Author: Akintayo Adams

The Federal Government has paid up the backlog of debts to European airlines to the tune of $850m. The European Union Ambassador to Nigeria and the ECOWAS, Samuela Isopi, revealed this at the 9th edition of the Nigeria-EU Business Forum in Abuja on Tuesday. She commended the government for clearing the backlog and removing foreign exchange restrictions on the import of 43 items. Isopi noted that Nigeria remains the EU’s largest trading partner, with trade relations worth about 35 billion euros last year. She also highlighted that the EU is Nigeria’s biggest foreign investor, with investments valued at 26 billion…

Twice Wimbledon champion Andy Murray (37) pulled out of the singles competition but will play doubles alongside his brother Jamie in what will be his farewell appearance at the Grand Slam, his management team said on Tuesday. Murray, who recently underwent surgery to remove a spinal cyst compressing his nerves, leading to loss of control and power in his right leg, decided his recovery wasn’t sufficient for singles play. “Unfortunately, despite working incredibly hard on his recovery since his operation just over a week ago, Andy has taken the very difficult decision not to play the singles this year,” Murray’s team…

Southwest governors have unveiled plans for massive food production across the six states to counter the high price of staple foods, it was learnt yesterday. Reminiscent of the pre-independence period and the First Republic when agriculture was the mainstay of the regional economy, the states are prioritizing rice, maize, cassava, and poultry farming. Additionally, moribund dams in the region will be revitalized for irrigation. President Bola Tinubu, a week ago, had given governors one week to come up with a realistic template on how they intend to boost food production in their states. Investigation by The Nation revealed that governors…

At least 30 people were injured after a flight encountered “strong turbulence” and made an emergency landing in Brazil. The Air Europa Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner was en route from Madrid to Montevideo when the incident occurred mid-air. Flight UX045 was rerouted to Natal Airport in northeastern Brazil while heading to Uruguay’s capital, according to the airline’s statement on X (formerly Twitter). The airline mentioned that injured passengers were “receiving attention.” With 325 passengers on board, the aircraft encountered turbulence over the Atlantic just before reaching the Brazilian coast, as per an Air Europa spokesperson. The plane landed without issues and…

Social media giant, Meta, has announced that Nigerian and Ghanaian content creators with 5,000 followers would, henceforth, earn money on Facebook starting from July 1, 2024. The company also rolled out monetization features, In-Stream Ads on Facebook and Facebook Ads on Reels June 30. According to a statement released by Meta, the two features will enable creators to earn money for crafting original videos and cultivating community. The statement read: “To use either product, creators must pass and remain compliant with Facebook’s partnership monetisation policies and content monetization policies and they must be at least 18 years old. “Additionally, for…

Portuguese Football Star, Cristiano Ronaldo has confirmed the ongoing edition of the European Championship to be his last in the Seleção shirt. He said this after missing a crucial penalty in extra-time before scoring the first spot-kick in the penalty shootout. “This will be my last Euro, of course”. “But I’m not moved by this, I’m moved by enthusiasm”. “I was sorry for the fans. I’ll always give my best for this shirt, whether I miss it or not. And I’ll do this my whole life. You have to take responsibility”. Ronaldo has been representing the Portuguese National Team since…

Sèyí Mákindé, Governor of Oyo State on Monday set up a 14-man committee for the coronation and presentation of staff of office to the new Olubadan of Ibadanland, Ọba Owólabí Olàkúlẹ́hìn. The committee is chaired by the state Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Ademola Ojo. According to a statement from the state Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, in Ibadan, other members of the committee include the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Wasiu Olatunbosun, and the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Inclusion, Toyin Balogun. “The coronation committee also include the son of the Olubadan-designate, Folaseke Olakulehin, Onikepo Akande,…

The average retail price for Premium Motor Spirit (Petrol) in May 2024 soared to around ₦937 per liter in Northern Nigeria especially Jigawa State, according to the latest report from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS). The report “Premium Motor Spirit (Petrol) Price Watch (May 2024)” revealed that on a state profile analysis, Jigawa State had the highest petrol price at ₦937.50 per liter. This reflects a continuous rise in prices since the removal of the petrol subsidy by President Bola Tinubu on May 29, 2023. The average price of petrol was ₦769.62, marking a 223.21% increase compared to ₦238.11…

Governor Dapo Abiodun trended on X (formerly Twitter) on Monday morning as users criticized him over the poor condition of roads in some Ogun State communities. They posted pictures of deteriorating roads from various locations, accusing Abiodun of failing to ensure ‘motorable’ roads in the state. @OAKGbenga said, “I once got trapped around this axis, Sango-Ijoko-Giwa-Okearo and it was raining heavily….My luck that day was having V6 off road Nissan Frontier truck……. That axis has very terrible roads.” @Ilo_Monsurbj stated, “You will be surprised as to how this road (Ijoko road) is to the Lagos-Abẹ́òkúta Expressway linking Lagos state. But…

Two employees of the Britain-based aid agency Tearfund were killed in an attack on their convoy in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. The agency made the announcement on Monday. They were traveling by road from the town of Lubero to Butembo city in the conflict-torn North Kivu province when they were attacked upon arrival on Sunday. Tearfund did not provide further details about the incident. North Kivu has been troubled by ongoing violence, with various armed groups competing for control and resources in the mineral-rich region. This escalating insurgency over more than two years has worsened an already severe humanitarian…