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In what has been described as a landmark development in Nigeria’s downstream petroleum sector, the Dangote Petroleum Refinery has announced that it will commence the nationwide distribution of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and diesel from August 15, 2025.

The company said the initiative, which targets petrol marketers, dealers, manufacturers, telecom firms, aviation stakeholders, and other large-scale users across the country, is designed to revolutionise fuel access and affordability. Distribution will be complemented with free logistics support to reduce operational costs and drive economic efficiency.

As part of the programme, the company disclosed that it has acquired 4,000 brand-new Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered tankers to strengthen its nationwide delivery network. In addition, over 100 CNG tankers will also support newly established “daughter booster” CNG stations to guarantee seamless product distribution across all regions.

According to a statement issued by the company, the programme is a strategic step towards eliminating high logistics costs, enhancing energy efficiency, promoting sustainability, and boosting national economic development. “This initiative affirms our commitment to equitable energy access and our support for reducing inflationary pressure through affordable fuel delivery,” the company said.

All petrol stations and eligible institutions purchasing fuel directly from the Dangote Refinery are expected to benefit from the cost-saving logistics system. The company emphasised that the initiative is in line with the broader goals of the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, and is expected to stimulate economic activities, especially in underserved rural communities.

Furthermore, a credit facility will be made available to buyers of at least 500,000 litres, enabling them to receive an additional 500,000 litres on a two-week credit backed by a bank guarantee. This provision is expected to ease access to working capital for bulk buyers and expand the fuel supply chain.

“The initiative will not only drive down the cost of petrol and diesel for end-users but also revitalise dormant petrol stations, stimulate small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs), generate employment, and attract new investments into the petroleum distribution chain,” the statement added.

Industry watchers have lauded the development as a major breakthrough for Nigeria’s energy independence, coming on the back of the Naira-for-Crude scheme introduced by the Federal Government to stabilise local supply.

The company urged marketers, manufacturers, and stakeholders to take advantage of the initiative by completing the Know Your Customer (KYC) registration process between June 16 and August 15, 2025. Interested parties can make enquiries via the following numbers: +234 707 470 2099, +234 707 470 2100, +234 816 961 8390, +234 703 796 8308, or +234 812 362 2893. Enquiries can also be sent to: [sales.enquiry@dangote.com](mailto:sales.enquiry@dangote.com).

Dangote Petroleum Refinery reaffirmed its commitment to being a partner in Nigeria’s economic journey, noting that it remains a truly indigenous brand built to global standards for the benefit of all Nigerians.

In a move that has sparked widespread applause, Governor Lucky Orimisan Ayiedatiwa has nominated two members of the Ondo State Youth Network (OSYN), Mr. Omoyofunmi Segun Henry and Dr. Tob Loko, as Commissioners in the State Executive Council. The Ondo State Youth Network, a frontline advocacy group for youth empowerment and political participation, in a statement issued on Thursday and signed by its Public Relations Officer, Mr. Olusa Christopher, described the nominations as a landmark victory in the struggle to bring youth voices into the corridors of power.

According to the statement, the nomination of Omoyofunmi and Loko is not merely symbolic but a strategic endorsement of youth competence, leadership, and readiness to contribute meaningfully to the development of the state.

“This is not just a victory for the nominees but a clear demonstration that the present administration is genuinely responsive to youth advocacy and inclusive governance,” the statement read in part.

The youth group noted that both nominees are young, intelligent, and tested in leadership and service. OSYN expressed strong confidence that, once confirmed by the Ondo State House of Assembly, they would serve with innovation, discipline, and energy, effectively projecting the aspirations of the youth constituency they represent.

“This aligns with our consistent call for young people to be given real responsibility in governance — not as assistants or spectators, but as decision-makers and policy shapers,” the statement continued.

It would be recalled that OSYN has long demanded the inclusion of capable youths in key leadership positions, often lamenting the tokenism that defined past appointments. The latest nominations are seen by the group as proof that persistent advocacy has not been in vain.

While congratulating the two nominees, OSYN emphasized that their elevation is not just a personal accomplishment but a collective responsibility. They urged Mr. Omoyofunmi and Dr. Loko to uphold high standards of performance, transparency, and commitment to youth development across Ondo State.

“This is a mandate to deliver, to inspire, and to show that the youth can lead with integrity and purpose. We trust that both men will not only justify this opportunity but set new standards of service,” the statement concluded.

The group also expressed profound gratitude to Governor Ayiedatiwa for what it described as an uncommon faith in youth leadership. It called for sustained partnership between the state government and the organized youth sector in order to build a more inclusive and prosperous state.

Since the announcement, several youth-led organizations and civic actors across the state have hailed the move, describing it as a breath of fresh air and a hopeful signal of the changing tides in Ondo State politics.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday delivered a wide-ranging Democracy Day address before a joint session of the National Assembly, using the moment to assert his commitment to democratic ideals, mock political opponents in disarray, and unveil sweeping tributes, economic progress reports, and future plans for the country.

