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African Youths Key to Agenda 2063 – Deputy Speaker

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By Gloria Ikibah
Deputy Speaker of Nigeria’s House of Representatives, Rep. Benjamin Kalu, has emphasized the crucial role African youths play in realizing Agenda 2063, the African Union’s vision for a peaceful, prosperous, and united Africa.
In a virtual keynote at the 2024 Arise Nigeria Youth Summit, held at the National Assembly in Abuja to mark African Youth Day, Kalu noted that Nigerian youth, in particular, have the capacity to lead this transformation.
He commented young people in the continent as “the heartbeat of Africa’s future—the innovators, leaders, and change-makers.”
His address focused on “Harnessing the Power of Africa’s Youth: Driving Innovation, Leadership, and Sustainable Development in Nigeria.”
Kalu acknowledged the resilience and creativity of Africa’s youth, despite challenges like unemployment, insecurity, and inequality.
“Africa needs your voice, your ideas, and your leadership. Let us commit to building a continent where every young African can thrive, where unity transcends division, and our collective dreams become reality.
“Africa’s future is in your hands—be bold, be visionary, and continue to rise. Together, we will shape the Africa we want”, he said.
He further urged African nations, including Nigeria, to prioritize education, entrepreneurship, and good governance to empower youth. “The road to 2063 is long and challenging, but with determination, innovation, and collaboration, Africa’s youth will be the driving force behind a brighter, more prosperous continent. The future is yours to build.”
Chairing the event, Hon. Martins Esin lawmaker from Akwa Ibom State, urged young Africans to amplify their voices, directing their energy towards a brighter future for the continent.
He said: “Our youth are the driving force, capable of leading Africa to new heights,” while, encouraging the use of technology for connection and growth, and advised positive engagement on social media for societal development.
Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, echoed this commitment, assuring that President Bola Tinubu’s administration is creating avenues for youth not only to participate but to lead. Represented by Ambassador Akoshile Muktar, Olawande described youths as agents of change who should actively work together for a better future.
Joy Akut, Special Assistant to the Deputy Speaker on Youth and Women Affairs, called the event a rallying call for youth potential, describing Nigerian youth as “a gold mine of untapped talent, intelligence, and ambition.” She emphasized the importance of programs like the Apprenticeship Scheme Bill, sponsored by Kalu, to bridge skill gaps and equip young Nigerians with practical career skills.
“Our youth are the heartbeat of our economy, the innovators, creators, and community-builders,” Akut stated. “Nigeria’s greatest resource is our people, especially our youth—they are our strength, our hope, and our pride.”
Goodwill messages from representatives of Friedrich Ebert Stiftung and the International Republican Institute (IRI) highlighted support for youth empowerment. The event also included the unveiling of a new book, *Listening to Your Inner Mentor*, by Hon. Karu Simon.
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Details Of Meeting Between IGP Disu And Former IGPs Emerge

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The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, on Thursday, held a strategic meeting with former Inspectors-General of Police.

The meeting took place at the Force Headquarters in Abuja.

According to an official statement released after the meeting by the Nigeria Police Force, discussions centred on leveraging the vast institutional memory and strategic insights of past police chiefs to tackle contemporary security challenges and accelerate ongoing police reforms.

The IGP expressed his profound gratitude to his predecessors, noting that their wealth of experience remains an invaluable asset to the Force administration.

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Naijapunchnews reports that former IGPs who were part of the delegation for the meeting included IGP Aliyu Attah (Rtd); IGP Sunday Ehindero (Rtd); IGP Mike Mbama Okiro (Rtd); IGP Ogbonna Onachukwu Onovo (Rtd); IGP Abubakar Ringim; IGP Mohammed Dikko Abubakar (Rtd); IGP Sulaiman Abba (Rtd); IGP Usman Alkali Baba (Rtd); and IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun (Rtd).

Meanwhile, the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has directed all officers and men of the Nigeria Police Force to desist from unauthorised social media activities capable of undermining the integrity, professionalism, and public image of the Force.

According to a statement on Tuesday by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Anietie Okonkon Edem Iniedu, the directive follows growing concerns over the increasing trend of police personnel creating and publishing videos, conducting live sessions, and engaging in other social media activities while in uniform or in circumstances that identify them as members of the Nigeria Police Force without official authorisation.

The IGP emphasized that while social media remains an important tool for communication and public engagement, its use by serving officers must be guided by extant laws, regulations, and the Nigeria Police Force Social Media Policy.

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He noted that officers are prohibited from creating or sharing unauthorised content in police uniform, commenting publicly on official police matters, disclosing sensitive operational information, or using their status as police officers for personal promotion, entertainment, or commercial gain.

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Dangote Refinery Reduces Fuel Price Again

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Dangote Petroleum Refinery has announced another reduction in the ex-depot price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), lowering the gantry price by ₦50 per litre to ₦1,075 per litre, its fourth price cut within a month.

The latest reduction brings the cumulative decrease in the refinery’s PMS ex-depot price to ₦200 per litre since May 30, 2026.

Over the same period, the refinery also reduced the ex-depot price of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), commonly known as diesel, by ₦300 per litre, while the price of Jet A1 aviation fuel has fallen by ₦520 per litre.

The company said the successive reductions reflect its commitment to passing lower production costs to consumers while maintaining the long-term sustainability of domestic refining operations.

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In a statement issued on Thursday, the refinery explained that petroleum product pricing cannot mirror daily movements in international crude oil markets because crude oil is purchased weeks, and sometimes months, before it is processed.

According to the refinery, the petroleum products currently being supplied to the market are being produced from crude inventories acquired during periods of substantially higher prices.

It disclosed that the average landed cost of crude processed stood at approximately US$124.80 per barrel in May and US$95.25 per barrel in June, compared with the current international benchmark of about US$71.01 per barrel.

