NEWS
How Fuel Price Hike Is Driving Kano Residents To Extreme Measures
Following a sharp rise in fuel prices, residents in Kano are taking drastic measures to manage the increased costs.
Many have opted to leave their cars at home, choosing instead to use commercial tricycles or walk longer distances while others are turning to black market sellers for fuel.
On Wednesday, an inspection of various locations in the Kano metropolitan area revealed that major filling stations, including the NNPC Ltd, A.A. Rano, Total, and Aliko, were out of fuel.
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This shortage has led to notably reduced traffic on major roads, highlighting the extent of the impact on local transportation.
Paul, a resident of Jaba in Unity Estate, shared that he opted for a commercial tricycle to get to work due to the difficulties in obtaining fuel.
He noted that prior to the price hike, he spent around N20,000 weekly on fuel, an expense he now finds unsustainable.
He said “Even yesterday (Tuesday) that the PMS price rose to about N950 in some filling stations, there was still queues. I can’t go and waste my time queuing and going late to work and overburdening myself.
“Besides, with N1,000, I can join keke to and fro to work, after all, I have school fees of four children to pay as school is resuming.”
Expressing concern over the lack of available fuel despite the price hike, Mr. Paul urged the government to address the difficulties faced by ordinary citizens who are struggling to support their families amid economic hardships.
He warned that the increase in pump prices will likely exacerbate inflation and drive up food costs.
Another resident from Gama, Tukur Abdullahi, reported purchasing a litre of fuel from a ‘black market’ filling station in his area at N1,112 to fuel his motorcycle for work.
Abdullahi mentioned that he parked his car to cut expenses, explaining that his job requires frequent movement, making his motorcycle a more cost-effective option in the face of rising fuel prices.
Similarly, Bilkisu Nasidi, a resident of Zoo Road, expressed frustration over the situation, noting that she has turned to using tricycles and, on occasion, walking longer distances for exercise.
She mentioned that once school resumes, she will have no choice but to use her car for commuting and transporting her children, as finding a tricycle in the morning is often challenging.
Nasidi called on the federal government to intervene to alleviate the burden on the public.
On Tuesday, following NNPCL’s price increase of PMS from N617 to N897, most filling stations began selling fuel between N904 and N950.
However, by Wednesday, many of these stations had ceased dispensing fuel, forcing residents and motorists to rely on black market sellers who were charging between N1,020 and N1,500 per litre.
NEWS
NECO Expands Global Footprints, Accredits Niger, Equatorial Guinea Schools
In a bid to increase its global presence, the National Examination Council (NECO) has accredited more foreign schools.
This was contained in a statement issued under the signature of its Acting Director of Public Relations, Azeez Sanni, on Saturday.
He revealed that the accredited schools are in Niger Republic and Equatorial Guinea.
Recall that last year, the examination body accredited some centres in Niger Republic to enable Nigerian students in the Francophone country to sit for the examinations.
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The statement read, “Determined to broaden its horizon and expand its global presence, the National Examinations Council has accredited more foreign schools to write the Senior School Certificate Examination and the Basic Education Certificate Examination.
“The newly accredited schools, in addition to the existing ones, are in Niger Republic and Equatorial Guinea.
“NECO accreditation team visited the Schools to assess their readiness to write the SSCE and BECE.
“The accreditation 5eam inspected classrooms, laboratories, libraries, computer laboratories, workshops, examination halls and sports facilities to determine their adequacy and suitability for NECO examinations.
“After a thorough evaluation and comprehensive assessment, the schools were granted full SSCE and full BECE accreditation status.”
NEWS
Ex-UN Envoy Warns Of New Cold War Threatening Africa’s Unity
Renowned diplomat and former United Nations Under-Secretary-General, Ibrahim Gambari, has raised alarms over the looming threat of a new Cold War that could fracture Africa along geopolitical lines.
Speaking at the Realnews Magazine Annual Lecture in Lagos, Gambari urged African leaders to urgently reposition the continent amidst intensifying global power struggles.
The lecture, themed “Africa in World Shifting Geopolitics: Matters Arising on Demography, Technology, Artificial Intelligence, Natural Resources,” explored Africa’s strategic role in a rapidly evolving international system.
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Gambari cautioned that without proactive measures, Africa risks being sidelined or exploited in the unfolding global order.
Africa: Battleground in a New Power Struggle
Describing the increasing militarisation by major global powers, Gambari painted a picture of fierce competition for control over Africa’s resources and strategic locations.
He noted that the proliferation of foreign military bases across the continent is evidence of this struggle.
