News

Most filling stations yet to get Dangote petrol – IPMAN

Published

7 months ago

September 22, 2024

One week after the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited commenced loading Premium Motor Spirit, popularly called petrol, at the Dangote Petroleum Refinery, most filling stations across the country have yet to get the product.

Independent petroleum marketers who operate over 70 per cent of filling nationwide, told Sunday PUNCH on Saturday that petrol from Dangote refinery had yet to be dispensed to them by NNPC.

When contacted and asked if most dealers have started receiving the product from the $20bn Lekki-based plant, the National President of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, Abubakar Maigandi, replied, “We are waiting to start.”

NNPC officially commenced the loading of petrol from the 650,000 barrels per day capacity Dangote Petroleum Refinery last Sunday.

NNPC said at the time that it was to load 16.8 million litres of petrol from the plant, in contrast to the 25 million litres that the refinery had announced earlier as what it would release to the national oil company daily.

The spokesperson of NNPC, Olufemi Soneye, confirmed that over 70 trucks of PMS departed the Dangote refinery last Sunday, which was the first day for the release of petrol from the plant to the domestic market.

Since then, the company has been taking products from the plant, as it also directed major marketers to lift petrol based on agreements with them, but on Saturday it was confirmed that independent marketers were yet to get Dangote petrol.

NNPC, which is currently the sole off-taker of PMS from the Lagos-based refinery, did not immediately respond to enquiries on why IPMAN members have not been allowed to access the product from the Dangote refinery.

The National Publicity Secretary of IPMAN, Chief Ukadike Chinede, also confirmed that members of the association were still awaiting NNPC as regards petrol supply from the Dangote refinery.

Asked if most filling stations particularly those operated by IPMAN members have started getting Dangote petrol, he replied, “No, we have not started getting Dangote fuel from NNPC. As of this time, we haven’t.

“The current situation is that NNPC is still serving us with their imported products. That’s what we are loading for now and they haven’t communicated to us about the issue of Dangote.

“I think what they (NNPC) did was to take Dangote fuel to their own (NNPC) retail outlets because there was no design for NNPC to give IPMAN products via trucks.”

Ukadike said independent marketers were willing buyers and called for the release of products to IPMAN, as he noted that the national oil company had been supplying Dangote petrol to major oil marketers.

“What we do is self-picking. We use our trucks to pick products. So if we were factored into picking up petrol from Dangote, our trucks would have been at its terminals.

“But this time, it is only for NNPC mobilised trucks. We are still waiting for further directives and like I said in other interviews, we are willing buyers and what we are looking for is a willing seller.”

On why the cost of Dangote petrol is high, the IPMAN official said, “I heard that NNPC is selling at N776/litre to major marketers but they haven’t started selling to independent marketers.

“When you add logistics costs and other necessary things, you would understand why it still sells at the current price. However, when there is an adequate supply of petrol, the price will reduce. Also, the price of diesel is still high. Once the price of diesel goes down, the price of trucking will go down.”

Senior officials of some major oil marketing firms told one of our correspondents that they had commenced the lifting of petrol from the Dangote refinery based on specific arrangements with NNPC.

They also confirmed that the cost which they bought the product from NNPC was N766/litre, but could not tell the price at which the product was sole to NNPC by Dangote.

“As I told you last week, the cost which NNPC sold to us is N766/litre. We paid NNPC, not Dangote and we lifted products based on the arrangement with NNPC. Dangote and NNPC know the price which they both agreed on, so they are in the best position to state that,” a major marketer who spoke in confidence due to lack of authorisation to speak on the matter, stated.

Last week, NNPC’s spokesperson said the company bought petrol from Dangote at N898/litre, but this was countered by the refinery, without stating the price that it sold the product to NNPC.

“The report stating that we (NNPC) purchased it at N1,300/litre is false. For this initial loading, the price was N898/litre,” Soneye had stated.

But Dangote refinery denied the price with Anthony Chiejina, Dangote Group’s Chief Branding and Communications Officer, labelling the claim as “misleading and mischievous,” stating that it undermined the company’s recent milestone in addressing Nigeria’s long-standing energy crisis.

