Business
Bokku Mart Apologises For Ethnic Slur In Viral Advert
Retail brand, Bokku Mart, has apologized following backlash over a viral “Omo Igbo” advert described by many Nigerians as ethnically insensitive.
The controversy began after a female content creator, in a promotional video posted on the supermarket’s social media page on Tuesday, used the phrase “Omo Igbo” in a context viewers considered derogatory towards Nigerians of South-East origin.
In the now-deleted video, the influencer identified as Defolah, while attempting to promote the affordability of items sold at Bokku Mart, said, “No Omo Igbo can cheat me,” a statement that immediately drew outrage online, with users accusing her of bigotry.
The ad triggered calls for a boycott of the supermarket, with critics accusing the brand of promoting ethnic bigotry.
Reacting in a statement uploaded on its X handle on Friday, Bokku Mart described the language used in the advert as “offensive and hurtful,” stressing that it did not reflect the company’s values.
“We are deeply saddened and disturbed by a video recently shared online that contained offensive and hurtful language.
“The language used in the video was unacceptable and deeply misaligned with Bokku’s values,” the company said.
The supermarket clarified that the controversial content originated from an external influencer and was published by a third-party media agency without internal review.
“While the content originated from an external influencer and was published by a third-party media firm without prior review by our team, we take full responsibility for its appearance on our platforms,” the company stated.
Bokku Mart added that it has strengthened its internal review and vendor oversight processes to prevent similar incidents.
“We have since strengthened our content approval and vendor oversight processes to ensure such an incident never happens again,” the statement continued.
Reaffirming its commitment to inclusivity, Bokku Mart said its brand stands for unity and respect for all Nigerians.
“Bokku Mart is more than a retail brand; we are a proudly Nigerian company built on love for our people and communities.
“Our mission is to make everyday life better for all Nigerians by ensuring access to quality products at affordable prices.
“We celebrate our nation’s rich diversity and stand firmly against all forms of discrimination,” the company added.
Meanwhile, the content creator involved has reportedly issued an apology, sharing screenshots on social media to express regret over the incident.
The incident has reignited conversations around the responsibility of influencers and brands to promote inclusivity and cultural sensitivity in advertising.
Business
‘Cooking Gas, Petrol Prices Crash Nationwide’ [DETAILS]
Petrol and cooking gas prices declined year-on-year in December 2025, signalling a gradual easing of household energy costs, according to separate reports released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).
Naija News reports that data from the bureau showed that both Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), commonly used for cooking, and Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), also known as petrol, recorded notable price reductions compared with December 2024, alongside modest month-on-month declines.
The NBS noted that while the downward trend was observed across most states and geopolitical zones, prices continued to vary widely depending on location.
5kg Of Cooking Gas Price Drops By 25%
According to the report, the average price for refilling a 5kg cylinder of LPG declined by 1.20 per cent month-on-month, falling from ₦5,425.78 in November 2025 to ₦5,360.43 in December 2025.
On a year-on-year basis, the price fell sharply by 25.31 per cent, down from ₦7,177.27 recorded in December 2024.
Confirming the trend, the NBS stated, “The average retail price for refilling a 5kg cylinder of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (Cooking Gas) decreased by 1.20 per cent on a month-on-month basis,” adding that the year-on-year decline stood at 25.31 per cent.”
A state-level analysis showed that Kaduna recorded the highest average price for refilling a 5kg cylinder at ₦5,838.66, followed by Jigawa at ₦5,825.09 and Osun at ₦5,777.80.
On the lower end, Katsina recorded the cheapest average price at ₦4,855.80.
Similarly, the average retail price for refilling a 12.5kg cylinder of LPG fell by 0.74 per cent month-on-month, declining from ₦13,538.79 in November 2025 to ₦13,438.90 in December 2025.
Year-on-year, the price dropped by 22.20 per cent from ₦17,274.16 recorded in December 2024.
