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Folarin Kehinde

Headlines

BREAKING: Bomb blast kill one student, injured four others at Abuja School

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Tragedy struck on Monday, January 6, 2025, in Kuchibiyu community, Bwari Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), when a bomb explosion at an Islamiyyah school left one student dead and four others critically injured.

The explosion occurred around noon in the quiet community located about 42 kilometres from Abuja’s city centre.

Emergency response teams, including the police bomb disposal squad, swiftly arrived at the scene, while the injured students were rushed to a nearby hospital for urgent medical attention.

A security source revealed that the deceased student was reportedly carrying a substance suspected to be an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) when it detonated.

However, official statements from security and police authorities are yet to be released.

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Headlines

16-day black-out begins in FCT Abuja today

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

The 16-day load shedding for some parts of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has commenced from today 6th of January 2024 as announced by the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC).

Recall that AEDC had announced the power interruption in parts of its franchise areas that will last until January 21.

It was gathered that the load shedding was as a result of the relocation of the 33 KiloVolt (KV) DC Airport Feeder and 132KV Kukwaba-Apo Transmission Line Towers along the Outer Southern Expressway by the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA).

AEDC listed areas to be affected during the period to include Lugbe and environs, Airport Road, Kapwa, NNPC, Games Village, National Stadium, Eye Clinic, Indoor Complex, Christ Embassy Church.

“Other areas are American International School, Spring Court, American Embassy Quarters, EFCC headquarters, Coca Cola, Railway, Federal Medical Centre (FMC).

”Parts of Apo, Parts of Gudu, Gbazango and environs, Parts of Kubwa, Bwari and environs, Parts of Jahi, Parts of Jabi, Karu, Nyanya, Mararaba, Keffi and environs, and other parts of Abuja.

”We are working round the clock to reduce downtime as much as possible, and regret any inconvenience and appreciate your understanding,” it said.

Meanwhile, the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has confirmed the rationing of power supply as announced by AEDC.

Mrs Ndidi Mbah, TCN’S General Manager, Public Affairs made the confirmation in a statement in Abuja on Saturday.

Mbah confirmed that the rationing would be due to the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA)’s road dualisation project along the Apo axis.

She said that eight number of 132 Kilovolt (kV) and 33kV towers would be relocated along the Kukwaba/Apo 132kV line (Outer Southern Expressway route).

Mbah confirmed the areas to be affected to include Kubwa, Karu, Maraba, Nyanya, Masaka, Keffi, Kukwaba, and Apo Mechanic.

According to her, the power rationing will also affect parts of Lugbe, Trademore Estate, Pyakasa, Sabon Lugbe Chika and Alaita axis.

“This relocation work will necessitate a planned power outage from 6th to 20th January from 9am to 4pm daily, which is the estimated duration for the dismantling and construction of the towers.

“It will also allow for the restringing of the power cables that will enable resumption of bulk power supply to the Apo Transmission Substation from Gwagwalada Substation.

“While the relocation of the transmission towers is a necessity for the road completion project, TCN apologises for the inconvenience this planned power outage will cause,” she said.

Mbah assured customers that power supply would be restored as soon as the towers relocation and cable stringing were completed.

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Business

Warri Refinery: Oil marketers to start lifting petrol in February

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Oil marketers target to start lifting Premium Motor Spirit from the 125,000 barrels per day Warri Refinery by February 2025.

This comes as the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria confirmed that its members have started lifting automotive gas oil (diesel) and kerosene.

Chairman, Delta State chapter of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, Harry Okenini, disclosed this in his remarks on the functionality of the refinery at the weekend.

According to him, the refinery is partly operational.

“For now, only the automotive gas oil, popularly called diesel, and dual-purpose kerosene are being produced and loaded out for consumption.

“Hopefully, by February, we are expecting cooking gas, PMS, and other products to come out.

As of now, the retail unit is only loading AGO and DPK,” he added.

Similarly, the National Chairman of the Surface Tank and Kerosene Peddlers, a branch of the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, NUPENG, Israel Omokere, stated that the refinery was in operation.

“Hopefully the PMS will come on board. We are loading kerosene and AGO for now.”

LEADING REPORTERS reports that the development is coming a month after the rehabilitation of the Port Harcourt refinery situated in Rivers State.

Addressing the team during the tour of the facility began on Monday, Kyari said, “This plant is running. Although it is not 100 per cent complete, we are still in the process.

“Many people think these things are not real. They think real things are not possible in this country. We want you to see that this is real.”
SGF Complex, Sheu Shagari House Beside National Assembly

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Africa & World

It has potential to spread to countries’, WHO declares amid new COVID outbreak in China

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Following the recent outbreak of a new strain of Coronavirus in China, the World Health Organisation has declared the situation as a global health emergency.

The international organisation also expressed concern over the virus’ ability to spread to countries with weak health systems.

