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Dele Agbeyo, widely known as Dele Gold, has passed away, leaving the music industry in mourning.

The renowned Juju and Gospel singer died on Wednesday, September 11, following a brief illness. His death comes just a month after the loss of another prominent singer, Aduke Ajayi, also known as Aduke Gold.

While details surrounding Dele Gold’s passing are still emerging, the news has been confirmed by several of his colleagues in the music industry.

Tributes have been pouring in from fellow artists, including Titi Oguntoyinbo, Akinlabi Major, Alayoka Melody Singer, and Wonder Doyin Kujore, who have expressed their condolences and paid their respects to the late singer.

Dele Gold’s passing is a significant loss to the Nigerian music community, where he was celebrated for his contributions to Juju and Gospel music.

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Assistant Superintendent of Police Idris Lawal was tragically killed by a hit-and-run driver in Ekiti State.

The fatal incident occurred at a checkpoint in Ayemi Garage along Iworoko Road in Ado-Ekiti on Monday, September 10.

Lawal, who was attached to the Ekiti State Command, was rushed to the Ekiti State Teaching Hospital (EKSUTH) for urgent medical care but was unfortunately pronounced dead by doctors.

Reports indicate that the accident took place around 11 pm when the driver of a white, unmarked Mercedes Benz approached a stop-and-search operation. The vehicle’s driver failed to stop and fled the scene after the collision.

The Ekiti State Police Command has issued an internal memo regarding the incident, and the officer’s body has been deposited in the mortuary for an autopsy.

The command is actively working to locate and apprehend the driver responsible for this tragic event.

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On Wednesday, September 11, the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) announced an indefinite strike at Gombe State University (GSU), citing unresolved welfare concerns as the primary reason for the action.

Suleiman Salihu, the chairman of ASUU’s GSU branch, revealed during a press briefing that the strike was prompted by ongoing issues with teaching and learning conditions at the university.

Despite repeated efforts to address these concerns through various channels, the state government has yet to provide satisfactory resolutions.

Salihu highlighted that GSU has failed to implement the approved N30,000 minimum wage, leaving staff with salaries based on an outdated 2012 table.

Additionally, he pointed out that the government has not honored the 2021 Memorandum of Action (MoA), which included provisions for an annual N50 million allocation to the university.

“The non-implementation of the 2021 MoA, the failure to increase university funding, and the non-payment of accumulated Earned Academic Allowances (EAA) are critical issues,” Salihu stated. He also emphasized that the EAA, which has not been paid for over five years, has significantly hindered the ability of GSU staff to perform their duties effectively.

The strike aims to compel the state government to address these longstanding issues and improve the overall working conditions and support for the university staff.

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The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure that the upcoming Edo State gubernatorial election, slated for Saturday, September 21, 2024, is conducted free, fair, and peacefully, devoid of rigging or malpractices.

HURIWA, in a statement issued on Wednesday, stated that the credibility of INEC is under scrutiny following the controversies surrounding the 2023 general elections.

The Edo election, the group emphasized, offers the commission an opportunity to redeem its image under the leadership of its Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu.

HURIWA, in the statement, signed by its national coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, highlighted that the success of the Edo gubernatorial election would significantly impact public trust in INEC’s ability to conduct credible elections.

The group expressed optimism that if INEC upholds the principles of constitutionalism and ensures transparency, the controversies surrounding the 2023 general elections could be mitigated.

“It is imperative that INEC not only declares its intention to conduct a free and fair election but also ensures that every step of the process is open, transparent, and devoid of manipulation. The 2023 election ‘sins’ under the current leadership of INEC will be forgiven if Edo and the subsequent Ondo State elections meet the threshold of free, fair, and transparent elections,” the statement read.

The human rights organization also called on all political parties, candidates, and their supporters to conduct themselves peacefully during the election. They stressed that violence, intimidation, or vote-buying would undermine the democratic process and disenfranchise the people of Edo State.

HURIWA also urged security agencies deployed for the election to remain impartial and ensure the safety of voters, election officials, and materials. “The security agencies must avoid taking sides and ensure that the election is conducted in a peaceful atmosphere. Every Nigerian, regardless of political affiliation, deserves the right to vote without fear of violence or intimidation,” the statement added. “We have taken notice of worrying reports coming out of Edo and the statement by the Governor of Edo State, Gov. Godwin Obaseki, that the Nigeria Police Force is being weaponized against members of the People’s Democratic Party. We urge the Police to desist from these acts if true; as a partisan police force is inimical to the idea of representative democracy.”

The recent visit of Prof. Mahmood Yakubu to Edo State ahead of the gubernatorial election was noted by HURIWA as a positive step. The INEC Chairman, along with some National Commissioners and top management staff, inspected the non-sensitive materials stored at INEC offices in four Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Edo State—Ikpoba-Okha, Egor, Oredo, and Ovia North East. Yakubu’s first stop was the INEC office at Ikpoba-Okha LGA, where he was given a tour by the State Electoral Officer (EO), Mr. James Gamble. Gamble briefed the INEC boss on the preparedness of the local branch for the forthcoming polls.

The Chairman’s visit continued to Egor LGA, where the EO, Mr. Boma Bamson, conducted the team around the office complex to inspect the non-sensitive materials further. The INEC boss expressed satisfaction with the state’s level of preparedness. He is also expected to oversee the mock accreditation process at Western Boys High School I and India College II, further solidifying INEC’s readiness for the election.

HURIWA acknowledged these visits and preparations as promising signs that the electoral process in Edo State is on track. However, the group stressed that these actions alone are insufficient to guarantee a successful election; they must be accompanied by strict adherence to electoral integrity.

HURIWA urged the INEC Chairman to remain resolute in upholding constitutionalism throughout the election. The group also cautioned against the influence of external forces, particularly the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC)-led federal government, which HURIWA claims is attempting to manipulate the electoral process to impose a one-party state on Nigeria. The statement referenced controversial comments made by the ‘unelected’ National Chairman of the APC, who hinted at the party’s ambition to dominate the political landscape, thus undermining Nigeria’s multi-party democracy.

“The current administration, through its body language and overt actions, has shown desperation to foist a one-party state on Nigeria. This has been confirmed by none other than the ‘unelected’ National Chairman of the APC. INEC must resist any form of manipulation, coercion, or intimidation from any political party or interest group. The people of Edo State have the constitutional right to choose their leader without external interference,” HURIWA cautioned.

