Author: Gbenga Oluranti OLALEYE

Ibrahim Manga, the interim national publicity secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has revealed that Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara declined the opportunity to take charge of the state’s political structure. According to Manga, Fubara’s refusal was a missed opportunity offered by the party, a situation he described as unprecedented. Speaking on the matter, Manga said, “The kind of opportunity given to Fubara by this party is the sort that you never imagine exists from any political party to any of its members, not even a governor or a president. It’s the kind of chance you wouldn’t believe anyone…

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has reached an agreement to sell petrol to members of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) at N995 per litre. This resolution came after the Department of State Services (DSS) stepped in to mediate the ongoing dispute between the two parties. Hammed Fashola, the National Vice President of IPMAN, expressed gratitude for the DSS’s intervention, which he said had resolved numerous challenges faced by petroleum marketers. According to him, the involvement of the DSS helped foster understanding between the NNPCL and IPMAN, bringing about an agreement to work together. “We really…

The national power grid has collapsed, plunging millions of citizens across the country into darkness. The grid failure, which occurred earlier today, has affected homes, businesses, and essential services, leaving a significant portion of the population without electricity. Reports from the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) indicate that the collapse happened due to an unspecified technical fault. Engineers are currently working to identify the root cause of the disruption and restore power as quickly as possible. This latest grid collapse adds to a series of similar occurrences that have plagued the country’s electricity sector over the years, leading to widespread…

In a dramatic turn of events, the Super Eagles of Nigeria, along with officials from the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), are now boarding a flight to return home after enduring a frustrating and lengthy delay in Libya. The decision comes after the team faced over 15 hours of being stranded at the airport due to a diversion from their intended destination of Benghazi. Players had expressed their concerns on social media, stating they were no longer interested in continuing with the AFCON qualifiers match against Libya, citing fears for their safety. With their departure now confirmed, the players and officials…

Frustrations are running high among Nigeria’s Super Eagles as players express their desire to return home following a harrowing travel ordeal. The team, which arrived in Libya for the second leg of their AFCON qualifiers against Libya, faced significant delays after being diverted from their intended destination of Benghazi to Al Abaq. Stranded at the airport for over 15 hours, the players have voiced their concerns on social media, with many indicating they no longer wish to participate in the upcoming match. Victor Boniface captured the sentiments of his teammates when he tweeted, “This is getting scary now. You guys…

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has pulled the Super Eagles out of Tuesday’s 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Libya, following a frustrating 12-hour ordeal at Al Abraq International Airport. The Nigerian delegation, en route to Benghazi for the crucial match, encountered unexpected difficulties when their chartered aircraft was diverted mid-flight to Al Abraq, a small airport primarily used for hajj operations. Upon arrival, the team was left stranded without assistance from the Libyan Football Federation, which failed to arrange any transportation. In a statement released on Monday, the NFF explained that the Super Eagles were stuck in…

The House of Representatives has taken initial steps to provide free internet services in selected public places throughout Nigeria. This move is designed to bridge the digital divide and ensure that more Nigerians have access to essential online resources and information. The proposal addresses growing concerns over disparities in internet access across various regions of the country. The initiative aims to create inclusive environments where citizens can connect to the Internet without financial barriers by targeting public spaces such as parks, libraries, and community centers. One of the program’s primary objectives is to ensure that underserved communities, particularly in rural…

The National Assembly is deliberating on a bill that proposes raising the Value-Added Tax (VAT) from the current rate of 7.5% to 10% by the year 2025. The executive bill, which was reviewed by TheCable, outlines a gradual increase of the VAT rate to 12.5% by 2026 and maintains this rate until 2029, before potentially escalating to 15% from 2030 onwards. This initiative follows comments from Mr. Taiwo Oyedele, Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, who stated on May 8, 2024, that an increase in the VAT rate is necessary to bolster the nation’s fiscal…

Gustavo Alarcón was sworn in as the new mayor of Chilpancingo on Thursday, just days after his predecessor, Alejandro Arcos, was brutally murdered and beheaded. Alarcón, a doctor and alternate candidate elected alongside Arcos in June, assumes leadership in a city rife with violence and drug gang conflicts. Arcos, who had only taken office on October 1, was found dead in a pickup truck on Sunday, with his head placed on the vehicle’s roof. His death has highlighted the severe security challenges facing local officials, particularly in a city dominated by rival drug gangs, the Ardillos and the Tlacos. During…

Liverpool FC defender Joel Matip has confirmed his plans to retire from professional football following the conclusion of his contract with the club this summer. The announcement, made via a post on Fabrizio Romano’s X handle, comes after a challenging period for the 33-year-old Cameroonian, who has been sidelined for most of the 2023 season due to a severe injury. Matip’s injury not only impacted his playing time but also meant he was unable to contribute to Jurgen Klopp’s farewell tour, as the manager stepped down after a successful tenure with the club. With the expiration of his contract, Matip…