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NNPC CEO, Dangote meet to discuss ‘healthy competition’, energy security

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The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited and Dangote Petroleum Refinery have reaffirmed their commitment to fostering collaborative partnerships and encouraging fair competition within the energy sector,TheCable reports.

In a statement released on Thursday, the NNPC disclosed that the pledge was made during a visit by Aliko Dangote, President of the Dangote Group, to Bayo Ojulari, the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of NNPC, at the company’s headquarters in Abuja.

According to the statement, both leaders expressed a shared commitment to strengthening cooperation to enhance Nigeria’s energy security and advance the country’s economic prosperity.

ALSO READ: Kwara Gov Approves Recruitment Of More Medical Workers

Dangote emphasized the spirit of collaboration, stating that his company does not view NNPC as a competitor. “NNPC is integral to our operations, and we are likewise an essential partner to NNPC. This is a new era of cooperation,” he said.

He also congratulated Ojulari and his executive team on their appointments, acknowledging the significant responsibility they bear and expressing confidence in their ability to meet the challenges ahead.

In response, Ojulari assured Dangote of a mutually beneficial partnership grounded in fairness and strategic collaboration. He praised the talent within NNPC, describing its workforce as skilled, dedicated, and committed to delivering value to Nigeria.

Ojulari reiterated the company’s focus on innovation and shared national interests, emphasizing that NNPC will continue working closely with the Dangote Group where such collaboration aligns with the country’s commercial goals.

This renewed spirit of cooperation comes amid past tensions between the two entities over crude oil supply and petroleum pricing. On October 1, 2024, Nigeria began selling crude oil and refined products in naira to domestic refineries—a move aimed at improving local supply, cutting import costs, and reducing fuel prices.

However, by March 10, TheCable reported that NNPC had paused the naira-for-crude arrangement until 2030, citing prior forward sales of crude. Shortly after, Dangote Refinery also temporarily halted naira-based sales of its products.

The federal government later clarified on April 9 that the naira-for-crude scheme would resume following the completion of its initial phase on March 31. In line with this, the Dangote refinery lowered petrol prices to ₦865 per litre at its gantry, with partner outlets in Lagos cutting pump prices to ₦890. On April 21, NNPC followed suit, reducing its prices to ₦880 in Lagos and ₦935 in Abuja.

Kwara Gov Approves Recruitment Of More Medical Workers

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Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has approved the immediate recruitment of additional medical personnel to enhance healthcare services across the state,leadership reports.

The announcement was made by the Permanent Secretary of the State Civil Service Commission, Hajia Kifayat Jimoh, during an interview with LEADERSHIP in Ilorin on Friday.

Jimoh revealed that vacancies have been declared in the state’s health sector and encouraged qualified individuals to apply. She emphasized that the selection process would be rigorous to ensure that only competent candidates are appointed.

ALSO READ: Natasha Akpoti asks court to dismiss Akpabio’s motion over her satirical…

She also commended Governor AbdulRazaq for authorizing the recruitment, noting his dedication to transforming the healthcare sector. According to her, his administration’s efforts have led to notable improvements in health infrastructure and increased service usage statewide.

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Natasha Akpoti asks court to dismiss Akpabio’s motion over her satirical apology

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Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, the suspended senator representing Kogi Central, has asked the Federal High Court in Abuja to dismiss a motion seeking to compel her to remove a satirical apology directed at Senate President Godswill Akpabio,TheCable reports.

On Monday, Akpabio’s legal team, led by Kehinde Ogunwumiju, filed a motion requesting the court to order Akpoti-Uduaghan to delete the post from all her social media accounts. They also urged the court to mandate her to issue a written apology in at least two national newspapers and submit an affidavit confirming her compliance.

In response, Akpoti-Uduaghan filed a counter-affidavit asserting that her post did not breach any court-imposed gag order. Her legal team, headed by Jubril Okutepa, characterized Akpabio’s motion as an attempt to suppress her voice and intimidate her.

ALSO READ: 2025 UTME: JAMB releases results of over 1.9m candidates, withholds 39,834

“The motion is malicious and intended to harass, intimidate, and tarnish my image for exercising my constitutional rights to free expression and fair hearing,” the affidavit stated.

The court is expected to rule on both the motion and the counter-affidavit on May 12. The dispute between Akpabio and Akpoti-Uduaghan stems from a chamber altercation over seating arrangements. The senator was suspended in March after accusing the Senate President of sexual harassment.