HURIWA reiterated criticisms that trailed the 2023 general elections, in which INEC was accused of failing to deliver on its promises of transparency and credibility. The association pointed out that reports of logistical challenges, technical failures, and alleged manipulation during the collation of results in the previous elections eroded public confidence in the electoral process.

HURIWA urged INEC to learn from the past and ensure that the upcoming election in Edo does not suffer from the same issues. “INEC must ensure that the Edo election does not repeat the failures of the 2023 general elections. This is a critical moment for INEC to restore its credibility. Edo and Ondo states are litmus tests for INEC’s future,” the group emphasized.

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A Shari’a Court in Kaduna on Wednesday ordered the temporary remand of Musa Hussaini, urging him to reflect on how he will provide financial support for the upkeep of his four children.

The petitioner, Hajara Sani, a mother of four, had approached the court seeking assistance in reclaiming some of her property that Hussaini had sold.

She explained that Hussaini sold two of her chairs and a television and also pressured her into selling her bed before divorcing her.

“I gave him the money I got from selling the bed shortly before he divorced me,” she told the court. She further requested the court to confirm the three pronouncements of divorce made by Hussaini and to order him to take responsibility for their children’s welfare.

In response, Hussaini admitted to making three separate divorce pronouncements and selling the items with Hajara’s consent, claiming he needed the money to repair his tools as a vulcanizer.

He revealed that the television and chairs were sold for N5,000, while Hajara gave him an additional N6,500 from the sale of the bed.

Hussaini asked the court to allow him to pay in installments, offering to provide N2,000 weekly. However, when questioned about his provision for the children, he admitted that he had no plans for their upkeep at the moment.

Presiding over the case, Judge Malam Mukhtar Aliyu, ordered the defendant’s remand for a few hours to reflect on how he would fulfill his responsibility toward his children. The case was adjourned until September 25 for further hearing.

This case has brought attention to the issue of parental responsibility and the importance of ensuring the welfare of children in divorce proceedings.

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A tragic accident occurred on Wednesday at the Oye Agu Market in Abagana, Njikoka Local Government Area of Anambra State, leaving several people feared dead.

A speeding vehicle reportedly lost control and crashed into the busy market, causing devastation.

Although full details of the crash remain unclear, eyewitnesses reported that the impact damaged goods and likely claimed multiple lives.

A video circulating on social media shows the wreckage of a Sienna vehicle at the scene, along with some of the traders who were tragically crushed in the accident.

The market, known for its roadside traders selling food items, was left in disarray, with smashed tomatoes and other goods strewn across the road.

Engr. Ben Okongwu, President-General of Abagana community, confirmed the incident and stated that at least three people have lost their lives as a result of the crash. He attributed the accident to the driver losing control of the vehicle.

Meanwhile, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) spokesperson in Anambra State, RC Margaret Onabe, said she had not yet received reports about the accident.

As the community mourns the victims, many are left in shock by the tragic event, which has sparked calls for improved road safety measures in the area.

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Residents of Maiduguri who were displaced by the overflow from Alau Dam have started to return to their homes as floodwaters slowly recede.

While the water has subsided significantly, many are still anxious to assess the damage caused by the flood and salvage what they can.

One resident, Ali Bana from Gwange ward, expressed the urgency to inspect the remnants of their properties. “We are just rushing to see what is left of our homes and to salvage any remnants of our property we can still use,” he said.

Another resident, Musa Abdullahi from Gomari ward, shared a different experience, stating that his house remained flooded. “My house is still flooded. From the look of things, we have more days to spend outside before we can move back in,” he explained, highlighting the ongoing challenges for some residents.

A report from the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) revealed the magnitude of the disaster, noting that over 239,000 people have been affected by the floods.

It also pointed out that some displaced residents have sought refuge in the Muna Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp, which was already sheltering more than 50,000 people.

Local authorities have responded by evacuating residents from high-risk riverine areas to safer locations.

However, the floods have taken a toll on essential services, disrupting communication, power, and water supply across many parts of Maiduguri.

As residents grapple with the aftermath, the full extent of the damage is yet to be determined, and recovery efforts are underway.

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A political pressure group, Igbo Union (aka Nzuko Ndigbo), is set to honour the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, “for his tireless efforts in passing a bill that gave birth to the South East Development Commission (SEDC).”

Speaking newsmen Wednesday in Abuja, President of the group, Prince Elias Odoemena, said Hon. Ben Kalu, a High Chief in Bende, Abia State, passed the bill because of his undying love for the Southeast and the drive to develop the region.

Odoemena said Igbo people felt it would be good to honour Kalu and also tell him what his kinsmen want from him.

He recalled that former Ohanaeze President, late Engr (Dr.) Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, visited Kalu and encouraged him on the SEDC and its importance to the people of the zone.

Odoemena also said that the only currency used in paying back love is love, and therefore used the opportunity to thank President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for assenting to the bill that created SEDC, and equally urge him to send to the National Assembly, a supplementary budget that will enable the SEDC to start functioning immediately.

“The Deputy Speaker has shown that the success of every representative is based on bringing quality projects and developing to the areas you cover. Hon Kalu has made us to have faith of qualitative representation in Abuja, which he has proudly represented.

“We are honouring the Deputy Speaker because vision and development- driven leadership in the House, a representation that concise with the spirit of self development which the Igbos are known for.

“We are therefore looking forward to the smooth take off of the South East Development Commission (SEDC),” Odoemena said.


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A Federal High Court in Abuja has granted bail to 10 protesters from the #EndBadGovernance movement who are facing trial on charges of treason.

The defendants, including Michael Adaramoye, Adeyemi Abayomi, Suleiman Yakubu, Opaoluwa Simon, and Angel Innocent, were granted bail by Justice Emeka Nwite on Wednesday.

Others granted bail are Buhari Lawal, Mosiu Sadiq, Bashir Bello, Nuradeen Khamis, and Abdulsalam Zubairu.

They were arraigned on September 2 and pleaded not guilty to a six-count charge, including treason, conspiracy to commit felony, inciting mutiny, and intent to destabilize Nigeria—offenses punishable under section 97 of the Penal Code.

The protesters were accused of attempting to start a war, intimidating the president, attacking and injuring police officers, and burning police stations.

