Author: Samuel Akpenpuun

Africa’s richest man Aliko Dangote says he did not enjoy any incentive from the Federal Government to build his $20bn refinery located at the Lekki Free Trade Zone. Dangote stated this on Saturday when he received the leadership of the House led by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas and his deputy Benjamin Kalu. “In the refinery, we did not, and I repeat, we did not collect one single incentive from the Federal Government of Nigeria or even Lagos State. Yes, the Lagos State gave us a good deal but we paid $100m for the land. It wasn’t a free land; we paid…

The Labour Party Diaspora Directorate has distanced the party and its Presidential Candidate in the 2023 general elections, Peter Obi from the proposed EndBadGovernace protest. It described reports linking the party and Mr Obi to the proposed protest as baseless. This was contained in a statement signed by Amb. AJU Elumelu, Deputy Director (Diaspora), Head Media and Communications Directorate of Mobilization and Integration in Abuja, on Saturday. He said, “The Labour Party and Peter Obi have consistently championed peace and lawful conduct. Our record, especially in the aftermath of the last general election, speaks volumes about our commitment to peaceful…

Arsenal are close to finalizing a deal in principle with Bologna for the transfer of Italian international defender Riccardo Calafiori. Bologna has been holding out for a £42 million fee for the 22-year-old left-back. According to Sky Italy, ongoing discussions are focused on the payment structure and additional clauses of the agreement. Personal terms between Calafiori and Arsenal are not anticipated to be an issue. However, a significant aspect of the negotiations is Basel’s entitlement to up to 50 percent of any profit Bologna makes from the sale. Bologna acquired Calafiori last summer for £3.3 million. Calafiori impressed at Euro…

Nigerian doctor and visual artist, Dr. Fola David, has set a new world record for creating the largest painting by an individual. The drawing “Unity in Diversity” showcases the diverse ethnic groups of Nigeria through their unique attire, languages, culture, and artistic expressions. On Friday, after four days of effort, David surpassed the previous record of 629.98 square metres set by India’s Ravi Soni and remains resolute in achieving his ultimate goal of creating a 1000-square-metre artwork. On Friday, he took to Instagram and wrote: “Congratulations to us all. On Day 4 at 9 p.m., we broke the current record…

President Bola Tinubu has felicitated Justice Stella Anukam, on her re-election as Judge of the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights, for another term of six years. Justice Anukam was re-elected at the African Union Mid-Year Coordination Meeting Executive Council in Accra, Ghana, on Friday. The Nigerian obtained her law degree from Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife (formerly known as University of Ife), Osun State, Nigeria, in 1984, and was called to the Nigerian Bar in August 1985. She is also a chartered secretary, chartered arbitrator, and seasoned administrator. Justice Anukam has served as former Director of Special Programmes at…

Gunmen suspected to be bandits have ambushed and killed the Chief of Chanchanji HRH Alhaji Tanimu Kunbiya, and his son Yusuf Tanimu. The incident happened on Friday evening when the traditional ruler and his son were returning from a funeral service in Takum. A press statement issued by the special adviser to the governor on media and digital communication, Emmanuel Bello, said Governor Agbu Kefas received with deep sadness the news of the death of the traditional ruler and his son. The governor described as tragic how the late revered monarch was hacked to death. According to the statement, the…

The governor of Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN Olayemi Cardoso has assured Nigerians of better days ahead, just as he declared that the planned stability will make Nigeria hit $1trillion economy latest by 2030. Cardoso outlined the CBN’s mandate and provided an in-depth analysis of Nigeria’s economic performance, recent policy measures, and the outlook for the remainder of the year 2024. Cardoso made the presentation to the Senate Committee on Banking, Insurance and Other Financial Institutions on Friday in Abuja on 2024 first half-year review of the Bank’s activities. Cardoso recounted that since assuming duty in October 2023, the Bank’s…

The funeral of Florence Saraki, mother of former Senate President Bukola Saraki, took place on Friday in Lagos. The funeral service was held at the Cathedral Church of Christ, Marina, Lagos, and was followed by a private interment. The ceremony was attended by top dignitaries, politicians, and governors from across the country. Sharing photos from the event on X.com on Friday, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State wrote, “Today, we were in Lagos to attend the funeral of Chief Mrs. Florence Saraki, the mother of our brother, HE Bukola Saraki. “It was a celebration of Mama’s impactful life and legacy.…

Minister of Aviation and Development, Mr Festus Keyamo, has banned international flight operations at non-international airports. Keyamo, who directed all international flight operations at general aviation terminals, GAT, and other private terminals at the international airports, said except those exempted by the national security adviser, NSA, others must complete clearances at international terminals. This was stated in a circular issued by the directorate of air traffic services of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency, NAMA, noting that no international flight operations should be conducted through non-international airports. Deputy General Manager of NAMA, S.E. Inegbedion, who signed the circular, informed all stations…

Rafael Nadal fought into the semi-finals of the Bastad Open on Friday as he defeated Argentina’s Mariano Navone 6-7 (2/7), 7-5, 7-5 in three hours and 59 minutes. The 22-time Grand Slam champion is through to the last four of a tournament for the first time since Wimbledon two years ago. “It was very close, long and tiring,” said Nadal, whose near four-hour victory was the second longest three-set match of his career — after the 2009 Madrid semi-final against Novak Djokovic, which lasted 4hr 3min. “For moments he was in control. For moments I was in control. At the…