GANUX, Author at SocietyGazette.com

EU seeks to speed up Russian gas phase-out after Trump push

The European Union proposed Friday to bring forward a ban on Russian gas imports as part of a new package of sanctions aimed at sapping Moscow’s war chest — and pleasing US President Donald Trump.

Under the measures presented for approval by the bloc’s member states, the European Commission said it aims to phase out liquefied natural gas purchases from Russia by January 2027 — one year earlier than planned.

“Russia’s war economy is sustained by revenues from fossil fuels. We want to cut these revenues. So we are banning imports of Russian LNG into European markets,” Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen said.

“It is time to turn off the tap”.

The proposal comes as the United States pressures the EU to end fossil fuel imports from Russia — and the bloc seeks in turn to persuade Trump to take a tougher stance on Moscow over its invasion of Ukraine.

The US leader has so far held back from upping pressure on Russian President Vladimir Putin but said last week he was ready to do so if allies stopped buying Russian oil and hit China with tariffs.

The 27-nation EU has already banned most Russian oil under previous rounds of sanctions — slashing the share it imports from 29 per cent in early 2021 to two per cent by mid-2025.

Only Hungary and Slovakia, friendly to Moscow and Trump, still buy the stuff.

– ‘Pay the price’ –

Presenting the new EU sanctions package — the 19th targeting Moscow since the Ukraine war began in 2022 — von der Leyen made no mention of oil.

But EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said the bloc was bringing forward by 12 months a previous pledge to end all imports of LNG by the end of 2027.

“Our aim is to speed up the phase-out of Russian liquefied natural gas by 1 Jan 2027,” she wrote on X.

“Moscow thinks it can keep its war going. We are making sure it pays the price for it.”

Despite a push to end decades of European dependency, Russia still supplied 19 per cent of the EU’s gas in 2024 — down from 45 per cent before the war.

This is in part due to an increase in purchases of LNG transported by sea, which has partially offset a sharp fall in pipeline imports.

In 2024, 32 billion cubic metres of gas entered Europe via the TurkStream pipeline, and 20 billion cubic metres through liquefied natural gas (LNG) shipments.

Most LNG is imported through terminals in France, Spain, Italy, the Netherlands and Belgium — although it is hard to know how much is also consumed there or simply passes through towards other nations.

The United States — the world’s top oil producer — is the largest supplier of the stuff, accounting for almost 45 per cent of total EU LNG imports.

AFP

I’m 29 with two tries left, BBNaija’s Vee shares strict dating rules, pregnancy fears

A former Big Brother Naija housemate Victoria Adeyele, popularly known as Vee, has sparked a major online discussion after revealing her personal dating philosophy.

In a video shared on her TikTok page on Tuesday, the 29-year-old stated that it is her “mission in life to avoid the wrong man getting me pregnant”.

Vee, who had a romantic relationship with fellow housemate Neo Akpofure on the 2020 BBNaija show before they ended things in February 2022, explained that her cautious approach to dating is a form of self-preservation.

“It is my own personal mission. It may not be your own mission, but it’s my mission,” she said.

She was quick to clarify her stance, adding, “It’s not to say that I’m better than the women who have been in that position. It’s simple, I know myself. I know what I’m like, and I try to avoid certain situations that will put me in a state of psychosis.”

She described dating in Lagos as being particularly difficult, referencing a past negative experience.

“I’m a 29-year-old living in Lagos and… dating is hard, but dating in Lagos, there’s a tweet Offset made that haunts me to this day. I don’t want to put myself in a position where a man can tell me such.”

Vee candidly admitted that her strong resolve might be a barrier to finding love, but it’s a trade-off she’s willing to make.

“I am passionate about not getting f#cked over. And maybe that’s what stops me from finding unapologetic love. I’m stubborn. Yes, I’m hard-headed, but I’m not stupid,” she said.

She also emphasised the importance of making careful choices, even when it comes to choosing a partner.

“I need to make sure that when it comes to choosing a life partner, I try my best to get it right. People say experience is the best teacher. Not in my world… I don’t need to experience something to know that it’s not going to work for me,” she said.

In the now-viral moment, Vee concluded by stating she has a limited number of chances left for dating.

“I just turned 29… I have two more tries left in me sha. Just two. You see these two fingers? Two. Let it pass that two. The way these men are doing.”

Singer Spyro announces engagement to partner

Nigeria singer and songwriter Oludipe David popularly known as Spyro has announced his engagement to his partner, Janet Atom.

