Fola Badmus

Michael Jackson’s brother, Tito dies at 70 

Tito Jackson, musician and former Jackson 5 member, passed away suddenly on Sunday night (September 15) aged 70. The news was initially reported to Entertainment Tonight by a long-time friend of the Jackson family, Steve Manning, and was subsequently confirmed by Tito’s nephew, Siggy Jackson, and his sons, Taj, Taryll and TJ Jackson. Although no official cause of death has been confirmed, Manning believes the legendary guitarist suffered from a heart attack while driving from New Mexico to Oklahoma. His sons, who also formed their own band in the ’90s, paid tribute to their father on Instagram: “We are shocked, saddened and heartbroken. Our father was an incredible man who cared about everyone and their well-being.” Born Toriano Adaryll Jackson, Tito was the third of nine Jackson children. In 1964, when Tito was just 11, his father, Joe Jackson, formed The Jackson 5 band out of Tito and his four brothers Michael, Jermaine, Marlon, and Jackie. The Jackson 5’s debut album, ‘Diana Ross Presents The Jackson 5’, released in 1969, shot the group into fame, reaching Number 5 on the US Pop Albums chart, and spending nine weeks at Number 1 on the US R&B/Black Albums charts. Its hit single ‘I Want You Back’ remains an internationally-known sensation. Likewise, later tracks ‘ABC’ and ‘I’ll Be There’ (both released in 1970), continued the band’s successful streak, placing at Number One on the Billboard Hot 100. In 1997, The Jackson 5 were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, cementing their legacy as one of the best-known family bands of all time. Tito was the last member of The Jackson 5 to embark on a solo project, releasing his debut album ‘Tito Time’ in 2016. He has said that he held back from pursuing a solo career because he wanted to focus on raising his family. The superstar was still performing with his brothers Jackie and Marlon right up until his death. The trio had recently played in Munich, Germany, where they visited a memorial to their late brother, Michael Jackson, who passed away in 2009. Just days before his own death, Tito shared a message in his brother’s memory: “We’re deeply grateful for this special place that honours not only his memory but also our shared legacy. Thank you for keeping his spirit alive.” Prior to this, the Jackson brothers played at Boogietown, a music festival in the UK, and Fool in Love Festival at Hollywood Park Grounds in Los Angeles.

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Portable finally meets Peter Obi 

Nigerian Afro hip hop singer Habeeb Okikiola Badmus also known as Portable has finally met with former Presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Mr Peter Obi.  The singer, in a video that has gone viral, was seen hailing Obi in vocabulary.  Portable said; “Awon Olowo Ibo re o” Meaning “these are rich men from Igbo land.” He also said; “Ebi npa ilu o,” Meaning”Countrymen are starving.” It can be recalled that the Singer gained mainstream attention after the single “ZaZoo Zehh”, where he featured Olamide and Poco Lee.

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NNPC, Dangote biker over Petrol pump price 

The Nigerian National Petroleum Commission (NNPC) and Dangote Refinery are at loggerheads over the price of Premium Motor Spirit otherwise known as petrol.  Both parties have issued conflicting press statements on the matter in the recent time.  The NNPC Ltd, in a statement by signed its Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Olufemi Soneye on Monday, the Company has released estimated prices of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), also known as Petrol (obtained from the Dangote Refinery) in its retail stations across the country. The NNPC Ltd also wished to state that, in line with the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), PMS prices are not set by Government, but negotiated directly between parties on an arms length.  The NNPC Ltd confirmed that it is paying Dangote Refinery in USD for September 2024 PMS offtake, as Naira transactions will only commence on October 1st, 2024.  The NNPC Ltd assured that if the quoted pricing is disputed, it will be grateful for any discount from the Dangote Refinery, which will be passed on 100% to the general public.  Dangote Refinery however denied selling the product to the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) at N898.  The Group refuted the claims in a statement on Sunday.  The statement read; “Our attention has been drawn to a statement attributed to NNPCL spokesperson, Mr. Olufemi Soneye, that we sell our PMS at N898 per litre to the NNPCL. “This statement is both misleading and mischievous, deliberately aimed at undermining the milestone achievement recorded today, September 15, 2024, towards addressing energy insufficiency and insecurity, which has bedeviled the economy in the past 50 years. “We urge Nigerians to disregard this malicious statement and await a formal announcement on the pricing, by the Technical Sub-Committee on Naira-based crude sales to local refineries, appointed by His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, which will commence on October 1, 2024, bearing in mind that our current stock of crude was procured in dollars. “It should also be noted that we sold the products to NNPCL in dollars with a lot of savings against what they are currently importing.  With this action, there will be petrol in every local government area of the country regardless of their remote nature. “We assure Nigerians of availability of quality petroleum product and putting an end to the endemic fuel scarcity in the country.”