On a state-by-state basis, Abia recorded the highest average price for refilling a 12.5kg cylinder at ₦14,489.96, followed by Osun at ₦14,444.50 and Delta at ₦14,393.17, the bureau said.
Petrol Price Dips To ₦1,048
The NBS also reported a decline in the average retail price of petrol.
According to the report, the average price of Premium Motor Spirit stood at ₦1,048.63 in December 2025, representing an 11.81 per cent decrease compared with ₦1,189.12 recorded in December 2024.
The bureau stated, “The average retail price paid by consumers for Premium Motor Spirit (Petrol) for December 2025 was ₦1,048.63.”
On a month-on-month basis, petrol prices declined by 1.20 per cent, down from ₦1,061.35 recorded in November 2025.
Further analysis showed that Kogi State recorded the highest average petrol price at ₦1,104.45, while Oyo State had the lowest at ₦996.55.
Regionally, the North East emerged as the most expensive zone for petrol, while the South West recorded the lowest average prices.
Business
BREAKING: Naira Hits Two-Year High In Official Window As External Reserves Rise
Nigeria’s naira recorded one of its strongest performances in months on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, appreciating sharply against the US dollar at the official foreign exchange window amid improving liquidity and rising confidence in the country’s FX reforms.
The local currency strengthened to around ₦1,400 per dollar at the official market, marking its firmest level since the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN implemented sweeping FX reforms.
The move signals easing pressure on the naira and renewed optimism among investors and market participants.
According to the CBN’s daily foreign exchange report, the naira closed at ₦1,401.22 per dollar, representing a 1.27 percent appreciation on the day.
Market operators described the move as a reflection of improved dollar supply and stronger participation by banks and other authorised dealers.
Traders said the official window saw increased volumes, with the improved liquidity helping to narrow volatility and reduce speculative demand.
The latest performance reinforces the view that the reforms aimed at unifying exchange rates and improving price discovery are beginning to yield results.
The positive momentum extended to the parallel market, where the naira also posted modest gains.
Channel checks showed the local currency appreciating by about 0.33 per cent to trade around ₦1,476 per dollar. While the gap between the official and parallel rates remains, analysts say the narrowing spread reflects improving confidence across both the regulated and informal segments of the FX market.
According to a report by MarketForces Africa, reduced arbitrage opportunities and stronger supply conditions are helping to stabilise pricing.
The naira’s rally comes against the backdrop of rising external reserves, which have strengthened the CBN’s ability to intervene when necessary and support market liquidity.
Higher reserves are widely viewed as a key confidence signal for foreign investors, particularly portfolio investors who remain sensitive to currency risk.
Market watchers say consistent inflows from export earnings, improved remittance flows, and cautious monetary management have all contributed to the improved outlook for the naira in recent weeks.
Business
After Dangote, Another World Class Refinery to Be Built in Nigeria, CEO Confirms Location
Clarivo Oil and Gas, led by Chief Obidike Chukwuebuka, has announced plans to build a world-class oil refinery in Calabar, Cross River State, aimed at boosting Nigeria’s downstream oil and gas sector.
Speaking to journalists, Chief Obidike said the project will be implemented in phases, in collaboration with foreign partners to bring advanced technical expertise and international industry standards.
The planned refinery will feature state-of-the-art technologies, including crude distillation, catalytic cracking, and hydrotreating units, enabling the production of high-quality petroleum products such as petrol, diesel, and aviation fuel.
The phased approach will begin with feasibility studies and front-end engineering design, followed by construction of core processing units, and conclude with installation of secondary units and commissioning.
Chief Obidike noted that the refinery aims to increase domestic refining capacity, reduce dependence on imported petroleum products, and enhance Nigeria’s energy security. He added that the project is expected to create significant employment across engineering, construction, operations, and logistics, while facilitating technology transfer through partnerships with international EPC contractors and investors.
On funding, he revealed that agreements with foreign stakeholders are being finalized to provide both technical and financial support. The refinery is projected to come online within five years, following the completion of all project phases and regulatory approvals.
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