FocalPoint Reports

2024 Election: Edo Govt Declares Public Holiday The Edo State Government has declared Friday, September 20, a work-free day in the State to enable workers and other electorates travel to their voting areas ahead of the September 21 governorship election in the State. In a statement to FocalPoint  News , Joseph Eboigbe, Secretary to the Edo State Government reassured that security measures have been provided to ensure a free, fair, and credible election. The statement reads,  “It is hereby announced for the information of the general public that the Edo State Government has declared Friday, September 20, a work-free day in Edo State. “This is to enable workers and other electorates travel to their voting areas ahead of the September 21 governorship election in the State.” He added, “ Government wishes everyone journey mercies and reassures that security measures have been provided to ensure a free, fair and credible election.”

Edo Guber: Nine Political Parties Collapse Into APC Ahead Of Saturday’s Election The chances of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the Saturday governorship election have been strengthened after nine political parties unanimously collapsed into the party in Edo State. The Chairman of the Edo State chapter of the National Rescue Movement (NRM), Sam Arase, announced on behalf of the Assembly of Registered Political Parties in Edo State that the parties prefer the APC candidate and are confident of victory. The parties include the Social Democratic Party of Nigeria (SDP), Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Action Democratic Party (ADP), All Peoples Party (APP), Accord (A), Young Progressive Party (YPP), Action Alliance (AA), and National Rescue Movement (NRM). The parties demand a violence-free election and urge Edo citizens to come out en masse and vote for APC. The parties mandated their members to work towards the enthronement of the APC candidate, Senator Mo

Delta Sports Development: N5m for Grabs, as LOC Commences Sale of forms for 2024 Delta Ethnic Peace & Unity Cup Competition Warri: The Local Organising Committee (LOC) of the Delta Ethnic Peace and Unity Cup Competition, formerly known as Ijaw/Itesekiri Peace and Unity Football Tournament, has announced the commencement of the sale of forms to applicants. The biennial football tournament, organized by Center for Peace and Environmental Justice, CEPEJ, and sponsored by Comrade (Chief) Sheriff Mulade, is aimed at promoting peaceful coexistence and unity among Ijaw, Itsekiri, Isoko and Urhobo ethnic groups in Delta State, after the conflict and crisis that erupted in the State, particularly in Warri and its environs some years back. The tournament, aimed at building bridges of unity and promoting socio-economic economic growth and development, will also help to discover many football talents at the grassroots in Delta State, with multiplier benefits for Deltans and the Sta

Fuel Queues Are Now A Thing Of The Past – Otedola The owner of Geregu Power Plant, Femi Otedola, has said the coming on stream of Dangote Refinery’s petrol would address the perennial issue of queues in filling stations. Femi Otedola stated this on Sunday, as Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) trucks loaded petrol at Dangote Refinery. Otedola praised President Bola Tinubu for assisting the indigenous refinery achieve its feat. “ Kudos to President Tinubu for making this a reality! Fuel queues are now a thing of the past as Dangote Refinery starts loading PMS today Sunday 15 September 2024 ,” Otedola wrote. The billionaire businessman had on Tuesday, September 3, recalled how he and Aliko Dangote planned to invest in the country’s refineries but their efforts were thwarted by the government. He added that the founder of Dangote Refinery, Alhaji Dangote, liberated Nigeria from the chains of economic dependence. “ You have not just built a refinery; you have liberated us f

Delta Land Dispute: Mulade Cautions Against Selling Benikrukru Land WARRI: Gbaramatu Kingdom, born renowned global peace ambassador and development advocate, Comrade Mulade Sheriff, has called on the good and peace loving people of Benikrukru Community in Gbaramatu Kingdom, Warri South-West Local of Delta State to kindly desist and avoid laying a wrong precedent in the community and Gbaramatu Kingdom at large. Chief Mulade, who is the Ibe-Serimowei of Ancient Gbaramatu Kingdom, gave the advice over the weekend and cautioned the leadership of the community led by Comrade Joel Tonjoh to be careful and not to trade with the future of our yet unborn generations. He made this position known, against the backdrop of an ongoing attempt by the Comrade Joel Tonjoh-led leadership of the Benikrukru community in attempt to sell off certain portions of lands measuring over four hundreds acres, in a most clandestine, suspicious, unpatriotic and dubious manner, devoid of any  historical o

FG Increases Feeding Allowance Of Inmates By 50% The Nigeria Correctional Service (NCS), on Thursday, confirmed that the federal government has raised the feeding allowance for inmates by 50%. The increase becomes effective from August 2024. The spokesperson of the NCS,  Abubakar Umar , confirmed the development in an interview with Punch, adding that the approval is part of efforts to address rising food costs and improve inmate welfare. He added that the increase is just the first phase, and other adjustments are expected, all targeted at enhancing the living conditions of inmates. “The inmate feeding allowance has been increased by 50 per cent, effective from August 2024. This is just the first phase,”  Umar said. “The FG will also consider additional reviews. This is just the first phase. Normally, there is a period when inmate feeding allowances are reviewed. Following a presentation during the budget process, the FG deemed it necessary to adjust the allowance due to the rising co