2025 UTME: JAMB releases results of over 1.9m candidates, withholds 39,834

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JAMB Releases 2025 UTME Results, Withholds Nearly 40,000 Over Exam Irregularities

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has officially released the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) results for 1,951,811 candidates, while withholding 39,834 results due to various concerns,Daily Trust reports.

JAMB Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, announced this on Friday in Abuja, revealing that 80 individuals are currently under investigation for exam malpractice. Anambra State tops the list with 14 suspects, followed by Lagos (9), Delta (8), Kano (7), Kaduna and Rivers (6 each), Ebonyi and Enugu (5 each), Imo and Ondo (3 each), Nasarawa, Abia, and Plateau (2 each), with eight other states recording one suspect each.

Out of 1,955,069 processed results, only 420,415 candidates scored above 200. A mere 12,414 candidates (0.63%) scored 300 and above, with 4,756 scoring 320+, and 7,658 scoring between 300 and 319. Additionally, 73,441 (3.76%) scored between 250–299, and 334,560 (17.11%) scored 200–249.

ALSO READ: 18-year-old boy ‘impregnates 10 girls in five months’ in Anambra

The majority of candidates, 983,187 (50.29%), scored between 160–199, while 488,197 (24.97%) scored 140–159. At the lower end, 57,419 (2.94%) scored between 120–139; 3,820 (0.20%) scored between 100–119; and only 2,031 (0.10%) scored below 100.

Oloyede stated that 39,834 results remain withheld, including 1,426 under review. Of the 2,030,862 registered candidates, 1,957,000 were verified and sat the exam, while 71,705 were absent. Additionally, 2,157 candidates were barred due to fingerprint mismatches.

He noted that biometric issues often pointed to registration infractions and each case is being reviewed individually. Of the 41,027 underage candidates who registered, 40,260 sat for the exam, with their results undergoing additional scrutiny. Among them, 467 met the minimum score requirement, while 50 were caught cheating.

Oloyede highlighted a drop in exam malpractice cases, with 96 results withheld for confirmed infractions—down from 123 the previous year. He emphasized JAMB’s continued efforts to curb cheating through technological innovations.

Notably, 82 inmates nearing release also successfully sat for the UTME. However, the 2,157 candidates whose fingerprints were accepted at registration but failed verification on exam day are under investigation. Those found innocent will be rescheduled for another exam.

He added that cases of impersonation and double registration using multiple NINs were still being uncovered, and the board is actively collecting biometric data from offenders.

18-year-old boy ‘impregnates 10 girls in five months’ in Anambra

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18-Year-Old Impregnates 10 Girls in 5 Months: Anambra Commissioner Seeks Public Help

A troubling case has emerged in Anambra State, where an 18-year-old boy is reported to have impregnated 10 girls within a five-month period, raising alarm and prompting calls for urgent intervention,TheCable reports.

According to Ify Obinabo, the state’s Commissioner for Women and Social Welfare, the teenager began his journey as an apprentice, during which he reportedly impregnated his master’s daughter and a salesgirl working at the same business. The revelation led to his dismissal from the apprenticeship.

Following his expulsion, the boy returned to his village, where he allegedly impregnated eight more girls within a span of three months.

ALSO READ: FG to collaborate with Atomic Energy Commission on electricity generation, supply

Speaking via a Facebook post, Commissioner Obinabo revealed that the boy’s mother brought the case to her office, overwhelmed and seeking assistance.

“This matter is beyond my capacity,” Obinabo said. “The boy was only three months into his apprenticeship when he impregnated his master’s daughter and their salesgirl. He was sent away, and within two months back in the village, eight other girls were reportedly pregnant by him.”

The commissioner expressed concern over the unusual nature of the case and asked the public for guidance, even wondering if there could be a spiritual element involved.

“I asked the boy what he tells these girls, and he simply said he promises to marry them once he becomes wealthy,” she said. “He claims all he does is tell them he loves them.”

Obinabo described the situation as “deeply troubling” given the boy’s young age and the number of affected girls, reiterating her call for expert and public advice on how to address the matter.

“This is unlike anything we’ve dealt with before, and I’m genuinely seeking help from the public. What can be done in a case like this?”

FG to collaborate with Atomic Energy Commission on electricity generation, supply

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FG Eyes Nuclear Energy as Power Ministry, Atomic Commission Begin Collaboration

The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, says the federal government plans to deepen collaboration with the Nigeria Atomic Energy Commission (NAEC) to boost electricity generation and improve the stability and reliability of power supply in the country,TheCable reports.

