students learn to memorise and recite the Qur’an.

 

Some residents and parents of the school children who spoke on a Radio programme, Rigar Kaya, said the hoodlums avoided the main road while escaping with their loot from the school’s food store.

 

A mother with three children in the school said the attack may end her children’s school attendance because she cannot send them elsewhere if the owner closed the school because of the incident.

 

The parents and guardians urged Mr Sagagi not to close the school.

 

A woman narrated how her daughter won a prize of N5,000 and a copy of a Qur’an last week after she returned first in a school competition.

 

School owner speaks

On the radio programme, Mr Sagagi said he established the school in 1992 to help children of the poor in the community. He promised not to be discouraged by the looting experience.

 

The politician accused his political opponents of spreading a rumour that he used the school to hoard rice bought by the government for distribution to the most vulnerable in the society as a palliative for the economic hardships in Nigeria.

 

“I am a well-known farmer and feed the students from my farm produce. The office of the Secretary to the State Government and other persons also donated food to the school. The food items were kept in a room of 10 by 12 metres, but some people, for political reasons, portrayed it as if it were a warehouse.

 

“These children have a right to be fed and are given breakfast and lunch daily. This school predated this administration. I have been feeding them, but people are always looking for the negative and spreading the falsehood that they intercepted rice from my house.

 

“Those spreading the news failed to report that the looters stole the submersible pump for the school’s borehole, stole the ceiling fans and destroyed the school’s doors,” Mr Sagagi lamented.

 

Court exhibits looted

The hoodlums also looted the headquarters of the State High Court and carted away records and other essentials kept as exhibits at the store.

 

Private vehicles razed at the premises of the State High Court

Private vehicles razed at the premises of the State High Court

A senior court official told PREMIUM TIMES off the record on Friday that the rioters broke into the court’s store and stole items kept as exhibits in ongoing cases. These include money and guns recovered from suspected kidnappers.

 

“Official and private vehicles parked at the premises of the State High Court were set afire or vandalised by the protesters. Offices in the state high court headquarters were also vandalised,” the official said.

 

“The (protesters) destroyed new and old case files. They scattered everything in the buildings. Case exhibits, including guns kept in the court’s store, were also looted. Some of the burned vehicles parked at the court premises are exhibits in an ongoing case,” the official said, asking not to be identified by name because he was not authorised to speak to journalists on the issue.

700,000 manufacturers, MSMEs apply for FG N150bn loan

0

 

Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite

About 700,000 manufacturers and micro, small and medium enterprises have expressed intention to become beneficiaries of the Federal Government’s N150bn loan to help businesses in Nigeria navigate the current economic crunch.

 

The Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Doris Aniete, revealed this in a chat with our correspondent on Friday, stressing that the ministry was working tirelessly to ensure prompt release of the fund to eligible businesses.

 

This came as Sunday PUNCH gathered that 630,797 citizens have benefitted from the Presidential Conditional Grant Scheme

 

In December 2023, the Federal Government unveiled the Presidential Conditional Grant Scheme as part of the Presidential Palliatives Programme aimed at supporting businesses to navigate the economic crunch caused by government policies.

 

The fund dedicates N75bn to MSMEs and another N75bn to the manufacturing sector.

 

The minister, speaking through her Special Adviser, Strategic Communications, Terfa Gyado, hinted that the disbursement would be done in batches with the first set of disbursement to commence soon.

 

“Disbursement is yet to start but they are finalising the first batch. To date about 700,000 applicants have applied,” the minister’s aide stated

 

He noted that the government was well aware of the current business climate and created the fund to help Nigerian businesses navigate the harsh economic conditions.

 

Related News

Two months ago, Aniete said the disbursement of N150bn loans to micro, small and medium enterprises and manufacturers would commence by the end of July.

 

To be eligible for MSME loans up to N1m, applicants must have an existing business in operation for at least one year, or a registered start-up.

 

They are to provide CAC business registration documents, present the company’s bank statement for existing businesses or the chief promoter’s bank statement for start-ups, fulfil the required monthly turnover and comply with other requirements as specified by the bank.

 

On security, applicants must provide a personal guarantee of the promoter, agree to the BVN covenant, and adhere to global standing instruction and other securities as required by the bank.

 

On repayment frequency, it entails a monthly equal instalments with no moratorium, spanning a three-year term.

 

“For manufacturers, for loans up to N1bn, applicants must choose between working capital or asset financing, maintain at least a six-month business/corporate banking relationship, and provide additional documentation as required by the bank.

