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Hope for fuel ‘price moderation’ as IPMAN reaches agreement with Dangote

Mustapha USMAN
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Hope for fuel ‘price moderation’ as IPMAN reaches agreement with Dangote

THERE is hope for price moderation as the  Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has reached a landmark agreement with Dangote Refinery, directing its members to exclusively source Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) from the refinery to help bring down fuel prices.

IPMAN’s National President, Abubakar Maigandi, announced the agreement on Monday, November 11, during a press conference in Abuja, following a National Working Committee meeting. 

This latest development halted IPMAN’s previous plans to import fuel independently and is expected to stabilise the fuel supply and lower costs for Nigerians.

Previously, both IPMAN and the Petroleum Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) had suggested that competition, including importing fuel themselves, would reduce prices. 

However, with the new partnership, IPMAN intended to work directly with Dangote Refinery, streamlining the fuel supply chain and potentially driving down costs by reducing dependence on imports.

PETROAN’s National Public Relations Officer, Joseph Obele, had earlier stated that a competitive, deregulated environment would help bring down fuel prices. 

Obele disclosed that the group had incorporated a business unit that would enable it to bring in petrol before December.

It disputed the allegation by Dangote Refinery that the marketers intend to import substandard products at a cheaper rate, saying the claims were not surprising.

Also, the  National Assistant Secretary of IPMAN, Yakubu Suleiman, expressed surprise that Dangote had called on IPMAN members to support the refinery, despite previous unsuccessful attempts to foster a working relationship

The refinery, however, maintained that its fuel prices align with international benchmarks, though they are currently higher than the price of imported products. 

With the agreement, IPMAN members will source PMS, Automotive Gas Oil (AGO or diesel), and Dual Purpose Kerosene (DPK) directly from Dangote Refinery, supplying IPMAN depots and retail outlets across Nigeria.

“The Dangote Refinery has obliged IPMAN to lift PMS, AGO, and DPK directly for onward supply to IPMAN depots and retail outlets.”

 “This arrangement will ensure steady and seamless supply of petroleum products all over Nigeria at an affordable rate for all Nigerians.”

He commended Dangote for fostering this collaboration, highlighting the long-term benefits of supporting local refineries.

Maigandi encouraged IPMAN members to back the initiative, emphasizing that this aligns with the government’s economic goals and could positively impact Nigeria’s foreign exchange reserves.

“All IPMAN members should fully support the Dangote Refinery, as it is the ideal thing to do considering the monumental benefits of backwards integration as a medium for the long-term impact it will have on the foreign exchange market in Nigeria,” Maigandi continued.

“IPMAN members should rely on Dangote Refinery and other Nigerian refineries for products, as this will translate to more job opportunities in Nigeria as well as signify total support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s renewed agenda.”

Another collapsed mining site kills 13 in Plateau

Mustapha USMAN
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Another collapsed mining site kills 13 in Plateau

A DEADLY mining accident has claimed the lives of 13 miners in  Bassa Local Government Area (LGA) of Plateau State, following a recent collapse of an artisanal mining site.

This latest tragedy highlights the ongoing dangers within Nigeria’s largely unregulated mining sector, where miners often work without proper safety protocols in place..

According to the News Agency of Nigeria, the chairman of the LGA, Joshua Riti, confirmed this to journalists in Jos on Monday, November 11.

Riti, expressing sadness over the number of deaths, reported that the incident took place last Saturday, with seven of the victims identified as residents of Bassa Local Government Area.

He noted that the victims, whom he identified as mostly young people ( between 18 and 30 years old), were merely seeking a means of livelihood.

“They went out to put their energies to good use to sustain and meet up with the current economic hardship in the country but met their untimely death.

“I wish to extend my deepest condolences to the families and loved ones affected by this tragedy,” Riti was quoted to have said.

The ICIR reports that despite existing mining regulations, enforcement has remained minimal in most parts of the country, where many mining activities fall under the radar of federal and state authorities. Accidents at artisanal mining sites, such as this one, continue to be a recurring issue, yet previous government assurances to regulate and monitor the industry more effectively have yet to materialize.

In June 2024, three persons died in Paikoro, Niger state, when an illegal mining pit collapsed, trapping several persons underground.

In the same month, about 50 people were trapped when a mining pit, which was about 400 metres deep, collapsed in Shiroro LGA of Niger State.

