Folarin Kehinde

Tension flared in Wuse Zone 4, Abuja, as personnel of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) clashed violently with Bureau De Change (BDC) operators on Monday.

The confrontation occurred amidst efforts to curb the alarming depreciation of the naira against major foreign currencies.

Reports indicate that the BDC operators were compelled to shut down their businesses in a bid to mitigate the free fall of the naira, which had recently plunged to approximately N1,700 to a dollar and N2,100 to the British Pound.

Operatives of the EFCC resorted to the use of firearms to enforce the closure of the BDCs today as they met severe resistance from the dealers.

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Abuja zone, expressed deep sorrow on Monday over the loss of several of its members due to economic hardship, inadequate remuneration, and unfavorable working conditions prevailing in the country.

According to ASUU, at least 46 academics have passed away in universities within the Abuja zone, including the University of Abuja, Federal University of Technology Minna, Federal University Lafia, Nasarawa State University Nasarawa, and Ibrahim Babaginda University, Lapai.

The union highlighted the recent demise of Professor Johnson Oyero, an esteemed scholar in Fisheries at the Federal University of Technology, Minna, attributing his death to the lack of access to quality medical facilities.

Salahu Muhammed, the Zonal Coordinator of ASUU, Abuja zone, conveyed these concerns in a statement released to the press in Abuja.

Muhammed stated, “Over the past decade, an increasing number of Nigerian academics have sought opportunities abroad due to challenging circumstances at home. This trend has placed additional strain on those who remain within the country, leading to a decline in their level of dedication and patriotism.”

He emphasized the adverse impact of poor remuneration and working conditions on the mental and physical well-being of academic staff, noting that many have succumbed to the pressure, stress, and associated health issues.

“The loss of 46 members within universities in the Abuja zone underscores the severity of the situation,” Muhammed added. “Tragically, we mourn the recent passing of Professor Johnson Oyero, whose death highlights the dire consequences of inadequate access to quality healthcare.”

ASUU reiterated its call for urgent reforms to address the systemic challenges facing the education sector, including the need for improved funding, better infrastructure, and enhanced welfare for academic staff.

The union urged stakeholders to prioritize the well-being of educators and invest in creating a conducive environment for teaching, research, and scholarly pursuits.

The Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), located in Ile-Ife, Osun State, is reeling from a devastating loss following the tragic death of Mr. Olabode Olawuyi, a Veterinary Technologist who served as the caretaker of the Zoological garden for over a decade.

According to a press release issued by the University’s Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Olarewaju, the unfortunate incident occurred on Wednesday, 19th February, 2024. Mr. Olawuyi was attacked by a 9-year-old male lion while he was carrying out his duties of feeding the animals within their enclosure at the Zoological garden.

Despite the valiant efforts of other staff members present at the scene, the attack proved fatal, resulting in severe injuries to Mr. Olawuyi.

Upon receiving the distressing news, the University’s management, led by Vice-Chancellor Professor Adebayo Simeon BAMIRE, immediately halted ongoing activities to assess the situation firsthand.

Despite all medical efforts, as confirmed by the Acting Director of the University Health and Medical Centre, Dr. Tirimisiyu Olatunji, Mr. Olawuyi succumbed to his injuries.

In response to the incident, the aggressive lion responsible for the attack has been euthanized by the authorities. Mr. Olawuyi had been responsible for the care of the lions since their birth on campus approximately nine years ago, making the tragic circumstances of his death even more poignant.

In a show of support, the University management has dispatched a delegation to extend condolences to the deceased’s widow and children, urging them to find solace in faith during this challenging time.

Meanwhile, Vice-Chancellor Professor Adebayo Simeon BAMIRE has ordered a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident, aiming to determine both its immediate and underlying causes.

As the OAU community mourns the loss of Mr. Olabode Olawuyi, they collectively pray for his soul to rest in eternal peace.

Cement manufacturers in Nigeria have unanimously agreed to bring down the price of the product to between N7,000 and N8,000 per 50kg depending on the location across the country.

This was disclosed after a meeting with the Minister of Works, David Umahi, and attended by his counterparts from the Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment, including Doris Uzoka-Anite, in Abuja on Monday.

The meeting is part of efforts made by the federal government to identify the underlying reasons for the abrupt increase in commodity price with a view towards reducing it.

Manufacturers who attended the meeting also expressed their readiness to willingness to reduce the prices in future as soon as the federal government intervention are fulfilled.

Leading reporters learnt BUA Industries also disclosed plans to bring 6 million tons of cement into the market to mitigate the surging prices.

The federal government has also declared its intention to encourage the introduction of six new manufacturers.

Recall that the price of cement increased to an all-time high of N15,000 in major cities including some parts of Abuja.

Nigerians in Ibadan hit the streets in protests over the high cost of living under President Bola Tinubu on Monday, with chants of ‘Tinubu ole!’ and ‘renewed shege!’ rending the air.

Placards-carrying protesters at Mokola Roundabout remonstrated on the street with inscriptions like ‘End food price hike’ and ‘This is not Hope Renewed. This is shege renewed’.

“Tinubu is thief! Tinubu is thief!” the protesters hurled their opprobrium toward the president in a video posted on X.

This came as another episode of protests against food price hikes in the country.

Similar protests had rocked Niger, Kano, Osun and Lagos (Mr Tinubu’s home state), protesting hunger and other hardships.

