Super User
As the one-in-a-generation leader, Ayo Adebanjo goes to his final resting place - ‘Sina Kawonise
As Nigeria prepares to lay to rest one of its most illustrious sons, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, on May 3, 2025, the nation mourns not just a man but an institution—an unwavering symbol of integrity, justice, and relentless advocacy for true federalism. At 96, Baba Adebanjo departed this world, leaving behind a legacy that will continue to inspire generations.
A Life of Uncompromising Principles
Pa Adebanjo was a rare breed—a man whose public convictions were perfectly mirrored in his private life. From his early days as a Zikist to his evolution into one of Obafemi Awolowo’s most steadfast disciples, he remained resolute in his beliefs. Unlike many of his contemporaries who wavered under political pressure, Adebanjo stood firm, even when it meant standing alone.
His life was a testament to the power of consistency. Whether advocating for restructuring, condemning military rule, or championing the rights of the marginalized, he never shied away from speaking truth to power. His courage was legendary—imprisoned several times, harassed by successive governments, yet never silenced.
A Personal Honour: The Lecture That Defined My 50th Birthday
Among the many privileges I had in knowing Baba Adebanjo, one stands out as a defining moment in my life—his acceptance to deliver the lecture at my 50th birthday celebration on July 8, 2012. For a man of his stature to honour me in such a manner was not just a personal milestone but a validation of the values we both held dear.
That day, he spoke with his characteristic passion—on Nigeria’s political failures, the betrayal of Awolowo’s ideals, and the urgent need for restructuring. His words were not just a birthday gift to me but a clarion call to all present: "We must never sacrifice principles for temporary gains." That lecture remains etched in my memory, a reminder of the kind of leader he was—one who gave of himself freely in the service of truth.
The Advocate Who Never Retired
Even in his 90s, Adebanjo remained a digital sage—dispensing wisdom via WhatsApp, engaging with younger activists, and writing fiery press statements. His support for Peter Obi in the 2023 elections was not a departure from his principles but a reinforcement of them. He believed in equity—that after decades of northern and southern presidencies, it was only just for the Southeast to produce a leader. Many criticized him, but he stood his ground, proving once again that for him, justice was not negotiable.
The Sorrow of a Patriot
Yet, beneath his fiery exterior was a man burdened by Nigeria’s unfulfilled potential. He often lamented the selfishness of the political class, the abandonment of Awolowo’s welfarist ideals, and the reluctance to restructure the country. His greatest sorrow was that he might not live to see the Nigeria of his dreams—a nation built on equity, fairness, and true federalism.
How Do We Honour Him?
As we bid farewell to this titan, the question arises: How best can we immortalize Ayo Adebanjo?
Renaming monuments after him is fitting, but the greatest tribute would be to realize the Nigeria he fought for—a restructured nation where no region dominates another, where justice is not a privilege but a right. The best way to honour him is to continue his struggle, to demand accountability, and to uphold the principles he lived and died for.
Final Farewell to a Father and Mentor
Baba Adebanjo was more than a leader; he was a mentor, a father figure, and a moral compass. His absence leaves a void, but his life offers a blueprint. As he is laid to rest, we take solace in knowing that his legacy will endure—not in stone or bronze, but in the ideals he instilled in us.
Rest well, Baba. Your fight was noble, your life was impactful, and your memory will forever be a beacon for those who believe in a just and equitable Nigeria.
Adieu, Baba rere - the true Afenifere!
NNPCL faces criticism as Warri Refinery fails to take off after $897m in repairs bill
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited is under scrutiny after the Warri Refining and Petrochemical Company has been shut down since January 25, 2025, due to safety issues, just one month after being declared operational.
Documents from the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority reveal that despite a $897.6m maintenance investment, the refinery failed to produce petrol before shutting down. Meanwhile, the Port Harcourt Refining Company, which resumed operations in November 2024, is operating below 40% capacity instead of the claimed 70%.
