The Chairman of Dangote Refinery and Petrochemicals Company Limited, Aliko Dangote, has boasted that Nigeria has the potential to enhance its crude oil production capacity and effectively manage its crude supply to transition from being a net importer to a net exporter of petroleum products. This assertion was made during his keynote address at a summit organized by the Crude Oil Refinery Owners Association of Nigeria (CORAN) in Lagos, where he was represented by the Group Executive Director of Dangote Industries Limited, Engr. Mansur Ahmed. Despite the appraisal, he raised concerns about Africa’s reliance on imported petroleum products, saying: “Despite…
Author: Motolani AbdulGafar
A human trafficking victim and landmine explosion survivor, Bose Pelumi Olumide, has called for help over the deteriorating state of her health. The single mother survived a major landmine explosion that claimed the life of her sister and 25 others on a road trip in Niger Republic to connect Libya. Techparley gathered that Bose is a single mother and is scheduled for the corrective surgeries at Babcock University Teaching Hospital, Illishan, Ogun State. According to a medical report, signed by the Unit Consultant, Dr Akindipe, the surgeries were required to heal the major burns on her face, hands and legs.…
The United Nations (UN) has reported that powerful criminal networks in Southeast Asia are exploiting the messaging app Telegram to commit fraud amongst other atrocities. The report, released on Monday highlights alarming allegations against Telegram following France’s recent charges against its founder, Pavel Durov, for permitting criminal activities on the platform. The report reads that Telegram enables crime such as hacked data, including credit card details, passwords, and browser history, which is traded openly across the App’s sprawling channels. The UN Office for Drugs and Crime (UNODC) report further added that tools for cybercrime, such as deepfake software designed for…
The National Working Committee (NWC) of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has unveiled its timetable for the 2025 zonal congresses. The zonal congresses are organised for the election of new Zonal Working Committees (ZWC) and National Ex-officio members. The timetable was approved during the party’s 592nd NWC meeting and with the aim to usher in new leadership in the South-South, South-East, South-West, North-Central, and North-East zones respectively. According to a statement released today by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, the congresses will mark the expiration of the current zonal executives’ tenures. The sale of forms for ZWC positions…
Barely 6 days after Chilpancingo Mayor, Alejandro Arcos assumed office as the mayor of Chilpancingo, a city in Guerrero state, Mexico, he was reported to have been brutally murdered, marking another grim chapter in Mexico’s ongoing wave of political violence. The tragedy unfolded in the violence-plagued city of Chilpancingo, where the remains of Arcos were discovered inside a vehicle and according to local media, the mayor had been decapitated before he was found dead. Although further details about the circumstances of his death remain unclear, The Guerrero State Governor, Evelyn Salgado, expressed her furry over the incident whilst stating that…
Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice Evelyn Maha, has issued a ruling that prohibits the Directorate of Road Traffic Services, commonly known as the Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO), from impounding or confiscating vehicles and levying fines on motorists. This ruling was made following a fundamental rights enforcement suit filed by human rights lawyer, Abubakar Marshal. Report has it that the applicant, in a suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1695/2023, sued the Directorate of Road Traffic Services, the Director, Directorate of Road Traffic Services, Mr. Leo, the Area Commander, Directorate of Road Traffic Services (as of December 12, 2023), Onoja Solomon,…
ECOWAS is calling states to be seen as equals
Leaders and loyalists of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State took to the streets of Benin on Wednesday to protest against the results of the September 21 governorship election. Recall that the governorship election had been reported to have been won by the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Senator Monday Okpebholo. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) announced that Okpebholo secured 291,667 votes, defeating PDP’s candidate, Asue Ighodalo, who polled 247,274 votes. However, the PDP has rejected the results, claiming the election was marred by manipulation. Brandishing banners with messages such as “INEC sack Edo REC” and “INEC give us…