Additionally, they were charged with torching the NCC complex, Kano Printing Press, Kano Government House, and several other buildings.

During their initial arraignment, the defendants applied for bail through their respective lawyers, but the court ordered their remand in prison custody until a ruling was delivered.

On Wednesday, Justice Nwite granted each defendant bail at N10 million, with the condition that they provide one surety who has landed property in Abuja. The sureties must submit the property documents to the court.

The case stems from nationwide protests that took place from August 1–10, during which Nigerians demanded a reduction in the cost of governance, the reinstatement of the petrol subsidy, food security, and fiscal discipline, among other issues.

While the protests were largely peaceful, violence erupted in some parts of the country, leading to looting and vandalism.

Following the protests, the police arrested several individuals, including the 10 defendants, and secured a court order to remand 124 people for 60 days pending investigations.

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Atiku Abubakar, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has sharply criticized President Bola Tinubu’s administration for allegedly focusing more on intimidating organized labor than on addressing Nigeria’s pressing security issues.

In a recent Facebook post, Atiku condemned the government’s approach, suggesting that its level of repression exceeds even the harshest eras of military rule.

His comments come in the wake of recent events that have drawn public scrutiny.

On Monday morning, Joe Ajaero, President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), was detained by the Department of State Services (DSS) at Abuja’s Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport while preparing to travel to the UK.

Ajaero was released later that night after several hours in custody.

He stated, “The escalating assault on civil society and the media by the Bola Tinubu administration is profoundly disturbing. The level of oppressive control now imposed surpasses even the harshest days of military dictatorship.

“The recent arrest of Mr Joe Ajaero, President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, en route to an official event, epitomises this regime’s relentless campaign to intimidate and subdue organised labour.”

The former Vice President added that the DSS raid on SERAP was fundamentally opposed to the principles of freedom and justice.

The post read in part, “Just days prior, security forces detained a journalist, only to later claim it was a grievous error. What if the outcome had been fatal?

“Now, Tinubu’s regime extends its repressive grasp to encroach upon SERAP, an action that stands as a grave affront to our democratic values. This siege is anathema to the principles of freedom and justice.

“Tinubu and his security apparatus must redirect their fervour and intimidation towards the true perpetrators of violence — terrorists and bandits — who are inflicting immeasurable suffering upon the Nigerian people.”

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Maiduguri, Borno State, has experienced severe flooding that resulted in a significant prison break at the local custodial facility on Tuesday.

Rising floodwaters have severely damaged the correctional center, compromising security barriers and weakening the structure, which allowed an unconfirmed number of inmates to escape.

Authorities have classified the escapees as highly dangerous, raising concerns that some may be armed. This situation poses an increased security risk in Borno State, which is already facing challenges from ongoing insurgency issues.

In response to the crisis, a manhunt is currently underway. Law enforcement agencies have mobilized additional resources to track down the fugitives and ensure the safety of the public.

The situation remains fluid as officials work to address the aftermath of the flooding and restore security in the region.

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The Department of State Services (DSS) has returned the passport of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President, Joe Ajaero, following its earlier seizure.

Platinumpost reports that Ajaero’s passport was released on Tuesday through the legal assistance of Abubakar Marshall, a lawyer from Falana Chambers, after it was initially confiscated by the DSS.

According to prominent human rights lawyer Femi Falana, the passport has now been safely returned to Ajaero.

The DSS had detained Ajaero on Monday as he was preparing to travel to the United Kingdom for official union business. He was held for over 15 hours, during which his passport was seized.

In response, the NLC issued a stern warning to the government, demanding the release of their leader and threatening to take action if their demands were not met.

Faced with mounting pressure, the DSS released Ajaero before the NLC’s ultimatum expired, and his passport was returned the following day.

This episode highlights the ongoing tension between labor unions and the government, with the NLC standing firm in support of their president.

As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how both sides will navigate future interactions, especially in the context of workers’ rights and union activities.


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Nigerian music sensation Paul Okoye, one-half of the legendary Psquare duo, and his wife Ifeoma have captured the public’s attention with exciting rumors surrounding the arrival of their first child together.

Paul, who is already a father of three from his previous marriage to Anita Okoye, is said to be eagerly awaiting the birth of his fourth child with Ifeoma, a model and social media influencer.

Ifeoma sparked speculation when she shared an adorable video of her dancing, proudly showing off her baby bump and glowing with joy.

The clip, set to a popular Nigerian song, instantly won the hearts of fans, who admired her radiant happiness and positive energy.

The couple celebrated this new chapter in their lives with a glamorous baby shower in the U.S. over the weekend.

Paul played the role of a proud and supportive husband, even showcasing his grilling skills at the event. Ifeoma, dressed in a striking red outfit that accentuated her curves, danced and laughed with friends, exuding excitement as she prepares for motherhood.

Adding to the buzz, rumors have been swirling that the couple has already welcomed their baby girl into the world.

Popular blogger Kemi Ashefon Love Haven shared heartwarming photos of the newborn, claiming insider knowledge of the birth.

Fans and well-wishers have flooded social media with congratulatory messages, celebrating the joyful moment in Paul and Ifeoma’s lives as they step into parenthood together.


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Port Harcourt, Rivers State – In a bid to enhance food security and empower local farmers, the Federal Government, through the Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement for the South-South region, Hon. Gift Johnbull, has officially launched the agricultural initiative *‘Project Earn From The Soil.’ The project leverages cooperative formation and commodity-based clustering to boost productivity across the region.

This initiative is part of the government’s broader strategy to empower women through agriculture and improve food security in the South-South region. It has already been launched in Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, and Edo states, with the Federal Government targeting over 500,000 smallholder farmers, fisherfolk, agribusinesses, and coastal communities in the region.

Speaking at the project launch and the domestication of the Women Economic Empowerment (WEE) Policy in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Hon. Johnbull emphasized leveraging the region’s vast agricultural potential to increase food production. 

She stressed the crucial role women play in driving agricultural transformation and fostering sustainable economic growth.

"Today, we reaffirm our commitment to empowering the women of the South-South region, particularly those who depend on agriculture for their livelihoods," Hon. Johnbull said. 'Project Earn From The Soil' is not just about farming; it’s about creating opportunities, lifting farmers out of poverty, and ensuring that women are at the forefront of our agricultural success."