The 125,000 barrels-per-day Warri refinery was commissioned in 1978 and restarted on December 30, 2024, after decades of being moribund. Former NNPC Group Chief Executive Mele Kyari had proudly stated, "This plant is running... We have proved that it is possible to restart a plant that you deliberately shut down."
Industry experts have expressed dismay at the situation. Chinedu Ukadike of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association called it "very disheartening that a refinery that gulped a whole lot of money would be shut down in less than two months of operations," urging presidential intervention.
Energy expert Dan Kunle described the rehabilitation efforts as "a scandal," stating the former NNPC team "created wealth for themselves but failed to create value for the country."
When contacted, NNPCL spokesperson declined to comment on the current issues.
Army appoints new commander amid deadly ISWAP attacks in Borno
The Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) has claimed responsibility for a deadly attack in Nigeria’s northeastern Borno State that killed at least 26 people, underscoring renewed violence in the region and prompting a change in military leadership. The group announced the attack via its Telegram channel on Tuesday, as insurgents continue to target civilians and security forces using improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and other guerrilla tactics.
In response to the surge in attacks by both ISWAP and Boko Haram—its Islamist rival—Nigeria has appointed Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar as the new commander of its counterinsurgency operations in the northeast. Abubakar becomes the 15th commander to lead the long-running military campaign, according to Reuben Kovangiya, spokesperson for the operation. His previous roles include deputy commandant of the Nigerian Defence College and commander of a key security operation in north-central Nigeria.
Security experts warn that the increasing frequency and sophistication of attacks—including the use of armed drones and roadside bombs—signal a possible resurgence of jihadist activity. Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State recently raised alarm over the deteriorating security situation, stating, “The renewed Boko Haram attacks and kidnappings in many communities, almost on a daily basis without confrontation, signal that Borno State is losing ground.”
Although the army did not explicitly link the leadership change to the rise in militant violence, the developments highlight the urgent need for a stronger and more adaptive security strategy in Nigeria’s northeast, where Islamist insurgency has persisted for over 15 years.
FG declares Thursday public holiday for Workers’ Day
The Federal Government has declared Thursday a public holiday in celebration of Workers’ Day, observed annually on May 1st. The announcement was made on Tuesday by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.
In his statement, Tunji-Ojo praised Nigerian workers for their dedication and contributions to the nation’s development, both at home and abroad. He emphasized the importance of labour in national progress and called for a renewed commitment to innovation and productivity.
“There is dignity in labour,” he said. “The dedication and commitment to our work are essential to building a stronger nation.”
The minister highlighted the administration’s commitment to the security of all citizens and residents, and urged workers to remain hopeful and united in the face of challenges. He also encouraged them to enhance their skills and professionalism, stating that improved governance and equitable distribution of national resources depend on the quality of labour.
Tunji-Ojo concluded by wishing Nigerian workers a happy Workers’ Day celebration and reaffirmed the government’s support for their welfare and progress.
Here’s the latest as Israel-Hamas war enters Day 572
UN chief urges 'irreversible action' on Israel, Palestinian two-state solution
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Tuesday pushed countries to "take irreversible action towards implementing a two-state solution" between Israel and the Palestinians ahead of an international conference in June.
"I encourage Member States to go beyond affirmations, and to think creatively about the concrete steps they will take to support a viable two-state solution before it is too late," Guterres told a Security Council meeting on the Middle East.
France and Saudi Arabia will co-host the conference at the United Nations in June.
"Our objective is clear: to make progress on the recognition of Palestine and the normalization of relations with Israel at the same time," French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot told the Security Council.
"This is how we will be able to guarantee Israel's security and its regional integration, whilst responding to the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinians to have their own state," he said.
He said the road map for the effective implementation of the two-state solution also required the disarming of Palestinian militants Hamas, defining a credible government structure in the Gaza Strip that will exclude Hamas and reform of the Palestinian Authority.
The United Nations has long endorsed a vision of two states living side by side within secure and recognized borders. Palestinians want a state in the West Bank, East Jerusalem and Gaza Strip, all territory captured by Israel in a 1967 war with neighboring Arab states.