Satellite internet connectivity provider, Starlink, has announced a significant increase in price in Nigeria. The company has raised the cost of its router from N440,000 to N590,000 which is a 74% increase. This hike comes in the wake of the naira’s continuous depreciation against dollar, further straining the pockets of many Nigerians. Additionally, the monthly subscription for the Standard (Residential) package, which previously cost N38,000, has been increased to N75,000. This marks an almost 100% rise in the cost of accessing the satellite service. In a message to its subscribers, Starlink attributed the surge to “excessive levels of inflation.” Note…
The military chief of Iran, Major General Mohammad Bagheri, today have escalated tensions in the Middle East by issuing a stark warning to Israel. This warning was made following the attack launched on Tuesday, October 1st, 2024, where Iran approximately launched 200 missiles at Israel in response to the reported assassination of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and Hamas’ political leader Ismail Haniyeh. Meanwhile, Bagheri stated that Iran would not hesitate to strike all of Israel’s infrastructure if its territory is attacked. “The barrage will be repeated with bigger intensity and all infrastructure of the regime will be targeted,” Bagheri said…
Loyalists of popular Islamic music singers are in mourning as news of the passing of their beloved Nigerian singer, Rukayat Gawat Oyefeso, floods social media platforms. Gawat, known for her soul-stirring voice and deeply spiritual compositions, her sudden death was announced this morning by an Ilorin-based cleric, Alfa Aribidesi At-Tawdeeh Islamic Da’awah, on Facebook. Fans had since flooded social media with tributes, echoing their sorrow and disbelief over the loss of such an influential figure. Jubril A. Gawat, her brother and Senior Special Assistant on New Media to the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, also confirmed the tragic news by…
In a bid to strengthen the nation’s economy and improve infrastructure, the Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved the Economic Stabilization Bills and major road contracts. The endorsed bill is a reflection of the recommendations of the Presidential Committee on Tax and Fiscal Policy Reforms established by President Tinubu last year. The bills aim to amend income tax laws, stimulate exports, reform the exchange rate regime, and unlock foreign exchange liquidity. Following the Council’s approval, the bills will be further transferred to the National Assembly for passage, paving the way for potential economic recovery. Notably, the bills include provisions for…
The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has taken a step further over the reported devastating flood case across Nigeria. The Council convened to deliberate on critical measures aimed at disaster management and infrastructure safety. According to a communiqué highlighting the decisions made by FEC, a disaster relief fund has been approved to aid affected areas in Nigeria. The relief project will be financed through a portion of the revenue accruing to the Federation account. The communiqué reads that the government plans to solicit additional funds from the private sector to support recovery efforts in affected communities. Additionally, the Council approved the…
The governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Asue Ighodalo, has raised serious concerns regarding the credibility of the electoral results announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). He contended that the election was neither free nor fair, citing discrepancies where the total number of valid voters exceeded the total number of valid votes. “We saw yesterday certain moves that suggest blatant attempts to manipulate the results of the elections. You see results being declared where the total votes are much higher than the number of accredited voters,” he stated. A notable example, he pointed out, was Inipogbaha…
The All Progressives Congress (APC), Gubernatorial candidate, Monday Okpebholo, secured a decisive victory in the 2024 Edo State governorship election, marking a return to power for his party in the state. Okpebholo’s triumph came after a though competitive race that has been trending on major news platforms, particularly against his closest rival, Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). According to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Okpebholo garnered 291,667 votes, emerging victorious in 11 out of the 18 local government areas in Edo State. His campaign focused on reviving the state’s economy and improving social services, resonating with…
The retiring CEO of an American athletic footwear and apparel corporation, Nike, Inc. (stylized as NIKE), John Donahoe’s has announced his retirement. Historically, his retirement marks the end of a remarkable tenure with one of the world’s leading sportswear brands. Report has it that Donahoe will step down on October 13, 2024, after nearly five years of serving as CEO. Following his departure, Donahoe will continue to serve in an advisory capacity until early next year to ensure a smooth transition of leadership. He has since 2014 joined Nike’s board of directors before later taking on the role of CEO…
The Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde has stated that the drive to upgrade Ibadan Airport is based on logic, science, and data. He said the upgrade will help enhance the airport’s capacity to handle more flights and passengers, attracting more airlines and boosting both domestic and international travel. The airport which is now renamed as Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport, can thus, stimulate economic growth in the region by facilitating trade, tourism, and investment opportunities, while also creating jobs. Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony, Makinde noted that the government’s previous upgrades to the airport facilities had already attracted more airlines…
Following the alarming rate of explosions in Gaza, the Foreign Minister, Hakan Fidan has accused Israel of seeking to expand the war in Gaza to Lebanon. He expressed concerns over the escalating conflict, noting that Israel’s actions appear to be increasingly provocative and are pushing the region towards a broader confrontation. Fidan highlighted the recent wave of explosions in Hezbollah-controlled areas in Lebanon, which have claimed the lives of 32 people, including children, and left thousands wounded. According to report, the blasts, which targeted Hezbollah operatives’ communication devices in various locations, have raised fears of the conflict spreading further. “The…
The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin Ige, has assured his commitment and support towards promoting UNICEF’s mission in Oyo State. During a courtesy visit from the UNICEF team on Wednesday, the Olubadan, represented by Maye Olubadan Chief Olalekan Alabi, expressed his readiness to support the organization’s efforts to protect children’s rights. Emphasizing Ibadan’s historical significance in Nigeria, including being home to the country’s first teaching hospital, university, and television station, the monarch highlighted the importance of UNICEF’s objectives. He expressed confidence that UNICEF’s goals, such as reducing maternal and infant mortality rates, would be furthered through this collaboration. “Ibadan…
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has reported no death occurrence from Mpox in 2024. The milestone is viewed as a positive turn compared to the two and seven deaths recorded in 2022 and 2023, respectively. But, infection rates remain as record shows that it is mostly men disproportionately affected by the disease. Data from the NCDC shows that 67% of Mpox cases recorded in 2024 have been among males. Since the first confirmed cases in 2017, men have accounted for nearly 70% of the 6,001 suspected and confirmed Mpox cases nationwide. So far in 2024, 1,031…
The US Food and Drug Administration has granted Elon Musk’s Neuralink a “breakthrough device” designation for its experimental implant, Blindsight. The device aims to restore vision for people with complete or partial blindness, including those with non-functional optic nerves. Reacting to the development, Neuralink expressed excitement on its X page, stating: “We have received Breakthrough Device Designation from the FDA for Blindsight. Join us in our quest to bring back sight to those who have lost it.” What it means The FDA reserves this designation for medical devices targeting life-threatening conditions. With the nature of blindness, and what the Elon…
48-year-old Nollywood actress, Adunni Ade has credited Ramsey Nouah for influencing her relocation to Nigeria. According to the popular Nigerian-American actress and model, her relocation into the country followed a timely advice from the senior thespian, who she described as a “phenomenal human being.” Adunni disclosed this while featuring in a recent episode of Hip TV programme Trending, hosted by reality star KimOprah sequel to her participation on set with Ramsey Nouah. She stated that Ramsey was her primary motivator that encouraged her to pursue her acting career in Nigeria. “I have told this story a few times but in…
As Ecuador continues to experience severe drought in over six decades, the government has announced drastic measures to conserve electricity. The electricity preserve includes night-time blackouts and teleworking for public sector employees to conserve energy. The presidential office stated that the drought, described as the most severe in 61 years, has significantly impacted the country’s hydroelectric reservoirs which is the main source of Ecuador’s electricity. “These measures are being taken to responsibly manage the control of our electrical system.” The conservation starting from Thursday, are due “to the worst drought in the last 61 years and aim to responsibly manage…
In a world where the Israeli-Hezbollah conflict has captivated global headlines, it is easy to overlook the myriad of other pivotal conflicts reshaping the international landscape. And, because the Israeli-Hezbollah war is merely one piece of a complex geopolitical puzzle, our correspondent, Nabilah Abdulgafar, has compiled a comprehensive overview of the critical disputes unfolding across the globe. To offer a more nuanced understanding, her report provides readers with a deeper understanding of the multifaceted nature of modern conflict, revealing the intricate web of tensions and interests that define our world today. Below is a list of other major global unrest…
