Author: Lifestyle & Wellness Desk

Nigeria’s fuel consumption fell sharply in June 2025, with total evacuations sliding to 1.44 billion litres, according to the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA). NMDPRA’s Director of Public Affairs, George Ene-Ita, clarified that daily usage averaged 48.03 million litres, correcting earlier reports that cited 38.94 million litres. The June total represents a 16.42% decline from May’s 1.77 billion litres—a drop of more than 290 million litres. By the numbers Total evacuation (June): 1,440,768,129 litres Daily average: 48,025,604 litres (30-day month) Change vs May: –16.42% (from 1,768,812,804 litres) Product trends Diesel (AGO): Supply inched up 1.73% to 432.18 million litres (from 424.83 million), but truck-out volumes fell 23.23% to 424.06 million litres (from 552.35 million). Household kerosene: Supply and distribution both slipped 13% to 7.79 million litres (from ~9 million in May). Premium Motor Spirit (petrol): The sharpest decline—automotive gasoline supply dropped nearly 48%, from 72.36 million litres in May to 37.66 million litres in June; distribution also fell 16.54%. Where the fuel went NMDPRA’s state-level truck-out data shows: Lagos: 205.66 million litres Ogun: 88.69 million litres FCT: 77.51 million litres Oyo: 72.81 million litres The regulator said the figures point to ongoing pressures in midstream and downstream operations that shaped consumption patterns in June. NMDPRA pledged closer coordination with stakeholders to stabilise distribution and ensure uninterrupted nationwide supply.

The World Bank has approved $300 million for Nigeria to boost resilience and expand essential services for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and their host communities across conflict-affected LGAs in the North. The financing, cleared on August 7, 2025, will fund the Solutions for the Internally Displaced and Host Communities Project (SOLID), expected to reach up to 7.4 million people, including about 1.3 million IDPs. According to the Bank, years of insecurity have displaced over 3.5 million people, straining local infrastructure and services, heightening competition for scarce resources, and increasing vulnerability to climate shocks such as flooding. What SOLID will do Build and maintain climate-resilient infrastructure Promote social cohesion through participatory planning and economic cooperatives Provide livelihoods support for IDPs and host communities Strengthen institutions to manage displacement-driven demographic pressures World Bank Country Director for Nigeria Mathew Verghis said the program aims to move communities from humanitarian dependence to self-reliance and resilience, aligning with the National IDP Policy and Nigeria’s long-term development vision. Task Team Leads Fuad Malkawi and Christopher Johnson described the operation as central to closing infrastructure and service delivery gaps in overstretched host areas. Implementation will be community-driven and coordinated across federal, state, and local governments with international partners. Debt context Data from Nigeria’s Debt Management Office show the country’s outstanding obligations to the World Bank rose to $18.23bn as of March 31, 2025 (from $17.81bn in December 2024). Of this, IDA loans increased to $16.99bn, while IBRD remained $1.24bn. The World Bank Group now accounts for 39.7% of Nigeria’s $45.98bn external debt and 81.2% of total multilateral debt ($22.43bn).

The University of Benin (UNIBEN) will conduct its Post-UTME (PUTME) and Post-Direct Entry (PUDE) screening from Monday 1 – Saturday 6 September 2025 at designated CBT centres on the Ugbowo Campus. Key dates Application deadline: Friday, 22 August 2025 (12:00 midnight) Check portal for schedule (date/venue/time): From Wednesday, 27 August 2025 Screening window: 1–6 September 2025 Who is eligible 2025/2026 UTME or Direct Entry applicants who chose UNIBEN as First Choice UTME score ≥ 200 Five (5) O’Level credits (GCE/SSCE/NECO or equivalent) in ≤ 2 sittings, including English and Mathematics (where required) plus relevant subjects Valid email address for the application Course groupings Physical Sciences: Engineering, Environmental Sciences, Physical Sciences, Education–Physical Sciences, Technical Education, Statistics (Pure Science) Life Sciences: Medicine, Dentistry, Basic Medical Sciences, Pharmacy, Life Sciences, Education–Life Sciences, Agricultural Sciences, Home Economics, Veterinary Medicine Social Sciences: Social Sciences, Education–Social Sciences, Early Childhood Education, Library & Information Science, Guidance & Counseling, Special/Adult Education Management Sciences: Management Sciences, Mathematics & Economics, Estate Management, Statistics, Economics Arts: Law, Arts, Education–Arts Screening rules Arrive at least 1 hour early No mobile phones or calculators in the hall Come with Acknowledgement Slip and Screening Invitation Slip