Reuters
What to know after Day 1161 of Russia-Ukraine war
WESTERN PERSPECTIVE
Russia says it's waiting for Ukraine's response to May ceasefire and offer of direct talks
The Kremlin said on Tuesday that Ukraine had not responded to many offers by Russia President Vladimir Putin to start direct peace negotiations, and that it was unclear whether it would join a three-day ceasefire he has announced for next month.
"It was President Putin who repeatedly said that Russia is ready, without any preconditions, to start the negotiations process," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters. "We have not heard a response from the Kyiv regime so far."
Putin on Monday declared a three-day ceasefire in the war in Ukraine from May 8-10, when Russia plans lavish celebrations to mark the 80th anniversary of victory over Nazi Germany in World War Two.
Ukraine, in response, questioned why Moscow would not agree to its call for a ceasefire lasting at least 30 days and starting immediately.
"We value people's lives and not parades," President Volodymr Zelenskiy said.
Peskov said it was "very difficult to understand" whether Ukraine intended to join the ceasefire.
RUSSIAN PERSPECTIVE
Russia ready to overlook Zelensky’s illegitimacy – Kremlin
The issue of whether Vladimir Zelensky is the legitimate ruler of Ukraine remains a secondary concern for Russia, which is more interested in resuming direct negotiations with Kiev, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Tuesday.
Since the presidential term of the Ukrainian leader officially expired last May without a vote, Moscow has questioned his legitimacy. Zelensky has extended martial law every three months since the escalation of the conflict in February 2022, preventing the country from going to the polls.
When asked about who Russia would consider holding direct negotiations with, given Zelensky’s status, Peskov admitted that while there are certain legal issues related to his legitimacy, “the interests of entering the peaceful settlement process are above all else.”
“The primary thing is to begin this negotiation process,” the spokesman said, adding that all other questions are “secondary.”
At the same time, Peskov noted the day before that Kiev has not shown any signs that it is actually ready to negotiate, particularly as Zelensky has yet to lift the legal ban on holding direct talks with Moscow for as long as Russian President Vladimir Putin remains in office.
It is also unclear how Ukraine will respond to Putin’s latest 72-hour Victory Day ceasefire announcement, the Kremlin spokesman said on Tuesday, stressing that Moscow has not yet heard a concrete reaction from Kiev to the Russian President’s “gesture of goodwill.”
“It is difficult to understand whether the Kiev regime is going to join this or not,” Peskov said.
Ukrainian officials have not yet outright confirmed that they will abide by Putin’s ceasefire, which is scheduled to last from Midnight on May-7-8 until Midnight on May 10-11.
Zelensky has so far only criticized the proposal, arguing that a ceasefire “mustn’t last only a few days and should instead be immediate, complete and unconditional - for at least 30 days.”
Peskov, however, stressed on Tuesday that it would be difficult for Moscow to agree to a long-term ceasefire without first addressing a number of “nuances” that had previously been highlighted by the Kremlin.
These include guarantees that Ukraine would actually honor the truce, particularly given its history of violating agreements, and Kiev’s ability to rein in a number of “extremist and nationalist units that simply do not obey it.”
Another concern is that the Ukrainian military could use the ceasefire to rearm and recuperate and resume hostilities at a later date, Peskov explained to reporters earlier this month.
Reuters/RT
Why the authorities fear social media - Agba Jalingo
Before the advent of satellite television, our viewing options were limited to just one or, at most, two TV stations: NTA and state broadcasting corporations. The diverse choices we enjoy today were nonexistent. In fact, state-owned media outlets typically commenced broadcasting around noon and signed off by midnight.
The radio landscape was similar, dominated by the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), Voice of Nigeria, and various state-owned radio stations. The print media mirrored this situation, with the government-controlled Daily Times Newspaper and state-owned publications holding sway.
Clearly, the entire machinery of information dissemination rested firmly in the hands of the state. Information flowed almost exclusively from the supply side, with feedback from the demand side tightly controlled. Only content the state wished to be published or aired saw the light of day.