A Diocesan of Catholic Diocese of Sokoto, Bishop Matthew Kukah, has raised concern over the negligence of some Presidential candidates in carrying out religious electoral rituals. To mention a few, he revealed that President Bola Tinubu did not sign the peace accord during his 2023 presidential campaign. Kukah made this statement while speaking at the Edo Election Security Townhall in Benin City. Kukah, a key member of the National Peace Committee led by former Head of State General Abdulsalami Abubakar, highlighted the issue as although not obligatory but necessary. He emphasized that the committee, which promotes electoral harmony, does not…
The Israeli military has confirmed a series of rocket launches from Lebanon, with multiple projectiles entering the Upper Galilee region. Report has it that some rockets were successfully intercepted by Israel’s defense systems while others landed in open areas, causing no casualties. In response, Israel was reported to have released aerial footage showcasing airstrikes on Hezbollah installations in southern Lebanon’s Hula. As at the time of gathering this report, the Lebanese Health Ministry, through state media, reported that the Israeli air raids resulted in one death and two injuries. Hezbollah, in retaliation, claimed responsibility for two attacks on Israeli positions,…
A thorough investigation has begun over the alleged illegal detention of a Naval rating, Seaman Abbas Haruna. The probe follows an accusation by Haruna’s wife, who claimed that the Nigerian military authorities have unjustly kept her husband in custody for nearly six years. Speaking on a radio station in Abuja, she disclosed that her husband, a seaman in the Nigerian Navy, has been held without due process, leading to widespread concern. Time for investigation Reacting to the development, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, said he has ordered an immediate investigation into the circumstances surrounding Haruna’s prolonged detention.…
At around 11am on Sunday, September 15, 2024, ex-presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore was reportedly detained at the Lagos airport by men of the Nigeria Immigration Service, NIS. Follow the timeline below for other details, and how he got released from detention. BEWARE: This is a developing story, and is being updated as events unfold. Keep refreshing this page for the latest developments. Loyalists appraise Sowore over courage to return to Nigeria Reactions have trailed the news of his detention and subsequent release, with a section of young Nigerians appraising his courage to return to the country despite all adversity. Sowore’s…
Sequel to the ongoing rescue mission from various philanthropists over the devastating flood case that have displaced thousands in Maiduguri, Borno State, the United Nations has pledged urgent support to address the crisis. The UN, alongside humanitarian organizations, has allocated over $8 million as support aid, including $6 million from the Nigeria Humanitarian Fund, to assist the affected victims. On Monday, September 9, 2024, a devastating flood hit Borno State after being overwhelmed by heavy rainfall that led to the burst of the banks of the Alau Dam, located in the Konduga community. Burying nearly half of the community, authorities…
Many fuel stations in Aba, Abia State’s, have been shut down due to hike in the cost of the purchase of fuel. The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) points fingers at the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) for failing to supply products directly to them. The situation has led to significant price hikes, with some fuel stations selling petrol at as much as N1300 to N1350 per litre, which is above the expected prices. Report has it that these stations, hassle to get fuel from third-party suppliers at exorbitant rates due to the unavailability of direct supplies from…
Nigeria faces yet another potential flood crisis as the Federal Government issues an alert concerning possible overflow along the Niger and Benue rivers. This follows the aftermath of destructive flooding in Maiduguri, Borno State, which has impacted several other regions in the country. In a press briefing in Abuja, the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, highlighted the urgent need for proactive measures, particularly in southern Nigeria, as a large volume of water moves downstream toward the Niger Delta. Utsev attributed the Maiduguri flood disaster to the overflow of the Alau Dam, which was overwhelmed by massive…
