Author: Vincent Osuwo

Nigerian business mogul Femi Otedola has dismissed claims that he financed the Dangote Petroleum Refinery, describing the reports as false and misleading. In a statement on X on Monday, Otedola said he did not invest in the refinery project, contrary to circulating social media claims. “Reports claiming that Femi Otedola funded the Dangote Petroleum Refinery are completely and utterly false. He has not invested a single kobo, not one dollar, not one naira. “The real story, which those peddling these lies conveniently ignore, is that Mr. Otedola has actually been requesting a special allocation to participate in the refinery’s forthcoming…

The foreign ministry spokesman of Iran, Esmaeil Baqaei, said on Monday that the United States must reduce its demands on the Islamic republic, with negotiations stalled over ending the two-month-long Middle East war. “At this stage, our priority is to end the war,” he said in a briefing broadcast by state television. “The other side must commit to a reasonable approach and abandon its excessive demands regarding Iran.” Negotiations between the two countries have stalled since a ceasefire was declared on April 8, with only one round of direct peace talks held thus far. Iran’s stranglehold on the Strait of…

Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, former Kano State Governor, has urged his followers and Nigerians to unite behind the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) following his decision to join the party. Kwankwaso stated in a statement on Monday via his X page that the decision was motivated by a strong commitment to democratic ideas and the need to establish a genuine political platform. “Yesterday, we took a bold and decisive step by formally joining the Nigeria Democratic Congress,” he said, noting that the move reflects “a deep commitment to democratic values.” “We are determined to provide our people with a credible platform where…

Iran executed three individuals who were convicted of participating in anti-government rallies that erupted in the country in December and January, officials said Monday. Arrests and executions in Iran, notably in connection with the December protests over living costs, have increased since the start of the regional war started by a US-Israeli invasion on February 28. “Mehdi Rassouli and Mohammad Reza Miri, Mossad agents involved in the January riots in Mashhad (northeast), responsible for widespread violence and the death of a member of the security forces, were hanged,” said the Iranian judiciary’s Mizan Online website, referring to the Israeli spy…

The senior pastor of Family Worship Centre, Abuja, Sarah Omakwu, has urged the minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, not to allocate the Jabi Lake recreation area for private development. Omakwu made the request in an Instagram video posted on Sunday, where she was seen kneeling on the pulpit and addressing the minister. “I cannot fight the minister of the FCT. I cannot. But I go on my knees as a mother; in this land, the Jabi Lake Recreation Centre should not be given to anybody. “That is where people go for exercise. That is where people sell.…

No fewer than 130 Nigerians have already registered for voluntary evacuation flights from South Africa as Nigeria moves to safeguard its citizens amid rising tensions linked to anti-foreigner protests in the country. Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, minister of foreign affairs, stated in a situation update on Sunday via her X that the evacuation arrangement is part of broader diplomatic and security preparations being coordinated with Nigerian missions in South Africa. The minister explained that the evacuation plan is in accordance with President Bola Tinubu’s directives, which called for increased monitoring of the situation and enhanced safety for Nigerians overseas. “The President has…

Former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi and his Kano State counterpart, Rabiu Kwankwaso, have joined the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, as both leaders were seen receiving membership cards in a video circulating online. This was revealed in Sunday footage from the event showing the registration process. In the video, Kwankwaso was first presented with his membership card before Obi received his, indicating what appears to be their formal entry into the party. The move coincides with significant political realignments among opposition figures ahead of the 2027 federal elections. Just hours before, both politicians met with NDC leaders behind closed doors…

Barcelona is set to meet Lyon in the Women’s Champions League final for the fourth occasion in seven years following a 4-2 victory in the semi-final second leg against Bayern Munich at the Nou Camp. Following a 1-1 tie in the initial leg, goals from Salma Paralluelo and captain Alexia Putellas around Linda Dallman’s equalizer set Barca on the path to a sixth consecutive Champions League final. Goals from Ewa Pajor and Putellas after the break, followed by a consolation goal from Pernille Harder, secured a 5-3 aggregate win in front of a sold-out crowd exceeding 60,000. In a hectic…

Manchester United ensured Champions League participation for next season with Kobbie Mainoo’s goal, clinching a captivating 3-2 win against longtime foes Liverpool on Sunday. Manchester United took a 2-0 lead within 15 minutes thanks to Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko but collapsed after halftime, allowing Arne Slot’s squad to equalize with strikes from Dominik Szoboszlai and Cody Gakpo before Mainoo clinched the victory. A comeback to Europe’s top tournament following a two-year hiatus and another significant victory strengthens Michael Carrick’s argument to stay as United manager for the next season. Mainoo has personified the resurgence in United’s prospects since Carrick…

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) will hold its 2026 Policy Meeting on Admissions on Monday, May 11, where key decisions, including the minimum Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) cut-off marks for the 2026/2027 academic session, will be determined. This was revealed in a statement issued on Sunday by JAMB’s spokesperson, Fabian Benjamin. Benjamin announced that the meeting will be conducted in the Body of Benchers Auditorium, Plot 688, Institute and Research District, FCC Phase III, Jabi, Abuja. He stated that Maruf Alausa, Minister of Education, will announce major policy directions. The statement read in part, “The Board’s annual…