The emergence of privately owned media organizations in the 1990s disrupted this governmental stronghold on information. It allowed for the airing of opinions that the government preferred to suppress. However, there were persistent attempts to stifle alternative information through military decrees, the Nigerian Broadcasting Code, and various other legal and coercive instruments.
Over time, many of these private media outlets built their reputation and audience. Numerous ones were established by politicians, individuals who later entered politics, or those seeking to use their platforms to advance the political interests of their allies. Consequently, even this burgeoning private media space became susceptible to being co-opted by the highest bidders, both from government and corporate spheres.
At this juncture, both the government and the owners of private media became powerful forces shaping the news and entertainment consumed by the general populace. Those in positions of power and influence over public opinion are rarely inclined to relinquish that privilege. Any perceived threat to their control is viewed as serious and promptly suppressed.
The arrival of social media shattered these boundaries and democratized information dissemination. Every individual with a smart device effectively became a TV and radio station. Today, some individuals command larger followings and listenership than many established TV and radio stations. They wield greater influence than numerous mainstream media outlets and can sway public opinion more effectively than even elected officials, without needing to engage traditional media.
This development is causing significant concern for leaders and rulers at all levels. They struggle to comprehend the erosion of their power into the hands of individuals capable of influencing millions of devoted followers. This is the underlying reason for the creation of the cybercrime act, adding to the existing arsenal of instruments used to restrict citizens' freedom of expression.
Our leaders, across all levels, are unwilling to share their control over us. They desire a monopoly on this privilege. Anything that appears to challenge their dominance is perceived as a threat that must be eliminated. This explains their desire to stifle social media. It has empowered citizens with a voice and the means to organize, rendering NTA and state-owned media corporations largely irrelevant and unappealing.
They are displeased and frustrated. They observe citizens now paying more attention to certain individuals than to them. We now possess the ability to fact-check their statements and publish information outside their control. We can now engage in direct debate and voice our criticisms. We can now report their actions, both discreetly and publicly – actions that were unthinkable when they exclusively controlled mass media. Their opposition to social media is not driven by concerns about misuse (our leaders have consistently shown little interest in rectifying wrongs), but rather by the fact that citizens are using it to challenge and diminish their control over our lives.
Do not allow them to silence us. The Cybercrime Act must be repealed!
Common household plastics linked to thousands of global deaths from heart disease, study finds
Synthetic chemicals called phthalates, found in consumer products such as food storage containers, shampoo, makeup, perfume and children’s toys, may have contributed to more than 10% of all global mortality from heart disease in 2018 among men and women ages 55 through 64, a new study found.
“Phthalates contribute to inflammation and systemic inflammation in the coronary arteries, which can accelerate existing disease and lead to acute events including mortality,” said senior author Leonardo Trasande, a professor of pediatrics and population health at New York University’s Grossman School of Medicine. He also is director of NYU Langone’s Division of Environmental Pediatrics and Center for the Investigation of Environmental Hazards.
“Phthalates are known to disrupt testosterone,” Trasande said, adding that in men, “low testosterone is a predictor of adult cardiovascular disease.”
Phthalates have been linked in earlier studies with reproductive problems, such as genital malformations and undescended testes in baby boys and lower sperm counts and testosterone levels in adult males. Studies have also linked phthalates to asthma, childhood obesity and cancer.
“The new study underscores the potentially enormous health and economic burden of DEHP exposure, which aligns with existing concerns about its risks,” said David Andrews, acting chief science officer at the Environmental Working Group, a consumer organization that monitors exposure to phthalates and other chemicals in plastics, in an email. He was not involved with the study.
The American Chemistry Council, which represents industry, declined to comment on the study but told CNN via email that the organization’s High Phthalates Panel is dedicated to promoting the benefits of high phthalates such as DINP and DIDP.