The ICIR investigation revealed that despite casualties from such collapses and repeated warnings by the government and security agencies, more young people are driven into illegal mining due to poverty, unemployment, and inadequate oversight by regulatory bodies.

This was as many children under 18 were either forced or induced into this unregulated artisanal mining, where their rights are being violated. 

The purchase of mineral resources by big players from unlicensed miners across the country not only shortchanges the government but also encourages child labor, which contradicts international labor laws that Nigeria is bound by, including the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.

Article 32 of the convention provides for the protection of children from “economic exploitation and from performing any work that is likely to be hazardous or to interfere with the child’s education, or to be harmful to the child’s health or physical, mental, spiritual, moral or social development.”

More than one million children are engaged in child labour in mines and quarries, according to the International Labour Organization (ILO).

The ILO describes this activity as “a serious violation of children’s rights that puts children’s health and safety at risk and deprives them of an education.”

Regardless of extant local and international laws that protect people under 18 years from being used for such labour, children and teenagers crawl in and out of illegal mining pits in Paseli and Taluwa aiding illegal miners in their slow, tedious manual extraction of minerals.

Tinubu advocates two-states solution to end Israel-Gaza aggression

Mustapha USMAN
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Tinubu advocates two-states solution to end Israel-Gaza aggression

AS the Gaza-Israel conflict continues with severe civilian casualties and devastation, President Bola Tinubu has joined international leaders to call for an end to Israel aggression in Gaza. 

Addressing an emergency Arab-Islamic Summit in Riyadh, on Monday, November 11, Tinubu condemned the ongoing violence and urged immediate action to alleviate the humanitarian crisis. 

While emphasising the need to prioritise civilian lives, he reiterated Nigeria’s support for a two-state solution, stressing that peaceful coexistence between Israelis and Palestinians is the only viable path forward.

The conflict has seen extensive airstrikes in Gaza, destroying infrastructure, homes, hospitals, and public facilities. Thousands of civilians have been killed or injured, while hospitals and humanitarian centers report severe shortages of essential supplies like water, electricity, and medical aid. 

Recently, the ongoing crisis in Gaza and Lebanon has intensified, with Israeli airstrikes killing dozens in recent days. On Sunday, November 10, an Israeli strike in Lebanon’s Aalmat village—located far north of Hezbollah’s stronghold, resulted in at least 23 fatalities. 

This airstrike, part of Israel’s extensive offensive across Lebanon, has expanded further into northern regions previously unscathed by heavy conflict. The escalation follows months of tit-for-tat violence between Israel and Hezbollah, spurred by Hezbollah’s show of solidarity with Gaza, including missile and drone strikes targeting Israel.

Since then, Israel has intensified its strikes further into Lebanese territory, while Hezbollah has extended its rocket attacks from northern into central Israel. The conflict has resulted in the deaths of over 3,000 people in Lebanon, according to the Health Ministry, and more than 70 fatalities in Israel.

“The conflict in Palestine has persisted for far too long, inflicting immeasurable suffering,” Tinubu said at the summit, which was convened by leaders from the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the League of Arab States.

In his address, he decried the impact on Gaza’s civilians, many of whom are struggling to survive under blockades that have hindered the delivery of aid.

“As representatives of nations that value justice, dignity, and the sanctity of human life, we have a moral obligation to collectively bring about an immediate end to this conflict. ‘It is not enough to issue empty condemnations. The world must work towards an end to Israeli aggression in Gaza, which has persisted for far too long. 

“No political aim, no military strategy, and no security concern should come at the expense of so many innocent lives,” Tinubu said.

President Tinubu emphasised the need to prioritise civilian lives, urging all parties involved to respect the principles of proportionality and the protection of non-combatants in accordance with international humanitarian law. 

He stated that while nations have the right to defence, such measures must be proportionate and considerate of the impact on innocent lives.

”In a rules-based international order, States have the right of self-defence. But self defence must take proportionality into account, in line with global legal, diplomatic – and moral – frameworks. 

”An entire civilian population, their dreams and futures, cannot be dismissed as collateral,” he said.

Tinubu further reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to a two-state solution, calling it a practical approach that offers hope for long-term peace in the region.

He described the two-state vision as a diplomatic goal and a humanitarian imperative rooted in the principles of justice, equality, and mutual recognition of rights.

‘It is not just a diplomatic article of faith; it is a vision grounded in the principles of equality and mutual recognition. ‘Achieving this vision requires a commitment to dialogue and respect for history. We all know this conflict did not begin on October 7 in 2023. It can only be resolved through principled compromise, based on appreciation of the proper context.

