Hello and welcome! In today’s trending news stories,
1. The Nigerian government has approved Dangote Refinery as the sole jet fuel supplier (Jet A1) for the country’s airlines. Minister of Aviation Festus Keyamo disclosed this on October 8, explaining that the decision aligns with a recently implemented naira-for-crude agreement with Dangote to alleviate foreign exchange pressures and stabilize airline operational costs by setting prices in local currency. The Dangote Refinery, Africa’s largest, began operations in April 2024. It produces jet fuel and diesel, with the latter reaching the local market in May. Some of its jet fuel has supplied the Nigerian market, while exports have been made to Europe and West Africa, including a 45,000-ton shipment to Rotterdam on May 27. With a 650,000 barrels-per-day capacity, the $20 billion facility seeks to reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imported petroleum products, addressing the country’s refining capacity gap.
2. Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike has accused Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara of inciting violence following recent local government (LG) elections. Wike alleged on October 8, during a Channels TV interview, that Fubara’s disregard for a court order led to post-election violence. He cited an increase in unrest, with five deaths and several LG secretariats set ablaze by alleged political thugs. In response, Fubara launched a judicial inquiry to investigate the destruction and hold offenders accountable. Governor Fubara also condemned the violence, asserting that his administration would prevent similar unrest. Fubara’s commission, led by Justice Ibiwengi Roseline Minakiri, identified the violence’s causes, evaluated damages, and recommended prevention strategies. Rivers State’s new police commissioner, Mustapha Mohammed, pledged to restore calm amid these challenges.
3. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has permitted Dr. Asue Ighodalo and his legal team to inspect election materials and the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) devices used in the contested Edo State governorship election. This decision follows protests and legal action from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who allege electoral manipulation by the ruling party. INEC had initially denied access to the BVAS machines despite a court order. Still, INEC’s Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dr. Anugbom Onuoha, asserted the commission’s commitment to transparency and scheduled the inspection for October 9. The PDP sees this as a win for democracy, hoping to gather evidence to support their case before the election tribunal. PDP State Chairman Dr. Anthony Aziegbemin praised supporters and criticized the police and INEC for alleged collusion with the APC. Although INEC’s decision has eased some tension, Aziegbemin indicated that protests may continue to address perceived injustices.
4. Speculation about the health of Cameroonian President Paul Biya, 91, has intensified after his absence from major international events, including the UN General Assembly. Rumors escalated with false reports of his death. Still, Cameroon’s ambassador to France, André Magnus Ekoumou, clarified that Biya is in Geneva and good health, denying claims that he was hospitalized in France. Cameroonian officials, including Grégoire Owona and Jacques Fame Ndongo, condemned the rumors, calling for legal action against those spreading misinformation. Many Cameroonians remain skeptical despite reassurances, demanding proof of Biya’s well-being. The president has not been seen publicly since he visited China over a month ago, raising concerns about transparency. Biya, the world’s oldest head of state, has yet to confirm whether he will run in the 2025 elections.
5. The Gbemiga Abiodun Memorial Education Support Programme, initiated by Ogun State Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun and his family, awarded ₦91,050,000 to 1,000 students across primary, secondary, and tertiary institutions in memory of his late son, Gbemiga, also known as DJ Olu. In its second year, the program presented ₦39.75 million to 159 tertiary students, ₦14.7 million to 294 primary pupils, and ₦36.6 million to 366 secondary students from Ikenne, Remo-North, and Sagamu. Governor Abiodun announced plans to expand the scholarship to all 17 local government areas and introduced a “Creative Students Category” to honor Gbemiga’s creativity.
6. Nigerian activist and lawyer Deji Adeyanju disclosed on Tuesday that singer Speed Darlington, previously reported missing, was arrested in Abuja due to a defamation and cyberstalking complaint filed by Grammy-winning artist Burna Boy. The complaint stemmed from a video Darlington posted online, accusing Burna Boy of engaging in inappropriate conduct to win a Grammy. Following his detention, Darlington met bail conditions and was released. Adeyanju shared photos of Darlington in his office post-release, thanking prominent Nigerians, including Omoyele Sowore and lawyer Stanley Alieke, for their support. Darlington’s mother, Queen, alleged that Burna Boy and his team were involved in her son’s arrest.
7. The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has responded to a viral video showing a confrontation between its staff and a cargo agent at Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, describing the video as a blackmail attempt. FAAN clarified that the individual in the video was a cargo agent engaged in unauthorized operations, not a passenger, and had refused to pay required cargo charges, damaging airport equipment. FAAN emphasized its cargo policies, which mandate operations within designated areas with appropriate personnel and vehicles, to ensure safety and adherence to international standards. The agency denied any extortion by its staff, reaffirming that the agent’s behavior led to the conflict.