The Ogun State Police Command has arrested two men over the alleged possession of three human skulls in the Ijebu axis. Command spokesperson CSP Omolola Odutola said a mobile police team from 71 PMF, Awa Ijebu intercepted motorcyclist Kadir Owolabi during a routine stop-and-search along the Ijebu Ode–Ibadan Expressway at Refugees Camp Junction, Oru Ijebu, around 2:00 p.m. on Monday, August 11, 2025. A search of his luggage uncovered the skulls. A preliminary probe led to a second arrest: Jamiu Yisa, 53, picked up near the Ijebu Ode Local Government Secretariat. CP Lanre Ogunlowo has assigned the case to the State CID for discreet investigation. The Command reaffirmed its zero tolerance for crime and urged residents to share information, assuring the public of confidentiality and protection of informants.

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has asked passengers on Ibom Air flight IAN513 (Uyo–Lagos) involved in Sunday’s onboard incident to share firsthand accounts to support its probe. NCAA spokesperson Mike Achimugu, posting on X, urged witnesses to contact him via DM or email (michael.achimugu@ncaa.gov.ng). He said verified passengers will be heard to capture “both sides” of what happened, adding that while unruly conduct won’t be excused, anyone found culpable “down the line” will be held accountable. Achimugu said NCAA officers in Lagos will conduct a fact-finding mission with police and other security agencies. The episode, he noted, is “a test for the system,” exposing operational gaps despite strong regulations and offering lessons for passengers, airline staff, and aviation security alike. “In aviation, safety comes first, second, and third,” he said. Viral videos showed a passenger, identified as Comfort Emmanson, confronting cabin crew and airport security. Ibom Air said the disruption began before take-off when she refused to switch off her phone, posing a safety risk. The airline has imposed a travel ban on her across its network. The passenger was arraigned on Monday and remanded at Kirikiri Correctional Centre in Lagos.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese accused Israel’s Benjamin Netanyahu of being “in denial” about the humanitarian toll of the Gaza war, following a call between the two leaders last Thursday. Netanyahu’s government has faced mounting criticism amid reports of widespread hunger in Gaza. The Hamas-run health ministry says five people, including a child, died from malnutrition in the past 24 hours, bringing the total to 222 deaths, among them 101 children. Israel rejects claims of starvation, alleging UN agencies are failing to collect and distribute aid at border crossings. The UN says Israeli controls and delays are obstructing deliveries. Speaking to the ABC on Tuesday, Albanese said Australia was alarmed by deadly incidents around aid distribution points. “The stopping of aid… and the loss of life we’re seeing where people queuing for food and water are losing their lives is completely unacceptable,” he said. “I spoke with PM Netanyahu… he again reiterated what he has said publicly, which is to be in denial about the consequences for innocent people.” Albanese also defended Australia’s decision to recognise a Palestinian state, saying it followed commitments from the Palestinian Authority that Hamas would have no role in a future state. The move drew mixed reactions at home: the Executive Council of Australian Jewry called it a “betrayal,” while some pro-Palestinian activists said it falls short. Opposition leader Sussan Ley labelled the decision “disrespectful” to the United States. A pro-Palestinian march earlier this month drew at least 90,000 people across the Sydney Harbour Bridge after a court allowed the demonstration to proceed. Netanyahu said it was “shameful” for countries, including Australia, to recognise Palestinian statehood during the conflict. “They know what they would do if, right next to Melbourne or Sydney, you had this horrific attack. I think you would do at least what we’re doing,” he said at a weekend press conference. According to the Hamas-run health ministry, more than 61,000 people have been killed in Gaza since 7 October. Israel launched its campaign after Hamas-led attacks that killed about 1,200 people and saw 251 taken hostage.