 

“Asset financing comes with a five-year repayment period, and working capital financing includes a six-month moratorium on principal and interest, followed by a 12-month equal instalment repayment plan,” the minister had said in a statement.

Mike Afolarin shares experience working on ‘House of Ga’a’

0

Mike Afolarin shares experience working on ‘House of Ga’a’

The actor, who plays a starring role in the Bolanle Austen-Peters film, said the biopic challenged him creatively.

In an exclusive interview with Pulse Nigeria, he said, “The fact that this was different from anything I have done before was what made me intrigued. To get involved on a deeper level and find myself. This is the most creative fulfilling journey that I have ever been on as a performer.”

 

Afolarin is known for his other roles in Ajosepo, Soólè, Ajuwaya, Freedom Way, and the Netflix series, Far From Home.

 

During the interview on It’s A Wrap by Pulse, he spoke about rehearsing in Yoruba midway into production and how he navigated that process despite his struggles with the language.

 

“When we did the read, I wasn’t sure if we were supposed to prepare for this in English or Yoruba and, somewhere in between, we were asked to switch to Yoruba and I was shocked. A couple of people struggled with it at first but that’s what made me want to get involved and find the root of the character I was playing,” he said.

 

Set in the 18th-century Oyo Empire, House of Ga’a tells the gripping tale of a power-hungry political figure, Ga’a, who executes a brutal betrayal of a series of kings. The ruthless leader, desperate for revenge, cruelly rises to the top, stopping at nothing to become more powerful than the kings that he serves.

 

The biopic boasts an impressive cast including Femi Branch, Funke Akindele, Toyin Abraham, Seun Akindele, Mike Afolarin, Jide Oyegbile, Tope ‘Teddy A’ Adenibuyan, Bamike ‘Bambam’ Olawunmi, Ibrahim Chatta, Adedimeji Lateef, William Benson, Femi Adebayo, Yemi Blaq, Juliana Olayode, Bimbo Manuel, Gbenga Titiloye, Kunle Coker, Dele Odule, Adeniyi Johnson, Gabriel Afolayan, and Stan Nze.

 

Brooks Eti-Inyene

We don’t want to lose our identity, dignity – Northern Yoruba obas tells Ooni

0

Yoruba traditional rulers with their domains in the northern part of the country have pleaded with the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi not to abandon them.

The monarchs, majorly from Kwara and Kogi States, in the North Central regions, during a courtesy visit to the Ooni in Ile-Ife, said they needed all necessary assistance from the kinsmen to retain a link with their ancestral roots.

 

A statement issued by the Ooni’s spokesperson, Moses Olafare stated that the monarchs were led to the Ile-Oodua palace by the Obaro of Kabba, Oba Dele Owoniyi.

 

Oba Awoniyi is his remark, said, “Kabiyesi, we have a lot of work to do for our people with regards to where we found ourselves in modern Nigeria. There are real issues of development deficit which I am sure we can overcome with your might and influence. Be assured that our loyalty to the ancient throne of Oduduwa is never in doubt.”

 

Corroborating the Obaro’s position, the Elulu of Mopa, Oba Muyiwa Ibeun, said the monarchs in northern region look up to the Ooni for leadership, saying, “this is homecoming for me and my colleagues here, we are here to thank Your Imperial Majesty as well as commending you for dignifying the prestigious traditional institution.”

 

In his remark, the Elejuku of Ejuku (Kogi State), explained that most children of Oduduwa of Okun origin are at great disadvantage as they are often regarded as second or third Yoruba.

 

“Kabiyesi Ooni, we are tired of being referred to as lesser Yoruba because of our location, those who demarcated us in those days did not consult us and that is why they did not factor in our peculiarities.

 

“We want you to use your connection and position to return us home and reunite us with our kinsmen. We are your children and we cannot afford to be regarded as lesser descendants of Oduduwa.” The monarch noted.

 

The stance was buttressed by the Olusin of Isin, Kwara State, Oba Solomon Oloyede who added that the Ooni must not relent in ensuring that all descendants of Oduduwa are in perfect condition at all times.

 

Responding, Oba Ogunwusi assured the monarchs that their kinsmen in the southwest region duly recognised and appreciated them.

 

“You are not lesser, second or third Yorubas. You are true descendants of Oduduwa with history of hard work and noble background which I am sure you carry with pride. We shall work together for development, peace and tranquility of our respective domains.” The Ooni said.