The refinery also clarified that its crude procurement costs are not based solely on the ICE Brent benchmark commonly quoted in the media.

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Rather, it said crude is purchased on a Dated Brent basis, together with applicable market premiums, freight and logistics costs, resulting in actual feedstock costs that differ materially from benchmark prices.

Despite the higher crude acquisition costs, Dangote Refinery said it deliberately absorbed a significant portion of the additional expenses instead of transferring the full impact to consumers.

The company said the pricing approach has helped keep petroleum product prices in Nigeria below those in neighbouring countries, even after accounting for applicable taxes.

“As lower-priced crude cargoes progressively enter our production cycle, we have begun systematically passing the benefits to the market through phased price reductions,” the refinery said.

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It added: “Today’s ₦50 per litre reduction is the fourth price cut in one month, bringing cumulative reductions to above ₦200 per litre on PMS.

This approach ensures that pricing decisions are anchored on actual production economics and inventory costs rather than short-term fluctuations in international oil markets.”

The refinery also said its current production volumes are sufficient to meet Nigeria’s domestic fuel demand, helping to strengthen energy security, reduce dependence on imports, conserve foreign exchange and provide greater price stability.

Dangote Refinery expressed confidence that if international crude prices remain favourable and lower-cost feedstock continues to replace higher-priced inventories, Nigerians should expect further moderation in petroleum product prices.

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The company reaffirmed its commitment to supplying high-quality, internationally certified petroleum products at competitive prices while supporting Nigeria’s economic growth and the long-term development of the downstream petroleum sector.

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Court showdown looms as Adeyemi rejects impostor allegations

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The dispute surrounding the alleged Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC) has escalated, with Adeniyi Adeyemi maintaining that he was legitimately appointed to head the body and expressing readiness to defend himself in court.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Thursday, Adeyemi said he had nothing to hide and welcomed the legal process after the Federal Government filed charges against him over his claim to be Director General of the council.

Responding to a question on whether he was prepared to face prosecution, he said, “Definitely, sir. If I’m wrong, let the court of law do that, and if I’m right, let the court of law do that; do the right thing.”

Adeyemi also rejected allegations that he had misrepresented himself, insisting the judiciary would eventually establish the facts.

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“Since the matter is in the court, let the court of competent jurisdiction vindicate me because I’m ready to clear my name.”

He added, “Let the court take its course. Since my lawyers are involved, everybody will follow us. They will monitor the whole thing. Then let the court of competent jurisdiction do what they need to.”

When questioned about how salaries for workers under the disputed council were financed, Adeyemi declined to provide details, citing the ongoing legal proceedings.

“The truth will be unravelled at the court of law.”

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He further said, “Mr Seun [host of the programme], I don’t want to talk much about it since the matter is in court. In fact, I’m restricted from talking since the matter is in the courts. So let’s just get to the courts, Ok?”

The controversy erupted after the Presidency publicly distanced itself from the organisation Adeyemi claimed to lead. Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga described the council as non-existent and accused Adeyemi of forging official documents and impersonating government officials.

According to Onanuga, “We are aware of the public interest in the matter of a man called Adeyemi Adeniyi Matthew, who has been parading himself as the director-general of a fictitious Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council cum Presidential Economic Advisory Council.”

He further alleged, “The case of Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew is a clear case of a con artist who appears to have built a web of false claims to deceive unsuspecting government officials and the public into playing by his scam book. He has a history of fraudulent misrepresentation.”

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Adeyemi has denied the accusations and instead alleged that senior government officials attempted to interfere with the activities of the council after he resisted certain demands.

He specifically accused the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, of seeking a share of the council’s take-off grant, an allegation the Presidency has rejected.

“The major rationale behind the disagreement between myself and the Chief of Staff is that he allegedly requested 48 per cent of the take-off grant (₦27,395,510,136) from the same agency, which he denies, which I rejected after he collected a total sum of ₦400 million by proxy, with a remaining balance of ₦200 million to secure the said appointment,” Adeyemi claimed.

He urged President Bola Tinubu to constitute an independent panel to investigate the allegations from all sides.

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Adding another dimension to the controversy, details contained in the 2026 Appropriation Bill published by the Budget Office list an entity named “Presidential Economic Advisory Council/Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council” under code 0111062001 with a proposed allocation of ₦1.303 billion. The budget consists of ₦802.98 million for personnel costs, ₦200 million for overheads and ₦300 million for capital expenditure.

Despite that listing, the Presidency maintains that the council is fictitious and says investigations uncovered several bank accounts allegedly linked to the organisation.

Quoting findings from the police investigation, Onanuga said, “The Police found that Adeyemi, using the fake documents he created, fraudulently opened a CBN account by misleading the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation. According to the police, no government money has been transferred into the account.

“The act of the suspect constitutes criminal forgery, impersonation and obtaining by false pretence, thereby bringing the office of the Chief of Staff to the President and the Presidency to disrepute before the public and international community,” the police report stated.

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Onanuga also disclosed that investigators filed an eight-count charge against Adeyemi and two other suspects at the Federal High Court in Abuja on November 27, 2025.

He said, “Based on their investigations, the police filed an eight-count charge at the Federal High Court in Abuja against Adeyemi and two of his accomplices on November 27, 2025. He is due in court on July 27.”

The presidential spokesman added that Adeyemi was already on police bail when he publicly claimed to have been appointed Director General of the council.

“Adeyemi was on police bail when he recently claimed that the Chief of Staff had appointed him as DG of the fictitious agency. This claim contradicted his statement to the police in November last year. His new claim prompted the Chief of Staff, on June 8, to issue a disclaimer consistent with earlier advisories that the man, called Adeyemi, is an imposter.”

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