Nigeria News (Standard)
Customs Intercepts ₦403.5m Worth of Smuggled Foreign Vegetable Oil in Enugu, Anambra and Delta States
Federal Operations Unit Zone C seizes over 3,300 jerrycans and 40 cartons following intelligence-led operations in Southeast
Federal Operations Unit Zone C seizes over 3,300 jerrycans and 40 cartons following intelligence-led operations in Southeast
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone C, Owerri, has seized two trucks loaded with more than 3,310 jerrycans and 40 cartons of foreign vegetable oil valued at ₦403.5 million across Enugu, Anambra and Delta States. The interceptions took place on May 9 and June 7, according to a statement from the Comptroller of the Unit, Bishir Balogun.
Balogun disclosed that the first consignment was intercepted along the Ninth Mile area in Enugu on May 9 after credible intelligence was received by customs operatives. The second truck was apprehended along the Onitsha-Agbor highway in Delta State on June 7 during a routine patrol. Items seized include 3,310 jerrycans of 25-litre “Super Delicious” vegetable oil, ten jerrycans of ten-litre “Super Delicious” oil, twenty cartons of five-litre sunflower vegetable oil and twenty cartons of three-litre sunflower vegetable oil.
The operation highlights ongoing efforts by customs to curb the smuggling of foreign goods into the Nigerian market, a practice officials say undermines local producers and deprives government of much-needed revenue. Vegetable oil is among products restricted from importation as part of government’s policy to encourage local industry under the current administration.
Comptroller Balogun attributed the successful seizure to coordinated intelligence gathering and swift response by his officers in collaboration with other security agencies. “This operation is a clear demonstration of our resolve to fight smuggling and protect Nigeria’s economy,” he said in a written statement released on Monday. There was no immediate reaction from opposition parties or industry stakeholders as at press time.
The customs unit indicated that investigations are ongoing to identify those responsible for the attempted smuggling, while all seized items remain in government custody pending further action. The service reiterated its commitment to intensifying surveillance across border routes in Southeast and South-South zones.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Prophet Odekunle Urges Critics to Understand His Journey Amid Public Scrutiny
Comfort Life Mission founder in Lagos recounts early struggles, calls for empathy as ministry faces mounting criticism
Comfort Life Mission founder in Lagos recounts early struggles, calls for empathy as ministry faces mounting criticism
Prophet Odekunle Epaphras, founder and General Overseer of Comfort Life Mission International, has appealed to his critics not to judge him without understanding the challenges he faced on his path to success. Speaking in Lagos on Saturday during an interview with journalists, Odekunle addressed recent criticisms from some religious leaders and members of the public regarding his ministry’s rapid growth.
Odekunle, who leads the Lagos-based church, said his achievements are a result of years of perseverance, spiritual training, and mentorship under different Christian leaders. He recounted that he gave his life to Christ at age 13 and actively participated in church activities, including prayer teams and fasting programmes. According to him, these formative experiences shaped his commitment to ministry.
The cleric explained that his journey was marked by periods of financial hardship and extended waiting for what he described as God’s appointed time. He noted that before establishing Comfort Life Mission International, he served under several prominent ministers and completed Bible school to strengthen his spiritual foundation. “People see where I am today but they do not know what I passed through,” Odekunle said during the media interaction.
Odekunle’s comments come as some religious leaders have questioned his methods and the rapid expansion of his congregation. The founder maintained that criticism is not new in ministry but urged the public to show understanding and avoid rushing to conclusions without knowledge of a person’s background. He emphasised that every success story is built on years of unseen sacrifices and divine guidance.
