Author: David Great

England made the perfect start to their UEFA Nations League (UNL) campaign, beating the Republic of Ireland 2-0 in Dublin – their first UNL victory since November 2020. Today marked the dawn of a new era for England, who under new interim boss Lee Carsley, set about securing an instant return to League A. The Three Lions started like a side possessed and missed a glorious chance to claim an early lead when Harry Kane headed Trent Alexander-Arnold’s wicked delivery over the bar. They didn’t have to wait too much longer for the breakthrough though, when one of two former…

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has debunked claims made by the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) that it is undermining the operations of Dangote Refinery Limited (DRL). In a press release, NNPC Ltd. stated that it is not the sole offtaker of products from the Dangote Refinery, and any domestic refinery can enter the market to offer lower prices for Premium Motor Spirit (PMS). The statement, signed by NNPCL Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Olufemi Soneye, was a response to MURIC’s assertion that recent changes in PMS prices would inhibit Dangote Refinery’s ability to offer more affordable fuel and suggested…

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky met Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on Saturday, her office said, as he presses allies for more weapons in his country’s fight against Russia. The pair met in Cernobbio, northern Italy, on the margins of the European House-Ambrosetti forum, where Zelensky spoke on Friday and Meloni was due to speak on Saturday. Italy has strongly supported Ukraine and has sent weapons to help it defend itself against Russian forces, while insisting that these must only be used on Ukrainian soil. Before heading to Italy, Zelensky had on Friday pressed his case to allies meeting at the…

Belgium began their 2024/25 UEFA Nations League (UNL) campaign with a comfortable 3-1 victory over Israel at a deserted Nagyerdei Stadion. A brace from Kevin De Bruyne proved the difference, as Belgium recorded their seventh win in eight head to heads. Encountering Belgium for the first time since October 2015, League A newcomers Israel began assertively in the neutral setting of Hungary, as Anan Khalaili shot straight at Koen Casteels immediately from kick-off. But De Bruyne soon led by example, giving Belgium the lead in the 21st minute. Arriving inconspicuously into the penalty area, captain fantastic slammed domestic Manchester City…

The Kebbi State Police Command has reported that its operatives killed a suspected bandit terrorising a local community and arrested two others. The command’s spokesperson, Nafiu Abubakar, in a statement issued on Friday, disclosed that three AK-47 rifles and ammunition were recovered during the operation. The statement read, “In its sustained crackdown on banditry and other serious crimes in the state, on June 21, 2024, at approximately 13:30hrs, armed bandits in large numbers on motorcycles invaded Kurgeye village, Danko/Wasagu LGA of Kebbi State, and kidnapped Malami Danladi and his son, Bello Danladi. “Upon receiving the report, a team of 36…

The Federal Ministry of Education has clarified that the ministry has not stopped students who are not up to 18 years old from writing the West Africa Examination Council (WAEC) and the National Examinations Council (NECO) exams. The Minister of State for Education, Yusuf Sununu, made the clarification in Abuja on Friday while fielding questions from journalists at an event to mark the 2024 International Literacy Day (ILD). “Nobody said no child will write WAEC, NECO or any other examination unless at age 18. This is a misconception and misrepresentation of what we have said,” he said. However, Mr Sununu…

Dutch striker Memphis Depay is close to being announced as Corinthians’ new signing, the websites MeuTimão, UOL and ge reported on Friday. Free on the market after leaving Atletico Madrid, Depay has reportedly accepted the Brazilian club’s offer and is expected to sign a contract until the end of 2026. Corinthians are expected to spend around €11 million on wages and bonuses to sign the player for two seasons. Of this amount, approximately €9 million must be paid by sponsor Esportes da Sorte, which may have its accounts blocked in court due to suspicions of money laundering. According to ge,…

The Lagos State Taskforce has demolished all shanties, makeshift structures, and illegal buildings along Agungi Ajiran Road, Lekki.  In a statement by Gbadeyan Abdulraheem the taskforce’s spokesman, the operation is part of the Lagos State Government’s THEMES PLUS Agenda, was carried out today, targeting areas that have long been subject to complaints from local residents. Chairman of the Lagos State Taskforce, CSP Adetayo Akerele, who was present at the scene, disclosed that prior warnings and eviction notices had been served to the occupants of the illegal structures, yet they remained defiant. “Despite several notices served to the occupants, they refused…

By Toni Kan A wag once said that the road to hell is paved with good intentions. This aphorism is important in considering the news from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) announcing the sack of the board and executive directors of the Nigeria Incentive-Based Risk Sharing System for Agriculture Lending (NIRSAL). Those affected include the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Managing Director (MD), Abbas Umar Masanawa; Kennedy Nwaruh, Executive Director, Operations, and Olatunde Akande, Executive Director, Technical. The news did not come as a surprise to many watchers and financial analysts who have followed the unraveling mess at the…

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has called on Designated Non-Financial Businesses and Professions (DNFBPs) to ensure compliance with the Money Laundering Prohibition and Prevention Act 2022, emphasizing their critical role in curbing criminal activities and improving national security. Speaking during a one-day sensitization programme organized by the Special Control Unit Against Money Laundering (SCUML) in Lagos, Michael T. Wetkaz, the Acting Director of the Lagos Directorate of the EFCC, highlighted the global focus on countering terrorism and money laundering. Wetkaz warned DNFBPs to ensure their operations do not provide loopholes for criminal elements to thrive. “The financial institutions,…