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Top Five States with Highest Food Inflation in May

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  Crucial Insights on Food Inflation Across Nigerian States Kogi, Ekiti, Kwara, Osun, and Edo states recorded the highest food prices in May 2024, according to a detailed BusinessDay analysis of the latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) report from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS). These findings highlight the pressing challenges faced by these states in controlling food inflation amidst broader economic pressures. Kogi: The Epicenter of Food Inflation Leading the list, Kogi's average food inflation rate reached an alarming 46.3 percent. This sharp rise is attributed to persistent clashes between herders and farmers, significantly disrupting agricultural productivity. In May 2024, the average cost of food in Kogi surged to N1,114, a stark increase from N761 in May 2023. On a month-to-month basis, prices also climbed by 1.78 percent from N1,094 in April 2024. Ekiti: Struggling with Rising Costs Ekiti State experienced a substantial increase in food inflation, marked by a 44.94 pe

Crude Shortage May Delay Dangote’s July Petrol Supply Launch

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The Dangote Oil Refinery, a highly anticipated project poised to transform Nigeria's petrol supply market, faces potential delays due to a shortage of crude oil. Set to begin operations in July 2024, the refinery’s ambitious goal of refining 650,000 barrels per day (bpd) now seems uncertain. Sources within the oil industry have revealed that the refinery has yet to secure the necessary crude volumes to commence refining operations. A source from the oil trading sector mentioned via phone, “The refinery is yet to receive the required volumes of crude oil needed to refine PMS for the July takeoff.” Jide Pratt, the country manager of Trade Grid, underscored the significance of this issue. He indicated that the refinery might miss its July target, suggesting a more realistic timeframe would be August or September, with December being a worst-case scenario. He added that the challenges in selling premium motor spirit (PMS) in USD and the continued existence of fuel subsidies further com

Early Signs of Diabetes: What You Need to Know to Stay Healthy

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  Diabetes Mellitus, commonly known as diabetes, is a chronic health condition that affects how your body turns food into energy. With the increasing prevalence of diabetes worldwide, it’s essential to recognize the early signs and symptoms to ensure timely diagnosis and management. Early detection can prevent complications and help maintain a healthy lifestyle.  Understanding Diabetes Mellitus Diabetes Mellitus occurs when the body either doesn't produce enough insulin (Type 1 diabetes) or cannot effectively use the insulin it produces (Type 2 diabetes). Insulin is a hormone that allows glucose (sugar) to enter cells to produce energy. Without sufficient insulin or when the body becomes resistant to its effects, glucose remains in the bloodstream, leading to elevated blood sugar levels. Early Signs and Symptoms of Diabetes Recognizing the early signs of diabetes is crucial for prompt intervention. Here are some common early symptoms: 1. Frequent Urination (Polyuria)    - High bloo

Boko Haram Abducts High Court Judge, Wife, and Two Others in Borno

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  On June 24, 2024, Boko Haram terrorists abducted Justice Haruna Mshelia, a High Court Judge in Borno State, along with his wife, driver, and security escort on the Biu to Maiduguri road. This alarming incident underscores the persistent threat posed by insurgent groups in the region. Justice Mshelia, serving at the Borno State High Court in Maiduguri, was traveling in his vehicle accompanied by his wife, driver, and a security escort. As they neared a curve between Buratai and Buni-Gari, armed men emerged from the bush and blocked the road. Despite attempts to evade the attackers, the judge's vehicle was intercepted by another group of insurgents. The assailants then kidnapped all occupants and transported them to the notorious Sambisa Forest, a known Boko Haram stronghold. The incident occurred on the Damaturu-Buni Yadi-Buratai-Biu road, a 120-kilometer stretch that has long been perilous due to its poor condition and frequent insurgent activities. This road is crucial as it con

Court Grants Chinese Investor Order to Seize Nigerian Government Properties in the UK

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   A significant legal development has unfolded as a Chinese investor, Zhongshan Fucheng Industrial Investment, has been granted permission to seize two Nigerian properties in the United Kingdom. This decision follows an order allowing the investor to enforce a $70 million investment treaty award against Nigeria. The properties, located in Liverpool, are valued at approximately £1.7 million combined. They were targeted after the investor secured a final charging order from Master Sullivan in the Commercial Court in London on June 14, 2024. This order comes in light of the properties' conversion to commercial use, outside Nigeria’s diplomatic or consular activities. The legal battle stems from a joint venture agreement made in 2013 between Zhongshan and Ogun State in Nigeria to develop a free trade zone near Lagos. Zhongshan's subsidiary held a 60% stake in the project until Ogun State terminated its involvement in 2016. Following this, a London-seated UNCITRAL tribunal ruled in

Nigerian Judge Caught Trying to Steal Money from Frozen Bank Account of Petitioner

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   In a startling revelation, the Kano Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has taken severe disciplinary actions against three magistrates and a registrar from the Kano High Court over allegations of misconduct. Among these actions, a notable case involved a magistrate attempting to steal funds from a frozen bank account. The disciplinary actions were disclosed in a statement by Baba Jibo-Ibrahim, the JSC spokesman. The JSC's 72nd meeting, held on June 11, 2024, reviewed several petitions against the judicial officers. The magistrates in question include Chief Magistrate Talatu Makama, Senior Magistrate Rabi Abdulkadir, and Chief Magistrate Tijjani Saleh-Minjibir. Senior Registrar Abdu Nasir was also implicated in the investigation. Chief Magistrate Talatu Makama was found guilty of multiple misconducts following an investigation by the Judiciary Public Complaints Committee. The most serious charge against her involved directing GTBank to transfer money from a petitioner’s frozen acc

National Assembly Expected to Approve N70,000 Minimum Wage, Exceeding FG's Proposal

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  Abuja: The National Assembly is on the verge of approving a new minimum wage of N70,000, surpassing the N62,000 initially proposed by the federal government. Recent developments indicate that the ongoing minimum wage negotiations involving organized labour, the federal government, states, and local governments may conclude with a compromise deal set at N70,000. An insider source informed THISDAY that President Bola Tinubu plans to send an executive bill to the National Assembly shortly, as the tripartite committee recommended a minimum wage of N62,000. However, there are strong indications that the National Assembly might increase the proposed amount to N70,000, echoing a similar scenario that occurred in 2018 and 2019. Back then, the federal government proposed a minimum wage of N23,000, but the National Assembly raised it to N30,000. A member of the tripartite committee, speaking anonymously, explained, “This was exactly the situation that played out in 2018 and 2019. The federal g