The Comfort Life Mission International overseer reaffirmed his commitment to serve faithfully despite opposition. He encouraged young believers facing similar trials not to be discouraged by negative voices but to remain steadfast in their faith journey. As reactions continue from different quarters, stakeholders in Lagos’ Christian community say they expect further dialogue among church leaders over standards for ministry growth.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Lagos State Disburses ₦15bn, Creates 320,000 Jobs Through Employment Trust Fund
LSETF says over 20,000 small businesses received funding as agency marks decade of job creation in South-West state
LSETF says over 20,000 small businesses received funding as agency marks decade of job creation in South-West state
Lagos State Government has announced the disbursement of more than ₦15 billion to over 20,000 small and medium-scale businesses across the state through the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF), leading to the creation of more than 320,000 direct and indirect jobs within the last ten years. The disclosure was made on Monday in Ikeja by the Executive Secretary of LSETF, Feyisayo Alayande, during a media parley where she presented the agency’s ten-year impact report.
Alayande stated that LSETF, established in 2016 to tackle unemployment and foster entrepreneurship in Lagos, has become a vital instrument for economic empowerment. She highlighted that access to finance, skills development initiatives, market opportunities and technology support provided by the fund have enabled thousands of residents and enterprises to thrive despite Nigeria’s challenging business environment.
According to Alayande, LSETF interventions have also helped safeguard more than 173,000 jobs that were at risk of being lost due to economic headwinds. Over 82,000 small businesses have benefited from capacity-building programmes organised by the fund during its decade of operation. She said: “Our focus remains on empowering Lagosians with resources and knowledge needed for sustainable livelihoods.”
She explained that since inception, LSETF has focused on inclusive growth by targeting young people and women-owned enterprises among its beneficiaries. The agency’s support covers various sectors including trading, manufacturing, hospitality and creative industries. Alayande noted that partnerships with local and international development partners have strengthened the fund’s impact across Lagos’ five administrative divisions.
While presenting the impact report, Alayande affirmed that LSETF would continue scaling up interventions in job creation and enterprise support as Lagos State aims to further reduce unemployment rates in South-West Nigeria. The opposition could not be immediately reached for comment regarding the agency’s reported achievements.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Delta Tricycle Operator Outsmarts Kidnappers, Escapes Abduction Attempt in Warri
Security agencies urge increased vigilance as residents recount growing cases of abduction along major transport routes in Delta State
Security agencies urge increased vigilance as residents recount growing cases of abduction along major transport routes in Delta State
A tricycle operator in Warri, Delta State, has narrated how he narrowly escaped from suspected kidnappers after being lured under false pretence on Monday. The incident occurred along a busy route in the metropolis, highlighting renewed concerns over rising abduction cases targeting commercial transporters in the South-South state.
According to the operator, who requested anonymity for safety reasons, he was approached by three men posing as regular passengers. After picking them up at a known junction, the suspects diverted him towards an isolated area under the guise of changing their destination. Sensing danger as one of the men tried to restrain him, the driver managed to swerve his tricycle abruptly and escaped from their grip before raising an alarm that drew the attention of passersby.
Abductions and attempted kidnappings targeting drivers and commuters have become more frequent across Delta and neighbouring states in recent months, with residents reporting similar tactics used by criminal elements. Local unions representing tricycle operators have repeatedly called for increased police patrols and more visible security presence on major roads to deter such attacks.
The Delta State Police Command has urged transport operators to remain vigilant and report suspicious behaviour immediately. “We are working with community leaders and transport unions to improve intelligence gathering around hotspots,” a senior police officer stated. The officer warned that criminals often exploit routine routes and low-traffic periods to perpetrate abductions, advising drivers not to travel alone during late hours whenever possible.
Authorities say investigations into Monday’s incident are ongoing, with efforts underway to identify those behind the foiled kidnapping. Meanwhile, residents are advised to exercise heightened caution as security agencies step up patrols in identified flashpoints across Warri and other parts of Delta State.
Prophet Odekunle Urges Critics to Understand His Journey Amid Public Scrutiny
Lagos State Disburses ₦15bn, Creates 320,000 Jobs Through Employment Trust Fund
Delta Tricycle Operator Outsmarts Kidnappers, Escapes Abduction Attempt in Warri
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