She added that the project adopts a commodity-based approach to clustering farmers, with stakeholders like Nexim Bank, the Bank of Agriculture, Zenith Bank, the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), and UN Women, working collaboratively to ensure the entire agricultural value chain is considered.

“This project is different from past initiatives. We are focused on building a sustainable foundation for women in agriculture, and the President himself is overseeing its progress to ensure that the benefits directly reach those who need them the most,” she said.

“We are here to ensure that no woman is left behind. The women of Rivers State have shown incredible resilience and potential, and this project will provide them with the tools they need to succeed. Our goal is to see women leading the agricultural sector, producing enough not only for their families but for the entire nation,” she added.

By organizing farmers into cooperatives, the initiative aims to strengthen grassroots structures, addressing the productive challenges faced by local agricultural communities.

In his keynote address, the representative of the Bank of Agriculture, Anosike Felix Onyebuchi, reiterated the bank’s commitment to providing necessary resources and support to ensure the project’s long-term sustainability.

Other stakeholders, including the representative of the Niger Delta Basin Authority, Dr. Roland T.G., also pledged to advance the economic prospects of women in Rivers State.

This holistic approach allows the project to tailor its support to the specific needs of farmers, with implementing partners offering targeted assistance based on the commodities produced by local farmers.
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CUPERTINO, CALIFORNIA Apple today introduced iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max, featuring Apple Intelligence, larger display sizes, new creative capabilities with innovative pro camera features, stunning graphics for immersive gaming, and more — all powered by the A18 Pro chip. With Apple Intelligence, powerful Apple-built generative models come to iPhone in the easy-to-use personal intelligence system that understands personal context to deliver intelligence that is helpful and relevant while protecting user privacy.


Camera Control unlocks a fast, intuitive way to tap into visual intelligence and easily interact with the advanced camera system. Featuring a new 48MP Fusion camera with a faster quad-pixel sensor that enables 4K120 fps video recording in Dolby Vision, these new Pro models achieve the highest resolution and frame-rate combination ever available on iPhone. Additional advancements include a new 48MP Ultra Wide camera for higher-resolution photography, including macro; a 5x Telephoto camera on both Pro models; and studio-quality mics to record more true-to-life audio. The durable titanium design is strong yet lightweight, with larger display sizes, the thinnest borders on any Apple product, and a huge leap in battery life — with iPhone 16 Pro Max offering the best battery life on iPhone ever.


iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max will be available in four stunning finishes: black titanium, natural titanium, white titanium, and desert titanium. Pre-orders begin Friday, September 13, with availability beginning Friday, September 20.


“Powered by the faster, more efficient A18 Pro chip and built for Apple Intelligence, iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max are the most advanced iPhone models we’ve ever made,” said Greg Joswiak, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Marketing. “Customers who are looking for the best possible iPhone will be able to take advantage of this huge step forward, whether they’re applying edits to a photo without lifting a finger, rewriting meeting notes for a more professional tone, or using the advanced camera system to capture their next masterpiece in 4K120 fps in Dolby Vision — all while enjoying extraordinary battery life.”



Built for Apple Intelligence

Apple Intelligence on the iPhone 16 lineup harnesses the power of Apple silicon and Apple-built generative models to understand and create language and images, take action across apps, and draw from personal context to simplify and accelerate everyday tasks. Apple Intelligence maintains the privacy and security of user data with Private Cloud Compute. This groundbreaking approach provides the ability to flex and scale computational capacity between on-device processing and larger, server-based models that run on dedicated Apple silicon servers — an extraordinary step forward for privacy in artificial intelligence. Apple Intelligence will be available as a free software update, with the first set of features rolling out next month in U.S. English for most regions around the world.


With systemwide Writing Tools, users can adjust notes or emails to be more friendly, more concise, or add a more professional tone to their writing; check for grammar, word choice, and sentence structure; and summarize selected text to make it more digestible. In the Notes and Phone apps, users can also record, transcribe, and summarize audio. When a recording is initiated while on a call in the Phone app, participants are automatically notified, and once the call ends, Apple Intelligence generates a summary to recall key points.


Apple Intelligence helps users prioritize with summarized notifications, along with Priority Messages in Mail, a feature that understands the content of emails and surfaces time-sensitive messages. Across a user’s inbox, summaries convey the most important information of each email instead of previewing the first few lines.

Siri becomes more deeply integrated into the system experience and gets a brand-new design with an elegant glowing light that wraps around the edge of the screen when active. With richer language-understanding capabilities, communicating with Siri is more natural and flexible. Siri follows along when users stumble over their words, and maintains context from one request to the next. Users can type to Siri at any time, and switch fluidly between text and voice as they accelerate everyday tasks. Siri also now has extensive product knowledge to answer thousands of questions about features on iPhone and other Apple devices.




Additional Apple Intelligence features will roll out later this year and in the months following, including Image Playground, which allows users to create playful images in moments. Emoji will be taken to an entirely new level with the ability to create original Genmoji by simply typing a description, or by selecting a photo of a friend or family member. Siri will be able to draw on a user’s personal context to deliver intelligence that is tailored to them. It will also gain onscreen awareness to understand and take action with users’ content, as well as take hundreds of new actions in and across Apple and third-party apps. And while using iOS 18 features like Siri and Writing Tools, users will be able to easily access ChatGPT from OpenAI.

A user generates a unique Genmoji of a disco pigeon on iPhone 16 Pro.

Siri shows a user’s mom’s flight details on iPhone 16 Pro.

Siri displays an email from a user’s friend about tile costs on iPhone 16 Pro.



An Incredibly Light and Durable Design with Larger Displays

The new Pro lineup features the thinnest borders of any Apple product and introduces larger display sizes: 6.3 inches on iPhone 16 Pro and 6.9 inches on iPhone 16 Pro Max — the largest iPhone display ever.1 The stunning Super Retina XDR displays with Always-On and ProMotion technologies help users accomplish more. Both models offer industry-leading durability with a strong, lightweight titanium design, as well as the latest-generation Ceramic Shield, which has an advanced formulation that is 2x tougher than glass on any other smartphone. The new mechanical architecture improves heat dissipation and efficiency for up to 20 percent better sustained performance. Along with the new internal design and advanced power management of iOS 18, larger batteries are optimized to offer a huge leap in battery life.