”This conflict, in the cradle of history, is so visceral that the ripples of division spread far and quickly. The corrosive impact of the images of endless violence, repeated on a billion smart phones around the world is huge. We need to find new pathways to peace, without delay,” he said.

On August 16, the health ministry in Gaza said that over 40,000 Palestinians have been killed since Israel launched its war on Hamas following the group’s October 7 attack. 

According to the ministry, the number implies that one in every 55 residents of the enclave has died during the attack, while over 92,401 people have been injured.

The health ministry’s figures did not differentiate between combatants and civilians, but it noted that most of those killed were women and children.

Former COAS Lagbaja, to be buried Friday

Bankole ABE
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Former COAS Lagbaja, to be buried Friday

THE late chief of Army Staff (COAS), Taoreed Lagbaja, will be laid to rest in Abuja on Friday, November 11.

Lagbaja’s immediate elder brother, Moshood Lagbaja, stated this at Osogbo, Osun State,, when the St. Charles Grammar School Osogbo Old Boys Association (SCOBA) paid the late COAS family condolence visit.

He guaranteed the visitors that Lagbaja would have a respectable burial in Abuja on Friday but stated that the military was unable to deliver his remains to them.

The delegation delivered a letter of condolence signed by the association’s general secretary, Leye Odetoyinbo, and global president, Tade Adekunle, to the family.

The delegation’s leader and first vice president, Adesina Salami, spoke on behalf of SCOBA and described the late Lagbaja as a remarkable person, a proud Charlean, and a great military leader who served the country with unshakable dedication.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu announced the death of Lagbaja on Wednesday, November 6. Lagbaja reportedly died at age 56.

This was in a statement issued by the special adviser to the President, on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on his X account on Wednesday.

Lagbaja passed away on Tuesday night in Lagos after a period of illness.

The ICIR reported that the Nigerian Army dismissed the rumoured death of the Lagbaja in October.

The rumour of his death, which originated from a tweet by Jackson Ude, a former presidential aide and social media commentator, went viral on social media.

Reacting to the tweet in a post on X, the Army spokesperson, Onyema Nwachukwu, a brigadier general, urged Nigerians to ignore the post.

He, however, said Lagbaja was on official leave, and proper procedures were put in place for Abdulsalami Ibrahim, a major general and the chief of policy and plans of the Army, to act in his place.

Nwachukwu argued that Lagbaja’s absence was not disrupting the Army’s operations.

However, The ICIR reported on October 30 that the president appointed Olufemi Oluyede, a major general, to act in Lagbaja’s place.

According to a statement by the president’s spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, Oluyede will act in the position pending when Lagbaja, whom the presidency said was indisposed, returns to Nigeria.

Lagbaja military career began when he enrolled in the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) in 1987. On September 19, 1992.

He is survived by his wife Mariya and their two children.

Emerging technologies media award call for entries

Blessing OTOIBHI
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0
Emerging technologies media award call for entries

THROUGH the Platform for Dialogue and Action on Health Technologies in Africa (Health Tech Platform), the African Institute for Development Policy (AFIDEP) and the African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD) announced a call for entries for the third edition of the Emerging Technologies Media Award of Excellence.

The Emerging Technologies Media Award (ETMA), is an annual recognition of journalists at the forefront of reporting on African-led technologies and innovations to achieve the continent’s socioeconomic transformation.

The media award seeks to promote reporting of technologies and innovations being developed by and for use in achieving the continent’s aspirations and to raise public awareness, understanding, participation, and local ownership of these technologies and innovations.

Entries should address issues related to the development and use of emerging technologies in Africa for water, food and energy security, such as ongoing research, regulatory frameworks, community participation, public awareness and understanding, involvement of African scientists, equity and benefit sharing.

African journalists working in print, radio, television and online media can compete for cash prizes.

Categories include print, radio, television journalism, and online media. Works published or broadcast between January 1, 2024, and December 31, 2024 are eligible for submission.

The grand prize winner will receive US$5,000. Winners for each category will receive US$2,500 and each runner-up US$1,000.

The deadline for the submission of application is January 10, 2025. Interested applicants can apply here.

NiMet forecasts three-day dust haze, rain across Nigeria

Mustapha USMAN
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NiMet forecasts three-day dust haze, rain across Nigeria

THE Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has issued a three-day weather outlook, forecasting a mix of dust haze, hazy skies, and thunderstorms across various regions from November 10 to November 12.