 

ICPC Confirms Arrest of NAHCON Officials over FG’s N90bn Hajj Subsidy

0

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has confirmed an ongoing investigation of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) over the N90 billion Hajj subsidy.

 

According to TheCable, the spokesperson of ICPC, Demola Bakare, said some NAHCON officials were arrested by the commission on Wednesday for “refusing to honour an invitation” by the anti-graft agency.

 

Bakare refuted reports that NAHCON’s office was shut down by the ICPC, emphasising that the commission operates within legal boundaries.

 

He declined to name the arrested officials but noted that they were assisting the commission with useful information.

 

“We are investigating officials of the National Hajj Commission because they either failed or refused to honour the invitation. We, therefore, paid them a friendly visit,” he said.

 

“We didn’t shut down the commission as reported by some journalists. ICPC operates within the confines of the law.

 

“Officials arrested, which I can’t name, were released on bail and would henceforth be helping the investigation process until concluded,” he added.

 

NAHCON’s spokesperson, Fatimah Usara, said it was not unusual for officials to be queried after hajj operations.

 

“Some of the commission’s relevant staff had been making presentations to the ICPC when demanded,” she said.

 

“And this is a thing that the commission considers normal because it happens after every hajj until any doubt is cleared. It’s nothing new.

 

“The Head of Procurement had an invitation which he didn’t honour. So, two days ago, on Wednesday precisely, the ICPC sent the relevant officers to him, him alone.

 

“In fact, NAHCON accommodated them to wait for him to report to work, which they did. And when he came, they left together. No one entered any office at all. They waited outside.”

 

In July, Jalal Arabi, NAHCON’s chairman, said the N90 billion fund approved by President Bola Tinubu for the 2024 hajj was used to subsidise pilgrims’ fares.

 

In the same month, the chairman was invited by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over investigations into the approved fund.

We never accused NNPC of not supplying us crude – Dangote Refinery

0

The Dangote refinery said it never accused the National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) of not supplying the company with crude.

 

The company in a statement on Thursday by its Group Chief Branding and Communications Officer, Anthony Chiejina, made this known in reaction to reports alleging that it has backtracked by acknowledging that NNPC supplied about 60 per cent of the 50 million barrels it lifted.

 

Clarifying the reports, Mr Chiejina said the company has never accused NNPC of not supplying it with crude, noting that its concern has always been the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) reluctance to enforce the domestic crude supply obligation and ensure that it receives its full crude requirement from NNPC and the International Oil Companies (IOCs).

 

“Our attention has been drawn to media reports alleging that the Dangote Refinery has backtracked by acknowledging that NNPC supplied about 60 per cent of the 50 million barrels we lifted.

 

“To clarify, we have never accused NNPC of not supplying us with crude. Our concern has always been NUPRC’s reluctance to enforce the domestic crude supply obligation and ensure that we receive our full crude requirement from NNPC and the IOCs,” Mr Chiejina said.

 

For September, he said, the company requirement is 15 cargoes, of which NNPC allocated six.

 

“Despite appealing to NUPRC, we’ve been unable to secure the remaining cargoes. When we approached IOCs producing in Nigeria, they redirected us to their international trading arms or responded that their cargoes were committed.

Dangote refinery insists crude supply woes persist, blames NUPRC  

Africa’s largest oil refinery, Dangote Refinery, has reiterated its challenges in securing adequate crude oil supply for its operations, despite claims of increased allocation from the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC).

 

In a statement on Thursday, Anthony Chiejina, the Dangote Group’s Chief Branding and Communications Officer, said the refinery’s primary issue lies with the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) for its alleged failure to enforce the domestic crude supply obligation.

 

According to Dangote, while NNPC has supplied a portion of the required crude, the volume falls significantly short of the refinery’s needs. The company claimed to have been unable to secure the remaining portion from both NNPC and International Oil Companies (IOCs).

 

The statement read: “Our attention has been drawn to media reports alleging that the Dangote Refinery has backtracked by acknowledging that NNPC supplied about 60% of the 50 million barrels we lifted.

 

“To clarify, we have never accused NNPC of not supplying us with crude. Our concern has always been NUPRC’s reluctance to enforce the domestic crude supply obligation and ensure that we receive our full crude requirement from NNPC and the IOCs.

