Author: Agency Reporter

Citing mischief and misinformation,theNigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) has refuted a report in some newspapers that the old Port Harcourt Refinery which was recently re-streamed , has been shut down.In a statement signed today by Olufemi Soneye, NNPC’s Chief Corporate Communications Officer, he said that the report was false, and that loading of petroleum products was still going on today.He urged the public to disregard the claim which is intended to cause panic.Soneye added: ”Our attention has been drawn to reports in a section of the media alleging that theOld Port-Harcourt Refinery re-streamed about two months,has been shut…

By Yomi Olugbenro 1. The proposed spending represents 37% increase over 2024 amended budget of N35.06 trillion. While this appears to be highly ambitious, the quantum leap is directly attributable to Naira devaluation. Using the budgeted exchange rates for both years, 2025 budget amounts to $32b (N1, 500/$) against 2024 budget of $44b, a reduction by 37%. So, blame it on the currency’s value! 2. The budget is christened as “budget of restoration: securing peace, rebuilding prosperity” with the objectives of restoring macroeconomic stability, improving business environment, and fostering inclusive growth, employment, and poverty reduction. With defense and security having…

“To the youth of Africa I say: Never give up. Turn pain to power.” Ademola Lookman’s journey to being voted the men’s African footballer of the year has been full of ups and downs, yet the Nigeria international knows his recent success provides inspiration. After failing to impose himself following a big-money move to the Premier League as a teenager, the forward had several loan spells before his rebirth in Italy since joining Atalanta in August 2022. “Four years ago my career felt down but now I’m here as the best player in Africa,” Lookman, 27, said on stage when…

By Babafemi Ojudu If you have ever witnessed the Ede masquerade, the Aladoko, or the Alamudu perform, you will instantly appreciate the poetry of Niyi Osundare, the world-renowned poet. Osundare hails from Ekiti, as do these mesmerizing masquerades. Had education not found him, Osundare might well have been a bearer of one of these magnificent masks—adorned with multicolored feathers and mirrors cascading from the nape to the feet—chanting profound verses with the captivating grace of tradition. The Ede masquerades are revered for their boundless knowledge, weaving chants on any subject with a voice as sonorous as a nightingale’s. Their repertoire…

The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), has sealed eight petroleum retail outlets in Warri and environs.The Coordinator in Delta State, Mr Victor Ohwodiasa disclosed this to newsmen on Tuesday in Warri.Ohwodiasa said that retail outlets were shut down on Sunday over offences bordering on under-dispensing, operating without valid licences, poor safety culture and poor housekeeping.He said that the erring petrol stations were located at Ifiekporo, Ughoton, Ubeji, Effurun/Sapele Road and Ovwian community in Udu Local Government Area of the state.The coordinator said that the routine surveillance exercise was part of the regulatory authority’s core mandates of ensuring…

To ensure seamless operation and quality service, the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) has urged its members across the 774 local governments in the country to initiate ways towards prudent and effective management of their resources.The association made the call in a statement signed by Hon. Hamisu Mohammed, ALGON National Publicity Secretary and members, communique committee, at the end of its 51st National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Katsina.”The statement urged members to activate strategies for effective resources management and to remain inspired by the judgment and performance appraisals of their constituents.“The NEC promised to continue strengthening its…

Despite achievements made by South Africa in the past 30 years, it continues to face significant challenges on its journey toward reconciliation, President Cyril Ramaphosa said on Monday.“Our country is still divided by poverty and unemployment,” Ramaphosa said at an event marking National Reconciliation Day.The day is celebrated to foster reconciliation and national unity following the end of apartheid in 1994.“Reconciliation is not a symbolic act,” Ramaphosa said, adding it requires a fundamental transformation of society to create a fair and just nation. ‘DEEP SCARS’“The past may be behind us but we are left with its wounds. We have deep…

Russian Lieutenant General Igor Kirillov was killed this morning after a device hidden in a scooter was detonated, according to the Russian TASS news agency, citing Moscow’s investigative committee.The e-scooter, which Data and Forensics team has geolocated to the scene outside a residential building in Moscow, is from KugooKirin.The brand was founded in China but has multiple overseas warehouses across Europe including in Russia. Russia is also one of its main exporting countries, according to the company’s website. UKRAINE CLAIMS IT KILLED KIRILLOV – REPORTSUkraine’s security services (SBU) were responsible for the killing of Igor Kirillov, a source at the…

China said Tuesday that claims that a businessman had used his links with Britain’s Prince Andrew to spy for Beijing were “preposterous”, after the UK government voiced mounting concerns over the allegations.Details emerged last week about Andrew’s relationship with Yang Tengbo, a businessman and alleged spy, who had been banned from Britain.Asked about the case while on a visit to Norway, Prime Minister Keir Starmer said Britain was “concerned about the challenge that China poses” but defended his approach of “engagement” with Beijing.A spokesman for Beijing’s foreign ministry said on Tuesday that the “accusations of so-called Chinese espionage are preposterous”.”The…

A former president of Nigerian Bar Association, Dr. Olisa Agbakoba has said that the Tax Reform Bill strikes at the heart of devolution of powers in Nigeria.In a tweet on his verified X handle, the Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN said, “The implications of the Bill are evident from the revenue side, but it has wider significance.”According to the human rights lawyer, “The resistance to the Bill is not just about the distribution of tax revenue. The underlying issues are more sensitive and political. These issues challenge the very nature of federalism in Nigeria.He declared, “This is a most opportune…