Energy crisis: Rising costs for cooking gas cause further issues for homes and others

The cost of cooking gas, also known as liquefied petroleum gas, or LPG, has increased to N14,150 for a 12.5 kilogram cylinder, representing a 38 percent YoY increase from the N10, 323.33 it sold in April of the previous year.

This is happening at the same time that the domestic market price of aviation fuel increased by 33%, from approximately N1,000 to between N1,300 and N1,500 per litre.

Nevertheless, investigations conducted by Energy Vanguard also revealed that, during that time, the cost of 5 kg of gas rose by 37%, from N4, 642.27 to N5, 700.

Cooking gas prices will keep rising as long as the foreign exchange crisis affects the domestic market, according to Mr. Oladapo Olatunbosun, President of the Nigerian Association of Liquefied Petroleum Gas Marketers, or NALPGM, in an interview with Original Kel TV.

"The price of LPG is still priced and determined by the flow of foreign exchange, so it is expected that it will follow suit when the foreign exchange increases."

"Despite the declaration of the decade of gas and the government's push to make gas a transition fuel, low production and rising prices have continued to push Nigerians away from the use of cooking gas," stated Ekperikpe Ekpo, Minister of Petroleum (Gas).

"You have witnessed the federal government's demonstration as they have removed all tariffs and levies associated with the import of equipment linked to gas. It is a significant motivator for the problem.

"We are communicating with the important parties to make sure that cooking gas is not exported. Domesticating all cooking gas produced in the nation will be necessary, and once this is done, the volume will rise and the price will inevitably plummet.

"I have virtually daily meetings with the regulator, the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, and gas producers, including Mobil, Chevron, and Shell. Thus, there is optimism that things will improve.

Adejumoke Aderounmu of Jenifa's Diary passes away at age 40.

Adejumoke Aderounmu, a Nollywood actress best known for playing "Esther" in Funke Akindele's hit television series Jenifa's Diary, has passed away.

Adeola Aderounmu, Aderounmu's brother, revealed Aderounmu's passing in a mysterious Instagram post that included her obituary photo and the words, "You are in a better place now, my sister."

Additionally, Oluwabanke Funmi, a friend of the departed relative, wrote on Twitter, "Rest in peace Aderounmu Adejumoke."

She added, "Waitted hours for her cousin to delete her post and say it was a joke or an error but..."

The actress, who was born on March 26, 1984, passed away at a private hospital on Saturday, April 6, 2024.

As at the time this article was filed, the cause of her death had not been disclosed.

But since then, Aderounmu Adejumoke's funeral has taken place in Owu Baptist Church in the Totoro neighborhood of Abeokuta, Ogun State.

Another obituary image that was making the rounds on social media purportedly came from the family and said, "We share the heartbreaking passing of our sister, daughter, and aunt, Aderounmu Adejumoke Oreoluwa, in the profound depths of grief and sorrow."

Aderounmu was born into a family of five in her birthplace of Abeokuta, where her acting career got its start. She entered the acting profession after graduating from college and quickly became well-known.

When she was chosen to play Esther in "Jenifa's Diary," in 2016, she landed her big break and won over both fans and critics. Adejumoke gained tremendous praise and a place in the hearts of viewers with her depiction of the feisty and tenacious Esther, which demonstrated her flexibility as an actress.

Aderounmu's versatility and commitment to her profession were showcased by the more than ten English and Yoruba films she appeared in during her career. In addition to being an actor, she was also a producer, an on-air personality, and a well-liked figure in the entertainment world.

She kept taking on difficult roles that allowed her talent to shine, and as a result, her influence on Nollywood was evident.

From her early days in "Dazzling Mirage" as Yejide to her iconic roles in "Industreet" and "Alakada 2," Adejumoke is known for her brilliance, passion, and unflinching dedication to her craft.

OFFICE ABUSE: Emefiele Enters Not Guilty Plea in Lagos Court

Godwin Emefiele, the troubled former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), has entered a not guilty plea to charges of misusing his position and allocating billions of dollars from the United States.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) charged Emefiele on Monday before the Ikeja State High Court in Lagos.
Before Justice Rahman Oshodi, Emefiele and his co-defendant, Henry Isioma Omole, were charged on 26 charges.

Marked ID/23787c/2024 and dated April 3, 2024, Mr. Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN) filed the charge on behalf of the EFCC.

Emefiele was accused by the commission of carrying out an arbitrary act in Lagos between 2020 and 2021, which was detrimental to Nigerian rights, by abusing his authority as the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria. Specifically, the act involved allocating foreign exchange in the amount of $291,945,785.59 without any bids.

According to the EFCC, the former governor of the highest bank in Nigeria was directed to carry out an arbitrary act in 2021 in Lagos that was "prejudicial to the rights of Nigerians" and was "directed to be done in abuse of your office, as the Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria."

But when Emefiele appeared in court, he requested to be released on bond on the condition that he attend for the hearing and have his case decided.

"Judge Muazu granted Emefiele bail, and he has been appearing at the FCT High Court for his trial. He has never missed a hearing since that bail was granted, and the prosecution is practically finished building its case. Attorney Lebi Lawal stated, "The defendant has always obediently shown up in court to address the accusations made against him.

"The EFCC called him on Thursday of last week to inform him that two charges had been brought against him. He has already re-appeared in court to address the charges against him. He poses no risk to flight.

  

Shaibu, the deputy governor, is sacked by the Edo parliament.

 

Monday saw the impeachment of state deputy governor Philip Shaibu by the Edo State House of Assembly.

Upon the acceptance of the report by the seven-member investigative panel, which was tasked by the state's Chief Judge with looking into Shaibu's alleged misbehaviour, Shaibu was found culpable

Peter Obi declares, "I'm not quitting the Labour Party."

In response to rumors in the media that he could leave the Labour Party before the 2027 election due to his purported dissatisfaction with the leadership issue, Peter Obi, the party's presidential candidate in 2023, has responded.

Benson Upah, the spokesman for the Nigeria Labour Congress, had stated that the former governor of Anambra State was free to leave the LP and that the congress would not obstruct his decision.

Upah had declared: "Mr. Obi has the freedom to choose." It's his choice if he decides to leave the party. We are unable to hold him to that standard. Peter Obi, however, is always a benefit if he decides to stay. I base my argument on that.

However, in response to inquiries from Gombe State journalists soon after he donated a borehole to the Tike Pantami ram market yesterday, Obi allayed concerns that he could join the Social Democratic Party, or SDP, in order to further his ambitions.

"No, there isn't," remarked Obi. I enjoy and support peace. We are one people, in my opinion. We should focus on achieving peace, and I think we can handle any issue.

The LP candidate responded to a potential partnership with former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai by saying, "Well, I'm more interested in Nigeria's success today than tomorrow."

We never stop thinking about the election instead of the struggles that Nigerians face. My commitment is to improve the lives and society of Nigerians, and that is what I am concerned about.

Obi called on stakeholders to exercise caution in response to the federal government's hike in the energy tariff for Band A customers through the Nigerian energy Regulatory Commission, or NERC.

"Everyone should consider it and consider how we might help. How do we address it, particularly in the context of the impoverished areas?

"People who live in Band A areas pay more while those who live in rural areas receive subsidies everywhere in the world. That's how it operates, Obi explained.