The President, speaking at the hallowed chambers of the National Assembly in commemoration of Nigeria’s 2025 Democracy Day, began his remarks with a solemn tribute to Nigeria’s long democratic journey. “My heart stirred. It was a blend of accomplishment and resolve,” he said, reflecting on Nigeria’s progress since the return to civilian rule in 1999.

He recalled the declaration of June 12 as Democracy Day by former President Muhammadu Buhari and paid homage to the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola and other heroes of Nigeria’s democratic struggle. These included Alhaja Kudirat Abiola, Pa Alfred Rewane, Chief Anthony Enahoro, Commodore Dan Suleiman, Chief Abraham Adesanya, and many others.

“The struggle was never the province of any one group or section of the country,” Tinubu said. “It was pan-Nigerian in its conception and will be even more pan-Nigerian as we strive to perfect it.”

In one of the most pointed political moments of the speech, the President dismissed claims that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) was pushing for a one-party state. “To those who ring the alarm that the APC is intent on a one-party state, I offer you a most personal promise. Your alarm rings in error,” Tinubu declared.

Mocking political rivals, he added, “Equally, my friends, we cannot blame anybody seeking to bail out of a sinking ship even without a life jacket… Political parties fearful of members leaving may be better served by examining their internal processes… It is, indeed, a pleasure to witness you in such disarray.”

Reflecting on his own political history, Tinubu said he stood alone against the dominance of the ruling party in 2003 and remained the last progressive governor standing in his region. “They could not control our national destiny because fate is written from above. Nigeria will not become [a one-party state] now.”

He welcomed recent defections to the APC, notably from Governors Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State and Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State, along with other lawmakers, while stressing that competition must remain a healthy part of Nigeria’s democratic landscape.

Turning to governance, the President highlighted what he described as early successes in his economic reform agenda. He pointed to a 3.4 percent GDP growth in 2024, peaking at 4.6 percent in Q4—the highest in over a decade—while inflation had started to ease, food staples like rice and beans were stabilizing, and foreign reserves had grown fivefold. He also noted improvements in the Naira exchange rate and a positive balance of payments.

“Nigeria is on the path to achieving food sovereignty,” Tinubu said, setting a medium-term economic growth target of 7 percent, underpinned by a stronger manufacturing base and increased self-sufficiency in food production.

Consumer credit expansion was also a highlight. “In less than one year, over one hundred thousand Nigerians, including thirty-five thousand civil servants, have benefited… This July, we will launch a bold new initiative to empower four hundred thousand young Nigerians, including youth corpers, with consumer credit.”

Tinubu pledged continued investment in education, digital infrastructure, and job creation through initiatives like NELFUND and a nationwide fibre optic project aimed at bridging the digital divide.

On taxation and industrial development, he called for new legislation to boost manufacturing and streamline taxes. “Our medium-term growth target remains an economy growing at a 7 percent clip… Our tax and fiscal reforms will eliminate burdensome and multiple taxes.”

On governance, he touted efforts to protect taxpayer rights, support small businesses, and introduce new tools for transparency. He highlighted the formation of the National Credit Guarantee Company, backed by ₦100 billion in capital.

Security was another focal point. “We have intensified operations to reclaim communities… Our highways are safer, and we invest in technology and training,” he said, praising the Armed Forces for their continued sacrifice.

In a symbolic gesture to deepen national healing and recognition, Tinubu announced a sweeping list of national honours to various democracy activists, journalists, politicians, and civil society heroes. Among them were Kudirat Abiola (posthumous CFR), Prof. Wole Soyinka (GCON), Shehu Musa Yar’Adua (posthumous GCFR), and General Alani Akinrinade (GCON).

He also conferred national honours and a full state pardon on the late Ken Saro-Wiwa and other members of the Ogoni Nine, describing them as “national heroes.”

The presiding officers of the National Assembly were also formally decorated with the honours previously conferred on them. These included Senate President Godswill Akpabio (GCON), Speaker Tajudeen Abbas (GCON), Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau (CFR), and Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu (CFR).

President Tinubu ended his 57-paragraph speech with a call to rededicate the nation to the ideals of June 12. “Freedom, transparent and accountable government, social justice, active citizen participation, and a just society where no one is oppressed.”

“Happy Democracy Day,” he said. “May God continue to bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria and protect our troops.”

 President Bola Tinubu has cancelled the June 12 national broadcast earlier scheduled as part of activities lined up to celebrate Nigeria’s 26th Democracy Anniversary.

Sunshinereporters.ng reports that the planned nationwide broadcast was cancelled due to his scheduled address at the National Assembly Joint Session the same day.

The cancellation of the national broadcast comes on the heels of the earlier announcement that the Federal Government has decided to cancel the military parade that was to commemorate the 26th Democracy Day, which is scheduled for Thursday, June 12, 2025.