News

A Chat with Janet Odio Okolo: A Mother’s Journey Raising a Child with Down Syndrome

Published

4 hours ago

April 30, 2025

Gloria Ikibah

Down syndrome: It’s a congenital condition characterized by a distinctive pattern of physical characteristics including a flattened skull, pronounced folds of skin in the inner corners of the eyes, large tongue, and short stature, and by some degree of limitation of intellectual ability and social and practical skills. It usually arises from a defect involving chromosome. Above definition succinctly describes what Janet Odio Okolo had to go through to sustain her daughter. In this chat she narrated her experience to naijablitznews Associate Editor, Gloria Ikibah, excerpts.

Tell us a bit about yourself and what you do?

My name is Janet Odio Okolo. I often introduce myself as a proud mother of a 13-year-old girl, Isioma, who lives with Down syndrome. I call her my “star girl.”

Professionally, I’m into catering and equipment rentals. I provide catering equipment like plates, cutlery, chafing dishes, and more to other caterers. Alongside that, I run a few side businesses to support my family.

What has been the most rewarding part of raising a child with Down syndrome? And how has it impacted your life and perspective?

Raising Isioma has helped me discover parts of myself I didn’t know existed—patience, empathy, selflessness.

She has taught me to see people beyond the surface, to understand others deeply and kindly. These qualities have added great value to my life and relationships. It’s been a journey of self-discovery, and I am better for it.

There are often different perceptions about Down syndrome. What’s yours?

I had prior knowledge about Down syndrome before Isioma was born, so it wasn’t a total shock. People have different opinions—some based on facts, others rooted in myths.

But for me, Isioma is God’s creation. I didn’t create her, but she came into my life with purpose. I embraced her fully, and that acceptance has made the journey smoother.

Can you share a particular challenge you’ve faced raising Isioma and how you overcame it?

There are challenges, no doubt, but I’ve chosen to see them as opportunities for growth. One that stands out is watching her peers, cousins, friends progress faster. At 2 or 3 years old, they were on the same level, but over time, many of them moved ahead academically and developmentally.

It used to bother me. Some of them are now in secondary school or boarding houses, while Isioma is still in primary school. But I remind myself that every child moves at their own pace. With the right support, Isioma will get there, and she’s already doing very well.

How do you think society can better support and include individuals with Down syndrome?

Support must go beyond the family, it must come from the entire society. These children live in communities, go to school, attend church, and access healthcare.

In schools, there should be inclusive programs tailored to their pace. Let them participate in games, cultural days, and other activities. Don’t exclude them because they “can’t dance” or “can’t sing.” Involve them.

In the neighbourhood, encourage inclusion during play. For instance, a friend told me her son who also has Down syndrome is often excluded from football because he scores own goals. But I say: be patient, teach him the rules, guide him. That’s what inclusion looks like.

In churches, let’s involve them in prayers, praise, and worship. Make them feel seen and valued.

Hospitals should be more patient and friendly with these children. That environment should make them feel safe and open.

And for family members and friends support can be as simple as offering to look after the child for a weekend so the parent can rest. That kind of emotional and practical support goes a long way.

What are your hopes and dreams for Isioma? What steps are you taking to help her achieve them?

Oh, I have big dreams for her! And she has dreams too. For example, Isioma loves the runway, she loves to strut like a model.

So, I’m investing in that. I got her a coach to help her build on this interest. My goal is for her to be independent one day, to earn a living through something she enjoys.

Parents need to pay attention, observe what their children love, then build on it. Some want to bake, sing, sew, or dance. Equip them with skills. That’s what I’m doing with Isioma. Even if I’m not around tomorrow, I want her to be confident and self-sufficient.

What advice would you give to parents who’ve just received a Down syndrome diagnosis for their child?

The first step is acceptance. Don’t live in denial. Don’t say, “God forbid” or “I reject it.” That only delays the journey to support.