Speaking at a press conference in Geneva, Tedros Ghebreyesus, WHO’s director-general said the organisation’s committee on epidemic in an almost unanimous decision declared the outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern(PHEIC).

According to Tedros, the decision which was not taken easily is as a result of happenings across countries of the world, not just China.

He said, “Our greatest concern is the potential for the virus to spread to countries with weaker health systems and which are ill-prepared to deal with it.

“Let me be clear, this declaration is not a vote of no confidence in China,” Tedros said.

Stating that the WHO is confident that China can contain the disease outbreak, Tedros highlighted recommendations which include the development of vaccines among others for controlling the incidents.

For the past few days China has been inundated with the growing incidents from the outbreak of the disease.

However, no fatality has been reported since the outbreak of the disease which has overwhelmed China hospitals and health workers.

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Headlines

Donald Trump invites Nathaniel Bassey to minister at inaugural prayer breakfast in US

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Respected Nigerian pastor and gospel minister, Nathaniel Bassey, has been invited to minister at the Presidential Inaugural Prayer Breakfast of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump on January 20, 2025, in Washington, D.C.

Punch Metro reports that the event, a non-governmental and non-political gathering, will be hosted by Reverend Merrie Turner, ahead of the swearing-in ceremony of President-elect Donald J. Trump and Vice President-elect JD Vance.

The renowned gospel artist from Akwa Ibom is no stranger to the United States. In 2024, the Mayor of Albany, New York, declared October 6 as “Pastor Nathaniel Bassey Day” in the city.

On his Instagram, Nathaniel Bassey confirmed his participation, saying, “Let’s raise a sound in America. And let the King of Glory come in. See you. 20th January, 2025.”

In the post, he shared further details about the event, explaining, “The Presidential Prayer Breakfast is a non-official and non-governmental event. It is a faith-based platform where intercessory prayers and worship are offered to God on behalf of the office of the president and the government of the nation. This event is held once every four years, preceding the inauguration ceremony, as a breakfast prayer meeting ahead of every new administration.”

The renowned gospel artist from Akwa Ibom is no stranger to the United States. Punch Metro recalls that in 2024, the Mayor of Albany, New York, declared October 6 as “Pastor Nathaniel Bassey Day” in the city.

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Headlines

Farmers affected by insurgency to buy petrol for N600 per litre – Borno Government

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

The Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, has said that the state government will subsidise the cost of petrol to farmers in communities affected by Boko Haram insurgency.

Zulum made this disclosure on Friday evening in Bama town, when he flagged off the distribution of farm inputs to over 5,000 farmers previously displaced by Boko Haram insurgents.

“A litre of petrol sold between N1,000 and N1,200 in Maiduguri will be subsidised to the farmers for N600. This is aimed at alleviating the financial burdens faced by farmers in communities that have suffered economic and infrastructural destruction due to years of conflict.” he said.

Zulum highlighted that a similar initiative implemented in Damasak, Mobar Local Government Area, last year has significantly increased food production and improved livelihoods.

According to the Governor, “One of the major challenges that are facing the farming communities here as regards irrigation farming is the increasing cost of fuel, as a result, I want to announce to the general public that the government will procure petroleum products and sell them to the farmers at a subsided rate, a litre of petrol is being sold in Maiduguri at the cost of about N1,200 but henceforth, for irrigation farmers this season a litre of petrol will be sold at the rate of N600.

“The Commissioner for Agriculture will work with the Brigade Commander to ensure the delivery of the petroleum products to farmers in Bama town as soon as possible.”

In addition to the petrol subsidy, Zulum distributed farm inputs, including 2000 bags of blended NPK fertilizer, 1000 units of water pumps, and 620 units of gasoline pumps.

Other materials include 380 units of solar water pumps, 1000 units of sprayers, 800 rolls of 2-inch flexible hose, and 1000 litres of pesticides and seeds, among other items.

He further disclosed that his administration has constructed over 100 tube wells for use by irrigation farmers while also announcing the approval for the construction of an additional 250.

Moreover, Governor Zulum has also visited Darajama and Goniri villages under Bama Local Government to assess the ongoing reconstruction work as he expressed satisfaction with the quality of the project, but also reiterated that his administration will not allow anyone to sabotage its resettlement drive.

He expressed gratitude to the Federal Government for the tremendous support of his administration’s reconstruction and resettlement of communities affected by insurgency.

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Headlines

Pastor Adeboye lay curse on those behind ‘Alhaji’ meme says mockers will not survive 2025

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Enoch Adeboye, has said God told him mockers will become more aggressive in 2025, but many of them will not survive the year.

In a viral video of his sermon during the first Holy Ghost Night service of 2025, Mr Adeboye referred to an AI-generated meme depicting him as an Alhaji. He explained that God told him mockers would intensify their efforts this year but that many would not make it through.

“I’m sure many of you saw on the internet how some people used AI to generate a picture of me looking like an Alhaji. How many of you saw that one?” Mr Adeboye asked his congregation, laughing.