Introducing Camera Control

Camera Control — a result of thoughtful hardware and software integration — makes the pro camera system more versatile with an innovative new way to quickly launch the camera, take a photo, and start video recording. It has a tactile switch that powers the click experience, a high-precision force sensor that enables the light press gesture, and a capacitive sensor that allows for touch interactions. A new camera preview helps users frame the shot and adjust other control options — such as zoom, exposure, or depth of field — to compose a stunning photo or video by sliding their finger on the Camera Control. Later this fall, Camera Control will be updated with a two-stage shutter to automatically lock focus and exposure on a subject with a light press, letting users reframe the shot without losing focus. Additionally, developers will be able to bring Camera Control to third-party apps such as Kino, which will offer users the ability to adjust white balance and set focus points, including at various levels of depth in their scene.


Later this year, Camera Control will unlock visual intelligence to help users learn about objects and places faster than ever before. Users can click and hold Camera Control to pull up the hours or ratings for a restaurant they pass, add an event from a flyer to their calendar, quickly identify a dog by breed, and more. Camera Control will also serve as a gateway into third-party tools with specific domain expertise, like when users want to search on Google to find where they can buy an item, or to benefit from ChatGPT’s problem-solving skills. Users are in control of when third-party tools are used and what information is shared.


New Pro Creativity Across Photo, Video, and Audio

With iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max, the world’s favorite camera gets even more powerful. Powered by A18 Pro, the upgraded camera system introduces a new 48MP Fusion camera with a faster, more efficient quad-pixel sensor and Apple Camera Interface, unlocking 4K120 fps video recording in Dolby Vision — the highest resolution and frame-rate combination ever available on iPhone, and a smartphone first. The quad-pixel sensor can read data 2x faster, enabling zero shutter lag for 48MP ProRAW or HEIF photos. A new 48MP Ultra Wide camera also features a quad-pixel sensor with autofocus, so users can take higher-resolution 48MP ProRAW and HEIF images when capturing uniquely framed, wider-angle shots or getting close to their subjects with macro photography. The powerful 5x Telephoto camera now comes on both iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max, allowing users to catch the action from farther away, no matter which model they choose. iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max now take spatial photos in addition to videos to help users relive memories with remarkable depth on Apple Vision Pro.


Users can capture 4K120 fps in Slo-mo or Video mode, and adjust the playback speed after capture in the Photos app, including a quarter-speed playback, a new half-speed option for a dreamy effect, and a fifth-speed option that corresponds to 24 fps. When coupled with the new image signal processor (ISP) of A18 Pro, users can do frame-by-frame cinema-quality color grading for 4K120 fps in Dolby Vision. Users can also capture 4K120 fps ProRes and Log directly to an external storage device for efficient pro workflows.


Both Pro models feature four new studio-quality mics that preserve true-to-life recorded sounds, and video can now be captured in Spatial Audio for immersive listening with AirPods, Apple Vision Pro, or a surround sound system. The iPhone 16 Pro lineup also introduces creative new ways to edit video sound with Audio Mix — allowing users to adjust their sound after capture to focus on the voice of the person on camera, make it sound like the video was recorded inside a professional studio, or position vocal tracks in the front and environmental noises in surround sound. With wind noise reduction, powerful machine learning (ML) algorithms reduce unwanted noise for better audio quality.


Next-generation Photographic Styles help users express their creativity and customize their photos by locally adjusting color, highlights, and shadows in real time. Styles also have a deeper understanding of skin undertones, so users can personalize how they appear in photos. Unlike filters, which often use a one-size-fits-all approach by adding a color to an entire scene, adjustments are applied to specific colors of a selected style. A wider set of styles offers more creative options for editing a photo’s aesthetic, and styles can be further personalized with an easy-to-use new control pad and intensity slider for simultaneous adjustments across tone and color. These adjustments can be rendered during live preview, applied after a photo is taken, or even reversed later.


Next-generation Photographic Styles help users express their creativity and customize their photos by locally adjusting color, highlights, and shadows in real time. Styles also have a deeper understanding of skin undertones, so users can personalize how they appear in photos. Unlike filters, which often use a one-size-fits-all approach by adding a color to an entire scene, adjustments are applied to specific colors of a selected style. A wider set of styles offers more creative options for editing a photo’s aesthetic, and styles can be further personalized with an easy-to-use new control pad and intensity slider for simultaneous adjustments across tone and color. These adjustments can be rendered during live preview, applied after a photo is taken, or even reversed later.


Apple Intelligence takes the pro camera system to a new level. Coming later, Siri will be able to complete in-app requests and take action across apps, like pulling up a specific shot from a user’s Photos library and then applying an edit to the image in Darkroom. Siri can also help users fully utilize the wide range of photo and editing capabilities, such as asking how to adjust the blur in the background of a photo.



Industry-Leading Performance and Power Efficiency

The new A18 Pro chip is designed with industry-leading compute power to propel Apple Intelligence, ushering in a new era of pro performance. Built with second-generation 3-nanometer technology and featuring a new architecture with smaller, faster transistors, A18 Pro delivers unprecedented efficiency. The new 16-core Neural Engine is faster and more efficient than the previous generation, powering remarkable on-device performance for Apple Intelligence. A 17 percent increase in total system memory bandwidth — the highest ever in iPhone — enables faster experiences when using Writing Tools and Image Playground, and helps deliver astounding graphics. The bandwidth increase also benefits the 6-core GPU, which is up to 20 percent faster than the previous generation, driving graphics rendering for Apple Intelligence and stunning visuals for gaming. Hardware-accelerated ray tracing gets up to 2x faster for even more realistic light sources and reflections, and Game Mode in iOS 18 unlocks more consistent frame rates while making AirPods, game controllers, and other wireless accessories incredibly responsive. A new 6-core CPU is the fastest in a smartphone, with two performance cores and four efficiency cores that can run the same workload as the previous generation 15 percent faster while using 20 percent less power. Next-generation ML accelerators are optimized for Apple Intelligence, and save power by handling high-efficiency, high-throughput, and low-latency computations on the CPU without engaging the Neural Engine.


A18 Pro enables Always-On and ProMotion technologies for an exceptional viewing experience on iPhone, as well as faster USB 3 speeds and ProRes video recording. A new ISP and video encoder process 2x the amount of data for faster video encoding and pro workflows.