“A relentless militarisation is taking place across the world—from the Atlantic to the Pacific, the Arctic to the Antarctic,” Gambari said. “Rich in natural resources and strategically located, Africa has become a key battleground in this global power struggle.”
He cited Djibouti as a stark example of Africa’s strategic importance.
The country, located near the Red Sea, hosts both the United States’ only permanent base on the continent, Camp Lemonnier, and China’s first overseas military installation.
Gambari warned that the presence of such bases represents more than security interests, suggesting echoes of colonial ambitions aimed at controlling Africa’s wealth and arable land.
“The seaboard of Africa is already dotted with military bases operated by various powers,” Gambari observed. “The continent is once again at the center of a scramble as the new Cold War intensifies.”
The Return of Zero-Sum Geopolitics
Gambari also highlighted the resurgence of zero-sum geopolitics, where nations compete for influence at the expense of others.
He noted that China and Russia are emerging as dominant players in Africa, with China leveraging infrastructure projects and debt relief, while Russia offers weapons and military support.
“These actions signal a destabilising competition for influence,” Gambari said, adding that traditional powers like France, Germany, India, and the UK are also expanding their presence on the continent.
“The age of zero-sum geopolitics is back, with all its destabilising consequences for African countries,” he said.
Unlocking Africa’s Potential Amid Challenges
Despite the geopolitical rivalry, Gambari emphasized that Africa’s youthful and growing population provides a significant opportunity for the continent to assert its influence globally.
He urged African leaders to invest in education, innovation, and youth-driven initiatives to harness this demographic dividend.
“With well over a billion people and an overwhelmingly youthful population, the African continent is destined for a significant role in the demographics of the world,” Gambari said.
“But we must build national and regional strategies to leverage the energy, innovative acumen, and futuristic vision of our young people.”
Gambari warned that without these strategies, Africa’s demographic advantage could remain underutilised.
He also called for the continent to be proactive in shaping the rules of the emerging global order, rather than being passive participants.
“We cannot afford to sit on the sidelines while the rules of a new world order are being written,” Gambari said.
“We must insist on being joint rule-makers, ensuring the new global order reflects our values and aspirations for a fairer, more inclusive, and equitable world.”
A Call to Action
Gambari concluded with a rallying cry for African leaders to harness the continent’s abundant resources and human capital.
He said Africa must use its demographic and strategic advantages to achieve the structural transformation that has long eluded it.
He said, “We must be ready to harness our abundant human and natural resources to leapfrog our development. Although the outcomes of ongoing geopolitical shifts are uncertain, they need not come at the expense of our people and our continent.”
Gambari stressed the need for bold leadership, warning that Africa cannot afford complacency. “Our youth bulge must become an advantage that places us at the forefront of the digital economy and its innovations,” he said.
NEWS
Relatives Of Renowned Journalist Abducted In Kogi, N50m Ransom Demanded
Three relatives of Malam Ahmed Ajobe, a former Editor of Daily Trust, were abducted by gunmen on Thursday evening along the Ankpa-Adoka-Makurdi road in Kogi State.
The victims, identified as a male and two females, include Ajobe’s immediate younger sister, Halimtu-Sadiya Tahir.
The family members were returning from a market in Awo, Ankpa Local Government Area, where they had gone to purchase items for the seventh-day prayers of Ajobe’s late mother, Malama Aishetu Tahir.
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The matriarch passed away on Sunday after a protracted illness.
The abduction occurred around 3 p.m. on the deplorable Ankpa-Adoka-Makurdi road, a known hotspot for criminal activities.
According to a family source, the kidnappers contacted the family on Friday and demanded a ransom of N50 million for the release of the victims.
A close family friend, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said: “Yes, three of Ajobe’s family members were kidnapped at gunpoint at about 3 p.m. on Thursday.
The kidnappers reached out on Friday afternoon demanding for N50 million as ransom.
However, I can’t confirm what the family is offering in the negotiations because I had to leave the community for an emergency in Lokoja. What I can say is that no amount has been paid yet, and the victims are still in captivity.”
The Kogi State Police Command has confirmed the incident and assured the public that efforts are underway to rescue the victims.
The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), William Aya, disclosed that the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in charge of the area has deployed officers to track the assailants.
“The Commissioner of Police, Bethrand Onuoha, has ordered the drafting of a tactical team to reinforce the local police. We are doing everything possible to ensure the safe release of the victims and to bring the perpetrators to justice,” Aya said.
The Ankpa-Adoka-Makurdi road has long been a source of concern for residents, who have repeatedly called for improved security and road infrastructure.
Negotiations between the family and the kidnappers are ongoing, but as of press time, the victims remain in captivity.