Dangote Refinery Dismisses Claims of NNPC Petrol Lift at ₦897/litre Dangote Petroleum Refinery has dismissed claims that the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has begun lifting petrol from its facility for ₦897 per litre. Dangote Group clarified in a statement issued on September 4, 2024, that such a transaction had not occurred, labelling the report as misleading. “We would like to state that NNPC has not commenced lifting of refined Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, from our Dangote Petroleum Refinery,” stated Anthony Chiejina, Group Chief Branding and Communications Officer of Dangote. It stated further that the petrol price had yet to be determined as contracts with the NNPC are still being negotiated. “The issue of fixing the price of petrol lifted from our refinery does not arise, as we are yet to finalise our contract with NNPC,” Chiejina explained. The government strictly controls the fuel market and does not have the authority to set product pr

BREAKING: Edwin Clark Calls For Wike’s Arrest, Writes Police IG A former Federal Commissioner for Information and South-South, Edwin Clark, has formally addressed a letter to Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, urging the immediate arrest and prosecution of Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA). During a press briefing held at his residence in Asokoro on Thursday, the Ijaw leader expressed his concerns regarding Wike’s recent remarks, in which he threatened to incite violence against the governors of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). FocalPoint News  recalls that Wike made these statements while addressing attendees at the PDP secretariat in Port Harcourt, the capital of Rivers State, during the party’s state congress on Saturday, cautioning PDP governors to refrain from interfering in the party’s matters in Rivers. “Let me assure all of you, not while we live will anybody take away the structure of the PDP from us. But let

Onanuga Has Made It Clear That He Harbours Deep Resentment For The Igbos – HURIWA Calls For Sack Of Presidential Aide The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA). has called on President Bola Tinubu to relieve his Special Assistant on Strategic Communications, Bayo Onanuga of his duties. HURIWA described Onanuga as an Igbo hater, It as reported. The group claimed that the presidential aide has been vocal in his disdain for Igbos, especially during the 2023 elections, when he was reported to have made inflammatory statements about the Igbos’ involvement in Lagos politics. Speaking via a statement signed by the National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, the human rights organization charged Tinubu to take decisive steps against Onanuga. The statement read in part, “ The gravity of his threats cannot be ignored, and justice must be served. Hate speech and incitement to violence should be addressed wherever and whenever they occur, and those responsible must face the consequence

JUST IN: NNPCL Official Urges Nigerians To Prepare For More Fuel Scarcity The Executive Vice President (Downstream) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Adedapo Segun, has urged Nigerians to brace for more fuel scarcity. This warning follows a recent surge in fuel prices, which has significantly impacted citizens nationwide. It as recalls that the NNPC, on Tuesday, adjusted the pump price per litre of petrol to ₦855 across its filling stations. Segun, while speaking on Thursday on Arise Television’s Morning Show, emphasized the importance of establishing a competitive market to stabilize fuel prices and ensure a steady supply. The scarcity, already visible across the country, is linked to NNPCL’s challenges in managing fuel imports and debts to suppliers. Additionally, experts have called for more strategic borrowing by the NNPCL to address supply issues and prevent further disruptions in fuel availability. This spike in fuel costs has further strained the pocket

Hon. Dagidi congratulates Chief Arenyeka on emergence as State PDP Chair BOMADI—The executive chairman of Bomadi local government area of Delta State, Hon. Andaye Rawlings Dagidi, has congratulated Chief Solomon Arenyeka on his emergence as the state chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. Hon. Dagidi also felicitated all exco members who were elected at the state Party Congress held in Asaba, the state capital. In his message of felicitation, issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Chancel Bomadi Sunday, yesterday, the council boss expressed delight over Arenyeka's emergence, stressing the party under his leadership would be more united and do greater exploits. The statement reads: "Your resounding victory at the just concluded state party congress is well-deserved, which is a testament of your unwavering commitment and support for party affairs coupled with your exceptional leadership qualities displayed over the years. "Your overwhelming track-records w

Public Holidays To Expect In Nigeria For September 2024 Public holidays in Nigeria serve as essential breaks from work, allowing citizens to rest and celebrate important events. 1) Eid-ul-Maulud 2024 The Nigerian federal government will designate a public holiday in honor of Eid-ul-Maulud on September 16, 2024. This holiday commemorates the birth of the Islamic prophet, Muhammad, which is observed in Rabi’ al-Awwal, the third month of the Islamic calendar. On this day, schools and businesses close, giving the general public time off. For many Muslims, Eid-ul-Maulud is a time of celebration and reflection. In various countries, the day is marked by parades, and homes and mosques are often decorated. Additionally, Islamic schools and organizations may host educational events to deepen understanding of the life and teachings of Prophet Muhammad among both Muslims and non-Muslims. Eid-ul-Maulud is also a moment for Muslims to express gratitude for their blessings and renew their commitment

BREAKING: ‘Atiku, Peter Obi, Kwankwaso Resume Merger Dialogue For 2027 Presidency’ The three prominent opposition leaders in Nigeria, Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso, are reportedly currently engaged in discussions regarding a potential merger ahead of the 2027 presidential election. FocalPoint News learnt that the trio aim to unseat the All Progressives Congress (APC) incumbent administration led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. This move follows the hunger and widespread insecurity in the country, as stated by a spokesperson for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Monday. The deputy national spokesman for the PDP, Ibrahim Abdullahi, made this announcement while appearing as a guest on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily programme. He indicated that the three opposition candidates from the previous elections—Atiku of the PDP, Peter Obi of the Labour Party, and Rabiu Kwankwaso of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), – are prepared to set aside personal ambitions to cre