Author: Ayo

In a testament to the growing influence of Nigerian footballers on the global stage, four of the country’s finest players have been nominated for the prestigious Best FIFA Awards 2024. Atalanta star, Ademola Lookman, leads the pack with a nomination in the Best Attacker’s category. The 27-year-old, who finished an impressive 14th in the Ballon d’or ranking, is also the favourite to win the CAF Men’s Player of the Year award. Another Nigerian player, William Troost-Ekong, is in contention for the Best Defender award. The centre-back, who was named Most Valuable Player (MVP) at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations…

President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria on Thursday began a two-day state visit to France, marking a significant milestone in the bilateral relations between the two countries. The visit, the first official state visit by a Nigerian president in over two decades, is aimed at strengthening economic cooperation and boosting ties between France and Africa’s most populous country. The two leaders, President Tinubu and French President Emmanuel Macron, met at the Invalides memorial complex in Paris, where they were treated to the national anthems of both countries. The visit is expected to focus on encouraging economic partnerships between France and Nigeria,…

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Abuja was cordoned off by heavily armed operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) as the immediate past governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, was arraigned in court today. Bello, dressed in a white Babanriga and beaming with smiles, entered the courtroom accompanied by his lawyers and supporters, who chanted praises of “Saaki”. The former governor had submitted himself to the EFCC on Tuesday, paving the way for his arraignment. The EFCC had declared Bello wanted in connection with an N80.2 billion money laundering charge. He is also facing a…

A devastating boat accident has occurred in Delta State, resulting in the loss of over 30 lives, including a toddler. The tragic incident happened at Beneth Island in Gbaramatu Kingdom, Warri South-West local government area of the state. According to eyewitnesses, the speedboat carrying passengers, who were returning from a burial ceremony, collided with a submerged log, causing it to capsize. The collision threw many passengers overboard into the water, many of whom were unable to swim and were not wearing life jackets. Survivors and witnesses recounted harrowing moments of desperation as passengers struggled to stay afloat. The boat was…

The Lagos State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has vehemently rejected the idea of Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Tinubu, succeeding Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu in 2027. This comes after some groups, including the Coalition of Nigerian Youth Leaders and Friends of Seyi Tinubu, endorsed Seyi as a potential governor. Hakeem Amode, the Lagos PDP spokesperson, emphasized that governorship is not a family inheritance. “Lagos will not serve him,” he said in an interview with Sunday PUNCH. Amode questioned the appropriateness of a son inheriting a governorship role from his father, stressing that “Governorship is not a gift”.…

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Zamfara State Council, has given the state government an ultimatum to implement the ₦70,000 national minimum wage by the end of November 2024. Failure to comply will lead to an indefinite industrial action, effectively shutting down the state from December 1, 2024. In a communique signed by the State chairman of NLC, Comrade Sani Halliru, the council condemned the refusal of the Zamfara State Government to implement the 2024 National Minimum Wage Act. This decision, the communique stated, is a betrayal of workers’ rights amid rising economic challenges. The NLC Zamfara State Council has the…

The naira recorded a significant gain against the United States dollar at the official foreign exchange market on Thursday, according to data from the FMDQ. The naira strengthened to ₦1,658.57 per dollar, up from ₦1,687.52 on Wednesday. This represents a ₦28.95 gain against the dollar, marking a positive turn for the local currency. However, the naira’s fortunes were reversed at the black market, where it fell to ₦1,755 per dollar on Thursday, down from ₦1,750 the previous day. Meanwhile, foreign exchange transaction turnover declined by $163.66 million at the close of Thursday, down from $173.29 million on Wednesday. This development…

In a significant development, the Dangote Petroleum Refinery has restarted purchasing crude oil from the United States, marking a shift in its refining strategy. This move follows a three-month pause in foreign crude purchases, during which the refinery focused on domestic supply. A Bloomberg report revealed that a cargo carrying two million barrels of WTI Midland crude from Chevron Corp is scheduled for delivery to the refinery next month. “Dangote refinery purchased its first shipment of US oil after a hiatus of three months as the site continues to ramp up production. The plant purchased about two million barrels of…

The Ogun State Police Command has summoned Ladi Adebutu, the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) 2023 governorship candidate, to its Abeokuta headquarters. This development follows allegations of disturbances during the November 16 local government elections, which saw the All Progressives Congress (APC) secure all seats. Adebutu is accused of recruiting approximately 40 unauthorized police officers from Lagos and coordinating PDP thugs to disrupt the election. These allegations have sparked controversy, with Adebutu’s camp denying any wrongdoing. This invitation comes on the heels of Adebutu’s release from Department of State Services (DSS) custody, where he was detained and questioned about the election.…

Ladi Adebutu, the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) 2023 governorship candidate in Ogun State, has been released by the Department of State Services (DSS) after a brief detention. Adebutu’s arrest was linked to his public objection to the conduct of the November 16 local government elections, which he deemed “not free and fair” during a press conference on Monday. Adebutu recounted his experience, saying, “At about 7am, Tuesday, 19th November 2024, I was released by the Department of State Services, DSS, in Abeokuta following an invitation to answer to various spurious accusations all arising from the November 16 Local Government election…