Adelabu made the disclosure during a meeting with Anthony Ekedewa, Acting Chairman of the Commission, at his office in Abuja, according to a statement issued on Wednesday.

He stated that nuclear energy, with its advanced technology, offers significant potential to transform Nigeria’s power sector. The partnership, he added, aligns with the ongoing reforms aimed at expanding generation capacity and improving sectoral performance.

ALSO READ: Labour Party Factions Return To The Trenches

“The involvement of the Atomic Energy Commission in Nigeria’s power sector is long overdue,” Adelabu said. “Nuclear power is a game changer, and we must explore it seriously.”

However, the minister advised against NAEC’s current proposal to develop four large-scale nuclear power plants with a capacity of 1,200 megawatts each. Instead, he advocated for modular nuclear reactors, which he said are more in line with Nigeria’s recently decentralised power framework.

“This approach would benefit individual states and fit better into our current energy structure,” he noted. “Significant investment has gone into developing the Commission over the years, and it’s time Nigeria began to reap the returns.”

While acknowledging that nuclear development is a complex and costly process, Adelabu emphasised its long-term benefits, describing nuclear energy as the “future of power generation.”

“I wish we were already at that level, but we’re not. That said, we need to ask how much we’ve maximised our existing conventional sources,” he said. “Nuclear energy has often been underutilised, but it holds immense promise.”

Adelabu also admitted that past cooperation between the Ministry and the Commission had been limited, but expressed optimism about renewed engagement.

“We haven’t had this kind of rapport before, but I’m glad we’re starting now. We must sustain it for the benefit of the nation,” he said.

He proposed that the Ministry and NAEC co-organise a joint workshop involving other stakeholders in the power sector to discuss strategies for sustained collaboration.

“This isn’t a cheap venture, but we can begin by bringing our experts together to brainstorm and identify areas of mutual benefit,” Adelabu said. “This is the right time, especially with states now embarking on their own power initiatives.”

Ekedewa: Nuclear Power Can Meet National Demand

In response, NAEC’s Acting Chairman, Anthony Ekedewa, affirmed that nuclear energy could serve as a reliable baseload power source for the entire country.

“Nuclear energy is a renewable resource that can power the entire nation,” he said. “We’re eager to work with the Power Ministry to support national electricity generation.”

Ekedewa disclosed that two potential sites—Geregu in Kogi State and Idu in Akwa Ibom—have already undergone feasibility studies.

He stressed that while the Commission is ready to proceed, it faces financial constraints.

“This collaboration is embedded in our national energy policy, but we need more resources to take it forward,” he said.

Labour Party Factions Return To The Trenches

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Fresh Crisis Rocks Labour Party as Factions Trade Blame, Suspend Key Members

The Labour Party (LP) has once again been plunged into internal crisis, with rival factions resuming hostilities and issuing suspensions to prominent members, including the party’s only sitting governor, Alex Otti of Abia State,leadership reports.

The faction led by Julius Abure announced on Wednesday the indefinite suspension of six high-profile members over alleged anti-party activities. The announcement was made in a statement by the faction’s national secretary, Umar Farouk, following a meeting of the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) in Abuja.

According to the statement, the NEC had set up a five-member disciplinary committee on May 2, 2025, chaired by Deputy National Chairman Ayo Olorunfemi and including national secretary Alhaji Umar Farouk and three others. The committee was tasked with investigating Governor Otti and others over alleged actions that contravened the party’s interests.

ALSO READ: Dikko Radda present as three Katsina PDP reps join APC during…

After reviewing the committee’s report, the Abure-led faction resolved to suspend the following individuals:

  • Dr. Alex Otti (Governor of Abia State)
  • Senator Ireti Kingibe
  • Senator Darlington Nwokocha
  • Hon. Victor Afam Ogene
  • Hon. Amobi Ogah
  • Hon. Seyi Sowunmi

“These individuals are hereby suspended indefinitely and barred from representing the party in any capacity,” the statement read. “Relevant authorities—including the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, the National Assembly, INEC, and security agencies—are advised to take note.”

The party clarified that former finance minister Nenadi Usman was not included in the suspension because she is not a registered party member but a supporter of the 2023 presidential candidate. “We recognize her affiliation with the Obidient Support Group, but she is not under our disciplinary jurisdiction,” the statement added.