The “Who Is Your Guy?” crooner took to his Instagram page on Friday to make the announcement, sharing pictures of his proposal to Atom.

Singer Spyro proposes to lover. Credit: Instagram | spyro__official

Singer Spyro proposes to lover.

Singer Spyro proposes to lover. Credit: Instagram | spyro__official

Spyro revealed that he met his fiancée on March 30, 2024, at 2:48 a.m. while working at a club in Lagos.

He wrote, “The 30th of March 2024, my world paused as I found love in an unexpected place (sic) at exactly 2:48am I met the answer to my prayers #_callme_njure in a Lagos Club while at work and from then till now I have lived every single day a very happy man.

“Thank you for saying YES my sweet J. I can’t wait to spend the rest of my life with you.”

Spyro is well known for his song “Who is your Guy?” which was first released in November 2022 and re-released in March 2023 as a remix featuring Tiwa Savage.

Taliban releases British couple after eight months in detention

The Taliban government on Friday announced they had released an elderly British couple held in detention in Afghanistan for almost eight months.

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‎The family of Peter Reynolds, 80, and his wife Barbara, 76, had made repeated pleas about their ailing health after their arrest in February.

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‎”Two British nationals named Peter and Barbara Reynolds, who had violated the laws of Afghanistan, were released from custody today following the judicial process,” Foreign Ministry spokesman Abdul Qahar Balkhi said on social media.

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‎He added that the government “does not view the matters of citizens from a political or transactional angle”.

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‎The couple were handed over to the UK’s special representative Richard Lindsay, Balhki said.

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‎A Qatari official, on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter, told AFP that the couple were “safely released from detention in Afghanistan following mediation led by Qatar”.

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‎”The Qataris had been engaged with the Afghan authorities for many months, working in close coordination with the British government,” he added.

The couple were married in Kabul in 1970, and have spent almost two decades living in Afghanistan running educational programmes after moving there. They also became official Afghan citizens.

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‎Taliban officials have refused to detail why the couple was arrested in February as they were returning to their home in central Bamiyan province.

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‎AFP

Insecurity: Seven Kwara LGs order closure of cattle markets

Local government chairmen in the Kwara South Senatorial District have ordered the immediate closure of all Kara (cattle) markets in the area over security concerns.

The decision, announced on Thursday, was taken under the aegis of the Forum of Seven Local Government Chairmen in Kwara South after what they described as “extensive stakeholders’ engagement and reviews.”

The chairmen said the shutdown, which takes effect from Friday, September 19, would remain in place until further notice.

They added that all other produce markets in the senatorial district must also close by 6pm on market days.

In a jointly signed statement, the council bosses said the measure was part of efforts to protect lives and property in the zone, which has witnessed a series of violent attacks in recent months.

“While the invading criminals have been operationally decimated in the last few weeks, clean-up operations by the military and hybrid operatives are still ongoing. Therefore, all Kara markets have been ordered to shut down with immediate effect,” the statement read in part.

They acknowledged the economic impact of the closure on residents but maintained that security must come first.

“We’ve chosen to prioritise the safety of lives and property and adhere to long-term coordinated and structured security advisement over and above short-term inconveniences,” the chairman added.

The leaders assured residents that the state government and security agencies were working with local councils to restore peace, urging communities to cooperate with security operatives.

The statement was signed by the executive chairmen of Ifelodun, Isin, Irepodun, Ekiti, Oke-Ero, Offa and Oyun Local Government Areas.

Earlier on Friday, PUNCH Online reported that the National Youth Service Corps has relocated its orientation camp in Kwara State from Yikpata, Edu Local Government Area, to the Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin, over rising insecurity.

State Coordinator, Mr Onifade Olaoluwa Joshua, confirmed the relocation to our reporter in Ilorin, saying the approval came from the state government after concerns were raised about the safety of corps members.

He said, “We are fully prepared to host the orientation course, and the welfare of participants will be safeguarded. Soldiers and other security personnel will be deployed to guarantee the safety of corps members during the three-week exercise.”

Insecurity: NYSC relocates Kwara orientation camp to Ilorin

The National Youth Service Corps has relocated its orientation camp in Kwara State from Yikpata, Edu Local Government Area, to the Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin, over rising insecurity.

