Author: Opalim Lifted

Petrol marketers have called for urgent intervention by the federal government to arrest the fast increase in the pump price of diesel and prevent an imminent distribution crisis. The marketers said they can no longer sustain the distribution of petrol and other products nationwide as the price of diesel used to power their trucks now sells for N1,100 per litre in many locations. The marketers, under the aegis of the Natural Oil and Gas Suppliers’ Association of Nigeria (NOGASA), raised the alarm in a statement on Tuesday. The association’s president, Mr. Benneth Korie, said that diesel has witnessed an incessant…

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) is set to sack top management staff who have less than 15 months to retire from the national oil company, with effect from September 19, 2023. The development comes days after the oil company announced the removal and replacement of three of its executive vice presidents. Those impacted by the previous shakeup included Abdulkabir Ahmed, who was hitherto in charge of gas, power, and new energies; Adokiye Tombomieye, who headed the upstream segment; and Adeyemi Adetunji, who was in charge of the downstream. In a statement by Garba D. Muhammad, the company’s Chief…

Former football federation executive Luis Rubiales filed a lawsuit against coach Javier Clemente, who called Rubiales a “dangerous and ambitious guy” looking to “get rich,” but the Spanish court dismissed the case on the grounds of free speech. In its ruling, seen by reporters on Monday and dated Sept. 1, the Madrid court stated that “we are dealing with a pure exercise of the right to freely express an opinion about a person who, moreover, is a public figure,” amid an unrelated scandal involving Rubiales’ behaviour at the Women’s World Cup last month. The decision can be challenged. Luis declined…

German midfielder Julian Draxler has left Paris St Germain to join Qatari side Al-Ahli SC on a two-year contract, both clubs said on Monday. Draxler, who played for Wolfsburg and Schalke 04 in the Bundesliga, joined PSG in 2017. He made over 190 appearances in six seasons with the Ligue 1 club, but fell out of favour and spent last season on loan with Portuguese side Benfica. “The club would like to wish Julian all the best for the rest of his career,” PSG said in a statement. Julian has scored seven goals in 58 international games but has not…

Lazio must get a flying start when they host Group E’s toughest side, Atletico Madrid, as the Rome team returns to the Champions League after a two-year absence, manager Maurizio Sarri said. Lazio have had a disappointing opening to the domestic season, with one win and three defeats in their first four Serie A games, and are languishing in 15th place. “I don’t know if it’s the best moment to face Atletico, but I know we must earn a good result against the best team in the group on paper,” Sarri told reporters on Monday. “I expect to see the…

Barcelona must turn good performances into positive results in the Champions League, said coach Xavi Hernandez as they prepare to open their Group H campaign at home to Belgian champions Royal Antwerp on Tuesday. Barca, who won their 27th LaLiga title last season, enjoyed a thumping 5-0 win over Real Betis on Saturday, with the club’s mix of young talent and experience bolstered by new signings Joao Cancelo, Joao Felix, and Ilkay Gundogan. “It’s time to take a step forward in the Champions League,” Xavi told a press conference on Monday. “The objective is to finish at the top of…

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF), 015 Strategic Intelligence Group, Lagos, has sought greater collaboration with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in tackling the menace of economic and financial crimes through intelligence sharing. Speaking during a courtesy visit to the Lagos Zonal Command of the EFCC on Monday, September 18, 2023, the Commander, Air Commodore U.S. Umar, said the purpose of the visit was to foster collaboration as well as the need for effective synergy between the EFCC and the NAF. “All the capabilities we need are inherent in our nation. But there is this seemingly endless struggle for…

Hundreds of people protested in the eastern Libyan city of Derna on monday, venting anger against authorities and demanding accountability one week after a flood killed thousands of its residents and destroyed entire neighbourhoods. Protesters took aim at officials, including the head of the eastern-based Libyan parliament, Aguila Saleh, during the demonstration outside the Sahaba Mosque. Some sat on its roof in front of its golden dome, a Derna landmark. “Aguila, we don’t want you! All Libyans are brothers!” protesters chanted, calling for national unity in a country left politically fractured by more than a decade of conflict and chaos.…

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has summoned two unnamed constables serving in the Jimeta Police Division of the Adamawa State Command to the Force Provost for disciplinary actions over their misconduct during the convention and election exercise organized by the National Union of Adamawa State Students (NUADSS) between September 4 and 5, 2023. The officers were seen in a viral video on social media escorting the car of the newly elected President of the Students Union. But, reacting to the development, the force headquarters said the two officers went beyond their brief and purpose of their deployment to the Students…

Buildings have caught fire in Sudan’s capital, Khartoum after heavy fighting between the army and rival forces. Videos posted online showed the iconic Greater Nile Petroleum Oil Company Tower engulfed in flames. “This is truly painful,” said Tagreed Abdin, an architect of the building, in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter. Air strikes and ground battles have continued in Khartoum and other towns and cities since fighting broke out in April. Over one million people have been forced to flee the country, the UN has said. Located near the River Nile, the 18-story oil firm skyscraper is one…