Phthalates exposure and risk
Often called “everywhere chemicals” because they are so common, phthalates are added to consumer products such as PVC plumbing pipes, vinyl flooring, rain- and stain-resistant products, medical tubing, garden hoses and some children’s toys to make the plastic more flexible and harder to break.
Other common exposures come from the use of phthalates in food packaging, detergents, clothing, furniture and automotive plastics. Phthalates are also added to personal care items such as shampoo, soap, hair spray and cosmetics to make fragrances last longer.
People are exposed when they breathe contaminated air or eat or drink foods that come into contact with the plastic, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
A global study
The new study, published Tuesday in the journal eBiomedicine, examined the impact of one phthalate — Di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate, or DEHP — on global deaths across 200 countries and territories.
Researchers analyzed health and environmental data from dozens of population surveys, which included urine samples containing chemical breakdown products left by DEHP, which is known to be connected to cardiovascular disease, Trasande said.
Di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate has also been linked to birth defects, cancer and reproductive harm for men, according to California’s Proposition 65, a law that requires companies to place warning labels on products notifying consumers about chemicals’ possible health effects.
Researchers compared the exposure with death statistics collected by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, a US research group that gathers global medical information.
The analysis found exposure to DEHP contributed to 368,764 deaths in 2018 among men and women ages 55 through 64 globally. Africa accounted for 30% of the deaths from heart disease linked to DEHP, while East Asia and the Middle East accounted for 25% of the mortality, the study found.
The research is believed to be the first global estimate of any health outcome from exposure to the DEHP, said lead study author Sara Hyman, an associate research scientist at NYU Grossman School of Medicine.
“By highlighting the connection between phthalates and a leading cause of death across the world, our findings add to the vast body of evidence that these chemicals present a tremendous danger to human health,” Hyman said in a statement.
A limitation of the research, however, stems from the use of hazard ratios in the US to estimate population-attributable deaths in other countries, EWG’s Andrews said.
“While the authors acknowledge this limitation, it assumes that the relationship between DEHP exposure and cardiovascular disease is consistent globally,” he said in an email. “This may not hold true given significant differences in both exposure levels and access to CVD detection and treatment across countries.”
An earlier phthalates study analyzed US data
Previous research by Trasande and his team measured the urine concentration of phthalates in more than 5,000 adults in the United States and compared those levels with the risk of early death over an average of 10 years.
In that study, the researchers found phthalates may contribute to some 91,000 to 107,000 premature deaths a year among Americans ages 55 to 64. People with the highest levels of phthalates had a greater risk of death from any cause, especially cardiovascular mortality, according to the study.
The results held even after researchers controlled for preexisting heart disease, diabetes, cancer and other common conditions, poor eating habits, physical activity and body mass, and levels of other known hormone disruptors such as bisphenol A or BPA.
Researchers estimated those deaths could cost the United States about $40 billion to $47 billion each year in lost economic productivity.
How to limit your exposure
It is possible to minimize your exposure to phthalates and other endocrine disruptors, experts say.
“Avoid plastics as much as you can. Reducing your use of ultraprocessed foods can reduce the levels of the chemical exposures you come in contact with,” Trasande said. “Never put plastic containers in the microwave or dishwasher, where the heat can break down the linings so they might be absorbed more readily.”
Here are other tips to reduce exposure:
· Use unscented lotions and laundry detergents.
· Use cleaning supplies without scents.
· Use glass, stainless steel, ceramic or wood to hold and store foods.
· Buy fresh or frozen fruits and vegetables instead of canned and processed versions.
· Encourage frequent handwashing to remove chemicals from hands.
· Avoid air fresheners and all plastics labeled as No. 3, No. 6 and No. 7.
CNN
Nigeria's non-oil exports increased 25% to $1.79bn in Q1 2025 - NEPC
Nigeria has achieved a significant milestone in its economic diversification efforts, with non-oil exports reaching $1.791 billion in the first quarter of 2025, according to the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC).
