Author: Vincent Osuwo

Nyesom Wike, minister of the Federal Capital Territory, has committed to collaborate with the six recently elected area council chairmen, emphasizing that political disagreements will not stymie progress in the capital. The minister made the commitment on Wednesday in Abuja, when council leaders came to his office to get their certificates of return ahead of their June swearing-in. Wike referred to the cooperation between his administration and the incoming council officials as a “rainbow coalition.” “Congratulations to all the newly elected chairmen. You have earned this opportunity through hard work, and we are grateful for the chance to serve alongside…

The new supreme leader of Iran, Mojtaba Khamenei, is injured but “safe and sound,” the son of the president said Wednesday, offering the first official explanation for why the 56-year-old has not been seen since his appointment at the weekend. “I heard news that Mr. Mojtaba Khamenei had been injured. I have asked some friends who had connections,” Yousef Pezeshkian, who is also a government adviser, wrote in a post on his Telegram channel. “They told me that, thank God, he is safe and sound,” added the son of President Masoud Pezeshkian. Mojtaba Khamenei, previously a low-profile but strong behind-the-scenes…

Governors of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the camp of the minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, are moving to close ranks by exploring options to either constitute a harmonized caretaker committee or hold a unity convention aimed at preventing the party from collapsing following Monday’s Court of Appeal judgment. PDP leaders, commenting on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly on the subject, told our correspondent that both sides are holding marathon meetings to finalize the terms and conditions of reconciliation. This occurs as Acting Chairman Mohammed Abdulrahman, Acting National Secretary…

Iran launched a wave of assaults on Israel and Gulf countries on Wednesday, including one on a Saudi oilfield, as reports of a planned record release of oil reserves helped to calm markets and prices. The conflict initiated by US-Israeli strikes on Iran has expanded throughout the region and beyond, resulting in rising energy prices, fuel shortages, and even school closures. The G7 leaders will meet via video conference later Wednesday to address the war’s economic effects, notably the “energy situation,” according to the French presidency. According to the Wall Street Journal, the International Energy Agency will decide on a…

The University of Lagos (UNILAG) has berated the varsity’s chapter of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) for declaring an industrial action without following due process. Chronicle NG gathered that the ASUU UNILAG, rising from a congress held on Tuesday, asked lecturers to withdraw their services from Wednesday over what they described as ‘amputated’ January and February salaries received. Prof. Idou Keinde, Chairman of ASUU’s UNILAG branch, noted that lecturers did not receive the full complement of their pay, which included the Consolidated Salary Structure for Academics, Consolidated Academic Tools Allowance, and Professorial Allowance. Keinde promised that the lecturers…

Michael Olise was on target in the absence of Harry Kane as Bayern Munich crushed Atalanta in the first leg of their Champions League last 16 clash. England captain Kane was only fit enough to sit on the bench after recovering from a calf injury. However, Bayern did not need to rely on their striker as they stormed to a thumping victory. Olise sparkled, contributing to three of the Bundesliga winners’ opening goals as they grabbed a dominating lead in the 25th minute. The Frenchman’s fast corner found an unmarked Serge Gnabry, who set up Josip Stanišić to finish from…

Lamine Yamal saved a draw for Barcelona with a 96th-minute penalty, denying Newcastle United a famous Champions League victory. Newcastle appeared to have gained control of the first leg of their last-16 contest when Harvey Barnes scored late on. But Barcelona was awarded a penalty deep into stoppage time after Malick Thiaw pulled down substitute Dani Olmo inside the box. Lamine Yamal stepped up, coolly sending goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale the wrong way to draw the game before the return encounter at the Nou Camp next week. Newcastle were only seconds away from upsetting the five-time champions when they received a…

Galatasaray secured a narrow last-16 Champions League victory against Liverpool in Arne Slot’s 100th game in charge of Liverpool. Liverpool’s old flaws emerged in front of a hostile home crowd in Istanbul as Mario Lemina headed the winner in the seventh minute, the tenth goal surrendered from a corner this season. The former Southampton, Fulham, and Wolves midfielder was well situated to head past Giorgi Mamardashvili, making a rare start in place of injured first-choice goalkeeper Alisson, from close range after Victor Osimhen headed a Gabriel Sara set piece. It was Lemina’s first goal of the season, and he also…

The Dangote Refinery on Tuesday announced a reduction of its petrol gantry price by N100, from N1,175 to N1,075 per liter. The reduction followed a slump in global oil prices, with Brent crude dropping to $89 per barrel from over $100 on Monday. Officials of the refinery confirmed the development, adding that diesel prices have also been reduced. They noted that petrol supplied via coastal distribution channels will now sell for N1,050 per litre, reflecting a slight differential for marine logistics. In the same vein, diesel is now N1,430 per liter at the gantry, representing a N190 reduction from the…

President Bola Tinubu has approved a targeted fiscal incentive package aimed at reviving the long-stalled Bonga Southwest Aparo project, which is estimated to bring roughly $20 billion in foreign direct investment to Nigeria’s oil and gas sector. The decision, announced on Tuesday by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, is likely to open the way for the long-awaited Final Investment Decision on the offshore project, which has been blocked for nearly 20 years. Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company, a subsidiary of Shell plc, operates the Bonga South-West Aparo project in partnership with international oil companies and the national oil…