 

“For September, our requirement is 15 cargoes, of which NNPC allocated six. Despite appealing to NUPRC, we’ve been unable to secure the remaining cargoes. When we approached IOCs producing in Nigeria, they redirected us to their international trading arms or responded that their cargoes were committed.”

 

As a result, Dangote has been compelled to purchase Nigerian crude from international traders at inflated prices, incurring additional costs of $3-$4 million per cargo.

 

“We therefore still insist that we are unable to secure our full crude requirement from domestic production and urge NUPRC to fully enforce the domestic crude supply obligation as mandated by the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA),” the statement read.

 

Devakumar Edwin, the Vice President of oil and gas at Dangote Industries Limited, had earlier said that if the Domestic Crude Supply Obligation guidelines are diligently implemented, it will foster deals directly with the companies producing the crude oil in Nigeria as stipulated by the Petroleum Industry Act.

 

Edwin maintained that IOCs operating in Nigeria have consistently frustrated the company’s requests for locally-produced crude as feedstock for its refining process.

 

According to him, when cargoes are offered to the oil company by the trading arms, it is sometimes at a $2 to $4 (per barrel) premium above the official price set by the Commission.

Michael Lombard Expands His Fashion Empire, Becoming the 6th Biggest Black Designer

Michael Lombard’s creativity is undeniable, but what truly sets him apart is his rapid ascent to the top of the fashion world within just six years of transitioning into the industry. In this edition, we spotlight Michael Lombard’s remarkable journey, showcasing how he has transformed his passion into a global fashion powerhouse.

Celebrity fashion designer Michael Lombard started as a record label executive with his own Label under Atlantic Records and realized his passion for designing and creating something unique in the fashion industry. Dubbed “The King of Leather” by the Huffington Post, Michael Lombard’s Collection has been worn by professional athletes to music stars around the world.

Michael Lombard is the first fashion designer sponsored by Monster Energy Drink around the world on his fashion tour. Michael Lombard signed with HarperPR which is the style fashion house to Lady Gaga, Beyoncé, Nicki Minaj, Jennifer Lopez and many other celebrities. Michael has dressed celebrities from Bebe Rexha, Paula Abdul, LELE Pons, Prince Royce, Tiffany Young, OVY On The Drums, Emilia Mernes, Corey Taylor, and many more. Using the highest-grade leather, fabric, Michael is dubbed the next Gucci by GRAZIA, ELLE and VOGUE magazines. His designs have graced the runways worldwide from NYFW, LAFW, London Fashion Week, Paris Fashion Week, Milan FW, Cape Town South Africa, Dubai, Amsterdam Fashion Week, Budapest, India and many more.

Michael was the first designer ever to host BBC World Lives at London Fashion Week. Published in over 165+ magazines, and 145+ news outlets, including the cover of L’Officiel India, L’Officiel Colombia, Vogue, ELLE, L’Officiel Italia, L’Officiel Arabia, Style, Cosmopolitan, Esquire, Glamour, GQ, Forbes, Galore, and Maxim among others. Michael’s designs have been on over 62 covers of international magazines as well. Michael has had full articles written about him in Forbes, Vogue Bolivia and Vogue México. The LA Times called his jacket and sneakers the best of 2020. Also, Michael Lombard’s Jacket graced the cover of ELLE Arabia’s December 2020 issue. Most recently, Michael was named “Designer of the Year” by VZSN magazine. Michael’s collections are part of CFDA RUNWAY360 shows for 2021.

Michael Lombard had the prestigious honor to be one of only 4 celebrities to be the cover of L’Officiel 23rd Anniversary Print Edition April 2024.

Michael Lombard has embarked on huge private solo runway shows all across the world from Paris Fashion Week, London Fashion Week, India, Dubai, NYFW, LAFW as well as Africa, Japan and many others since 2023 to current.

Michael Lombard’s designs are renowned around the fashion world. Michael was named “Designer of the Year” by VZSN magazine in 2020. Recently Michael won the International Fashion Designer of the Year award from VFW in Dubai in July 2021 and Best Creative Director of the Year in Dec 2021 by GFW in Africa. Michael’s exclusive collections can be found at Blushing Violet in Ireland and H15 in Dubai. Michael’s flagship store launched in Dubai Mall Fashion Avenue In June 2022. Michael Lombard is now the 6th Ranked black fashion designer in the world for 2024. With innovative cutting-edge designs, Michael Lombard is revolutionizing the luxury game. New Michael Lombard stores are launching in Paris, Milan and Japan in the near future.