The Abure faction also reiterated its political independence, declaring that the Labour Party will not enter into any coalition or merger before the 2027 general elections.

“The proponents of such coalitions lack the capacity and credibility to manage complex political alliances. The Labour Party will contest the 2027 elections as an independent entity,” the statement concluded.

Nenadi Usman Counters with Probe into Abure’s Conduct

Meanwhile, a rival faction led by Nenadi Usman has launched a counter-offensive, initiating an investigation into Julius Abure for alleged corruption, financial misappropriation, and anti-party behavior.

At a press briefing in Abuja, Usman accused Abure of illegally continuing to parade himself as national chairman despite being removed. She alleged that he had turned the party into a personal enterprise, prioritizing self-interest over party unity.

To address these allegations, Usman announced the formation of a disciplinary panel chaired by Senator Ireti Kingibe, with Peter Ameh as secretary. The panel will probe Abure’s actions and report its findings within 21 days.

Abure has been summoned to appear before the committee to answer to the allegations, which include hijacking party structures and failing to conduct congresses at the ward, local government, state, and zonal levels ahead of the national convention.

Usman, who now chairs the LP caretaker committee, vowed to restore internal democracy within the party and release a timetable for fresh congresses and elections. She also issued a 48-hour ultimatum to Abure to stop presenting himself as the party leader or face disciplinary action.

Both factions cite the April 4 Supreme Court ruling as validating their claims to the party’s leadership. While Abure’s camp says the judgment affirms his chairmanship, the caretaker faction insists it marked the end of his tenure.

The escalating leadership struggle and mutual suspensions have further deepened the LP’s internal rift, fueling ongoing defections of its lawmakers to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Dikko Radda present as three Katsina PDP reps join APC during plenary

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Three Katsina Lawmakers Defect from PDP to APC Amid Ongoing Party Crisis

Three members of the House of Representatives from Katsina State have officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC),TheCable reports.

Speaker of the House, Tajudeen Abbas, read their notices of defection during Thursday’s plenary session. The lawmakers cited persistent internal crises within the PDP as the main reason for their departure.

Abdullahi Balarabe, representing Bakori/Danja federal constituency, described the PDP as being embroiled in a “protracted crisis,” prompting his decision to join a more stable political platform.

ALSO READ: 200,000 Nigerians die annually from food-related diseases – FG


Abubakar Albaba Aliyu, who represents Batsari/Safana/Dan-Musa federal constituency, pointed to the party’s “lack of cohesiveness” as his reason for leaving.
Yusuf Majigiri, representing Mashi/Dutsi federal constituency, spoke of an “unresolvable internal crisis” that has plagued the party.

Governor Dikko Radda of Katsina State, APC State Chairman Muhammad Ali, and other key political figures from the state were present in the chamber to witness the defections.

A Growing Trend of Defections

These latest developments are part of a broader wave of defections in the House of Representatives, primarily to the APC.

  • On October 2, 2024, Chris Nkwonta (Ukwa East/Ukwa West, Abia) moved from PDP to APC.
  • On October 30, Sulaiman Abubakar (Gummi/Bukkuyum, Zamfara) also defected to the APC.
  • By December 5, four lawmakers from the Labour Party and one from the PDP had joined the APC.
  • On February 11 and 12, Amos Magaji (Kaduna) and Garba Koko (Kebbi) left the PDP for the APC.
  • On March 18, PDP members Jallo Mohammed (Igabi, Kaduna) and Adamu Tanko (Gurara/Suleja/Tafa, Niger) defected, citing the party’s ongoing internal conflicts.
  • On March 27, Clara Nnabuife (Orumba North/South, Anambra) left the Young Progressives Party (YPP) for the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), claiming she was sidelined in party affairs.

Most recently, on Tuesday:

  • Six PDP lawmakers defected to the APC.
  • Two Labour Party (LP) members crossed over to the PDP: Obetta Chidi (Nsukka/Igbo-Eze South, Enugu) and Dennis Agbo (Igbo-Eze North/Udenu).
  • Victor Nwokolo (Ika North East/Ika South, Delta), Julius Pondi (Burutu), and Thomas Ereyitomi (Warri North/South/West) all left the PDP for the APC.
  • Nicholas Mutu (Bomadi/Patani), a long-serving member since 1999, also joined the APC.
  • Ukodhiko Jonathan (Isoko North/Isoko South) and Ezechi Nnamdi (Ndokwa/Ukwuani) followed suit, leaving the PDP for the ruling party.