In its latest bulletin, published on Sunday, November 10, the agency outlined expected conditions for Northern, North Central, and Southern regions, advising the public to take precautions.

NiMet forecasts that on Monday, November 11, dust haze with similar visibility levels will persist across the Northern and North Central regions. 

In the South, the agency noted that sunny and hazy conditions are expected inland, with cloudy patches predicted along the coastal states.

“In the Northern region, slight dust haze with localized visibility of 2 – 5km is expected during the forecast hours. In the North Central region, slight dust haze with localized visibility of 2 – 5km is expected during the forecast period. 

“In the southern region, sunny and hazy skies are anticipated over the Inland while patches of clouds are expected over the Coastal states during the forecast period.

The weather forecast for Tuesday, November 12, indicated continued dust haze in the North and North Central regions, while hazy skies are expected inland in the Southern region, accompanied by cloudy patches along the coast. 

It also stressed that thunderstorms with moderate rains are anticipated later in the day over Lagos, Cross River, Rivers, Bayelsa, and Akwa Ibom states.

“In the Northern region, slight dust haze with localized visibility of 2 – 5km is expected during the forecast hours. In the North Central region, slight dust haze with localized visibility of 2 – 5km is expected during the forecast period. 

“In the southern region, sunny and hazy skies are anticipated over the Inland while patches of clouds are expected over the Coastal states. Later in the day, thunderstorms with moderate rains are anticipated over parts of Lagos, Cross River, Rivers, Bayelsa, and Akwa Ibom states,” the report added.

The agency had stated that on Sunday, November 10, a slight dust haze with visibility between 2 to 5 kilometers would affect the Northern and North Central regions. 

In the southern region, sunny skies with a hazy atmosphere were envisaged in inland, while morning thunderstorms with slight rains may occur in parts of Lagos, Akwa Ibom, and Cross River. 

Thunderstorms with light rains could develop later in the afternoon and evening over parts of Ondo, Ogun, Lagos, Edo, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Rivers, and Delta.

In its advisory, NiMet urged Nigerians to take health precautions due to the dust in the atmosphere. 

“Dust particles are in suspension, public should take necessary precaution,” the agency warned, adding that people with asthma and other respiratory conditions should limit exposure. 

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NiMet also noted that strong winds might accompany thunderstorms in southern areas, advising residents to secure loose objects and take safety measures. 

“Adhere to safety advisories issued by relevant authorities,” the agency recommended.

For airline operators, the agency advised obtaining specific airport weather reports to ensure safe flight operations. 

It further urged residents to stay informed by regularly checking NiMet’s forecasts and visiting their website.

Columbia university hosts Obama foundation scholars programme

Blessing OTOIBHI
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Columbia university hosts Obama foundation scholars programme

COLUMBIA University is accepting candidates for the 2025-2026 Obama Foundation Scholars Programme.

Scholars are slated to spend the academic year, August to May, in an immersive programme that brings together academic, skills-based and experiential learning, designed by Columbia University in consultation with the Obama Foundation.

Throughout the year, scholars will have opportunities to engage with thought leaders and practitioners from the public, private and nonprofit sectors.

Emerging leaders from around the world who have made meaningful contributions to their field can apply for this programme in New York.

The organiser says that priority will be given to applicants who have not matriculated at Columbia University. The fellowship is a full-time, residential programme at Columbia and cannot be undertaken at the same time as a degree programme.

The programme offers airfare, a monthly stipend, a furnished studio apartment, tuition and fees for up to four courses at Columbia University and medical, dental and life insurance.

The deadline for the submission of application is December 16, 2024. Interested applicants can apply here.

NLC directs to commence strike December over minimum wage

Bankole ABE
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NLC directs to commence strike December over minimum wage

THE Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has directed workers in states where the N70,000 new minimum wage is not being fully implemented to commence strike beginning from December 1, 2024.

This was disclosed in a statement sent to the media on Sunday, November 10, by its President, Joe Ajaero, at the end of its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

According to the NLC, the NEC expressed extreme annoyance at the continued postponement and outright denial of the 2024 National Minimum Wage Act by several state governments.

The labour movement called certain governors’ decision to keep denying workers their due salaries in the face of growing economic hardship an act of betrayal.

The NLC also issued a warning that it would not tolerate a situation in which workers in Rivers State were subjected to the current political crisis by the withholding of funds intended to pay their salaries and other benefits.