“The Lord said, ‘Mockers will be louder and more aggressive this year than ever before. But unfortunately, Daddy says many of them will not survive this year,’” Mr Adeboye said, as his congregation responded with a resounding “Amen.”

He added, “I’m the one who added ‘unfortunately’ because God doesn’t want the death of sinners. But many of them have decided not to repent.”

The comments from Mr Adeboye followed the circulation of an AI-generated image, which portrayed him as a Muslim pilgrim in Mecca.

The photo went viral in the final days of 2024, coinciding with a heated debate over a controversial banner displayed on the fence of a mosque in the Lekki area of Lagos.

The banner claimed that Jesus was a prophet, not the Son of God, as believed by Christians.

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Headlines

Japa: Germany launches online visa application portal for Nigerians, others

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

German authorities have launched an online visa application portal for Nigerians and other applicants worldwide.

This was announced in a statement by Germany’s Federal Foreign Office on January 1.

“The Consular Services Portal is being launched worldwide today, 1 January 2025, enabling people around the world to submit applications for German visas online,” the statement reads.

According to the statement, 28 categories of national visas can now be applied for online by those who want to work, study, or join their families in Germany.

Germany’s Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock described the online visa application portal as a positive development that will help the country meet its demand for skilled workers.

“Every year, Germany is short of at least 400,000 skilled workers. 400,000 clever minds and even more agile hands to keep our country running – in the skilled crafts sector, in the care sector, in tech companies. Our national economy is also in a global competition to attract trainees, apprentices, and students.

“At times like these, we cannot afford to downright put the best off coming here to roll up their sleeves because of long paper application forms and even longer waiting periods. At times like these, as one of the biggest economies and as a modern country of immigration, we need a national visa process that is state-of-the-art – modern, digital and secure,” Ms Baerbock said.

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Business

Naira weakens to 1,541/$

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

The Nigerian naira weakened to N1,541.36/$ on the first day of trading in the New Year.

According to the NFEM rate data available on the website of the Central Bank of Nigeria, this is a 0.36 per cent depreciation compared to the closing rate of 2024 which was N1,535.82/$.

Some authorised dealers quoted the dollar at N1,545/$, an improvement compared to the N1,550/$ quoted on Tuesday while others quoted the naira at N1520/$ at the close of trading on Thursday.

At the parallel market, the naira closed trading at N1,655/$ compared to N1670/$ on Tuesday.

Some authorised dealers quoted the dollar at N1,545/$, an improvement compared to the N1,550/$ quoted on Tuesday while others quoted the naira at N1520/$ at the close of trading on Thursday.

At the parallel market, the naira closed trading at N1,655/$ compared to N1670/$ on Tuesday.

The naira had recorded a 40.9 per cent depreciation in 2024 when compared to the official rate at the close of 2023, which stood at 907.11/$.

The significant depreciation comes amid the CBN’s introduction of several foreign exchange policies aimed at enhancing market transparency and attracting foreign investors.

The latest reform was the introduction of the Electronic Foreign Exchange Matching System which set new guidelines for authorised Foreign Exchange dealers in December. This introduction saw the naira gain some semblance of stability.

Meanwhile, in the money market, the Nigerian Interbank Offered Rate experienced downward movements across all maturities, signalling liquidity in the banking system. However, the Open Repo Rate fell by 0.61 per cent to 26.69 per cent, while the Overnight Lending Rate decreased by 0.55 per cent to 27.25 per cent.

Trading in the secondary market for FGN bonds was subdued, resulting in a slight uptick in the average yield to 19.76 per cent. In Nigeria’s sovereign Eurobonds market, buy pressure across the short, mid, and long ends of the yield curve led to a 6 bps decrease in the average yield to 9.62 per cent.

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Headlines

Blackout Looms In Abuja Over Relocation Of Electricity Installations

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

The Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) says there will be power disruptions in some parts of Abuja due to relocation of the 33KV DC Airport Feeder and 132KV Kukwaba-Apo Transmission Line Towers along the Outer Southern Expressway.

A statement on its official X handle said the operation would occur from January 6 to 31.

The statement read: “Please be informed that there will be power interruptions from January 6-21, 2025, due to FCDA relocating the 33KV DC Airport Feeder and 132KV Kukwaba-Apo Transmission Line Towers along the Outer Southern Expressway.”

It said the areas that will experience outages during the period include: Lugbe & environs, Airport Road, Kapwa, NNPC, Games Village, National Stadium, Eye Clinic, Indoor Complex, Christ Embassy Church, American International School, Spring Court, American Embassy Quarters, EFCC HQ, Coca Cola, Railway, FMC, Parts of Apo.

Others are parts of Gudu, Gbazango & environs, Parts of Kubwa, Bwari & environs, Parts of Jahi, Parts of Jabi, Karu, Nyanya, Mararaba, Keffi & environs, and other parts of Abuja.

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