The series of defections signals significant political realignment ahead of upcoming political cycles, with the APC steadily gaining strength in the lower chamber.

200,000 Nigerians die annually from food-related diseases – FG

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Over 200,000 Nigerians—mostly children—die annually from food-related illnesses, says Minister

Approximately 200,000 people in Nigeria, many of them children, die each year due to foodborne diseases, according to the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Uche Geoffrey Nnaji. He made this statement during the launch of a food safety operational manual for food business operators, market vendors, and street food sellers in Abuja on Thursday,Daily Trust reports.

Citing data from the World Health Organization (WHO), Nnaji noted that over 600 million people worldwide fall sick every year from contaminated food, with Africa suffering the highest per capita impact. He highlighted that Nigeria alone loses around $3.6 billion annually due to foodborne illnesses—through reduced productivity, healthcare expenses, and trade restrictions.

The newly introduced manual, Nnaji said, directly addresses these challenges by offering a unified, science-based guide for local government food inspectors and safety officers, especially those working in informal food settings like open markets, roadside kiosks, and street food stalls.

ALSO READ: I dumped PDP to retain benefits of my office – Edo…

“These are the places where Nigerians across all income levels source their daily meals—and where food safety risks are often most severe,” he said. “We’re dealing with practices like using paracetamol to tenderize meat, fermenting cassava with detergents, and adulterating red oil and pepper with industrial dyes such as Sudan IV. These are not cultural mistakes—they are criminal acts.”

He emphasized that, under Sections 243 and 244 of Nigeria’s Criminal Code Act, selling or distributing toxic or harmful food is a prosecutable offense. The health consequences, he warned, are grave, including rising cases of kidney failure, liver cirrhosis, cancers, and other life-threatening non-communicable diseases.

In just the first quarter of 2025, Nnaji reported, cholera claimed 378 lives and Lassa fever infected over 3,500 Nigerians—many of these cases linked to poor food hygiene and contamination from rodents. “This must end. And this manual marks a critical step in that direction,” he said.

Supporting the initiative, Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate—represented by Adeola Olufowobi-Yusuf—shared findings from the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN), which show that around 20% of hospital admissions in urban areas are linked to foodborne diseases. He stressed the importance of food scientists, researchers, and innovators in advancing public health.

Pate added that the ministry has been actively working with state governments to develop national guidelines that strengthen food safety at the community level. “These localized guidelines are designed to address specific regional challenges and ensure all Nigerians benefit from effective food safety practices,” he explained.

Nkechi Veronica Ezeh, CEO of the Nigerian Council for Food Science and Technology (NiCFoST), hailed the operational manual as a groundbreaking achievement. She described it as a comprehensive and essential tool to help food safety officers regulate, monitor, and enforce food safety standards across markets, restaurants, bakeries, kiosks, and other public food outlets, in accordance with Chapter 8 of the Fourth Schedule of the Nigerian Constitution, which outlines the duties of local government councils.

I dumped PDP to retain benefits of my office – Edo Speaker

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Edo Speaker Agbebaku Explains Defection to APC

Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Blessing Agbebaku, has explained the reasons behind his recent defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC),Daily Trust reports.

Agbebaku, along with two other lawmakers—Hon. Sunday Fada Eigbiremonlen and Hon. Idaiye Yekini Oisayemoje—officially joined the APC on Tuesday. On Wednesday, he formally announced his defection during a plenary session of the House.

Speaking on the floor of the Assembly, Agbebaku stated that his decision was motivated by the need to retain the benefits and influence of the Speaker’s position in order to drive development in his constituency.

ASLO READ: Reps Seek US Support For Nigeria’s Electoral Reforms, Gender Equity

“I defected to the APC to retain the advantages of the Speaker’s office for the development of my constituency,” he said. “For me, this move is not about political affiliation but about ensuring progress in my area. If I sacrifice this position for party loyalty and lose the chance to bring development to my people, then I am failing in my duty to serve them.”

Agbebaku emphasized that his constituents supported his decision, citing ongoing developmental projects in the Owan West constituency under the leadership of Governor Monday Okpebholo.

“My defection was not about personal gain, but about fulfilling my commitment to the people who elected me. Politics is driven by interest—but in this case, it’s not about mine. It’s about the interests of my constituents,” he added.

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