The union described the situation as a blatant disregard for the law and the lives of millions of Nigerian workers who are being exploited by the very leaders who swore to protect them.

In addition, in order to educate workers and citizens about the need to fight this attack on their rights and dignity, the NEC has decided to establish the National Minimum Wage Implementation Committee, which will, among other things, start a nationwide assessment, mobilisation, and sensitisation campaign.

“Furthermore, the NLC shall initiate a series of industrial actions in all non-compliant states and shall not relent until the minimum wage is fully implemented across Nigeria.

“To this end, all state councils where the National Minimum Wage has not been fully implemented by the last day of November 2024 have been directed to proceed on strike beginning from the 1st day of December 2024,” the union stated.

The ICIR reported that states like Kebbi, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, and Kano states joined the growing list of Nigerian states ready to implement the new minimum wage for workers.

For Ogun, Gombe, and Ondo, the state governments have approved N77,000, N71,451.15, and N73,000 for their workers, respectively. 

This was as Kogi State Governor Usman Ododo approved the N72,500 minimum wage for the state’s civil servants. 

Anambra and Borno have indicated their intention to begin paying the new minimum wage in October. 

Adamawa, Ebonyi, Katsina, Kwara, and Delta have also announced the approval of the new monthly minimum wage of N70,000. Similarly, Oyo, Osun, and Benue State have expressed readiness to adopt the new minimum wage.

This development followed President Bola Tinubu’s signing of the new minimum wage bill into law in July, ending months of deliberations between government representatives, labour unions, and the private sector.

The President assented to the bill seeking N70,000 for workers on Monday, July 29, at the State House in Abuja, barely a week after the National Assembly passed it.

The revised minimum wage aimed at alleviating hardship faced by public sector employees, following fuel subsidy removal and other economic reforms by Tinubu’s government that have made life unbearable for most citizens.

The Nigerian governors had opposed the N60,000 minimum wage initially proposed by the federal government.

 

Fact-checking Ajayi’s and Aiyedatiwa’s claims at the Ondo 2024 gubernatorial debate

Fatimah QUADRI
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Fact-checking Ajayi’s and Aiyedatiwa’s claims at the Ondo 2024 gubernatorial debate

AT a debate organised by Channels TV on Sunday, November 3, 2024, the two leading Ondo State gubernatorial candidates spoke about their plans for the state if elected in the off-season November 16 governorship poll.

The debate, moderated by Seun Okinbaloye, a broadcast journalist and Politics Today’s anchor on Channels TV, includes discussions on the state of the economy, security, education, infrastructure, health and poverty eradication etc in the state.

The gubernatorial candidates present at the debate are Lucky Aiyedatiwa of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who is the sitting Ondo governor and Agboola Ajayi of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

The FactCheckHub verified the accuracy of the claims made by the PDP candidate, Agboola Ajayi, who was a former deputy governor of the state.

Fact-checking Ajayi’s claims at the Ondo 2024 gubernatorial debate

CLAIM 1

Ajayi claimed that there are no industries in Ondo state.

THE FINDINGS

Findings by The FactCheckHub show that the claim is FALSE!

This list by Nigeria Directory shows some of the industries/manufacturing companies in the state.

A keyword search on the words “Industries in Ondo state” provided search results on some industries such as OmoadeCeil Industry, Johnvents Industries limited and Emmver Industries, amongst others.

THE VERDICT

The claim that there are no industries in Ondo state is FALSE; data show that there are multiple industries operating in the state.

CLAIM 2

Ajayi said that Ondo state ministry of agriculture has no tractor.

THE FINDINGS

Findings by The FactCheckHub show that the claim is MOSTLY TRUE!

In September 2024, multiple media platforms such as The Guardian, Punch, and Tribune reported that the Commissioner for Agriculture in the state, Olayato Aribo explained that during the late Governor Akeredolu’s administration, 30 tractors were purchased and subsequently sold to companies and individuals at subsidised rates to boost farming in the state.

He further stated that most of these tractors are now outside the state and no longer government-owned, with some sold outrightly and others under installment payment plans while noting that the state retained only one tractor.

He added that, despite this, they still plan to purchase more tractors but will, for now, expedite food production by engaging a tractor hiring company.

THE VERDICT

The claim that the Ondo state ministry of agriculture has no tractor is MOSTLY TRUE; all of the tractors were sold at subsidised rates leaving only one of the tractors for the ministry.