Expanded Safety and Communication Capabilities

The iPhone 16 Pro lineup features innovative ways to stay connected and provides enhanced safety capabilities for peace of mind. Powered by the same groundbreaking technology as Emergency SOS via satellite, users are able to connect to the nearest satellite to send and receive texts, emoji, and Tapbacks over iMessage and SMS while outside cellular and Wi-Fi coverage.2 Messages via satellite in iOS 18 are end-to-end encrypted. Also new with iOS 18, Emergency SOS Live Video allows users to share a live video feed or photos with participating emergency dispatchers during an emergency call.3 Later this fall, Roadside Assistance via satellite — which connects users to a roadside assistance provider if they have car trouble while off the grid — expands beyond the U.S. to the U.K.


Better for the Environment

iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max are designed with the environment in mind. As part of Apple 2030, the company’s ambitious goal to be carbon neutral across its entire carbon footprint by the end of this decade, Apple is prioritizing renewable electricity in manufacturing, and investing in wind and solar projects around the world to address the electricity used to charge all Apple products, including the iPhone 16 lineup. Today, all Apple facilities run on 100 percent renewable electricity — including the data centers that power Apple Intelligence.


To achieve Apple 2030, the company is also designing products with recycled and renewable materials. iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max feature more than 25 percent recycled content overall, including 100 percent recycled aluminum in the internal structural frame and 80 percent or more recycled steel across multiple components. The battery is made with 100 percent recycled cobalt and — in a first for iPhone — over 95 percent recycled lithium.4 The iPhone 16 Pro lineup also meets Apple’s high standards for energy efficiency, and is free of mercury and PVC. The packaging is entirely fiber-based, bringing Apple closer to its goal of removing plastic from its packaging by next year.


Pricing and Availability

iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max will be available in black titanium, natural titanium, white titanium, and desert titanium, in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB storage capacities. iPhone 16 Pro starts at $999 (U.S.) or $41.62 (U.S.) per month, and iPhone 16 Pro Max starts at $1,199 (U.S.) or $49.95 (U.S.) per month.5

Apple offers great ways to save and upgrade to the latest iPhone. Customers can get $180 (U.S.) to $650 (U.S.) in credit when they trade in iPhone 12 or higher, or up to $1,000 (U.S.) in credits to put toward an iPhone 16 Pro with a carrier offer. Customers can take advantage of these offers by visiting the Apple Store online or an Apple Store location. For carrier offer eligibility requirements and more details, see apple.com/shop/buy-iphone/carrier-offers. To see what their device is worth and for trade-in terms and conditions, customers can visit apple.com/shop/trade-in.

Customers in more than 58 countries and regions, including Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, South Korea, Türkiye, the UAE, the U.K., and the U.S., will be able to pre-order iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max beginning at 5 a.m. PDT this Friday, September 13, with availability beginning Friday, September 20.


iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max will be available in Macao, Vietnam, and 19 other countries and regions beginning Friday, September 27.

iOS 18 will be available as a free software update on Monday, September 16.

Apple Intelligence will be available as a free software update. The first set of Apple Intelligence features will be available in beta next month as part of iOS 18.1, iPadOS 18.1, and macOS Sequoia 15.1, with more features rolling out in the months to come. It will be available on iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16 Pro Max, iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, and iPad and Mac with M1 and later, with device and Siri language set to U.S. English. Additional languages and platforms are coming over the course of the next year. Later this year, Apple Intelligence will add support for localized English in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa, and the U.K. In the coming year, Apple Intelligence will expand to more languages, including Chinese, French, Japanese, and Spanish.


In addition to an iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max Clear Case, available for $49 (U.S.), a Silicone Case with MagSafe will be available for $49 (U.S.) in black, denim, fuchsia, lake green, plum, star fruit, stone gray, and ultramarine. Apple cases for the iPhone 16 lineup work seamlessly with Camera Control, featuring a sapphire crystal coupled to a conductive layer that communicates finger movements to the Camera Control. FineWoven Wallet with MagSafe will be available for $59 (U.S.) in black, blackberry, dark green, and deep blue.


A new MagSafe Charger enables faster wireless charging up to 25W, is Qi2 certified, and is available in a 1-meter length for $39 (U.S.) or a 2-meter length for $49 (U.S.).

AppleCare+ for iPhone provides unparalleled service and support. This includes unlimited incidents of accidental damage, battery service coverage, and 24/7 support from the people who know iPhone best.

iCloud+ plans start at 50GB for $0.99 (U.S.) per month and offer up to 12TB for $59.99 (U.S.) per mon

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The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has called for an increase in student upkeep allowance from N20,000 to N40,000 following the hike in the price of fuel.

The NANS Senate President, Babatunde Akinteye, disclosed this during a news conference on the state of the nation in Abuja on Monday.

Akinteye said that this adjustment was necessary to help students cope with the rising cost of living while ensuring that they continue to pursue their education without undue financial strain.

He also urged the Federal Government to reduce excessive government spending.

He said that at a time when Nigerians were being asked to make sacrifices, it was only fair that those in power led by example.

He called for calm, noting that the reforms by President Bola Tinubu would yield favourable outcomes.

“We find ourselves at a pivotal juncture in our nation’s history, where the weight of economic reforms has cast a shadow of discomfort, hunger and despair across our land.

“The reality we face today is daunting, and the uncertainty of these times cannot be understated. Yet, amid these challenges, we must stand united and clear-headed.

“Burning down our country is not an option; it is not a solution.

“As the foremost student and youth movement in Africa, we share the same struggles, hopes, and aspirations as every Nigerian,” he said.

According to Akinteye, in moments like this, there is a need for thoughtful and measured action rather than embarking on protest.

Observing the current hardships, ranging from foreign exchange irregularities to fuel scarcity, skyrocketing food prices among others, he urged the government to tackle the problems headlong.

“We acknowledge that Nigerians, especially students, are severely impacted by the high fuel prices, as our economy is deeply tied to fuel.

“The ripple effect is felt most intensely by the lower class, and the cries of distress are understandable.

“However, it is crucial that we approach these issues with caution and strategy. The mood across the nation is one of anger, frustration, and desperation.

“Many Nigerians are on edge, waiting for a spark to ignite unrest but we must resist the temptation to react in haste.

”We are mindful of the importance of preserving life and liberty,” he said.

He said that the safety of every Nigerian student is a top priority of NANS.