A city on the North Sea coast of the western Netherlands, The Hague, has become the first city to ban fossil fuel-related ads in the world. The ban bill which has taken two years to pass before approval on Thursday will take effect from start of next week. The ban is said to end public and private funded advertising for petrol and diesel, aviation and cruise ships in the streets of the Dutch city. Coordinator at Reclame Fossielvrij (Fossil Free Advertising), Femke Sleegers, noted earlier that efforts to regulate fossil fuel advertising in The Hague had faltered due to non-compliance…
The Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading Company (NBET) has appealed for a renewal of operating licence from the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission. The licence which will permit the company in ensuring efficient and accurate administration of contractual relationships with both GENCOS and DISCOS, would expire on November 21, 2024. In a public hearing on Thursday, NBET Managing Director, Johnson Akinnawo noted that NBET has served as a channel for the Federal Government’s budgetary appropriation. “NBET has transparently managed a contracts portfolio with an annual trading volume over $2bn. “NBET has also facilitated private sector investment through Power Purchase Agreements and Vesting…
President Bola Tinubu has expressed optimism about Nigeria’s economic future following the increase of trade surplus in the Nigeria. The report which was made earlier by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) revealed that there is a ₦6.95 trillion trade surplus for the second quarter of 2024. The latest surplus marks a 6.60% increase from the ₦6.52 trillion surplus recorded in the first quarter, showcasing the nation’s strong export performance. In a statement issued by the Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu emphasized that the ongoing reforms by his administration are laying the foundation for a prosperous…
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has commended its operatives for the successful completion of its mission to attack terrorists in Niger State. The mission was assigned following a fierce gun battle between the terrorists and operatives from other security agencies which led to the request for air support and as such their intervention. In a statement made by the Deputy Director of Public Relations and Information, Nigerian Air Force, Group Captain Kabiru Ali, the “successful air interdiction mission on 11 September 2024, indicates the Force’s commitment to assisting other security agencies in fight against crime across the country.” He added…
The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) has said that it has explored different strategies to alleviate the impact of economic recession on its members and the general public in Nigeria. According to the President of NUPENG, Prince Williams Akporeha, the Union and the Labour Writers Association of Nigeria (LAWAN) have tirelessly been of help to the masses to alleviate the economic crisis. Akporeha made this affirmation through a senior officer of the Union (Research & Public Affairs), Suleiman Pema in a workshop with the theme “Challenges of the nation’s economic downturn: Survival options for workers”, organized…
The Swedish government has announced an increase in financial incentives for immigrants who voluntarily choose to return to their home countries. The increased grant which has been in existence since 1984 is relatively unknown, small, and used by few people in 2026 made available for all. The Swedish government moving ahead with the plan despite a recent government-appointed probe advising against it has encouraged the masses to migrate back to their home country. The investigation had recommended against a significant increase in the grant, warning that the expected benefits did not justify the potential costs. The report argued that while…
The National Union of Pensioners (NUP) has appealed to the Federal and State Governments to increase the remuneration of pensioners in the country. The appeal was made following the increase in the minimum wage of public service commission workers in the country. NUP National President; Godwin Abumisi, and General Secretary Actor Zal, in a statement noted that the new minimum wage of N70,000 should be used as a basic or template to re-compute pension emoluments for its members. “…In line with the current economic situations we find ourselves, we wish to humbly suggest that the Federal and state governments should…
In a bid to improve the efficiency and professionalism of the Nigeria Civil Service, the Federal Government has conceived the idea of establishing “War Rooms” to ensure checks and balances within in the Nigerian polity and system. The development was disclosed by the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Didi Walson-Jack, at the recently concluded retreat with Federal Permanent Secretaries in Zuba, Niger State. According to Didi, the establishment will serve as an important medium for monitoring and managing the execution of the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan (FCSSIP) 2021-2025. Speaking on its management and operation, she…
