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Hardship at Its Peak, Lives at Stake: Ajanaku Urges Politicians to Suspend Politics and Support the Peoples
In a fervent appeal to Nigeria’s political class, Otunba Rotimi Ajanaku, prominent businessman, socialite, and Chief Executive of Ajanaku Holdings, has voiced deep concern over the growing humanitarian crisis engulfing the nation. He urged politicians to suspend their political ambitions and refocus on the immediate needs of the Nigerian people, who are grappling with escalating hardship and insecurity.
Speaking candidly to journalists on Friday, Ajanaku attributed the deteriorating situation to misdirection, misplaced priorities and lack of trust in leaders. He emphasized that the solution lies not solely with President Bola Tinubu, but through collective responsibility and support for the government.
He underscored that this hardship, which affects millions across Nigeria, cannot be ignored or brushed aside, as it threatens the very fabric of society.
“Our economic situation is dire,” he said. “Millions of Nigerians are suffering terribly, including the youth and children. The hardship has reached a critical point, and we must act now to save lives and prevent further deterioration of our nation.”
Ajanaku highlighted that the current economic distress cannot be alleviated solely through the actions of President Bola Tinubu, as some have been led to believe. Although he expressed faith in Tinubu’s leadership, he clarified that real change requires collaboration at all levels of government and commitment from state and local leaders who are closer to the people. He pointed out that many federal government policies, though well-intentioned, are designed for long-term impact and thus are insufficient for addressing the urgent needs of those in vulnerable communities.
“While I trust President Tinubu’s capacity to lead Nigeria towards a better future, the immediate needs of our people demand collective action now,” Ajanaku stated. “Local governments must step up and address the suffering in their communities. This isn’t solely the President’s responsibility—it’s a shared duty that requires compassion and urgency.”
He urged politicians to prioritize humanitarian initiatives over political agendas, calling the continued focus on the upcoming 2027 elections “unconscionable” given the current plight of the people. According to Ajanaku, many politicians are preoccupied with campaigns and media appearances, often publicizing token acts of charity that fail to address the depth of the crisis.
“It’s shocking to see politicians rushing to campaign for 2027 when citizens are suffering daily from hunger,” Ajanaku remarked. “Why parade your generosity on social media when people are dying from lack of basic necessities? Genuine giving should be discreet and meaningful, aiming to ease the community’s suffering—not for publicity.”
In his impassioned plea, Ajanaku urged political figures, corporate leaders, and other stakeholders to put aside at least 20 percent of their resources to support those in need within their communities. He expressed confidence that such coordinated efforts would alleviate immediate pressures and enable the federal government to create lasting solutions without being weighed down by widespread poverty and unrest.
Ajanaku also pointed out that despite increased monthly allocations from the federal government to states and local councils, there has been little improvement in the welfare of the masses. He challenged leaders across all tiers of government to be accountable and utilize their resources to bring immediate relief to the people.
“Federal allocations continue to be distributed, and in many cases, they’ve increased,” Ajanaku noted. “There is no excuse for our elected officials and government agencies to stand idle while our people suffer. It’s time for them to act, to wipe the tears from our people’s faces.”
Ajanaku concluded by emphasizing the importance of unity and collective resolve to confront Nigeria’s numerous challenges, from poverty and insurgency to kidnapping and other social vices. He called on all Nigerians, regardless of status, to rise to the occasion, standing together to help the country regain its footing.
“While we trust in President Tinubu’s leadership to steer Nigeria towards a brighter future, let us also unite in a shared mission: to liberate our people from poverty, eradicate social vices, and restore peace in our beloved nation. Long live Nigeria,” Ajanaku said.
As hardship reaches unprecedented levels, Ajanaku’s words resonate as a call to action, urging those in positions of influence to look beyond personal gain and political power, and to prioritize the well-being of the Nigerian people above all else.
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From Construction Sites to Community Service: Temitope Akinyemi Emerges as a Model of Leadership and Impact
Energy experts in Nigeria’s downstream petroleum sector have defended the pricing structure of the Dangote Petroleum Refinery, accusing some fuel markers of attempting to blackmail the refinery and mislead the public over the recent increase in petrol prices.
The experts said reports suggesting that the refinery’s latest adjustment is solely responsible for the recent hike in fuel prices were misleading, noting that importers are also bringing in petrol at almost a N1,000 per litre, while the refinery’s coastal price is N948 and the gantry or ex-depot price stands at N995 per litre.
They stressed that public comparisons fail to consider the differences in pricing structures and supply channels.
According to the experts, N948 per litre represents the coastal delivery price, which refers to petroleum products transported by marine vessels or barges from the refinery to depots along the coastline. On the other hand, N995 per litre represents the gantry or ex-depot price, which is the rate paid by marketers who load petrol directly from the refinery into tanker trucks at the loading gantry for onward distribution across the country.
The experts explained that the two figures should not be interpreted as conflicting prices but rather as different logistics arrangements within the petroleum distribution chain.
