Author: Olóyè Gbenga

Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, has signed a $2.5 billion agreement with the Ethiopian Government to construct one of the world’s largest single-site fertiliser plants in Gode, located in the Somali Regional State of Ethiopia. The agreement, formalised on Thursday, is between Dangote Group and Ethiopian Investment Holdings (EIH), the government’s strategic investment arm. Under the deal, Dangote Group will hold a 60% equity stake, while EIH will retain 40%. According to EIH, the plant will rank among the world’s top five urea production complexes, with a capacity of up to three million metric tonnes annually. The project, slated for…

The Federal Government has approved an upward review of passport application fees within Nigeria, with the new rates set to take effect from 1 September 2025. This development was disclosed in a statement on Thursday by the spokesperson of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), A.S. Akinlabi, who noted that the revision is aimed at maintaining the quality and integrity of the Nigerian Standard Passport ahead of its full implementation on 1 September 2025. READ ALSO: UK passport fees to rise by nearly 7%, Home Office confirms According to the new structure, a 32-page passport with a five-year validity will now…

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has dismissed rumours of internal discord, asserting that the party remains united and committed to strengthening its national structures in preparation for the 2027 general elections. Speaking during an interview on Arise Television on Thursday, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, refuted recent claims suggesting a leadership crisis within the organisation. His comments follow a press briefing on Wednesday, during which Nafiu Bala declared himself the legitimate National Chairman of the ADC. Bala argued that both the Electoral Act and the party’s constitution designate him as the rightful successor following the resignation of Ralph…

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has clarified that, despite President Bola Tinubu receiving the party’s endorsement for a second term, other members who wish to contest for the presidency will still be allowed to participate in the 2027 primaries. Sulaiman Argungu, the APC’s National Organising Secretary, made this known on Wednesday while addressing journalists at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja. He explained that the endorsement of President Tinubu was not intended to foreclose the chances of other aspirants, stressing that the party would remain open to internal democracy when the time comes. “We will definitely not close our doors…

A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and close associate of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Oladimeji Fabiyi, has attributed the party’s current woes to leaders he described as lacking loyalty to its traditions and foundation. Speaking in an interview with Trust TV News, Fabiyi argued that many of the PDP’s present power brokers were not part of the party’s formative struggles and therefore do not fully understand its guiding values. “The PDP is in this mess today because many of those steering the ship don’t understand the party’s foundation,” he said. Citing examples, Fabiyi queried: “Where was Wike…

Former Anambra State Governor and Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi, has threatened legal action against popular human rights lawyer and activist, Mr Deji Adeyanju, over alleged defamatory posts made against him on social media. In a legal notice issued by EJESIMEN & CO MADIBA CHAMBERS, SAN, Obi’s legal representatives accused Adeyanju of consistently making “false and malicious” remarks targeted at damaging Obi’s reputation. The notice particularly highlighted a post dated 21 August, in which Adeyanju alleged that Obi had siphoned funds from Anambra State during his tenure and channelled them into his family business. Adeyanju also claimed…

The Federal Government of Nigeria has commenced a comprehensive personnel audit of civil servants aimed at capturing the Bank Verification Numbers (BVN) and National Identification Numbers (NIN) of all employees. The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HCSF), Didi Walson-Jack, disclosed this in a statement issued on Wednesday in Abuja by the Director of Information and Public Relations at the HCSF office, Mrs Eno Olotu. According to Walson-Jack, the initiative forms part of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and is designed to build a modern and efficient civil service. She explained that the audit would not only…

The ongoing leadership tussle within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) took a dramatic turn on Wednesday as Nafiu Bala formally assumed office, declaring himself the authentic National Chairman of the party. Addressing a press conference in Abuja, Bala insisted that both the Electoral Act and the ADC’s constitution empower him to succeed Ralph Nwosu, who recently stepped down from his position as National Chairman following the adoption of the party by an opposition coalition. “Our party’s former National Chairman voluntarily resigned his position,” Bala said. “Our constitution is very clear on the transfer of power when the national chairman resigns.…

The Nigerian stock market sustained its bullish momentum on Tuesday, recording a significant N203 billion increase in market capitalisation as investors showed renewed confidence in key sectors. Data from the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) revealed that the market capitalisation rose from N89.493 trillion on Monday to N89.696 trillion by the close of Tuesday’s trading session, representing a 0.23 percent growth. Similarly, the All-Share Index (ASI) advanced by 321.59 points, or 0.23 percent, closing at 141,761.36 compared to 141,439.77 recorded at the previous session. Market analysts attributed the upward trend to strong demand for equities in non-banking sectors, particularly stocks such…

Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has said that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has now adopted three key positions Wike advocated for since 2022—positions that were initially rejected. Speaking on Sunrise Daily, a programme aired by Channels Television on Wednesday, Olayinka claimed that the leadership crisis within the party could have been avoided had the PDP heeded Wike’s advice earlier. “Wike’s position in 2022, if they had listened to him, probably the party wouldn’t be where it is today,” Olayinka stated. “Three positions…