State Coordinator, Mr Onifade Olaoluwa Joshua, confirmed the relocation to The Punch on Thursday in Ilorin, saying the approval came from the state government after concerns were raised about the safety of corps members.

Onifade explained that corps members are expected to report between September 24 and October 14, adding that a delegation from the NYSC headquarters would inspect the temporary venue.

The decision comes amid worsening insecurity in Kwara North, especially in Edu and Patigi LGAs, which have witnessed repeated bandit attacks.

Dozens of residents have been killed, kidnapped or displaced in recent months, forcing many rural communities to flee their homes.

In August, corps members at Yikpata camp were ordered to remain indoors by soldiers after suspicious movements were noticed around the site, heightening fears among participants and their parents.

Onifade thanked the federal and state governments for their support, while appealing to parents to remain calm.

He assured that the scheme was working to deliver a safe and successful orientation programme.

Cardi B drops anticipated album ‘Am I the Drama?’ after seven years

Grammy-winning rapper Cardi B, born as Belcalis Marlenis Almanzar, on Friday released her sophomore album Am I the Drama?, ending a seven-year wait since her Grammy-winning debut Invasion of Privacy.

The 23-track album, released via Atlantic Records, debuted at No. 1 on the US iTunes albums chart. It features guest appearances from Kehlani, Megan Thee Stallion, Selena Gomez, and Janet Jackson.

According to Rolling Stone, which rated the project 4.5 stars, the record “delivers raw energy and fearless storytelling.”

Cardi B also premiered a music video for the single Safe and appeared at an Apple Music event in New York City to promote the release. A world tour is planned for 2026.

The album’s arrival follows recent personal announcements. On September 17, PUNCH Online reported that Cardi B confirmed she is expecting a child with New England Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs after weeks of speculation. In an interview with CBS, she said, “I’m excited. I’m happy.”

It also comes after a legal victory earlier this month. On September 3, PUNCH Online reported that a Los Angeles jury cleared her of assault charges in a $24 million civil lawsuit filed by security guard Emani Ellis, who alleged Cardi B cut her cheek with a fingernail and spat on her outside an obstetrician’s office in 2018. After a week-long trial in Alhambra, the jury ruled in her favour.

With the new album topping charts, a cleared legal battle, and confirmation of her pregnancy, Cardi B’s career enters a fresh chapter marked by both professional and personal milestones.

Lagos NURTW official arrested for beating dispatch rider to death

The Lagos State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of a member of the National Union of Road Transport Workers in Lagos State, Shamsideen Adio, for allegedly beating a dispatch rider to death in the Tapa Street, Lagos Island area of the state.

PUNCH Metro learnt on Thursday that a scuffle had ensued between Adio and the dispatch rider over allegations that the latter had scratched the former’s vehicle.

A journalist and Facebook user, Chris Nwandu, who shared a video of the incident on Thursday, disclosed that it happened on Wednesday.

According to Nwandu, the situation degenerated when Adio, joined by his colleagues, descended on the dispatch rider and allegedly beat him to a pulp.

He said, “A popular Lagos Island NURTW top official by the name Shamsideen Adio mercilessly beat a dispatch rider to a pulp on Wednesday in Tapa Street, Lagos Island, for obstructing his way while driving on the road.

“He was joined by his other friends and colleagues, battering the poor guy as they liked. We are reliably informed that he’s notorious for beating Marwa (tricycle) operators to a pulp whenever they offend him.

“It was reported that a few days ago, he also dealt deadly blows to a Marwa operator who ended up in the general hospital.”

The Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, Abimbola Adebisi, could not be reached for comment on the matter on Thursday as her number was unreachable as of the time of filing this report.

Meanwhile, a police officer in the area, privy to the incident, confirmed that the victim died from injuries sustained from the beating.

The source disclosed that the suspect was, however, arrested following the incident.

“The victim died from the injuries and the suspect has been arrested. He is now at the State Criminal Investigation Department,” the source said.

PUNCH Metro reported in February that the Ogun State Police Command arraigned the suspended traditional ruler of Orile Ifo, Oba Abdulsemiu Ogunjobi, before a magistrates’ court sitting in the Ifo area of the state on three counts bordering on conspiracy, assault, and conduct likely to cause a breach of peace.

Ogunjobi had become an Internet sensation after he assaulted a 70-year-old chief.

FG to partner Akwa Ibom on affordable power supply

The Federal Government, through the Ministry of Power and its agencies, said it is prepared to partner with the government of Akwa Ibom State to realise its resolve of delivering a reliable and affordable electricity to its people.