In the past nine months, prices of staple foods have spiked almost 100 per cent as inflation ravages the Nigerian economy.

A market survey conducted at Mararaba Market, Nasarawa, by Peoples Gazette on February 7 showed that prices of most food items have increased by almost 100 per cent compared to what was obtainable last May.

A bag of rice, a common staple food among Nigerians, now sells for N65,000 against N35,000 for which it sold last May.

A bag of yellow garri, which sold for N25,000, has jumped to N40,000, while white garri now sells for N30,000 against N13,000 for which it sold last year.

A bag of corn that sold for N19,000 last year May now sells for N60,000, a bag of Millet sold for N18,000 now sells for N55,000, while flour for baking and pastries sells for N50,000 against N28,000 for which it sold last year May.

A ‘long slate’ of ‘Titus’ (mackerel) now sells for N105,000 against N78,000 for which it sold last year. A square cartoon of ‘Titus’ sold for N38,000 the previous year now sells for N78,000, while a 25 litre of palm oil formerly sold for N31,000 now sells for N41,000.

Urah Chidiebere, a trader at Mararaba Market, lamented the rising cost of food items, saying, “People are murmuring that things are too expensive. They don’t have money to buy. People who bought a bag before now buy half, and this has affected my sales.”

“You know, if things are cheap, we make more profit. But now, nothing like that,” Ms Chidiebere told The Gazette.

Amid economic hardship that has seen food prices spike astronomically in the country, Seyi Tinubu, son of the Nigerian president who flaunted unbridled opulence in recent months, has urged Nigerians to have faith in his father, President Bola Tinubu, while expressing support for his father’s government.

In an Instagram post on Monday, Mr Tinubu, who once flaunted a Richard Mille RM 055 luxury watch worth $550,000 or N825 million at N1,500 to a dollar, begged impoverished Nigerians to support his father’s government.

“There is no joy in seeing the people of this nation shoulder burdens that should have been shed years ago,” he quoted his father to have said. “I wish today’s difficulties did not exist. But we must endure if we are to reach the good side of our future.”

Then, he went on to rally Nigerians to support his father with hashtags #HaveFaithinHim, #NigeriaisinGreatHands, #OurGenerationwillYieldthefruitsofthishardship, #IStandwithOurPresident, #RenewedHope, #NigeriaismyHome.

But his entreaties failed to appeal to some of his followers on Instagram, who asked if faith in Mr Tinubu’s government would pay their bills or feed them.

“Na faith we go use buy foodstuffs and pay bills?” said @ololade.

Another follower, @empresstok, said, “How far are u enduring? You can say that to the masses cos you are not in their shoes.”

Last year, the president’s son was criticised for flying a presidential jet to watch a polo match in Kano in 2023 as Nigerians grapple with economic hardship.

His statement came as Nigerians in Ibadan hit the streets in protests over the high cost of living under Mr Tinubu on Monday, with chants of ‘Tinubu ole!‘ rending the air.

Placards-carrying protesters at Mokola Roundabout remonstrated on the street with inscriptions like ‘End food price hike’ and ‘This is not Hope Renewed. This is shege renewed’.

“Tinubu is thief! Tinubu is thief!” the protesters hurled their opprobrium toward the president in a video posted on X.

Similar protests had rocked Niger, Kano, Osun and Lagos (Mr Tinubu’s home state), protesting hunger and other hardships.

In the past nine months, prices of staple foods have spiked almost 100 per cent as inflation ravages the Nigerian economy.

A market survey conducted at Mararaba Market, Nasarawa, by Peoples Gazette on February 7 showed that prices of most food items have increased by almost 100 per cent compared to what was obtainable last May.

Inflation accelerated after President Bola Tinubu’s sudden announcement of the removal of the petrol subsidy in his inaugural speech on May 29, 2023, followed later by the CBN’s policy of floating the naira.

Long queues have been observed at several petrol stations in the Federal Capital Terrotory (FCT), Abuja, on Monday morning.

The development, Politics Nigeria understands, may not be unconnected with the decision of the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO) to stop tanker operations, citing unsustainable high costs.

NARTO President, Alhaji Yusuf Lawal Othman, also confirmed that the enforcement of the suspension of operation has just begun across major cities in the country.

He said the association had notified the federal government and Major Energy Marketers Association of Nigeria of its plan to suspend operations.

Few petrol stations that were opened for business in Abuja have also increased the price of petrol from N648 to N670 per litre.

The few Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) retail outlets that were opened sold the product for N617 per litre amid long queues.

Former Minister and one of the aspirants for the 2024 All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship ticket for Edo State, Clem Agba, has rejected the outcome of the party primary election held on Saturday, 17th February.

Agba, in a statement on the outcome of the APC primary election for Edo governorship election, said there was no fair play in the polls. He added that the vote of the people did not count during the primary.

Speaking further, the governorship aspirant said the result so far announced is a ridicule of democracy and undermines the unity and strength of the APC.

According to him, “The result so far announced is a ridicule and undermines the principles of democracy and fair play. The votes of the people did not count, the processes of election were compromised and the strength and unity of our party greatly undermined.

What has taken place in Edo State negates all that even our political leaders have taught us over the years about democracy, the will of the people, one man, one vote and justice and fair play.

”The votes of the people did not count, the processes of election were compromised and the strength and unity of our party greatly undermined. What has taken place in Edo State negates all that even our political leaders have taught us over the years about democracy, the will of the people, one man, one vote and justice and fair play.”