The European Court of Justice (ECJ) has ordered Apple to pay €13bn (£11bn; $14bn) in unpaid taxes to Ireland. This order was made after the European Commission accused Ireland of providing Apple with illegal tax advantages in 2016. However, Ireland has since opposed the tax repayment while ECJ ruled that “Ireland granted Apple unlawful aid,” which must now be recovered. Apple expressed disappointment with the ruling, arguing that it has always complied with tax laws and that the case is not about how much tax is owed, but rather where the taxes should be paid as it claimed that it…
The Legal Adviser to NLC, Mr Femi Falana has said that the police had failed to provide a substantial reason for the arrest of NLC President, Comrade Joe Ajaero. “The invitation to Comrade Joe Ajaero by the police was rescheduled last week. I have contacted the police authorities. The arrest is not related to the police invitation. “Comrade Ajaero was on his way to London to attend the ongoing TUC conference when he was arrested at the airport this morning (yesterday) by the DSS. No reason has been provided for the arrest,” Falana said. Ajaero Released Meanwhile, sources familiar with…
The tenure of the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero, has been marked by increasing controversy. Reports from Abuja suggest that his leadership has taken a dramatic turn as operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) arrested him at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja on Monday. This correspondent gathered that Ajaero, who was on his way to the United Kingdom for an official assignment, was taken into custody just before boarding his flight. As at the time of filing this report, official details about his arrest remain sparse. But sources familiar with the development…
Nigeria and China have signed a $3.3 billion agreement to develop the Brass Industrial Park and Methanol Complex in Bayelsa State. The deal was finalized during the Africa-China Conference in Beijing, as announced by the Director of Information and Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Finance; Mr. Mohammed Manga. Manga described the project as transformative, with the potential to significantly enhance Nigeria’s industrial output and create numerous employment opportunities. He further noted that the agreement underscores the two nations’ dedication to strengthening economic cooperation, deepening bilateral ties, and fostering sustainable development. The signing took place alongside the inaugural China-Nigeria…
The Director General of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), Abdullahi Baba-Arab, has assured residents in the Agaie Local Government Area of Niger State that his agency is working tirelessly to rescue victims from a wreckage after a petrol tanker exploded on Sunday. Over 30 people have been confirmed dead in the tragic incident. The Director General disclosed, in a statement issued on Sunday, that the incident occurred around 12:30 am on Sunday when a petrol tanker collided head-on with a trailer truck transporting travellers and cattle from Wudil, Kano State. He noted that the explosion also resulted in…
The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has begun the first phase of its Digital Literacy for All (DL4ALL) initiative, deploying National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members to 12 states as trainers. The initiative, which aims to achieve 70% digital literacy for Nigerians by 2027, was announced by the agency in a statement released on Saturday. According to NITDA’s Director-General, Kashifu Inuwa, the partnership with the NYSC will be instrumental in spreading digital skills across the country as corps members will serve as digital literacy trainers, leveraging their nationwide presence to reach underserved areas. The 12 states involved in the…
England all-rounder Moeen Ali has announced his retirement from international cricket. The 37-year old player, who has played for over a decade, decided that the time is right to step away from the international stage and focus on other pursuits. His decision marks the end of an era for English cricket, where he has been a pivotal player across all three formats. He made his debut for England in 2014, quickly establishing himself as a versatile all-rounder. The Satellite gathered that his contributions were instrumental in England’s cricketing success, notably as part of the squads that won the 50-over World…
Reactions have followed the resignation of Ajuri Ngelale, the spokesperson for President Bola Tinubu. Ngelale, in a memo Friday, cited the need to address medical issues as a reason for stepping down from his position. However, sources reveal that Ngelale’s resignation was driven by concerns over potential humiliation. This reporter gathered that recent directives from the presidency assigned Ngelale to focus on his climate action role, while another individual would be appointed as media adviser and spokesperson. While Ngelale’s request to remain as a media adviser was denied, the Presidency allowed him to stay on the media team under a…