Author: Akintayo Adams

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) has clarified that its recent Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) pricing will not hinder the Dangote Refinery from offering lower prices. This response comes after allegations by the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) that NNPC’s pricing changes could prevent the refinery from providing cheaper petrol to Nigerians. In a statement issued by Olufemi Soneye, Chief Corporate Communications Officer of NNPC, the company emphasized that global market forces determine petroleum prices, not NNPC’s decisions. The Dangote Refinery, like other refineries, operates in a free market and is therefore able to set competitive prices based on market…

Ajuri Ngelale, the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Media and Publicity, has announced his decision to take an indefinite leave of absence due to worsening medical issues within his immediate family. After consulting extensively with his family, Ngelale shared the news in a statement addressed to the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, on Saturday. In his statement, Ngelale expressed regret over having to temporarily step away from his official duties, which include serving as the Special Adviser to the President on Media & Publicity, Official Spokesperson of the President, Special Presidential Envoy on Climate Action,…

FC Copenhagen’s new signing, German Onugkha, has expressed his desire to represent Nigeria at the international level, despite previously being involved with Russia’s national team. Born to a Russian mother and Nigerian father, the 28-year-old forward withdrew from Russia’s squad for their September 2024 friendlies against Thailand and Vietnam to focus on his new club and future. Onugkha, who joined Copenhagen on transfer deadline day, revealed that he is ready to apply for a Nigerian passport, signaling his intent to play for the Super Eagles. Speaking after his unofficial debut in a friendly against Landskrona BoIS, he explained that focusing…

Lagos has been ranked the 6th best city for nightlife in 2024 by Time Out Magazine, surpassing cities like Rotterdam (Netherlands) and Manchester (United Kingdom). Only Rio de Janeiro, Manilla, Berlin, Guadalajara, and Austin are ahead in the ranking. Time Out, a globally recognized magazine operating in 333 cities across 59 countries, highlighted Lagos’ vibrant nightlife as a key attraction. Reacting to the news, Lagos State’s Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, noted that the ranking is not surprising, given the numerous initiatives by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to make Lagos a leading global city. Omotoso emphasized that improved security,…

The naira saw a slight appreciation on the Nigerian Autonomous Foreign Exchange (NAFEX) market on Friday, closing at ₦1,593.32 to the dollar, stronger than the ₦1,639 recorded the previous day. On NAFEX, the currency gained ₦45.98, but on the parallel market, it depreciated by ₦13, closing at ₦1,673/$1 on Friday, compared to ₦1,660/$1 on Thursday. Daily transaction volumes increased by 31.96%, with turnover reaching $245.17 million on Friday, up from $185.79 million on Thursday. The highest recorded spot rate was ₦1,665, while the lowest was ₦1,580. The naira had experienced depreciation earlier in the week due to liquidity issues. Bloomberg…

Gunmen have reportedly kidnapped Hon. Benedict Akika, a prominent chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and a key supporter of Governor Seyi Makinde, in his home on Wednesday night. The assailants, who were masked, abducted Akika from his residence in Idi Ape, Olorunda-Aba within the Lagelu Local Government Area of Oyo State. Unconfirmed reports also suggest that a life may have been lost during the abduction. The Oyo Police Command has confirmed the incident. Police spokesperson Adewale Osifeso stated that an investigation into the matter has begun and that updates will be provided as they become available. Get instant…

The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) announced that it has received ₦2 million from Asiwaju Adegboyega Solomon Awomolo (SAN), a beneficiary of the defunct Federal Government Student Loan Scheme from the 1970s. Awomolo, who used the loan during his undergraduate studies at the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University) in the 1975/1976 and 1976/1977 academic sessions, repaid the loan in full, demonstrating his commitment to the nation. In a statement signed by Mrs. Oseyemi Oluwatuyi, Director of Corporate Communications at NELFUND, it was highlighted that the loan of ₦1,000 at the time played a crucial role in helping Awomolo…

The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) announced on Friday that it has successfully disbursed loans to students from an additional 40 tertiary institutions, bringing the total number of benefiting institutions to 59. In a statement shared on its X platform, NELFund highlighted this expansion as a key achievement in its mission to ensure access to quality education for all Nigerian students, regardless of their financial status. Mr. Akintunde Sawyerr, Managing Director of NELFund, emphasized the organization’s commitment to ensuring that no eligible student is excluded from accessing loans across the country. He also urged institutions to participate actively in the…

The family of Pa Taiwo Akinkunmi, the late designer of the Nigerian national flag, has laid him to rest after a year-long wait for a promised state funeral that never came to fruition. Akinkunmi passed away on September 4, 2023, at the age of 87, and despite earlier assurances from the Federal Government to honor him with a state funeral, the family decided to proceed with his burial. Akinwunmi Akinkunmi, one of his sons, disclosed that they had patiently waited for the government to fulfill its promise. He also mentioned that the family had been paying N2,000 daily to preserve…

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has explained to Nigerians living in China the reasons behind the recent increase in petrol prices in Nigeria, where Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) is now sold between N897 and N1000 per liter. During his visit to Beijing, which he described as “very good and successful”, Tinubu addressed the rising fuel prices and the tough decisions his administration has made. He emphasized the need for sacrifice to improve the country’s infrastructure and basic amenities, saying, “For example, you might have been hearing from home in the last few days about fuel prices. But, can we help it?…