“We will not risk exposing them to danger by hastily calling for protests,” he said. (NAN)

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Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso @KwankwasoRM

For the last one week I have been in Kano, and sadly I noted with great disappointment the Federal Government distribution of rice palliative to 35 states all through their Governors, except Kano State in the whole federation.

Kano’s share was handed over to APC stalwarts to handle. This is a gross insult to our constitutional democracy and driving partisanship too far.

I call on Mr. President to immediately halt this naked derailment of democracy.

I have also noted with great concern that within a span of just two weeks, 3 different State Directors of DSS were posted and reposted out of Kano and we are still counting. Without doubt this is negatively affecting the security of Kano State. - RMK

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In a fresh agreement between President Bola Tinubu and his counterpart in the People’s Republic of China, President Xi Jinping, Nigeria has dumped Taiwan for One-China policy, THISDAY has learnt.This is just as China may have agreed to put pressure on Russia not to be meddlesome in Mali, Niger Republic and Burkina Faso, in the efforts to provide regional stability in West Africa.Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso recently pulled out from the regional bloc, ECOWAS, headed by President Tinubu, over the military takeover of the democratically-elected governments in the three countries.

China was expected to use its influence over Russia to promote peace and regional stability in West Africa.The One-China Policy is a diplomatic acknowledgement of China’s position that there is only one China in the world, and that the government of the People’s Republic of China is the sole legal government representing the whole of China, with Taiwan as an inalienable part of the Chinese territory.China regards the island of Taiwan as its breakaway territory, which will one day be unified with the mainland.While President Tinubu and President Jinping reaffirmed their countries’ support for each other’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, China may also have agreed to put pressure on Russia over Mali, Niger Republic and Burkina Faso, in its efforts to provide regional stability in West Africa.

The military leaders in Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger had all broken their military and defence links with France, seeking greater cooperation with Russia.In a joint statement establishing a comprehensive strategic partnership between Nigeria and China, Tinubu and Jinping restated the commitment of the two countries to respect each other’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.According to the statement, Tinubu, at the invitation of Jinping, was in China for a State Visit on September 3, 2024, and to attend the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).The joint statement noted that during the visit, Tinubu and Jinping had cordial discussions with an in-depth exchange on the two countries’ relations as well as international and regional issues of mutual interest.

The two sides resolved to make joint efforts to fully support Nigeria’s geographical and development advantage in West Africa to establish Africa’s flagship projects on cross-national and cross-regional cooperation.On its part, China commended Nigeria’s leading role in ECOWAS and its efforts towards bringing stability to the region.The Asian country also expressed support to Nigeria to play a leading role in regional affairs, including fighting against terrorism and managing differences.While the two sides agreed to stay committed to safeguarding peace, security, and stability in the region including the Sahel and Gulf of Guinea, China pledged to support Nigeria in its capacity-building such as upgrading its science, technology, and equipment for its military and intelligence.

The Asian country also promised to support Nigeria to respond more effectively to traditional and non-traditional security challenges at home and abroad, as well as at the regional and international levels.The two presidents were said to have agreed that both countries stood at a new historical starting point, as significant representatives of major developing countries and emerging economies.Tinubu and Jinping also agreed that strengthened strategic cooperation between the countries would propel a new dynamic for China-Africa relations in the new era and lead the Global South to march together.

While resolving to consolidate mutual trust, expand cooperation, and strengthen coordination, the two presidents also agreed to upgrade the China–Nigeria relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership and build a high-level China-Nigeria community with a shared future.“The two sides reaffirmed their firm support to each other on issues related to their respective core interests and major concerns, particularly sovereignty and territorial integrity. The Chinese side supports the Renewed Hope Agenda of Nigeria, and the efforts made by Nigeria in maintaining national unity, peace, security, and social stability, as well as promoting economic development and improving people’s welfare.

“The Nigeria side firmly adheres to the one-China principle, acknowledges that there is but one China in the world, and the government of the People’s Republic of China is the sole legal government representing the whole of China, and Taiwan is an inalienable part of China’s territory,” the joint statement explained.Nigeria and China also reiterated their firm support to each other in independently seeking a development path that suits their national interest, adding that they will further strengthen exchanges on experiences of governance.Both countries “commended each other’s efforts towards the prioritisation of sustainable development and economic growth through the implementation of various developmental initiatives, aimed at achieving poverty alleviation and enhanced food security.”The joint statement further disclosed that the two sides are willing to continue to build culture brands such as the Happy Chinese New Year, Chinese-Nigeria Culture Week, Chinese Nigeria Film Festival, and Abuja International Art Fair

The two sides also resolved to strengthen mutual visits and exchanges between art groups and personnel and promote human resources training in the field’s creative culture.“The two sides will also strengthen cooperation in culture and tourism such as publishing, film and television production, cultural heritage, libraries, museums and tourism promotion.“The two sides agreed that during President Tinubu’s official visit to China, both countries reached a broad consensus and signed a series of partnership agreements and MoUs. President Tinubu’s official visit to China was a huge success and the China- Nigeria relations are on a new stage,” the statement added.


More Chinese Companies to Invest in Nigeria, Says Tuggar

Meanwhile, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, has stated that China will encourage more of its companies to invest in Nigeria.Tuggar disclosed the development in a statement yesterday, noting that Tinubu’s visit to the Asian country resulted in a significant strengthening of bilateral relations between the two nations.Tuggar noted that several partnership agreements and Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were signed during Tinubu’s official visit, marking a new phase in China-Nigeria relations.

“Nigeria is willing to strengthen its partnership with China in the development of energy and mineral resources and to work with Chinese companies to set up plants in Nigeria to meet local consumption and export needs.“China will encourage more competent Chinese companies to invest in Nigeria to contribute to the diversified and dynamic development of Nigeria’s economy,” the statement said in part,” the minister added.

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Oil marketers are concerned about the delay in announcing the price of Premium Motor Spirit, popularly called petrol, being produced by the Dangote Petroleum Refinery, as they noted that the landing cost of imported PMS is now about N1,120/litre.

Dealers stated that a high PMS price from the Dangote refinery would lead to the importation of the commodity by marketers since the government has opened up the market for competition.

In July this year, the Major Energies Marketers Association of Nigeria revealed that the landing cost of PMS was N1,117/litre. The landing cost is simply the price at which the commodity lands on Nigeria’s shores.