The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, made the pledge during his opening remarks at the Akwa Ibom State Electricity Summit 2025 held in Ikot-Ekpene Local Government Area on Thursday.

The minister, who was represented at the occasion by his chief Technical Adviser, Adedayo Olowoniyi, said only through collaboration can such an ambition be realised.

” As Akwa Ibom State embarks on the development of the electricity market, let me reaffirm that the federal government, through the Ministry of Power and its agencies, stand ready to partner with the state government to realise its resolve of delivering reliable and affordable power supply to its people.

”We believed such ambition can only be achieved through a strong partnership, cooperation between the federal, state and local government levels.

While noting the constitutional rights of the government of Akwa Ibom State to fully determine the trajectory of its electricity market, Adelabu emphasised the importance of effective coordination with the federal government

He said as custodian of the national grid and wholesale market, such coordination is necessary to ensure state-level initiatives align with national frameworks to safeguard stability, reliability and efficiency of the entire electricity value chain.

In his remarks, the governor of Akwa Ibom State, Umo Eno, expressed delight with the hosting of the summit, emphasising that it should not be another talk shop but must chart a roadmap and be seen as a call to action, with clear timelines and expectations outlined.

Eno said that only through this can the state successfully said to be ready to move forward on the journey to achieving electricity for all.

The governor, who noted that the state is blessed with abundant resources, lamented that many homes, hospitals and schools are still grappling with epileptic power supply, adding that the question must be asked on why the state-owned power plant with an installed capacity of 191 megawatts, is not working optimally for the benefit of the people since it was established in 2001?

‘Eno said, ‘We are blessed with abundant gas, a State-owned power plant, yet too many of our homes, businesses, schools, and hospitals are grappling with epileptic power supply. The question then becomes: Why is our State-owned Ibom Power Plant, which has an installed capacity of 191 megawatts, not working optimally for the benefit of our people since it was established in 2001?

”What clear path can we adopt to make it work despite the huge resources that have been sunk into its operations, of which we, today, are repaying the Afreximbank loan of 9m USD? Do we undertake an overhaul or institute a PPP arrangement?

”Therefore, this Electricity Summit, even though it holds great promise to us, should not just be another talk shop. It should chart a Roadmap and be seen as a call to action, with clear timelines on who should do what, when such should be completed, and clear expectations outlined. Only then can we successfully tell ourselves we are ready to move forward on our journey to achieving electricity for all.”

The governor said the state’s vision for electricity access is anchored on the principle that electricity is not a luxury but a fundamental enabler for modern life.

He said, ‘Our vision in Akwa Ibom for total electricity access is anchored on a simple principle: electricity is not a luxury; it is a fundamental enabler of modern life. When a rural health clinic has steady power, lives are saved. When our farmers can process and store their produce, incomes rise.

”When our artisans have reliable energy, productivity soars. When our children can study under good lighting, the future becomes brighter, both literally and figuratively. Electricity is the basic and most important resource to give our people the opportunities to live longer and to live better.”

Wike debunks rumours of medical trip abroad

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has debunked rumours that he travelled abroad for medical treatment.

Speaking on Thursday at the flag-off of a road construction project in the Wuye District of Abuja, Wike said those speculating about his health were engaging in unnecessary politics.

“You see, the level of this country where we are, we play politics with everything. How can somebody sit down and just say all kinds of things? Where the people saw me, I don’t know. The hospital you saw me in, I do not know,” he said.

The minister explained that since his appointment in June, he had not taken time off without carrying work along.

The former Governor of Rivers State added that his recent trip was deliberately used as an opportunity to rest.

“This time, I said, whatever it is, I must travel without any file. So, if the whole place will crumble, let it crumble. Because one has to be alive before one can satisfy other people. The day you drop, they will announce another person. So, you must make sure while you are working, you also take time out and relax,” Wike stated.

He further took a swipe at those spreading the rumours, cursing them to suffer ill health instead.

“God will continue to help them have a heart attack. It is my prayer. I will sign the condolences. Very soon, I will tell them that we are sorry. We love them. But, take heart,” he said jokingly.

PUNCH Online reports that Wike recently travelled to the United Kingdom, but it was rumoured that he went abroad for medical treatment

The rumours come amid heightened public interest in the health of high-profile public office holders in Nigeria, particularly when they make foreign trips or are out of sight for periods.