I remember when Isioma was about six months old, I took her to a popular hospital. The pediatrician just looked at her and bluntly said, “This child has Down syndrome.” She didn’t offer any emotional support, she just dismissed me. That experience hurts.

But instead of giving up, I started researching. I saw a lot online that was scary and discouraging, so I decided to create my own path for her.

To new parents: it’s not a death sentence. With love, care, and professional support, your child can thrive. Don’t fall for superstitions, stigmatization, or spiritual manipulation. Focus on solutions. Be your child’s biggest cheerleader, and others will follow your lead.

How supportive are your other children?

They’re very supportive, although due to age differences and school schedules, they weren’t always around. But whenever they’re home, they show her so much love. They treat her like their little queen. The bond is strong, even in limited time.

What are your expectations from the government and society at large?

There are government policies for people with special needs, but the problem is implementation. These policies often remain on paper.

We need action. Especially in healthcare, many of these children have underlying conditions that require consistent medical attention. Parents, especially indigent ones, can’t always afford this.

Recently, I saw a young girl with Down syndrome at a fish market, begging. She looked unkempt. I was with Isioma, and people noticed the connection. I tried to reach out to the girl’s mother to offer help even if not financial, at least advice and direction.

Children like that are vulnerable to abuse, exploitation, and neglect. We need the government to provide safe spaces, education, healthcare, and skills training, especially for families who can’t afford it.

Finally, any last words to society about children with Down syndrome?

They are not a mistake. They are not a burden. They are people with potential just like every other child.

Let’s remove the stigma. Let’s embrace inclusion. Let’s create a world where they are seen, heard, and loved for who they are.

News

Hon. Nnamchi Begins Street Lights Deployment In Isi Uzo(Photos)

Published

4 hours ago

April 30, 2025

ADMIN

Honourable Paul Sunday Nnamchi, representing Enugu East/Isi Uzo Federal Constituency in the 10th House of Representatives, has fulfilled his promise to illuminate communities in Isi Uzo Local Government Area.

The lawmaker has just begun the deployment of high-density solar-powered street lights in Ikem Nkwo, marking the beginning of a massive rollout of the street lamps across the communities in Isi Uzo.

This initiative, which started in Enugu East Local Government Area in 2024, aims to support the fight against insecurity in the state which according to him was to add to what Chief Security Officer of Enugu State Barrister Peter Mba had done to secure the state to attracts foreign investments.

The lawmaker expressed concern over banditry attacks, particularly by herdsmen, in some communities within Isi Uzo and Enugu East Local Government Areas in the recent pasts.

He believes that illuminating these areas with high-density street lights would help address the insecurity adding that he was prioritizing border and farming communities in Isi Uzo, where banditry has displaced residents and restricted farming activities.

Communities in Ikem, Eha-Amufu in Isi Uzo which borders Enugu and Benue State and Ugwogo-Nike in Enugu East have been vulnerable to these attacks due to their strategic locations.

News

May Day: Kalu Hails Workers, Applauds Their Role in Nation Building

Published

4 hours ago

April 30, 2025

Gloria Ikibah

By Gloria Ikibah

Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Benjamin Kalu, has extended warm wishes to Nigerian workers as the country marks the 2025 edition of International Workers’ Day.

Kalu praised workers across various sectors for their commitment and resilience, describing them as the engine that keeps the nation moving. He acknowledged their sacrifices and unrelenting drive, especially during tough economic times.

In his message, he highlighted the efforts of the current administration under President Bola Tinubu to improve the welfare of public servants. He referenced the National Assembly’s prompt backing of the new minimum wage as a sign of the government’s seriousness about workers’ wellbeing.

The Deputy Speaker appealed for continued patience and understanding from Nigerians, noting that the ongoing economic reforms, while challenging, are designed to bring long-term relief and prosperity.

Kalu also called for unity, and said the country can only overcome its present difficulties if citizens and leaders work together in good faith.

He therefore urged workers to keep the faith and remain steadfast in their duties, assuring them that brighter days are on the horizon, and wished Nigerian workers a peaceful and fulfilling May Day celebration.