NEPC Executive Director Nonye Ayeni announced the figures on Monday in Abuja, highlighting a 24.75% increase compared to the $1.436 billion recorded in the same period of 2024. The export volume also saw a remarkable 243.44% growth, rising to 2.416 million metric tonnes from 1.937 million metric tonnes in Q1 2024.
"This year, the Nigerian Export Promotion Council reported the highest export value since its establishment 49 years ago, with a year-on-year increase of 20.77% from $4.517 billion in 2023 to $5.456 billion in 2024," Ayeni stated.
The range of exported products expanded to 197 distinct items, up from 162 in the previous year, spanning manufactured goods, semi-processed items, industrial extracts, and agricultural commodities. Cocoa and its derivatives dominated the export portfolio, accounting for 45.02% of total non-oil exports, followed by urea/fertilizer at 19.32% and cashew nuts at 5.81%.
Leading exporters included Indorama Eleme Fertiliser and Chemical Limited and Starlink Global & Ideal Limited, which contributed 12.07% and 10% of export value respectively, primarily through fertilizer and cocoa products.
Intra-African trade showed promising growth, with exports to ECOWAS member countries valued at $63.060 million—a substantial 223.10% increase from Q1 2024. Additionally, exports to other African nations amounted to $32.732 million.
Ayeni attributed these positive results to NEPC initiatives such as the 'Double Your Exports' campaign and emphasized the potential of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to further boost regional trade.
"The council, working with our supervising ministry and other stakeholders, remains committed to continuing this trajectory by providing support to the exporting community in areas of capacity building, standardization, and enhancing market access," Ayeni concluded.
FCCPC orders electricity firm to refund customers for transformer, equipment purchases
The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has directed the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) to refund consumers who have spent their own money on transformers, poles, cables, and other electrical infrastructure.
This directive was issued during the FCCPC Electricity Consumer Forum held in Ota, Ogun State. The Chief Executive Officer and Executive Vice-Chairman of the Commission, Tunji Bello, represented by FCCPC official Mrs. Bridget Etim, emphasized that it is not the responsibility of consumers to provide electricity infrastructure, and any such expenditures must be reimbursed by the distribution company.
During the forum, held in the Ilogbo, Oju-Ore area of Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government, various community leaders from local development committees expressed frustration over IBEDC’s alleged neglect of their complaints. The Zonal Chairman of the Ado-Odo/Ota CDC, Olatunji Onaolapo, criticized IBEDC’s perceived indifference, stating that despite numerous letters, the company had not responded to community concerns.
“In Itele Ota alone, residents have bought about 80 transformers without any contribution from IBEDC,” Onaolapo said. “Even after paying for energisation, we still have to beg IBEDC to come and install the transformers they should have provided in the first place.”
In response, Abdulrasaq Jimoh, IBEDC’s representative in Ogun State, claimed that the communities erred by purchasing equipment without formally notifying the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC).
However, FCCPC’s Etim countered this claim, stating that IBEDC has a duty to escalate such investment plans to the regulator on behalf of the communities. She cited Jos Electricity Distribution Company as an example, noting that it refunded consumers for similar investments without prior approval from either NERC or FCCPC.
“We are not going to accept that excuse,” Etim said. “For any future investments made by consumers, IBEDC must ensure refunds are provided. Prior cases may not have been well documented, but going forward, the process must be followed.”
She urged communities to inform the FCCPC of any planned investments in electricity infrastructure to ensure proper documentation and facilitate refunds through energy credits.
In her presentation of the EVC’s opening remarks, Etim highlighted that the three-day forum was organized under Sections 17, 127, 130, and 151 of the FCCPA 2018. The goal, she said, was to bridge the gap between electricity consumers and service providers.
“Electricity is more than a commodity — it’s a critical service that supports daily life, businesses, and economic progress,” she said. “The sector still faces major issues, including poor metering, billing errors, and inadequate infrastructure, which must be addressed through open dialogue and collaboration.”
She added that the forum offers a non-confrontational space for consumers to understand their rights and for IBEDC representatives to address complaints on the spot, in line with FCCPC’s mandate to ensure practical, accessible, and responsive consumer protection.