Access roads to Murtala Muhammed Airport were gridlocked on Monday as hundreds of persons with disabilities protested the prolonged closure of a government-run school serving blind and disabled students. Carrying a banner of the Farmcraft Centre for the Blind, demonstrators blocked major approaches to the airport, forcing some passengers and staff to walk long distances to reach terminals. Organisers said more than 500 people joined the action, with additional supporters arriving from across Lagos. Protest leaders said the demonstration was aimed at drawing President Bola Tinubu’s attention to the nearly two-year shutdown of their school, which they say has stalled education and rehabilitation services. “You can see the blind and disabled people; they are angry,” said a protest coordinator who identified himself as Mr. Dolor. “A lot of Nigerians see them as beggars, but now they have their own school—a school that gave them dignity—and it has been shut without reason for almost two years.” He said the main campus is in Isheri with branches elsewhere in the state, and that repeated appeals to state and federal authorities had gone unanswered. “This is why we are here… with the whole airport affected, the message will get to the President,” he added. The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) issued a travel advisory signed by spokesperson Obiageli Orah, warning of heavy traffic around the airport and urging commuters to consider alternative routes and confirm flight times with their airlines. FAAN apologised for the inconvenience and advised travellers to monitor official channels for updates. Protesters vowed to remain at the airport precincts until they receive a firm commitment from authorities on reopening the school.

Comfort Emmanson, the passenger accused of assaulting cabin crew on an Ibom Air flight from Uyo to Lagos, has been arraigned and remanded at Kirikiri Correctional Centre in Lagos. Tunde Moshood, Special Adviser on Media and Communications to the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, said on X that the passenger had been charged to court and taken into custody. The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority has recently warned it will step up enforcement against disruptive behaviour at airports and on board aircraft. A viral clip from the Uyo–Lagos service showed a female passenger striking a purser after being told to switch off her phone before take-off. In a statement, Ibom Air said the passenger also attempted to remove a fire extinguisher to use as a weapon, describing the conduct as a serious threat to the safety of crew, passengers and aircraft. The airline announced a lifetime ban for the passenger. The development comes amid heightened scrutiny of unruly passenger incidents, including a recent case involving Fuji musician Wasiu Ayinde Marshal (K1) on a ValueJet flight.

The National President of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Musiliu “MC Oluomo” Akinsanya, has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to forgive Fuji legend Wasiu Ayinde Marshal (Kwam 1) following allegations of aviation rule violations that disrupted airline operations. The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) alleged the 68-year-old singer brought alcohol on board ValueJet Flight VK201 to Lagos—an action prohibited on domestic flights—leading to an altercation with a flight attendant, according to a statement by spokesperson Obiageli Orah. In response, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, placed Ayinde on a six-month no-fly list for domestic and international services pending investigation. In an Instagram post on Monday, MC Oluomo asked the President to temper justice with mercy, saying Kwam 1 had acknowledged mistakes and was willing to make amends, likening the situation to a “prodigal son” seeking forgiveness. He also urged NCAA Director-General Capt. Chris Najomo and Minister Keyamo to lift the ban on both Kwam 1 and pilot Oluranti Ogoyi over the incident at the domestic wing of Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

President Donald Trump said homeless people in Washington, D.C., “have to move out, IMMEDIATELY,” pledging to relocate them “far from the Capital” and to jail criminals as part of a new law-and-order push in the nation’s seat of government. He said more details would come at a White House news conference on Monday. In a Truth Social post on Sunday, Trump wrote that the administration would provide places to stay for the homeless away from central D.C., and warned there would be “no MR. NICE GUY” in tackling crime. The comments followed a recent surge of federal officers patrolling the city under an existing executive order. A White House official said hundreds of agents are already deployed; Reuters reported about 450 federal officers were sent over the weekend. D.C. leaders condemned the remarks and questioned Trump’s authority to force removals or override the city’s home-rule powers. Mayor Muriel Bowser pointed to data showing violent crime has fallen this year, challenging Trump’s depiction of a city in crisis. Reports indicate the White House is weighing options ranging from deploying the National Guard to asserting broader federal control — moves likely to face legal challenges. Trump’s demand also drew criticism from civil-rights and homelessness advocates, who warned that mass displacement without services would be unlawful and ineffective. The Guardian reported D.C. has nearly 800 unsheltered residents, with thousands more in shelters or transitional housing; the paper said the president’s team has suggested relocating people outside the city core. The tough rhetoric comes amid a broader political fight over who governs the capital — and how. While Trump argues a federal blitz is needed to “make our Capital safer and more beautiful,” city officials say sustainable solutions require housing, treatment and courts staffing, not mass evictions.