Author: Opalim Lifted

Dangote Petroleum Refinery has dismissed allegations that its refined petroleum products are exported to Lomé, Togo, before being re-imported into Nigeria, describing the claims as false and commercially illogical. The refinery made the clarification in a statement issued on Tuesday, following reports alleging that Nigerian marketers were importing Dangote-refined products through the offshore trading hub in Lomé and bringing them back into the country. The company said the allegations contradict its business objectives and its commitment to reducing Nigeria’s dependence on imported petroleum products. “As a matter of policy, we do not respond to baseless and unsubstantiated claims, given our…

The Oyo State Government has appealed to the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT) to suspend its ongoing strike and allow pupils and students to return to classrooms across the state. The appeal followed a meeting of the State Executive Council on Wednesday, according to a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade. The national leadership of the NUT had declared an indefinite strike in Oyo State on May 29, demanding urgent action following the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area by suspected bandits on May 15. Oyelade said the council recognised the concerns that…

Rabiu Kwankwaso, the vice-presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has threatened to institute a N10 billion defamation suit against Primate Elijah Ayodele, founder and head of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Oke-Afa, Lagos, over alleged defamatory remarks. Kwankwaso, through his lawyers, Magaji Mato Ibrahim SAN & Co., accused the cleric of making false, malicious and derogatory statements capable of damaging his reputation and political integrity. In a letter dated June 11, 2026, and posted on X by Saifullahi Hassan, Kwankwaso’s media aide, on Wednesday, the lawyers said their client’s attention had been drawn to a viral publication allegedly made…

At least 32 people have been killed and more than 700 injured after two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela within seconds of each other, triggering widespread destruction and a major emergency response across the South American nation. According to AFP and other international reports, the earthquakes measured 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude and struck northern Venezuela on Wednesday evening. The tremors caused buildings to collapse, forced thousands of residents into the streets, and prompted authorities to declare a state of emergency. Interim President Delcy Rodríguez confirmed the casualty figures early Thursday, warning that the death toll could rise as rescue teams…

Former Vice President of Nigeria, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, has called for greater mobilisation of long-term capital to strengthen healthcare systems across Africa, stressing the need for investments that can withstand economic and climate-related challenges. Reflecting on a healthcare financing forum held on June 10, 2026, Osinbajo said the event brought together leaders from government, finance, development institutions and the healthcare sector to examine how Africa can build effective and resilient health systems through sustainable financing. The discussion, hosted in partnership with Future Perspectives, focused on unlocking investment opportunities within the healthcare sector while addressing the growing impact of climate change…

The Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee (LPPC) has suspended Mike Ozekhome from the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) pending the conclusion of disciplinary proceedings against him. In a statement issued on Wednesday, Kabir Akanbi, Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court, said the decision was taken at the committee’s 173rd General Meeting held on June 23. The LPPC said the suspension was approved pursuant to Paragraph 26(6) of the Guidelines for the Conferment of the Rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria and all matters relating to the rank. According to the committee, the suspension will remain in force pending the…

The Federal Government has welcomed fresh sanctions imposed by the United States on a Nigerian businessman and several Bureau De Change (BDC) operators accused of facilitating terrorism financing, reinforcing ongoing efforts to dismantle financial networks linked to extremist groups. The Nigeria Sanctions Committee (NSC) said the US action aligns with measures already taken by Nigerian authorities against the affected individuals and companies. The US Treasury Department recently designated Mukthar Muhammad Adamu and three BDC firms—Generation Currency Bureau De Change Limited, Nine to Nine Exchange Bureau De Change Limited and Manhattan Bureau De Change Limited—for allegedly facilitating financial transactions linked to…

Former Vice President of Nigeria, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo has congratulated Ubosi Eleh & Co on reaching its 35th anniversary, describing the milestone as a testament to years of dedication, professionalism and excellence in estate surveying. In a message shared after attending the celebration, Osinbajo paid tribute to the firm’s founders and leadership, particularly Chudi Ubosi and Emeka Eleh, as well as their families and staff, for building what he described as a lasting legacy. The anniversary event was held under the theme, “Built on Legacy, Leading the Future,” highlighting the company’s journey over the past three and a half decades…

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has expressed concern over the continued detention of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai following the refusal of the Federal High Court to review what he described as stringent bail conditions. In a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku said the development raises concerns about constitutional liberties, the administration of justice, and the protection of fundamental rights. He argued that although courts have the discretion to impose bail conditions, such powers must be exercised judiciously and reasonably. According to him, bail conditions that are excessive or practically impossible…

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Oyo has directed churches in the state to suspend late-night activities and fence their premises to enhance security. The directive was contained in a communiqué issued in Ibadan on Wednesday and jointly signed by Elisha Ogundiya, chairman of Oyo CAN, and Samuel Owolabi, secretary. According to NAN, the association said the move was informed by rising cases of abduction across the state in recent times. “Due to incessant abduction and kidnapping in recent times, Oyo CAN advises churches to be more security-conscious by positioning security personnel and other electronic devices strategically within their…