Fact-checking Aiyedatiwa’s claims at the Ondo 2024 gubernatorial debate

CLAIM 1

Aiyedatiwa said the 2024 edition of the Global Entrepreneur Festival would be held in Ondo state.

THE FINDINGS

Checks by The FactCheckHub show that the claim is TRUE.

In August 2024, multiple media houses, both local and international reported that the event slated for November 22-24, 2024, would take place in Ondo State.

ThisDay reports that Ondo State’s Commissioner for Information, Wale Akinlosotu, at a press conference in Lagos said the festival’s theme, “Beyond Boundaries: Poverty Eradication through Entrepreneurship,” strongly reflects the state’s mission.

THE VERDICT

The claim that the 2024 edition of the Global Entrepreneur Festival would be held in Ondo state is TRUE, as it was reported by multiple media platforms few months ago.

 

CLAIM 2 

Ondo state is the second least state in terms of poverty in Nigeria.

THE FINDING

Findings by The FactCheckHub show that the claim is MOSTLY TRUE!

The 2022 Multidimensional poverty index released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) shows that Ondo was the least state with poverty at 27 percent followed closely by Lagos and Abia states.

Nairametrics also reported that Ondo state recorded the lowest MPI nationally at 0.095 with only 1.3 million multi-dimensionally poor people in the state.

THE VERDICT

The claim that Ondo state is the second least state in terms of poverty in Nigeria is MOSTLY TRUE; Ondo state is actually the state with the lowest poverty index in Nigeria, according to the 2022 Multidimensional poverty index.

CLAIM 3

Cocoa processing factory in Ondo state processes 7,000 tonnes of cocoa every month.

THE FINDINGS 

Findings by The FactCheckHub indicate that the claim is UNPROVEN!

An investigation by CrossRiver Watch shows that The Sunshine Chocolate Factory in Idanre, launched in 2020 by the state government as a government initiative was eventually bought by a private individual, Johnvents Industries after it went desolate some months later.

TheCable and Vanguard report that the late governor of the state, Rotimi Akeredolu, commissioned the factory in 2021.

A 2022 report by ThisDay notes that the factory had processed about 5,000 metric tonnes of cocoa for export, barely six months after its launch.

THE VERDICT

The claim that the cocoa processing factory in Ondo state processes 7,000 tonnes of cocoa every month is UNPROVEN, as there is insufficient evidence to verify the claim.

Doctored image showing Tinubu on sickbed circulates online

Fatimah QUADRI
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Doctored image showing Tinubu on sickbed circulates online

A Facebook user, Sokoto Birni has shared an image that purports to show the Nigerian President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, lying down on a sickbed in a hospital.

In the image, Tinubu could be seen lying down on the bed while a doctor examined him.

The image also had a caption which was originally written in Hausa language but was translated automatically using Google Translate to read:

“To Allah we belong and to Him we shall return The strongest source that it moves but slowly.”

The FactCheckHub observed in the post’s comments section that some of the followers of the poster believed the message to be true, hence why we fact-checked them.

CLAIM

Image shows Tinubu on sickbed.

THE FINDINGS

Findings by The FactCheckHub show that the claim is MISLEADING, as the image has been doctored.

Screenshot of the claim extracted from Facebook; Insert MISLEADING verdict
Screenshot of the claim extracted from Facebook. Insert: MISLEADING verdict.

When our fact-checker subjected the image to a Google Reverse Image Search, the results indicate that the image dates back to 2018.

The original image was taken after Sunmi Smart-Cole, a veteran Nigerian photojournalist, was discharged from a Lagos hospital following a week-long stay there.

The actual Image showing Sunmi Smart-Cole in the hospital
The actual Image showing Sunmi Smart-Cole in the hospital.

According to The Guardian, Smart-Cole had been hospitalised for injuries sustained when some presidential security personnel allegedly manhandled him during former President Muhammadu Buhari’s visit to Lagos State in March 29, 2018.

The same Smart-Cole’s images were shared online during the period as seen here and here.

In addition, our fact-checker reviewed media reports around October 11, 2024 and confirmed that President Tinubu was actually in Paris, France, on a work leave then, as reported by some media outfits including Channels TV and The Cable etc. He has made other public appearances since then.

THE VERDICT

The claim that the image shows Tinubu on sickbed is MISLEADING; the original image shows Sunmi Smart-Cole, a veteran photojournalist on the hospital bed.

This report is republished from The FactCheckHub.

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