While the pump prices of petrol ranged between N600 and N700/litre in July, the cost was raised last week to between N855 and N897/litre by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, while some independent dealers hiked their prices to above N1,000/litre.

It was also gathered on Monday that the delay in the release of the price of Dangote petrol had further made oil marketers deepen discussions with their foreign partners in a bid to start petrol imports.

The National President of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, Abubakar Maigandi, stated that IPMAN was speaking with its partners abroad while awaiting Dangote petrol price, but noted that a high cost from Dangote would lead to massive PMS importation.

“On the landing cost of petrol, we are waiting for our foreign partners to calculate how much it will cost to bring the product to Nigeria. This is so that independent marketers will also see how to import the commodity. So we are waiting to get the data from them.

“I’ll tell you the actual landing cost once we get the data from our foreign partners. So if the landing cost is cheaper than what the Dangote refinery will sell, then we will see how to bring in the product.

“You know, it is now an open market, so anywhere we see a cheaper rate with good quality, we will buy from there. We don’t know the price of Dangote PMS. We are waiting for the refinery to release the price. However, we are discussing it with our foreign partners,” he said.

Maigandi explained that allowing multiple importers of the PMS would ensure availability and competition.

“One advantage of allowing everyone to bring in the product is that there will be guaranteed availability of products.

“There is also going to be competition. Once this happens, everybody will try to see how they can sell their products and buy another one. It is only when you sell what you have that you can generate profit,” he stated.


Dangote petrol price

An official of the Dangote Group said the President of the group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, will do everything possible to beat down the price of petrol.

The official who preferred not to be mentioned because he was not authorised to speak on the matter, said Dangote would sell PMS in Nigeria whether or not the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited agrees to be its off-taker or not.

According to the source, Aliko Dangote is a nationalistic man who loves the country, and he is ready to make sacrifices for the sake of the masses.

He recalled how the refinery brought down the price of diesel from about N1,600 to N950 before it started hovering around N1,100 and N1,200 due to foreign exchange fluctuations.

“When we started diesel, the product was around N1,700. We crashed the price to N1,200 and later, N950, before it now hovers around N1,100 and N1,200. Those who were milking the nation with dirty diesel saw it and they reduced their cost too. We will do it again,” the source stated.

Asked if Dangote can sell his PMS locally in the face of the seeming refusal of the NNPC to work with the refinery, the source replied, “Why not? We are going to sell locally; Alhaji Aliko Dangote is a nationalistic Nigerian; he loves this nation, and he is ready to make sacrifices.


‘We will bend for the country. We have high-quality PMS for the country. Some people who are importing fuel and some owners of refineries and blending plants in foreign countries don’t want this to happen. Their $117bn shipping business to West Africa is at stake.”


When the official was asked to disclose when the PMS will be out, he said, “Don’t worry, we are on course. We are ‘talk and do’. When we talk, we make it happen.”

The official, however, mentioned that the Dangote Group is still waiting to hear from the NNPC, but will take its decision if the state-owned company refuses to work with it.

The PUNCH reports that the NNPC and the Dangote refinery have yet to agree on the modalities for the sale of the latter’s PMS.

The NNPC, in a statement by its spokesman, Olufemi Soneye, said on Saturday that it would not buy Dangote PMS unless it is cheaper than that of the international market.

This is contrary to claims by Aliko Dangote that the refinery was waiting for the NNPC to roll out its product.

The NNPC also declared that Dangote and any other domestic refineries are free to sell directly to any marketer on a willing buyer, willing seller basis, saying it has no desire or intention to become the distributor for any entity in a free market environment.

“The recent changes in PMS prices have no impact on the DRL or any other domestic refinery’s access to the Nigerian market. In fact, if current prices are perceived as high, it presents an ideal opportunity for the refinery to sell its products at lower prices in the Nigerian market.

Soneye stated that the Dangote refinery could lower its price if it felt the new prices were too high.

“We emphasise that there is no guarantee of lower prices associated with domestic refining compared to any global parity pricing framework, as confirmed by the DRL. The NNPC Ltd will only fully off-take PMS from the DRL if the market prices of PMS are higher than the pump prices in Nigeria,” the NNPC said.

Our correspondent reports that this statement from the NNPC is an indication that the NNPC is not ready to stop importation, especially as its refineries have yet to become operational.

Since the unveiling of its PMS, the NNPC appeared to have turned its back against the Dangote refinery.

While unveiling the 650,000-capacity refinery, Aliko Dangote, stated that the facility would roll out petrol whenever the NNPC was ready.

Dangote disclosed that the petrol would get to the filling stations in the next 48 hours (from Tuesday) after all arrangements with the NNPC were concluded, saying the queues will be over soon.

The group president emphasised that the NNPC is the company that would sell and distribute the product, under the current naira crude sale arrangement.

“Once the NNPC is ready, we roll,” Dangote emphasised.

But it seems the talks between the two companies have collapsed and this means fuel importation will continue to gulp N2tn every month, perhaps until the government refineries are fixed.

In the past few days, the NNPC has in different statements denied that it would fix the price for Dangote or be its sole distributor.

This was after the state-owned energy firm said it was given a September 15 timeline by the refinery to lift its petrol, a claim the Dangote official denied.

PUNCH
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The ongoing fuel scarcity crisis in Nigeria has resulted in a tragic incident, with the chairman of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) for Akure South Local Government, Oluwatuyi Olasoji, reported dead.

Olasoji collapsed while waiting to purchase fuel at a filling station in Akure, Ondo State.

Local reports indicate that the incident occurred last week as he attempted to buy Premium Motor Spirit (PMS). After collapsing, he was rushed to the Federal Medical Center in Owo, where he underwent surgery.

Unfortunately, despite medical efforts, he passed away on Monday, September 9.

The current fuel scarcity has intensified across Nigeria, leading to long queues at petrol stations and skyrocketing transport fares. As traffic conditions worsen, many commuters are left stranded.

In response to the crisis, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) recently addressed the situation, assuring the public that conditions would improve in the coming days.

“The market has been deregulated, meaning that petrol prices are now determined by market forces rather than by the government or NNPC Ltd. Additionally, the exchange rate plays a significant role in influencing these prices,” the NNPCL stated.

The nation is also awaiting the anticipated start of fuel lifting from the Dangote Refinery, scheduled for mid-September, which is expected to alleviate some of the supply issues.

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