READ MORE: Agboola Ajayi, PDP Reject Tribunal Verdict, Head to Appeal Court

According to details released by the Inter-Ministerial Committee on the Democracy Day celebration, President Tinubu will instead participate in a special joint session of the National Assembly at 12 noon.

This joint session is anticipated to include discussions on the State of the Nation, reflections on Nigeria’s democratic journey, and renewed appeals for national unity and reform.

Later that day, a public lecture is planned to take place at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja at 4pm.

READ MORE: Police Arraign Nine Over Ondo Cult Killings, Vow to Sustain Crackdown

Meanwhile, a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Dele Momodu, has condemned the leaders of Nigeria, accusing them of causing hardship for the citizens.

According to Momodu, Nigerians are hungry, and the leaders don’t care how the citizens feel.

He lamented that democracy has been damaged in Nigeria, and civilian dictators are the ones in charge of the country.

Speaking on Wednesday, during an interview with Channels Television, the former PDP presidential aspirant said those who fought and died for democracy, particularly during the June 12 struggle, would be heartbroken if they could witness the current state of the nation.

Sunshinereporters.ng reports that he submitted that politicians in all arms of government are responsible for the damage to Nigeria’s democracy.

The Ondo State Police Command has arraigned nine suspected cultists at the Chief Magistrate Court in Akure over their alleged involvement in the recent deadly cult clashes that claimed multiple lives in Ondo City.

The suspects were among the 46 persons earlier arrested by the police during a coordinated anti-cult operation in the city. They include Akinrimade Ayomide (23), Olanrewaju Adejuwon (31), Kunle Johnson (29), Sodiq Ibrahim (25), Franklin Akinrinsola (29), Adebusoye Sunkanmi (30), Fadayomi Ayoola (45), Akingbesote Eric (31), and Akomoleyin Akin (29).

According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka Olushola, the accused persons are facing a six-count charge bothering on conspiracy to commit felony, membership of unlawful societies, culpable homicide, and unlawful possession of firearms.

The charges are linked to the recent cult war that led to the killing of two young men, identified as Fagbemi Guna Ayomide (25) and Sunday Adeyemi (32), during a supremacy clash between rival cult groups.

One of the suspects, Adebusoye Sunkanmi, was singled out for unlawful possession of firearms, while the others were charged with being members of banned cult groups including Eiye, Ave and Aiye confraternities.

The police also disclosed that a known drug dealer and alleged cult financier, Akinsiku Olabode (52), who was killed in the recent clashes, had been using proceeds from drug trafficking to sponsor cult activities, purchase weapons, and fund initiation ceremonies in the city.

“This individual had long been on our watchlist. Intelligence gathered confirmed he was a major backer of one of the cult groups terrorising Ondo City,” the statement read.

In response to the growing violence, the Commissioner of Police has ordered the deployment of the Anti-Cultism Squad and the Tactical Intelligence Response Squad to support local operations and intensify the clampdown on cult-related activities in the state.

The police boss assured that the remaining suspects still under investigation would face the full wrath of the law once due process is completed.

He also called on residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the nearest police station or through the command’s emergency numbers.

The candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the last governorship election in Ondo State, His Excellency Agboola Alfred Ajayi, has rejected the judgment of the Ondo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal and vowed to challenge the ruling at the Court of Appeal.

The Tribunal, which delivered its judgment on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, upheld the election of Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa of the All Progressives Congress (APC). However, Ajayi and the PDP have expressed strong dissatisfaction with the outcome.

In a statement personally signed by the former deputy governor, Ajayi said a detailed review of the judgment revealed several lapses and what he described as a failure by the Tribunal to properly evaluate the evidence and exhibits tendered before it.

“We feel disappointed that we didn’t get justice at that level,” Ajayi said. “But we remain undeterred and undiscouraged in our search to ensure that justice is not only served in this matter but also to ensure that honesty begins to prevail in our election process.”

He emphasised the PDP’s decision to pursue the matter further at the appellate court, reaffirming the party’s commitment to legal redress despite challenges currently facing the Nigerian judiciary.

“This we do in spite of the obvious challenges that the judiciary faces in Nigeria at this particular period, including prevailing views that suggest the unportability of justice in our nation,” the statement read.

Ajayi also criticised what he termed the celebratory posture of the APC on the day of the Tribunal judgment, describing it as suggestive of prior knowledge of the verdict.

“They came to court in a celebratory mood, indicative of a prior knowledge of the verdict. But justice shall yet reign in our state and nation,” he added.

He called on PDP members and supporters across the state to remain calm, focused, and resilient in the face of the Tribunal’s decision, stressing that electoral laws must be respected to preserve the integrity of Nigeria’s democracy.

“Our democracy remains a mere mockery if the law is not upheld. Laws, particularly electoral laws, are not mere decorations. They must be obeyed at all costs,” he said.

Ajayi reaffirmed his commitment to the pursuit of justice, stating that the struggle continues as Nigeria prepares to mark Democracy Day on June 12.

The PDP’s appeal is expected to be filed in the coming days.