News
FG Deploys 700 Firefighters Nationwide, Vows to Protect Lives, Property
The Federal Government has deployed more than 700 newly trained firefighters across the country, reaffirming its commitment to protecting lives and property.
Speaking on Thursday at the passing-out parade of Regular Course 6 cadet officers after weeks of rigorous training in Jos, Plateau State, the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, said the deployment marked a major boost to the nation’s emergency response capacity.
According to him, the newly deployed firefighters represent a shift toward proactive national safety by expanding operational depth, improving response time, and strengthening service delivery to protect strategic assets, critical infrastructure, and communities nationwide.
“This passing-out parade will go down as the largest in the history of the Federal Fire Service. It signals a clear shift from reactive emergency response to proactive national safety, extending our operational depth, improving response time, and enhancing service capacity to protect strategic assets, critical infrastructure, and communities nationwide,” the minister said.
Tunji-Ojo noted that Nigeria requires more firefighters, including specialists in Emergency Medical Services, fire inspection, and hazardous materials management, to meet international standards.
He stressed that safety remains a national security priority, adding that it contributes significantly to economic growth and boosts investor confidence.
The minister urged the newly inducted firefighters to wear their uniforms with pride, humility, and a strong sense of responsibility, noting that leadership is defined by service, not rank.
“You should proudly wear your uniform with humility and honour. I urge you to go out there and make the Federal Fire Service proud and Nigeria great,” he said.
Tunji-Ojo was represented at the event by the Secretary to the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board, Major-General Abdulmalik Jubril (retd.).
Also speaking at the event, Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, represented by his deputy, Josephine Piyo, highlighted the importance of fire safety in the state.
Piyo said the state government would continue to collaborate with the Federal Fire Service to curb fire disasters and ensure the safety of lives and property.
“As a government, we will continue to ensure the safety of the lives and property of citizens in the state,” she said.
Earlier, the Controller-General of the Federal Fire Service, Engr. Olumode Samuel Adeyemi, said the Federal Government remained committed to building a robust firefighting infrastructure and leveraging technology to enhance response time and prevent fire outbreaks.
Adeyemi disclosed that the newly deployed firefighters underwent months of rigorous training at the Nigeria Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Training Camp in Jos, expressing confidence in their readiness for duty.
He said the officers had been transformed from civilians into frontline uniformed personnel of the Federal Fire Service, fully qualified for immediate deployment in firefighting and rescue operations.
“You now bear the responsibility, authority, and honour of the uniform entrusted with safeguarding the lives and property of Nigerians. I expect you to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and operational guidelines at all times in the discharge of your duties,” Adeyemi said.
News
Lagos Residents Protest Unreliable Power Supply, Demand Immediate Action
Residents of Lagos on Friday took to the streets to express their frustration over persistent electricity outages, condemning the state’s power supply as “epileptic” and unsustainable for daily life and business activities.
A video circulating on social media showed dozens of mainly young protesters marching through the Fadeyi area, holding placards and chanting for a consistent electricity supply.
The demonstrators criticised what they described as the collapse of the nation’s power sector, stressing that erratic electricity is undermining livelihoods and making life increasingly difficult across Lagos.
Placards displayed messages such as “No More Estimated Billing,” “No More Epileptic Power Supply,” “No Light, No Life, No Nation,” and “You’re Destroying Businesses; Give Us Regular Light.”
One protester declared, “We are not asking for too much. Give us light!”
Local business owners also highlighted the severe impact of inconsistent power supply on their operations, noting that reliance on fuel-powered generators has significantly increased operating costs.
A shop owner at the protest lamented: “We cannot continue like this. Every day we spend money on fuel because there is no electricity. Many small businesses are closing because they cannot cope.”
The demonstration underscores growing public dissatisfaction with electricity supply in Lagos, as residents call on authorities and power operators to ensure a stable and reliable power supply.
News
Tinubu Mourns Former Super Eagles Coach Festus Onigbinde
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed deep sorrow over the death of former Super Eagles head coach, Festus Adegboye Onigbinde, who passed away on Monday at the age of 88.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President extended his condolences to the late coach’s family, associates, and the entire Nigerian football community.
Tinubu also sympathised with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), the National Sports Commission, professional colleagues, and football fans across the country over the loss of the respected football administrator.
The President described Onigbinde as a trailblazer whose contributions significantly advanced the growth and development of football in Nigeria.
He noted that the late coach made history as the first indigenous coach of the Super Eagles in 1982, praising his leadership and dedication to the sport.
“Chief Onigbinde distinguished himself as the first indigenous coach of the Super Eagles in 1982,” the statement said.
Tinubu further highlighted Onigbinde’s role in guiding Nigeria to the final of the 1984 Africa Cup of Nations, describing the achievement as a landmark moment in the country’s football history.
The President also commended the late Modakeke High Chief for his commitment to grassroots football and his efforts to strengthen football administration in Nigeria.
He said Onigbinde would be remembered for his discipline, integrity, foresight, and passion for the game.
Tinubu prayed for the repose of the late football icon and asked God to grant comfort to his family and loved ones during this difficult time.
News
Again, Dangote Refinery Hikes Petrol To ₦1,175/Litre, Diesel To ₦1,620/Litre — Report
Dangote Petroleum Refinery has revised its ex-depot prices, increasing the gantry price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), also known as petrol, to ₦1,175 per litre, while Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), commonly known as diesel, has been raised to ₦1,620 per litre.
The latest revision marks the fourth consecutive price review in less than two weeks amid global market volatility, according to a report by Petroleumprice.ng.
Quoting industry sources, the report noted that the new pricing template has been communicated to marketers, following earlier adjustments this month.
Under the revised structure, the ₦1,175 per litre petrol price reflects a significant jump from the previous ₦995 per litre, while diesel has surged sharply from its prior ₦1,430 per litre level, underlining the continued upward trend in domestic fuel pricing.
The increases coincide with a sharp rise in international crude oil benchmarks as of 1:00 pm WAT: Brent crude at $102.8 (+10.91%) and WTI crude at $101.0 (+11.08%), driven by the Middle East energy crisis.
The development is likely to have a ripple effect across Nigeria’s downstream petroleum market, as depot operators and fuel marketers adjust supply costs in response to the revised prices announced by the country’s largest refining facility.
The refinery had yet to issue an official statement on the development as of the time of filing this report.
Oil prices surged by 30 per cent on Monday on fears over supply disruptions in the Middle East, as the US-Israeli war against Iran continued into a second week with no sign of easing.
Concerns that the conflict could drag on intensified after US President Donald Trump said only the “unconditional surrender” of Iran would end the war.
He added over the weekend that the spike in prices was a “small price to pay” to eliminate Iran’s nuclear threat, reiterating the White House’s insistence that the rise is temporary.
Since the beginning of the war, WTI has risen by more than 75 per cent, while Brent has increased by over 60 per cent.
Attacks on oilfields were reported in southern Iraq and in the northern autonomous Kurdistan region, forcing a US-run oilfield to cease production. Meanwhile, the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait have begun reducing output.
This comes as maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz — through which about one-fifth of global crude oil and gas supplies pass — has been halted since the war began on February 28.
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