Former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Chairman and veteran Nigerian businessman Alhaji Bamanga Tukur has passed away at the age of 90.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Former Vice-President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar has clarified that his plan to reintroduce a fuel subsidy is designed to lower production costs for domestically refined petroleum rather than subsidize imported fuel.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Responding to social media inquiries on Saturday, Atiku emphasized that the policy aims to stimulate local manufacturing, boost domestic output, and make fuel more affordable for citizens.

Production Subsidy vs. Import Subsidy

Drawing a sharp line between past practices and his proposed framework, Atiku compared his approach to supporting indigenous manufacturing. Using the analogy of local shoemakers, he explained that instead of using public funds to cheapen imported goods, the government should back local producers—such as shoemakers in Aba—to lower operational costs, create jobs, and offer affordable prices.

“I am not restoring subsidy so that Nigeria can keep paying for imported petrol. I am restoring subsidy so that Nigerians can produce more at home, pay less for fuel, and keep more money in their pockets,” Atiku stated. “That is the difference between import subsidy and production subsidy.”

Under his administration, he noted that the same principle would apply to the oil sector by backing locally refined crude to drive down production and retail costs.

Easing the Cost of Living for Households and Businesses

Atiku argued that cheaper fuel would create a ripple effect across the economy, cutting down transportation overheads and lowering the cost of moving agricultural produce from farms to markets.

His broader vision focuses on improving household finances and easing daily pressures for ordinary Nigerians:

• Lowering morning bus fares and reducing logistics costs for traders and small business owners (barbers, tailors, and welders).

• Easing food inflation and transport burdens for families.

• Ensuring households and small business owners retain tangible disposable income and profits rather than merely earning enough to cover daily energy expenses.

Concluding his remarks, Atiku maintained that economic affordability must be measured by direct positive impacts on everyday family budgets, promising to make both life and the nation affordable again.

Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has executed his second minor cabinet reshuffle since taking office, redeploying four commissioners to new portfolios to boost government efficiency.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Announced in a statement on Saturday by the Secretary to the Edo State Government, Musa Ikhilor, the adjustments are designed to strengthen governance, optimize service delivery, and enhance the overall management of state affairs.

Commissioner Portfolio Changes

The immediate changes involve the following swaps:

• Felix Ehiguese Akhabue: Transferred from the Ministry of Water Resources to the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development.

• Barrister Vincent Osas Uwadiae: Moved from Physical Planning and Urban Development to the Ministry of Water Resources.

• Andrew Momodu: Shifted from the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy to the Ministry of Oil and Gas Resources.

• Prof. Omorodion Ikponmwosa: Reassigned from Oil and Gas Resources to head the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy.

Ikhilor urged the affected commissioners to leverage their wealth of experience in their new roles and remain strictly dedicated to the administration’s “SHINE Agenda” aimed at driving sustainable development across Edo State.