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Dangote Refinery denies selling PMS at N898

Dangote Refinery has denied selling Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) otherwise known as petrol to the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) at N898.  The Group refuted the claims in a statement on Sunday.  The statement reads; “Our attention has been drawn to a statement attributed to NNPCL spokesperson, Mr. Olufemi Soneye, that we sell our PMS at N898 per litre to the NNPCL. “This statement is both misleading and mischievous, deliberately aimed at undermining the milestone achievement recorded today, September 15, 2024, towards addressing energy insufficiency and insecurity, which has bedeviled the economy in the past 50 years. “We urge Nigerians to disregard this malicious statement and await a formal announcement on the pricing, by the Technical Sub-Committee on Naira-based crude sales to local refineries, appointed by His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, which will commence on October 1, 2024, bearing in mind that our current stock of crude was procured in dollars. “It should also be noted that we sold the products to NNPCL in dollars with a lot of savings against what they are currently importing.  With this action, there will be petrol in every local government area of the country regardless of their remote nature. “We assure Nigerians of availability of quality petroleum product and putting an end to the endemic fuel scarcity in the country.”

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EFCC arrests five Chinese for alleged  Illegal Mining in Uyo

Operatives of the Uyo Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC, have arrested five suspected illegal Chinese miners at Ndito-Eka-Iba village, in Ibieno Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State. The five alleged illegal miners  were arrested by the “Special Task Force on illegal Mining” at the Commission’s Zonal office in Uyo, following credible intelligence on the illegal activities of foreign mining companies within Eket and Ibieno Local Government Areas of Akwa Ibom State. The arrested Chinese suspects are: Zhon Qinping arrested on September  10, 2024 at Ibieno Local Government Area, while Li Yi, Xie Bin, Chen Mou Zhou and  Chen Zeng were arrested on August 29, 2024 at the same location. They were all arrested at an illegal mining site of a mineral suspected to be ilmenite, a titanium-iron oxide mineral. The suspects would be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded. llegal mining in Uyo Operatives of the Uyo Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC, have arrested five suspected illegal Chinese miners at Ndito-Eka-Iba village, in Ibieno Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State. The five alleged illegal miners  were arrested by the “Special Task Force on illegal Mining” at the Commission’s Zonal office in Uyo, following credible intelligence on the illegal activities of foreign mining companies within Eket and Ibieno Local Government Areas of Akwa Ibom State. The arrested Chinese suspects are: Zhon Qinping arrested on September  10, 2024 at Ibieno Local Government Area, while Li Yi, Xie Bin, Chen Mou Zhou and  Chen Zeng were arrested on August 29, 2024 at the same location. They were all arrested at an illegal mining site of a mineral suspected to be ilmenite, a titanium-iron oxide mineral. The suspects would be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded.

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Ben, Chizoba evicted from BBNaija House 

Ben and Chizoba have been evicted from Big Brother Naija ‘No Loose Guard’.  Ben, who is based in the United Kingdom will now turn attention to his club business.  He hopes to establish one in Nigeria in the nearest future.  Ben and Chizoba were acquaintance while in the house.  Ben is the first born of three, he has two sisters. A staunch Big Brother fan, Ben has been watching the show for the longest time.  “I’ve been a fan. I am real, so I just feel that it won’t be bad if people also be my own fan too,” he said.  He’s a good actor and talented club promoter.

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Tinubu mourns Zamfara boat accident, floods victims

President Bola Tinubu has commiserated with the people and Government of Zamfara State over recent floods in Gummi Local Government Area and the death of over 40 farmers in a boat accident on their way to their farms at the weekend.   President Tinubu expressed the government and the people of Nigeria’s commiseration over the twin tragedies in the Zamfara community.  He promised support for the victims.   The President directed emergency agencies to comprehensively assess the two incidents to address the root of the calamity.   President Tinubu also directed response agencies to work with the Zamfara State Government to help those affected by the disaster.  

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LASG to begin E-Call Up system on Lekki-Epe corridor 

In a significant move to avert severe congestion by articulated trucks and improve the efficiency of logistics operations within the Lekki-Epe Free Trade Zone corridor, the Lagos State Government has announced the commencement of the e-call-up system for managing truck movements within the axis from 23rd September, 2024. The commencement date was earlier extended on Stakeholders’ request to give adequate room for full compliance. The e-call-up system is ready for implementation as a sustainable, effective and technology-driven solution for truck movement in the Lekki-Epe Corridor. Disclosing the new commencement date, the State Commissioner for Transportation, Mr. Oluwaseun Osiyemi explained that the application of an e-call system will help synchronise the movement of trucks assessing the Lekki Deep Seaport and other industries within the corridor, starting from Eleko junction to Lekki Free Trade Zone. Highlighting the State and Federal Government plans for road network expansion and intermodal transport systems to streamline vehicular traffic and enhance free movement in one of Lagos’ most critical economic zones, Osiyemi opined that the e-call system will control the corridor. Also speaking on the development, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Hon. Sola Giwa, who is saddled with the enforcement of the e-call-up system, stated that an interim arrangement is being put in place to decongest the roads through evacuation of all illegal tankers from the red zone by a joint Taskforce of the State, LGAs/LACDAs, Security Agencies and Stakeholders, urging truck operators and logistics companies to comply with the new system to ensure its success. The e-call-up system, an advanced digital platform, is designed to regulate the entry and exit of trucks in the Lekki-Epe area by scheduling and coordinating their movements. This system will help prevent the chaotic traffic situations often caused by the indiscriminate parking and movement of trucks within the corridor. The Lekki-Epe corridor, a key economic hub in Lagos, is home to numerous industries, including the Lekki Free Trade Zone, the Dangote Refinery, and the Lekki Deep Sea Port. The efficient movement of goods and services in this area is crucial for the state’s economy, making the e-call-up system an essential tool for sustainable development.

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