Speaking with our correspondent on Sunday, energy expert David Okon said the pricing adjustments were inevitable given prevailing market conditions.
According to him, Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals operates in a deregulated market and procures crude at international prices, which have risen sharply due to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.
“The refinery is already absorbing part of the cost to cushion the impact of the crisis on Nigerians. We can see what is happening in other parts of the world where shortages and scarcity are being reported despite higher prices, yet the Dangote Refinery has continued to guarantee domestic supply,” he said.
Okon explained that when the refinery previously sold petrol at N774 per litre, crude oil was landing at about $68 per barrel. However, with crude now arriving at roughly $95 per barrel, the cost difference of about $27 per barrel translates to nearly N40,000 per barrel when converted to Naira.
“You cannot expect a refinery to continue selling at the old rate under those circumstances,” he added.
“If imported products were truly cheaper, importers would still be selling at the previous prices.”
He warned that without local refining capacity, Nigeria could have faced severe fuel shortages, long queues at filling stations and a resurgence of black market sales.
“Without the Dangote Refinery, many filling stations would likely shut down, queues would return across the country and black market traders would exploit the situation, hawking four litres keg at N20,000 or more. The refinery has effectively prevented that scenario,” he said.
Another analyst, Mohammed Ibrahim, also faulted narratives circulating in some quarters suggesting that the refinery’s pricing adjustment was responsible for worsening economic hardship in the country.
Accusing some importers of attempting to manipulate public perception, he said, “What we are seeing is nothing but deliberate blackmail by some fuel importers who feel threatened by local refining.
“They are twisting the pricing structure to mislead Nigerians and create unnecessary panic in the market.
“By exaggerating the refinery’s gantry price and ignoring the comparable costs of imported fuel, they are trying to make it appear as though Dangote Refinery is the cause of rising prices and economic hardship. This is a calculated attempt to protect their import businesses and undermine local refining, which is meant to reduce our dependence on imported petrol.”
Ibrahim added that such narratives were aimed at portraying the refinery as the reason Nigerians were struggling with higher petrol prices.
He stressed that petrol pricing in Nigeria is largely influenced by global crude oil prices, exchange rate fluctuations, and distribution logistics, noting that these factors affect both locally refined and imported fuel in the country’s deregulated market.
Afolabi Olowookere, Managing Director and Chief Economist at Analysts’ Data Services and Resources (ADSR) Limited, explained that although Nigerians expect refined products from the refinery to be significantly cheaper, prevailing market realities such as global crude oil prices, the cost of crude supply and refining margins make substantial price reductions unlikely in the short term.
“Therefore, improving domestic crude allocation to the refinery would strengthen supply stability and enhance the long term benefits of local refining for the economy,” Olowookere noted.
Recent conflicts in the Middle East and disruptions along key shipping lanes have tightened global oil supply, pushing crude prices past $90 per barrel, a development that directly raises the cost of both imported and locally refined petrol in Nigeria.
The unrest has pushed up fuel costs and transportation in several countries, including Ghana, the United States, the United Kingdom, South Africa, India, Canada, Brazil, Germany, France, and Japan, as rising crude prices increase the cost of refining, distribution, and logistics globally.
CHETACHI NWOGA-ECTON EMPOWERS 300 WIDOWS IN IMO
A renowned humanitarian and proud daughter of Mbaise in Imo State, High Chief (Dr.) Princess Chetachi Nwoga-Ecton, has empowered over 300 widows and vulnerable women across the Owerri Zone, in a remarkable demonstration of compassion and service to humanity.
The empowerment programme, which took place at the Palace of the Eze of Ngor Okpala, HRH Eze Engr. Fredrick Nwachukwu, brought together community leaders, traditional rulers, women groups and beneficiaries from different communities within the zone.
During the event, the widows received food materials and cash support, aimed at helping them meet basic needs and strengthen their small-scale businesses.
The initiative was widely applauded as a timely intervention to support women who often face severe economic hardship after losing their spouses.
Many of the beneficiaries expressed heartfelt appreciation to High Chief (Dr.) Nwoga-Ecton, describing the empowerment as a lifeline that would help them take better care of their families.
Some widows, while offering prayers for the philanthropist, noted that the gesture had restored hope and dignity in their lives.
Fondly known as Ada Imo and Adaure, High Chief (Dr.) Princess Chetachi Nwoga-Ecton has earned widespread admiration for her consistent humanitarian efforts both within Nigeria and internationally.
Through her philanthropic activities and foundations, she has continued to support widows, children, and vulnerable communities with interventions in healthcare, welfare and economic empowerment.
Community stakeholders who attended the programme commended the Mbaise-born philanthropist for her generosity and dedication to uplifting the less privileged, noting that her actions reflect true leadership and compassion.
Observers say the initiative further reinforces her growing reputation as one of the most impactful humanitarians of this generation, whose commitment to humanity continues to inspire hope across Imo State and beyond.
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